Operating Valve, Closure, Or Changeable Restrictor In A Well Patents (Class 166/373)
  • Patent number: 10392899
    Abstract: A downhole tool is responsive to passing objects and applied fluid pressure. A plugless valve in the tool is operable from an unobstructed condition to an obstructed condition unobstructing the tool's bore to an obstructed condition obstructing the tool's bore to the applied fluid pressure. An indexer counts the objects passing through the tool's bore and permits operation of the plugless valve from the unobstructed to the obstructed condition in response to the counted number. The applied fluid pressure in the bore obstructed by the plugless valve can then communicate outside the tool via at least one port. The plugless valve can have a movable insert that moves relative to a flapper. The indexer can use ratcheting dogs, collet, J-slot, electronic sensor, and other components to count the passing objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Dick S. Gonzalez, Cesar G. Garcia
  • Patent number: 10392314
    Abstract: A high strength engineered reactive matrix composite that includes a core material and a reactive binder matrix combined in high volumes and with controlled spacing and distribution to produce both high strength and controlled reactivity. The engineered reactive matrix composite includes a repeating metal, ceramic, or composite particle core material and a reactive binder/matrix, and wherein the reactive/matrix binder is distributed relatively homogeneously around the core particles, and wherein the reactivity of the reactive binder/matrix is engineered by controlling the relative chemistry and interfacial surface area of the reactive components. These reactive materials are useful for oil and gas completions and well stimulation processes, enhanced oil and gas recovery operations, as well as in defensive and mining applications requiring high energy density and good mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Powdermet, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Sherman, Brian P. Doud
  • Patent number: 10364647
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displacing a sleeve within a downhole tool wherein the apparatus comprises an outer mandrel, and a sleeve extending between first and second ends slidably located within the outer mandrel wherein the sleeve and mandrel form first, second and third annular chambers therebetween. The first annular chamber is in fluidic communication with an interior of the sleeve. The second annular chamber is in fluidic communication with an exterior of the mandrel. The third annular chamber is substantially sealed. The method comprises pressurizing the second chamber through bores extending through the sleeve and releasing the pressure within the second chamber so as to permit a vacuum within a third sealed chamber and a pressure from an exterior of the mandrel to pressurize a first chamber to draw the sleeve towards a second end of the outer mandrel thereby uncovering the valve openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TORSCH INC.
    Inventors: Shane Sargent, Matthew McCarthy, Sean Borschneck
  • Patent number: 10364649
    Abstract: A system and method for fracturing multiple zones along a length of a wellbore during a single run are provided. A single magnetic shifter device may be lowered on coiled tubing to shift open multiple sleeve assemblies set along the wellbore to expose different fracture zones for desired fracturing treatments. The sleeve assemblies may each include a magnetic sensing system designed to detect a magnetic field output from the shifter device. The magnetic sensing system may output a control signal to an electro-hydraulic lock to collapse a baffle component of the sleeve assembly. Once the baffle is collapsed, an isolation component of the shifter device may engage the collapsed baffle to form a plug through the wellbore. Pressure applied from the surface may push the baffle and a sliding sleeve of the sleeve assembly downward, thereby exposing fracturing ports through the casing of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler J. Norman, Zachary W. Walton, Matt James Merron
  • Patent number: 10364629
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first component and a second component. The first component is adapted to dissolve at a first rate, and the second component is adapted to contact the first component to perform a downhole operation and dissolve at a second rate that is different from the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregoire Jacob, Manuel P. Marya, Michael J. Bertoja, John Fleming
  • Patent number: 10316620
    Abstract: A system for selectively actuating sliding valves includes a segmented sleeve exhibiting a rocking (or pivoting) function. The rocking allows the bottom end of the sleeve to open wider when the front of a dart is pressed against it, provided the length of the dart is shorter than a “target length” determined by the sleeve geometry. When the dart is at least as long as the “target length” of the sleeve, the back of the dart prevents the sleeve from rocking as the front of the dart is pressed against the bottom seat. The dart remains pressed against the sleeve, effectively isolating the wellbore section above the dart from the one below it. Multiple zones can thus be independently isolated by using a set of sleeves with similar diameters, but different “target lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jahir Pabon
  • Patent number: 10309196
