By Fluid Lift Patents (Class 166/372)
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Patent number: 8020624Abstract: A technique is provided for pumping fluids in a subterranean wellbore. A submersible pumping system can be deployed in a wellbore for moving desired fluids within the wellbore. The pumping system energizes the desired fluid movement by reciprocating a working fluid between expandable members.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Murat Ocalan, Steven Dornak
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Publication number: 20110214880Abstract: An artificial lift system provides a lifting mechanism located in a well. The lifting mechanism communicates with a remote intake that is located below in the well. A compressed gas source provides compressed gas to the well annulus at a pressure that is sufficient to move the well fluid from the remote intake up to the lifting mechanism. The well has an annulus and tubing. The well has isolation elements that isolate the producing formation from compressed gas in the annulus. Various sources of compressed gas can be used such as a compressor, an accumulator or a gas sales line. A controller is provided to control the intermittent application and removal of compressed gas in the annulus and also to control the operation of the lifting mechanism. The well could be a horizontal well or a vertical well. The well could be a cased hole or an open hole well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Bradley Craig Rogers
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Patent number: 8011901Abstract: A pump has a pump barrel formed from a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section. Each section has a biased piston moveable within the section and the pistons are connected together to form a variable volume chamber between the pistons. As the connected pistons move toward the larger diameter section, a volume of fluid is moved through an inlet valve into the variable volume chamber of increasing volume. When the pistons are moved toward the smaller diameter section, a differential volume of fluid is discharged from the variable volume chamber of decreasing volume through a discharge valve into a discharge conduit. The pistons are actuated to move within the pump barrel by application and release of pressure at a remote end of the discharge conduit.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.Inventor: Grant Duncan
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Publication number: 20110198095Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and improved method for sequestration of carbon dioxide, the method including the steps of injecting a carbon dioxide-containing injection gas into a subsurface containment region with a series of captures zones; providing sufficient time for said injection gas to at least partially stratify and form constituent gas mixtures which at least partially accumulate in the capture zones; providing a vent associated with one of the capture zones; and, evacuating at least a portion of the constituent mixtures through the associated vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Marc Vianello
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Patent number: 7992653Abstract: A method of drilling or gas-lifting is disclosed where the methods including the use of a foaming agent and a gas, where the foaming agent is a keratin and the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the well is for a portion of the drilling or gas-lift operation less than an hydrostatic pressure of the formation being drilled or under production.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Clearwater InternationalInventors: Frank Zamora, Sarkis Kakadjian
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Publication number: 20110186302Abstract: A deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.Inventors: Robert A. Coyle, William Michel, Louis-Claude Porel, Alistair Gill, Paul Ellerton, David Fielding
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Patent number: 7987908Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for treating a formation with fluid using a downhole progressive cavity pump (“PCP”). In one aspect, the direction of the PCP is reversible to pump treatment fluid into the formation. In another aspect, two or more PCP's are disposed downhole and reversible to allow a chemical reaction downhole prior to the treatment fluid entering the formation. In yet another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of flowing treatment fluid downhole using one or more downhole PCP's. Treatment of the formation with the fluid and production of hydrocarbon fluid from the formation may both be conducted using the same downhole PCP operating in opposite rotational directions. In an alternate embodiment, one or more downhole PCP's may be utilized in tandem with one or more surface pumps.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: E. Lee Colley, III
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Publication number: 20110180267Abstract: A flow control device is provided that in one embodiment includes a flow-through region configured to receive formation fluid at an inflow region and discharge the received fluid at an outflow region and a setting device configured to adjust the flow of the fluid through the flow-through region to a selected level. The setting device includes a coupling member configured to be coupled to an external latching device adapted to move the coupling member to cause the setting device to alter the flow of the fluid from the flow-through region to the selected level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Samuel L. Wildman, James H. Kritzler, Paul W. Atkins, Raymond D. Chavers, Stephen Bisset