    Abstract: A ball seat is integrated with a movable biased sleeve. Sleeve movement against its bias moves a diverter from a position outside the through passage to a position across the main passage such that any balls that drop down will be directed by the diverter into an annular retention volume. In treatment of the formation for fluid loss the movement of a seat with the seated ball opens lateral ports for delivery of sealing material and moves the diverter. Smaller balls are then introduced to close lateral ports above the seated ball so pressure can be built to shift the sleeve and extrude the first ball. Once the seated ball blows through, the smaller balls come through the seat and are all diverted to an annular capture volume. The device is resettable for multiple operations. Fluid flow cessation closes lateral ports and opens a through passage retracting the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Hered
  • Patent number: 10301908
    Abstract: An array of sliding sleeve valves are uniquely addressable without control lines or wires to open for a treatment and then close and then selectively open for production. The discrete movements employ an available pressure source such as tubing pressure and change the piston areas on opposed sides of a sliding sleeve valve to get the desired movements. Access valves to tubing pressure can be actuated in a desired sequence with signals such as acoustic or electromagnetic, for example. Access to one piston area that communicates opposed and offsetting piston areas to the tubing hydrostatic can be achieved with a straddle tool breaking a rupture disc. The piston is then in pressure balanced and can be moved in a desired direction with the straddle tool straddling access locations to the piston from above or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC, CHEVRON USA, INC.
    Inventors: John K. Wakefield, Alexander Kendall, Stephen A. Graham, Pete J. Clark
  • Patent number: 10301909
    Abstract: An actuation system and method, the system including a tubular having a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a degradable restriction, the restriction only partially blocking the passage prior to being degraded. The assembly is configured to receive and prevent further movement of a restrictor through the tubular prior to the restriction being degraded. The assembly is further configured to release the restrictor when the restriction is degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. McCoy, Matthew D. Solfronk, Jack D. Farmer, William A. Burton, James G. King, Jason J. Barnard, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 10301892
    Abstract: A method for operating a wireline winch configured to convey a wireline coupled to a downhole tool disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth includes: receiving a first cumulative surface wireline tension limit for downhole wireline components; calculating a second cumulative surface wireline tension limit for surface components using wireline speed and surface equipment data; combining the first and the second cumulative surface wireline tension limits to provide a total cumulative surface wireline tension limit as a function of depth; presenting the total cumulative surface wireline tension limit as a function of depth and operating wireline tension values as a function of depth for the downhole tool to a user; performing an assessment of the operating wireline tension values as a function of depth versus the total cumulative surface wireline tension limit as a function of depth; and operating the wireline winch using the assessment and a winch controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Homero Cesar Castillo, Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 10294754
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for performing a borehole treatment has a plurality of ported valve housings where the housings have an assembly of shifting sleeves. The first sleeve is shifted uphole to open the port in the housing and lock the first sleeve in the ports open position. A second sleeve in the same housing is shifted in the same direction as the first sleeve to close the ports in the housing. The second sleeve has profiles for shifting it up to close the housing ports and back down to reopen the housing ports after closing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Koch, David A. Luft, Edward A. Rapin
  • Patent number: 10280702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multistage high pressure fracturing system and tubular hydraulic valve (THV) system for connection to a completion string to enable isolation of a zone of interest within a well. In particular, the system enables access to a downhole formation for fracturing the zone of interest and for hydrocarbon production. The system generally includes a plug counting system, a plug capture system and a valve system wherein dropping a series of plugs down the completion string enables successive capture of individual plugs within individual THVs for subsequent fracturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: COMPLETIONS RESEARCH AG
    Inventors: Robert James Graf, Robert Steve Smolka
  • Patent number: 10273786
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus for a borehole comprises a basepipe, a screen, a sleeve, and at least one baffle. The basepipe has a bore for conveying fluid and defines at least one opening for communicating fluid into the bore. The screen is disposed on the basepipe and screens fluid from outside the basepipe. The sleeve is disposed on the basepipe adjacent the screen and has at least one flow passage for communicating the fluid from the screen to the at least one opening in the basepipe. A shelf of the sleeve extends downstream from the at least one flow passage and covers at least a portion of the basepipe upstream from the at least one opening. The at least one baffle is disposed on the shelf and changes a direction of the flow exiting from the at least one flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen McNamee
  • Patent number: 10253590
    Abstract: A downhole assembly comprises a first article; and a second article having a surface which accommodates a surface shape of the first article, wherein the first article is configured to provide a chemical, heat, or a combination thereof to facilitate the disintegration of the second article. A method comprises disposing a second article in a downhole environment; disposing a first article on the second article; the second article having a surface which accommodates a surface shape of the first article; performing a downhole operation; and disintegrating the first article to provide a chemical, heat, or a combination thereof that facilitates the disintegration of the second article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Zhihui Zhang, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 10221655
    Abstract: Wellbore flow-control assemblies define a flow-controlled fluid conduit that selectively conveys a fluid flow, including fluid outflow and fluid inflow, between a subterranean formation and a casing conduit. The wellbore flow-control assemblies include a sacrificial flow-control device that defines a first portion of the flow-controlled fluid conduit and a directional flow-control device that defines a second portion of the flow-controlled fluid conduit. The sacrificial flow-control device resists the fluid flow prior to a flow-initiation event and permits the fluid flow subsequent to the flow-initiation event. The directional flow-control device permits one of fluid outflow and fluid inflow and resists the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Manh V. Phi, Stuart R. Keller
  • Patent number: 10202825
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wellbore control include a downhole facing ball stop and sealing area that can stop and seal with an actuator ball migrating toward surface with wellbore returns or production. The downhole facing ball stop operates with the returning actuator ball to create a seal against any returns or production migrating toward surface such that well control is provided until the ball is removed from the sealing area or a bypass is opened around the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Jon Themig, Michael Kenyon
  • Patent number: 10174587
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a tubular in a wellbore. A fluid is flowed through an inlet passageway into a biasing mechanism. A fluid flow distribution is established across the biasing mechanism. The fluid flow distribution is altered in response to a change in the fluid characteristic over time. In response, fluid flow through a downstream sticky switch assembly is altered, thereby altering fluid flow patterns in a downstream vortex assembly. The method selects based on a fluid characteristic, such as viscosity, density, velocity, flow rate, etc. The biasing mechanism includes a semi-doughnut-shaped wall contour element formed along one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhao Liang
  • Patent number: 10145223
    Abstract: A technique facilitates regulation of flow through a flow control device to improve a well operation, such as a production operation. The technique utilizes a flow control device which has a valve positioned in a housing for movement between flow positions. The different flow positions allow different levels of flow through a primary flow port. At least one flow regulation element is used in cooperation with and in series with the valve to establish a differential pressure acting on the valve. The differential pressure is a function of fluid properties and is used to autonomously actuate the flow control device to an improved flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Terje Moen, Andrzej T. Tunkiel
  • Patent number: 10119363
    Abstract: The present application describes methods and systems for a tool with a new check valve. The check valve may include a piston sleeve that is configured to move towards the proximal end of the tool to seal restrictive ports in a center of the tool responsive to creating a force on the piston sleeve. In embodiments, the movement of the piston sleeve may be counter to the flow of fluid through an inner diameter of the tool, such that the tool may be resettable and repeatable based on fluid flow and/or pressure differentials and not based on drag force through an inner diameter of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Comitt Well Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Peter Kris Cleven
  • Patent number: 10107052
    Abstract: An assembly uses a choke to control flow of wellbore fluid in a drilling system. A controller operatively coupled to the choke can control opening/closing of the choke with hydraulic power and an actuator. The control operates the opening/closing of the choke with a choke control value to control a parameter in the drilling system, such as pressure or flow. The control measure a time for the choke to at least reach a position toward a full open/closed position during a full opening/closing operation and calculates a current opening/closing speed of the choke. When this current speed is compared to a previously stored speed, the control adjusts the choke control value for the choke based on any difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Northam, Walter S. Dillard
  • Patent number: 10107074