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Patent number: 7984766Abstract: A gas extraction device for down hole oilfield applications utilizes the flow of the liquid, created by an artificial lift device, to produce conditions by which the gas is drawn into tubing. A venturi creates a low pressure area through a constricted section of the tubing. The pressure within the throat of the venturi drops the pressure in the casing. The device is axially adjusted to allow communication ports to a lower pressure area of the casing annulus. The lower pressure in the venturi draws the gas into the liquid stream and into the production tubing above the device. The gas is then transferred through the well head within the liquid stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Donn J. Brown, B. Lyle Wilson, Earl B. Brookbank
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Patent number: 7977284Abstract: A method of making phenol and alkylphenol ethoxylates non-estrogenic by inserting 1 mole of propylene oxide onto the phenolic group before proceeding with the addition of ethylene oxide or mixtures of ethylene and propylene oxide. The final phenolic products can be further reacted to form sulfates, sulfonates, phosphate esters, condensed alkylphenol alkoxylates and other derivatives of alkylphenol or phenol. Non-estrogenic phenol and alkylphenol alkoxylates and their derivatives have been found to be excellent salt tolerant, high temperature stable surfactants for oil recovery from subterranean reservoirs. These products are also useful in forming emulsions of heavy crude for transportation through pipelines.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Oil Chem Technologies, IncInventors: Paul Berger, Christie Berger
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Patent number: 7971650Abstract: A method of pumping wellbore fluid, comprising the steps of: installing an electric submersible pump in a wellbore; and operating the pump at more than 4,500 rpm to pump the wellbore fluid. Pumping in this manner provides a number of advantages in use in that the required high-speed motor and pump is shorter for a given power than existing arrangements, and provides increased reliability due to reduced complexity. A much shorter motor/pump combination also allows such equipment to be used in deviated boreholes with a reduction in damage due to mishandling and bending, as well as facilitating assembly and testing in the manufacturer's plant.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Oilfield Equipment Development Center LimitedInventors: Michael Andrew Yuratich, Alan Thomas Fraser
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Patent number: 7954545Abstract: A plunger lift system has a bumper and a landing positioned in tubing below a safety valve of a well. A plunger moving between the bumper and landing lifts columns of liquid above the plunger when pushed by downhole pressure. A valve on the plunger's housing is movable between open and closed positions to either permit or prevent flow through the plunger. When the plunger engages the landing, a striker rod on the landing opens the valve permitting fluid communication through the plunger to a sales line at the surface. The valve is biased to the closed position to prevent fluid communication through the plunger. When the plunger is disengaged from the striker rod, the valve closes so that application of downhole pressure can again move the plunger uphole. A controller cycles the plunger between the bumper and the landing by controlling fluid flow in the well.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: William Hearn, Todd Chretien
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Patent number: 7954551Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas lift system adapted to provide a gas injection point to a deeper location in a wellbore. A turn-over suspension mandrel can be landed inside a side pocket mandrel and connected to a gas lift valve on one end and a coil on the other end. A length of production tubing can extend from the side pocket mandrel. The production tubing can include a production packer to seal the annulus between the tubing and the well casing. The turn-over suspension mandrel can be constructed such that gas entering the gas lift valve is directed down through the coil and into the wellbore beneath the production packer. A plug can be placed at the bottom of the coil in order to prevent blowouts during installation of the gas lift system. An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a coil and plug hung from a gas lift valve of a pack-off assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: BJ Services Company LLCInventor: Jeffrey L. Bolding
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Patent number: 7953584Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimal lift gas allocation, comprising: optimally allocating lift gas under a total lift gas constraint or a total produced gas constraint, the allocating step including distributing lift gas among all gas lifted wells in a network so as to maximize a liquid or oil rate at a sink.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorpInventor: Kashif Rashid