    Abstract: A downhole tool and method of operation thereof is provided. The downhole tool may be configured to permit fluid communication between a combined flowbore of the casing string and the downhole tool and the subterranean formation or wellbore, or both, after a pressure test has been completed, a second threshold pressure is reached or applied, and a third threshold pressure has been applied to the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Kippola, Tracy Dean Blanton, Todd Ulrich Chretien, William John Darnell
  • Patent number: 10100610
    Abstract: A barrier valve is operable to close using pressure on a ball landed on a seat associated with a sleeve whose movement opens a port to allow tubing pressure to move the ball to a closed position. Another sleeve is located on the opposite side of the closure ball in the barrier valve. Actuation of the second sleeve opens another passage to allow tubing pressure above ball to rotate the valve member back to an open position with the production tubing in the production packer so that production can begin. The balls disintegrate or disappear by virtue of exposure to well fluids and/or temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Michael H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10077627
    Abstract: An activation apparatus (10) for activating a downhole tool comprising a top sub (12), a bottom sub (14), an outer sleeve (16) having a port (18) and an inner sleeve (20) having a port (22). The apparatus (10) is configurable between a run-in configuration in which the ports (18, 22) are not aligned and an activated configuration in which the ports (18, 22) are aligned and permit lateral passage of fluid through the apparatus (10), the activation apparatus (10) being configured such that application of at least two forces to the activation apparatus (10) transitions the activation apparatus (10) from the run-in configuration to the activated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: PETROWELL LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan Craigon, Stephen Reid, Philip C G Egleton
  • Patent number: 10077633
    Abstract: A downhole tool (32) comprises a tool housing (34) defining a central bore (35) and including a fluid port (20), and a valve member (40) mounted within the housing (34) and being moveable from a closed position in which the fluid port (20) is blocked to an open position in which the fluid port (20) is opened. The tool (32) further comprises a catching arrangement (41) mounted within the housing (34) and comprising one or more radially moveable seat members (106), and being configurable from a free configuration in which the seat members (106) permit an object (48) to pass through the tool (32), to a catching configuration in which the seat members (106) catch an object (48) passing through the tool (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventors: Daniel George Purkis, Oliver Webster, Damien Gerard Patton, Matthew Manning, Steve Corbett, Ian Duncan, Santiago Galvez Porta
  • Patent number: 10060225
    Abstract: A technique utilizes a Y-block which is coupled with a lateral tubing string and a main tubing string. The Y-block comprises features which facilitate service and/or production operations. In well applications, the Y-block may comprise a pressure housing and a recessed bypass slot disposed along an exterior of the Y-block. A control line is positioned in the recessed bypass slot to facilitate control functions along the lateral tubing string. The recessed bypass slot enables routing of a control line without forming a splice along the control line. In other applications, the Y-block may utilize additional or other features which facilitate the desired operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John C. Wolf, Luis A. Gonzalez, Barton Sponchia, Andrew Brian Huang
  • Patent number: 10060221
    Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The magnitude of the third signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Floway, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinqi Rong, Liang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10041331
    Abstract: An exemplary downhole system includes a completion string positioned within a wellbore and providing at least an upper seal bore and a downhole device that includes a sliding sleeve. A service tool is extendable within the completion string and includes a shifting tool assembly and provides a mandrel, a shifting tool coupled to the mandrel, and upper equalization seals arranged on the mandrel and sealingly engageable with the upper seal bore. The shifting tool is engageable with the sliding sleeve to move the downhole device at least partially between a closed position, where a pressure differential between a subterranean formation and an interior of the completion string is assumed by primary sealing elements of the downhole device, and an open position, where the pressure differential is assumed by at least the upper equalization seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Colby Munro Ross, Gregory William Garrison
  • Patent number: 10041347
    Abstract: An example method includes providing fluid communication between an internal bore of a drill string and an annulus between the drill string and a borehole through a fluid channel in a side of a collar coupled to the drill string. Fluid may be circulated through the internal bore of the drill string. A fluid telemetry signal may be generated by selectively generating a vortex within the fluid channel. Providing fluid communication between the internal bore and the annulus through the fluid channel may include providing fluid communication between the internal bore and a vortex basin at least partially defining the fluid channel, through at least one of a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path between the vortex basin and the internal bore; and providing fluid communication between the vortex basin and the annulus through a fluid outlet of the vortex basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Ryan Murphree, Frederic Felten, Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp, Vimal Shah
  • Patent number: 10036236
    Abstract: There is a downhole tool that includes a switch sub having a bore and a bulkhead extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the bulkhead has a bulkhead bore that fluidly communicates with (i) the bore and (ii) an outside of the switch sub; and an igniter system located inside the bulkhead. The igniter system is configured to ignite an energetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Shelby L. Sullivan, Johnny Joslin, Robert E. Davis, John T. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 10018603
    Abstract: Provided is a two-dimensional liquid chromatography system, and more particularly, a two-dimensional liquid chromatography system capable of performing both independent one-dimensional separation through a reversed-phase or normal-phase chromatography method and two-dimensional separation for removing a matrix effect in a single system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Seok-Won Hyung, Byungjoo Kim
  • Patent number: 10018014
    Abstract: Actuation assemblies include a valve assembly comprising a valve sleeve configured to rotate to selectively enable fluid flow through at least one aperture in the valve sleeve and into at least one port of an outer sleeve and a ball retention feature configured to selectively retain a ball dropped through a fluid passageway of the valve assembly in order to rotate the valve sleeve. Downhole tools include actuation assemblies. Methods for actuating a downhole tool include receiving a ball in an actuation assembly, rotating a valve sleeve of the actuation assembly to enable fluid to flow through a portion of the actuation assembly, and actuating a portion of the downhole tool with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Radford
  • Patent number: 10018015
    Abstract: A downhole tool (32) comprises a tool housing (34) defining a central bore (35) and including a fluid port (20), and a valve member (40) mounted within the housing (34) and being moveable from a closed position in which the fluid port (20) is blocked to an open position in which the fluid port (20) is opened. The tool (32) further comprises a catching arrangement (41) mounted within the housing (34) and comprising one or more radially moveable seat members (106), and being configurable from a free configuration in which the seat members (106) permit an object (48) to pass through the tool (32), to a catching configuration in which the seat members (106) catch an object (48) passing through the tool (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel George Purkis, Oliver Webster, Damien Gerard Patton, Matthew Manning, Steve Corbett, Ian Duncan, Santiago Galvez Porta
  • Patent number: 10006269
    Abstract: A casing valve including a tool housing defining an internal channel from a wellbore annulus. A valve allows selective communication between the internal channel and the wellbore annulus, where the valve has a sliding sleeve positioned externally to the tool housing. A first piston surface for opening the valve and a second piston surface for closing the valve are attached to the sleeve and a fluid supply valve directs fluid to the first and second piston surface. An electronic controller operates the fluid control valve to direct the fluid to the first and second control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Superior Energy Services, LLC
    Inventor: Barry K. Holder
  • Patent number: 9890611
    Abstract: A well intervention tool for shifting a door structure within a well casing. The well intervention tool has independently shiftable keys which releasably engage with portions of the door structure. When the keys are engaged with the door structure, the well intervention tool can be used to move the door structure uphole and downhole. The well intervention tool can include a vibration motor to cause the keys to vibrate in order to displace debris within the door structure. The well intervention tool can include a rotational motor to cause the keys to rotate in order to displace debris within the door structure. The keys can have teeth which are shaped and spaced to shift debris while minimizing damage to the well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Shao Hwa Lee, Mark S. Holly
  • Patent number: 9777553
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation with a plug includes a plug seat assembly that has a plug seat having a plurality of seat segments, at least one seat segment having a plug seat rack, and each plug seat segment having an inner surface contacting the plug. The plug seat assembly also has a collet having a collet rack and a locking ratchet, the collet rack incrementally radially disengaging from the plug seat rack during relative rotation between the collet and the plug seat, and a mandrel having a mandrel rack complementary to the locking ratchet. The plug seat assembly is positioned in a wellbore and a plug radially displaces the at least one plug seat segment of the plug seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Zachary S. Silva
  • Patent number: 9739119
    Abstract: A penetrator for a Puncture Communication Tool includes a base; a body extending from the base and terminating at a tip; and a fluid bypass disposed in the body. Communicating a hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ronald J. Garr, Brett C. Jones, John D. Lindemann, Michael L. Hair, Thomas S. Myerley