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Publication number: 20110094751Abstract: Arrangement for the lifting of hydrocarbons in oil field wells, comprising a lifting assembly formed by a fluid collecting hose and a fluid suction tube within the well casing. The suction tube extends along the collecting hose, which has an open upper end, through which passes the upper section of the suction tube, which has an end attached to the pulling cable of the “collecting hose/suction tube” assembly. The lower end is closed by means of a one-way check valve, letting the fluid flow into the space formed between the hose and said tube. The upper section projecting beyond the open upper end of the collecting hose has a laterally conformed fluid discharge opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: OPTIMOIL TECHNOLOGIESInventor: Juan Carlos Marie Arlandis
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Publication number: 20110083855Abstract: Gas injection control devices are provided, particularly for deployment in a well-bore to control injection of a gas into a tube or pipe to lift a liquid up the tube, such as crude oil for example. A gas control device is described which comprises a housing, and at least two control valve arrangements within the housing. Each arrangement has an inlet for receiving gas from a pressurized supply, an outlet for supplying pressurized gas for injection into the tube, an inlet valve in a fluid path between the inlet and outlet, and an actuator associated with the inlet valve. Each actuator is independently controllable to switch the respective inlet valve between its open and closed configurations. This allows the gas injection to be switched on and off, and facilitates control of the injection gas flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: CAMCON OIL LIMITEDInventor: Wladyslaw Wygnanski
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Publication number: 20110073318Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for positively pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well where the hydrocarbon well has bee previously completed with a permanent packer and tailpipe. A rod pump having a plunger connected to a hollow rod string can positively pump the liquids collecting at the bottom of the well while the natural gas is produced up the annulus between the production tubing and the hollow rod string. In this invention, the tail pipe is perforated above the rod pump and below the packer to all the natural gas into the production tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventor: Dennis R. Wilson
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Publication number: 20110073319Abstract: The invention relates to a double string pump for pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well and especially a hydrocarbon well that is producing both natural gas and liquid fluids. The double string pump includes a hollow tube that raises and lowers the plunger and carries the liquids to the surface and an outer tube receives liquids down into the well to lubricate the moving parts and flush particles from areas prone to wear and back toward the production tube. The natural gas is produced through the annulus between wellbore casing and the outer production tubing string.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventor: Dennis R. Wilson
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Publication number: 20110052417Abstract: Production liquid from a well is pumped to the surface by a hydraulically driven reciprocating piston pump. The pump is driven in a drive stroke by a flow of hydraulic fluid supplied through a single tubing line applied to a drive side of a drive piston and in a return stroke by the weight of the production liquid heavier than the hydraulic fluid applied to the return side of the drive piston. The production liquid is pumped though the well casing. A control valve causes application of pressure in the hydraulic fluid for the drive stroke and release for the return stroke. The pump body includes a first duct communicating between the tubing and the bottom drive side of the drive piston and a second duct communicating between the well casing and the top drive return of the drive piston.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Robert Michael Wells
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Publication number: 20110024130Abstract: A method and system operates a well having an outer casing, a tubing positioned inside the outer casing, and a plunger moveable within the tubing to periodically draw out a liquid slug. A chemical to slug size ratio is set by the operator. Thereafter, the gas flow rate is monitored and the well is shut-in when the gas flow rate drops below a predetermined threshold. After well shut-in, a calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is injected. The size of the liquid slug is calculated and then the well is opened, drawing the plunger and liquid slug up to the surface. The calculated amount of chemical foaming agent is calculated based on one or more previous liquid slug size determinations and the set chemical to slug size ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: ABB INC.Inventor: David Barry
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Publication number: 20110024131Abstract: In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected into the an oil well such that the surface tension between a lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is a silicone resin which may be combined with other surfactants, in some embodiments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Scott E. Lehrer, Saet B. Debord, Marc N. Lehmann, Nancy C. Means
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Patent number: 7878251Abstract: A multiple stage tool for use with plunger lift is disclosed. The disclosed device can be removably positioned at a desired position in a well's tubing, thus providing an upper limit for the travel distance of a first plunger. Subsequent well tubing partitions can be established with the introduction of subsequent plungers followed by the disclosed device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Production Control Services, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Giacomino, Paul T. Roberts