  • Patent number: 9739117
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively actuating a downhole tool in a tubular conduit. An actuator tool has an actuator mandrel having an actuator bore through and a bypass and a profile key to selectively engage the downhole tool. The downhole tool has one or more profile receivers adapted to actuate the downhole tool. The actuator tool is conveyed into the tubular conduit and the actuator tool and the downhole tool are engaged if the profile key and the profile receiver match, and the actuator tool and the downhole tool are non-engaged if the profile key and the profile receiver do not match. Fluid may be circulated through the actuator bore to flush or wash ahead of the actuator tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Gryphon Oilfield Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Campbell, Darryl Firmaniuk, Lennard Sihlis
  • Patent number: 9708887
    Abstract: A downhole device shifts a component from a first state to a second state. The device includes a body having the component in a bore thereof and an annular space formed within an inner and outer wall of the body. The annular space includes a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with the bore at a first location and with a pressure transducer at a second location, the transducer constructed and arranged to measure pressure of the fluid and provide a signal to circuitry controlling a valve upon reception of a predetermined fluid pressure pulse sequence. When the pulse sequence is delivered, the valve opens, placing a source of pressurized fluid in communication with an actuator that shifts the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Mike A. Luke
  • Patent number: 9677379
    Abstract: A method of completing a well includes, positioning at least one valve within a tubular, closing the at least one valve, pressuring up against the closed at least one valve in a first direction, actuating a tool or treating a formation, opening the at least one valve without intervention, and flowing fluid past the at least one valve in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jason C. Mailand
  • Patent number: 9664008
    Abstract: A downhole tool and method of operation thereof is provided. The downhole tool may be configured to permit fluid communication between a combined flowbore of the casing string and the downhole tool and the subterranean formation or wellbore, or both, after a pressure test has been completed, a second threshold pressure is reached or applied, and a third threshold pressure has been applied to the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PetroQuip Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Kippola, Tracy Dean Blanton, Todd Ulrich Chretien, William John Darnell
  • Patent number: 9664015
    Abstract: A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have thFracturinge ability to be opened with a single element size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Peak Completion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft, Stephen Jackson, Daniel J Rojas
  • Patent number: 9638028
    Abstract: A method for signal communication between a well drilling instrument and the Earth's surface includes generating an electromagnetic field in an instrument disposed in drill string used to drill a wellbore. The electromagnetic field includes encoded measurements from at least one sensor associated with the instrument. A signal corresponding to an amplitude of the electromagnetic field is measured and the measurements from the measured signal are decoded. The signal comprises a voltage measured across electrodes or a voltage induced in an electromagnetic receiver disposed at a selected depth below the Earth's surface. The selected depth is at least the depth of a formation below the water table having a highest resistivity within 500 meters of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Guozhong Gao, Luis E. Depavia
  • Patent number: 9631437
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pressures present in an annular space defined between casing strings contained within a subterranean well. These systems and methods may include providing a pressure distribution casing that includes a plurality of pressure distribution passages and distributing fluids present within the annular space along a length of the pressure distribution casing and/or between the annular space and the subterranean formation using a portion of the plurality of pressure distribution passages. Pressure distribution passages may be present on an inner surface of the pressure distribution casing, on an outer surface of the pressure distribution casing, and/or within a wall of the pressure distribution casing and may distribute the fluids along the length of the pressure distribution casing without distributing the fluids across and/or through a wall of the pressure distribution casing, such as between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pressure distribution casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, David A. Baker, Michael S. Chelf, Charles S. Yeh
  • Patent number: 9611721
    Abstract: A sleeve actuation method for actuating sleeves in a reverse direction. The method includes a use of stored energy created by injecting into a connected region of a well such that the stored energy is used to actuate a tool installed in a wellbore casing that is either heel ward or uphole of the connected region. The tool actuated in a direction from toe end to heel end while the tool reconfigures to create a seat for seating plugging elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip M Snider, David S Wesson