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Patent number: 7878250Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael L. Sheldon
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Publication number: 20110011596Abstract: A string for drilling a well for installation and retrieval of ESP equipment without a rig. A well is drilled past the end of casing which has been cemented in place and extends to a wellhead at the surface. A receptacle is attached between production casing joints and run into the well 10. The receptacle is a tubular member with an inclined pocket formed on a side. At least one passage or port in the pocket intersects with a passage in receptacle with one or more lengths of tubing attached to the pocket. A wet connector within the production casing is landed in the receptacle and self aligns to the tubing. Electrical wires run within the tubing mate and lock with the wet connector. This allows an ESP to be run into the well via winch such that it stabs into the wet connector to receive power.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Ignacio Martinez, Raul M. Krasuk, Juan M. Garoby
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Publication number: 20110005772Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of producing a fluid include a pump assembly that operates to increase the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid. The pump assembly is located in a well completion below a formation isolation valve. The pump assembly releasably connects to a polished bore receptacle in the well completion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Tomaso U. Ceccarelli, Timo W.J. M. Staal
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Publication number: 20100326670Abstract: An apparatus for pumping fluid, the apparatus including a pump housing including a plunger connected to a terminal end of a coiled tubing and a first port. The apparatus further including the plunger configured to move longitudinally upward and downward, wherein the plunger includes a second port and a surface pumping unit configured to modulate between two modes, a first mode configured to limit a stroke length of the plunger so that the first and second ports do not engage, and a second mode wherein the first and second ports engage. Also, a method for pumping fluid into a wellbore using an apparatus, the method comprising inserting a housing including a coiled tubing and a plunger into the wellbore, wherein the plunger is located at a terminal end of the coiled tubing, and wherein the housing includes a first port and a plunger includes a second port.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ZEITECS B.V.Inventors: Neil Griffiths, Humberto F. Leniek, SR., Bruce H. Storm, JR.
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Publication number: 20100319926Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly in a wellbore; the pump assembly includes a liquid lift pump and a booster pump for pumping a two-phase mixture of gas and liquid. A shroud with an opening at its upper end partially encloses the pump assembly. An annulus is formed between the shroud and the wellbore inner circumference. Two phase fluid from the booster pump exits the shroud through a port and flows up the annulus to the shroud opening. Liquid in the two-phase flow separates from the gas and flows into the shroud opening and onto the liquid lift pump. The gas continues to flow up the wellbore, past the shroud opening, to the wellbore entrance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Leslie C. Reid
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Publication number: 20100307765Abstract: A method of enhancing crude oil recovery from a crude oil containing formation uses an integrated acid gas injection system, which injects a first fraction of an available volume of acid gas via an acid gas injection well into the formation and a second fraction of the available volume of acid gas as a lift gas into a crude oil production well traversing the formation at a selected distance from the acid gas injection well to inhibit early breakthrough of acid gas from the formation into the production well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Johannes van Arkel, Martin Paul Koster, Stephen Geoffrey Goodyear
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Publication number: 20100307764Abstract: A subsea well tubular member has an axial passage with upper and lower retrievable plugs releasably mounted in the passage, the plugs having ends facing each other. A cavity is formed on one of the ends of one of the plugs. A movable barrier is mounted sealingly over the cavity, the barrier being movable repeatedly between inner and outer positions in response to temperature changes. The inner position reduces a volume of the cavity and increases a volume of a trapped fluid space between the ends of the plugs. The outer position increases the volume of the cavity and decreases the volume of the trapped fluid space. The barrier has two metallic layers with different coefficients of expansion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Kevin G. Buckle
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Publication number: 20100300701Abstract: An artificial lift system provides an artificial lift design specifically for the pumping of liquids from natural gas wells, but not limited to this application. In doing so, production rates and reserves recovered can be significantly increased. The artificial lift system uses small diameter continuous tubing to run the pump in the hole and deliver small volumes of high pressure dry gas as a power fluid to the pump. This power fluid forces liquid that has been drawn into the pump from the bottom of the wellbore to surface. By removing the liquids from the wellbore the natural gas can flow unrestricted to surface. The design and equipment allow for a cost effective artificial lift alternative.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Terry BULLEN
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Publication number: 20100294506Abstract: A method for removing fluids from a commingled well comprises positioning a fluid removal system in the well. In addition, the method comprises sealing a first formation from a second formation, shutting in the annulus, and closing off an inner flow passage of a tubing string. Further, the method comprises allowing the pressure of the first and second production zones to build up naturally. Still further, the method comprises flowing a fluid from the first production zone through a first of a plurality of check valves into the inner flow passage, and flowing a fluid from the second production zone through a second of the plurality of check valves into the inner flow passage. Moreover, the method comprises re-opening the inner flow passage of the tubing string and lifting the fluid in the inner flow passage to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.Inventors: Alejandro Rodriguez, Karl Fuchs
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Publication number: 20100294507Abstract: In a hydrocarbon producing wellbore, liquids (oil, condensate, water of mixtures thereof) from the formation may accumulate and build up a hydrostatic pressure gradient, which can kill gas production. Various embodiments of the present invention include a plunger lift system that can remove said formation liquids from a wellbore. A piston, including a sleeve with a hollow passage may travel downhole, accumulate formation liquids and utilizing the gas pressure deliver said formation liquids to the top of the wellbore for removal. The piston face may be one single wall that closes the hollow passage or the piston face may be comprised of a plug and an seat that unite to form a complete piston face downhole. Aspects of the plunger lift system, for example the sleeve and or the plug may be at least partially formed from materials that are buoyant in the formation liquids.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SERVICES LTD.Inventor: Michael Spencer TANTON
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Patent number: 7832486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas White, James Garner, David McCalvin, Tyson Messick, Fahd F. Abdelall, Kenneth C. Burnett, III
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Patent number: 7823647Abstract: A composition of a wet hydrocarbon foaming agent including a siloxane can foam wet hydrocarbons. The siloxane wet hydrocarbon foaming agent advantageously foams hydrocarbons that have as little as 5 percent water present and those hydrocarbons having as much as 90 percent water present. The wet hydrocarbon foaming agent can be used in oil and gas production for gas lift and foam blocking applications. The foaming agent can also be used for clearing hydrocarbons from pipelines and other vessels used for transporting oil and gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jiang Yang, Vladimir Jovancicevic, Mark Caskie
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Patent number: 7819197Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are useful for lifting reservoir fluid in a gas-producing wellbore through the application of a differential between pressure of the gas in the wellbore's gas-production conduit a lower end of which is disposed in reservoir fluid accumulated at a bottom of the wellbore and pressure of the wellbore annulus. The apparatus comprises a collection module disposed in the gas-producing wellbore for collecting by condensation reservoir fluid being lifted as vapor with produced gas in a gas-production conduit disposed in the wellbore, and one or more lift modules for applying the pressure differential to lift the reservoir fluid collected by condensation, and optionally reservoir fluid accumulated at the bottom of the wellbore, within the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: University of Southern CaliforniaInventors: Behrokh Khoshnevis, Mark D. Looney, Kelly A. McLachlan, Nampetch Yamali
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Patent number: 7814974Abstract: A system for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: at least one injection borehole for injecting a thermal source into the formation; at least one production borehole for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; and at least one drainage borehole intersecting a portion of the at least one production borehole. Methods of recovering petroleum from an earth formation and creating a petroleum production system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Barton Sponchia
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Patent number: 7806188Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for operating an artificial lift well. In one embodiment, the well is operated between an on cycle and an off cycle. Preferably, the off cycle is determined by detecting an increase in the pressure differential between the casing pressure and the tubing pressure. In another embodiment, the well is optimized by measuring the production of the well in one cycle of operation. The measured production is compared to the production of a previous cycle. A controller then optimizes the well based on the increase or decrease of the production from the previous cycle.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: William Hearn