  • Patent number: 9605670
    Abstract: A system for enhancing a flow of a fluid induced by a rod pumping unit is provided. A pumping control unit is configured to control stroke movement of the rod pumping unit. The pumping control unit is configured to store a first set of stroke timing data based on a first pressure level and a second set of stroke timing data based on a second pressure level, store a set of pressure weights, and receive a current pressure level. The current pressure level is between the first pressure level and the second pressure level. The pumping control unit is also configured to determine a current set of stroke timing data based on the current pressure level, the first set of stroke timing, the second set of stroke timing, and the set of pressure weights, and initiate at least one stroke of the rod pumping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kalpesh Singal, Fatemeh Zamanian, Egidio Marotta, Shyam Sivaramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 9598929
    Abstract: A completions assembly that includes an extendable and retractable shifting tool at a lower end of an upper completion. Outfitted with this type of tool, the upper completion may be sealably landed out at an installed lower completion without prematurely opening an isolation valve that ensures well control thereat. Rather, the full completions assembly may be finished out and the valve later opened by extending of the shifting tool from the upper completion toward the isolation valve at the lower completion. Once more, this type of well control is achieved through use of hydraulic lines that are dedicated to the upper completion even though the isolation valve is located therebelow. As a result, the extended use of hydraulic couplings and other complex or wear-prone well control architecture may be largely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Philippe Gambier
  • Patent number: 9512717
    Abstract: A disclosed system for downhole time domain reflectometry (TDR) includes a surface electro-optical interface, a downhole electro-optical interface, a fiber-optic cable that couples the surface electro-optical interface and the downhole electro-optical interface, and an electrical transmission line that extends from the downhole electro-optical interface into a wellbore environment to enable TDR operations. A described method for downhole TDR includes transmitting an optical signal to a downhole environment, converting the optical signal to an electrical signal in the downhole environment, reflecting the electrical signal using an electrical transmission line in the downhole environment, analyzing data corresponding to the reflected electrical signal, and displaying a result of the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Etienne M. Samson, David Paul Sharp, John L. Maida
  • Patent number: 9500050
    Abstract: A drillstring combination pressure reducing and signaling valve assembly uses multiple ball valves mounted in parallel, each having a different bore, to meter the flow through a drillstring. The individual ball valves are maintained in either a fully open or a fully closed position, but can be selectively moved between these two positions. The bores of the individual ball valves are sized so that at a given pressure, a first ball valve has a predetermined flow rate, a second ball valve has twice the flow rate of the first ball valve, a third ball valve has twice the flow rate of the second ball valve, and the remaining ball valves each have twice the flow rate of their predecessor in the valve sequence. This arrangement permits the flow rate and flow pressure drop through the assembly of valves to be digitally controlled by varying the combination of open and closed valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Larry Rayner Russell
  • Patent number: 9453390
    Abstract: A subterranean tool can drop multiple objects to landing locations in a tubular string. The tool can keep at least one ball out of the fluid stream until ready for release. A dart or wiper plug can be kept in the fluid stream with an open bypass until axial mandrel movement allows release of the plug or dart. The tool is rotationally locked at a lower location for run in and then can rotationally lock at an upper location upon release of the dart or ball. Axial movement that releases the dart can continue until the ball aligns with a decreasing depth groove so that relative part rotation cams the ball against a leaf spring detent and into the mandrel flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher R. Hern, Daniel C. Ewing, Matthew J. Krueger, Jason P. Lacombe, Travis J. Ansohn, Steve M. Cortez, Michael Ramon
  • Patent number: 9441457
    Abstract: A flow tool has a sensor that detects plugs (darts, balls, etc.) passing through the tool. An actuator moves an insert in the tool once a preset number of plugs have passed through the tool. Movement of this insert reveals a catch on a sleeve in the tool. Once the next plug is deployed, the catch engages the plug on the sleeve so that fluid pressure applied against the seated plug through the tubing string can move the sleeve. Once moved, the sleeve reveals ports in the tool communicating the tool's bore with the surrounding annulus so an adjacent wellbore interval can be stimulated. The actuator can use a sensor detecting passage of the plugs through the tool. A spring disposed in the tool can flex near the sensor when a plug passes through the tool, and a counter can count the number of plugs that have passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Clark E. Robison, Robert Coon, Robert Malloy