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Patent number: 7806174Abstract: A jet pump mounted on a pipe string and a packer, and a through channel with a sealing unit having a logging cable channel is in the pump body. A check valve is in a channel, for supplying a medium pumped out from a well, at the input thereof in the lower body. A guiding bush with a movable rod, arranged parallel to the logging cable, is fixed to the body under the valve. The top of the rod is positioned under the check valve closing element and a fork, over which the logging cable passes, fastens to the lower end of the rod. The closing element can be pressed out from a seat and brought into contact with the fork while a downhole instrument is lifted. The invention extends functionality by isolating pipe string spaces above and under the jet pump when the instrument is below the pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets
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Patent number: 7802625Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a well using a gas are disclosed herein. A compressed lift gas can be provided to a well to obtain a production stream. The production stream can be separated to obtain the product and a recycle gas stream. The recycle gas stream can be immediately recompressed for use as lift gas, or separated to form a lift gas stream, and a power stream containing natural gasses from the well. The lift gas stream is recycled for use as lift gas, while the power stream can be transported and/or collected for sale, recycled for use as lift gas, or consumed as power for the compressor, based on measurements obtained throughout the system, coupled with practical and economic variables. By supplementing or replacing generated lift gas and/or an external power source with natural gas from the well, the present systems and methods can become self-contained after start-up.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Nitro-Lift Hydrocarbon Recovery Systems, LLCInventors: Danny K. Daniels, John A. Bibaeff, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100236789Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a well using a gas are disclosed herein. A compressed lift gas can be provided to a well to obtain a production stream. The production stream can be separated to obtain the product and a recycle gas stream. The recycle gas stream can be immediately recompressed for use as lift gas, or separated to form a lift gas stream, and a power stream containing natural gasses from the well. The lift gas stream is recycled for use as lift gas, while the power stream can be transported and/or collected for sale, recycled for use as lift gas, or consumed as power for the compressor, based on measurements obtained throughout the system, coupled with practical and economic variables. By supplementing or replacing generated lift gas and/or an external power source with natural gas from the well, the present systems and methods can become self-contained after start-up.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Danny K. Daniels, John A. Bibaeff, JR.
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Patent number: 7793727Abstract: A dewatering device is provided that can be inserted concentrically within the production tubing string of a natural gas-producing wellbore. The dewatering device includes a pressure-isolating chamber that is provided with a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve and associated gas lift valves. Compressed gas and soap are used to form a foamy liquid mixture that is lifted out of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Sean L. Gaudette
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Patent number: 7793728Abstract: A plunger in a plunger lift system in an oil and gas well includes shaped grooves spaced along the plunger body, angled fins or below the grooves, an elongated interior cavity open at the bottom, and passages connecting the interior cavity to the grooves. The shape, sizing and spacing of the grooves improves plunger seal and decreases liquid loss during plunger lift. The flutes or fins spin the plunger to clean the tubing string and prevent the plunger from becoming stuck in the lubricator. The interior cavity lightens the plunger and, in combination with the passages, improves the seal created by the shaped grooves.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Well Master CorpInventor: Robert E. Bender
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Patent number: 7784538Abstract: A transmitter generates an acoustic ping in a fluid in a borehole, and a receiver monitors waves resulting from the acoustic ping. Responsive to the monitored waves, an attribute of the fluid is estimated, including a sonic velocity, a mixture of gas and oil, a mixture of water and oil, an amount of sand, an amount of gas, an amount of skin effect, or a depth of fluid. An operation of the artificial lift device is then controlled responsive to the estimated attribute. Alternately, a sonic velocity is estimated for the fluid through an analysis of a sample pumped to the surface or through an analysis of monitored waves. A depth of the fluid is calculated responsive to the estimated sonic velocity for the fluid in the borehole and the monitored T-waves. The operation of the artificial lift device is then controlled responsive to the calculated depth of fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Robert H. McCoy, Dustin B. Campbell
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Patent number: 7784549Abstract: A self-propelled swabbing device and method for use in removing liquid to surface from within an installed wellbore casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Swab-Rite Tool Corp.Inventor: Robert Mark Balen
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Patent number: 7784548Abstract: A system for extracting a gas and a liquid from a well broadly includes tubing strings that collect well liquid and a gas lift system that removes the collected liquid. A standing valve connects the strings and permits liquid to enter the strings from the subsurface formation. The gas lift system includes a compressor that uses pressurized gas to remove the collected liquid and discharge the liquid into a separator. The system permits liquid to be collected and removed while simultaneously producing gas from the well casing. The system includes an accumulator that stores compressed gas for removing the collected liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Dennis L. Wilson, James L. Schlabaugh
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Patent number: 7775776Abstract: A single conduit lift pump is disclosed that only requires a single fluid conduit for both the driving fluid and the pumping action of the pump in a well bore. Fluid pressure communicated to the pump by the single fluid conduit drives the pump to load a resilient member. The fluid pressure is cycled off to allowing the lift of fluid by action of the resilient member upon the single fluid conduit. The single fluid conduit makes this pump suitable for downhole operations for the oil and gas production industries in wells that have substantial water cut that inhibits the production of gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: BJ Services Company, U.S.A.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Bolding
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Patent number: 7777643Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a storage medium to store data. The apparatus also includes a connector having an optical interface for data communication, coupled to the storage medium, to communicate in a combustible gas environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Cili Sun, Laban Marsh, Billy Bankston, Jay Martin
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Patent number: 7770637Abstract: The completion system for delivering lifting gas supplied from surface via a casing annulus thru the packer for injecting to the wellbore at bottom hole as lifting gas for maximizing hydrocarbon producing from a subterranean well while maintaining integrity and serviceability as a typical gas lift well. A single completion, which uses the same tubing string for both producing the well and delivering lifting gas to the wellbore at downhole. The top section of the tubing is used for producing the well while the bottom section of the tubing is used for delivering lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole. The lifting gas will be injected to the wellbore proximately at perforation intervals for helping unloading liquid and producing the well. The use of modified equipment named “TK Bypass Mandrel” and “JP Bypass Nipple Sub” allows delivering and controlling of the lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole via a single tubing string.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: PTT Exploration and Production Public Company LimitedInventors: Pramote Phoi-montri, Jose Piedras, Chatchai Kongdachudomkul, Thanawee Kreethapon
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Patent number: 7770634Abstract: A gas lift production apparatus is provided for use in flushing and snubbing well operation. The apparatus comprises upper production string and lower production string. The upper production string includes at least one side pocket mandrel carrying a gas lift valve, tubular strings connected with every side pocket mandrel, a sliding sleeve installed as part of the production string below side pocket mandrels and a latch seal assembly threaded in the tubular string below the sliding sleeve. The lower production string includes a single bore packer below the latch seal assembly, tubular strings, a landing nipple and a bell mouth at the bottom of the production string. The upper production string are run in and removed as a single unit from the packer which is anchored within the well casing. It is emphasized that this apparatus is provided with three functions such as producing a gas lift well, flushing well and snubbing well operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Development & Research Center of Tuha Petroleum Exploration & Development CorporationInventors: Yu Lei, Yong Li, Qiang Wang, Zhenghua Wu, Zhimin Xu, Zhensong Wang, Meijuan Suo
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Patent number: 7766085Abstract: Apparatus, assembly and process for allowing gas lift operations to be conducted along a relatively long perforated interval below a packer in a subterranean well. An elongated segregation member is lowered into locking engagement with a bypass mandrel secured to a tubing string above the packer. This segregation member is configured and dimensioned to define two fluid flow paths. Fluid produced into the well from the subterranean region is conveyed to the surface via the second flow path and can be assisted by gas injected into the first flow path via retrievable gas lift valves in the tubing string above and below the packer. Pressurized gas is conveyed via the first flow path to these retrievable gas lift valves.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventors: Pearl E. Stephenson, William D. Holmes