Destroying Or Dissolving Well Part Patents (Class 166/376)
  • Patent number: 10119358
    Abstract: An example downhole tool includes a wellbore isolation device that provides a plurality of components including one or more first components and one or more second components. Each component is made of a degradable material that degrades when exposed to a wellbore environment, and the one or more first components degrades at a first degradation rate while the one or more second components degrades at a second degradation rate that is slower than the first degradation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary William Walton, Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary Ryan Murphree, John Todd Broome
  • Patent number: 9982499
    Abstract: A method and a downhole apparatus for clearing a wellbore are disclosed. The method locates a mill in the wellbore about the obstructions, introduces a driving fluid flow along a driving flow path from surface to the mill, and introduces a circulation fluid flow along a circulation flow path from surface into a wellbore annulus at a location in the wellbore above the mill. Then the mill is driven by the introduced driving fluid flow to mill the obstructions; and milled obstructions are circulated to the surface via the wellbore annulus using the introduced circulation fluid and gas flow. At least a portion of the circulation flow path is within the driving flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Quantum Downhole Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Fleischhacker, Mike Mazerolle, Steven Winkler
  • Patent number: 9970256
    Abstract: A downhole tool suitable for use in a wellbore, the downhole tool having a mandrel, a first and second slip, a conical surface, and a lower sleeve. An elongate member is disposed at least partially in each of the second slip, the conical surface, and the lower sleeve. The elongate member is not in contact with the mandrel, and has a body axis parallel to a long axis of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Downhole Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke Vanlue
  • Patent number: 9964660
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes an electrically-conductive member having an outer and/or inner surface coated with an electrically-insulating material, a transmitter placed at a first location on the electrically-conductive member that induces electromagnetic wave signals that travel along the coated surface of the electrically conductive member, and a receiver placed at a second location spaced from the first location on the electrically-conductive member that detects the electromagnetic induced by the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Michael H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9845659
    Abstract: A “passive” apparatus and method for isolating flow within a thermal wellbore wherein inflow apertures are plugged with a temporary fusible alloy plug that can be selectively removed by increasing the wellbore temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, Total E&P Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Garret Madell, John Lowell Stalder, Jesse Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9695677
    Abstract: A system and methodology facilitates creation of perforations along a wellbore. The technique utilizes a perforating gun system having cooperating components, such as a carrier, a loading system, and a plurality of shaped charges. The cooperating components are constructed to break down into multiple smaller pieces upon detonation of the plurality of shaped charges. This allows the perforating gun system to effectively disappear within the wellbore such that any remaining small pieces do not interfere with well flow and/or later interventions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander Moody-Stuart, Michael J. Bertoja, Aleksey Barykin
  • Patent number: 9689227
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises a first material and pieces of a second material, wherein the first material: is a metal or a metal alloy; forms a matrix of the portion of the wellbore isolation device; and partially or wholly dissolves when an electrically conductive path exists between the first material and the second material and at least a portion of the first and second materials are in contact with the electrolyte, wherein the pieces of the second material: are a metal or metal alloy; and are embedded within the matrix of the first material; wherein the first material and the second material form a galvanic couple and wherein the first material is the anode and the second material is the cathode of the couple. The isolation device can also include a bonding agent for bonding the pieces of the second material into the matrix of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Zachary R. Murphree, Zachary W. Walton
  • Patent number: 9528342
    Abstract: A method of setting and maintaining a tool in a set position for a period of time includes the following. Causing a component of a device to move relative to another component of the device, interengaging one or more features of at least one of the components with the another component, creating a set condition of a tool engaged with the component and the another component with the causing and interengaging. A method of dissolving at least the one or more features when removal of the tool is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yingqing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 9458692
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprising: a nanolaminate, wherein the nanolaminate comprises two or more layers of a first material and two or more layers of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material form a galvanic couple, and wherein the first material is the anode and the second material is the cathode of the galvanic couple. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: contacting or allowing the wellbore isolation device to come in contact with an electrolyte; and causing or allowing at least a portion of the two or more layers of the first material to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Arthur Baker, Zachary R. Murphree, Zachary W. Walton
  • Patent number: 9382778
    Abstract: A down hole pressure isolation tool is placed in a pipe string and includes a pair of pressure discs having one side that is highly resistant to applied pressure and one side that ruptures when much lower pressures are applied to it. The weak sides of the pressure discs face each other. In some embodiments, an upper disc is mounted for movement and restrained by a shearable connection. Upon the application of pressure to the tool, the connection shears allowing the upper disc to move into and collide with the lower disc thereby fracturing both discs and allowing pressure communication across the tool. In another embodiment, spurs carried by a sleeve fracture an upper disc in response to pressure delivered to an upper end of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 9284794
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving functional access to subterranean formations that include a well, which includes a casing string having at least one casing conduit that extends and provides a hydraulic connection between a surface region and the subterranean formation. Performing a plurality of downhole operations utilizing a casing string that constitutes a plurality of hydraulic pathways between the surface region and the subterranean formation. The plurality of downhole operations may be simultaneous operations and/or may be associated with at least one of a plurality of operational states including a drilling state, completing state, stimulating state, producing state, abandoning state, and/or killing state. In some embodiments, systems and methods may include a plurality of production control assemblies to control and/or monitor the downhole operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Dale, Pavlin B. Entchev, Stuart R. Keller
  • Patent number: 9279309
    Abstract: A tubular member has at least one drainage section including an inlet inlet and at least one self-adjustable flow control device to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well. The flow control devices are located in an annular space surrounding a pipe between the inlet and an outlet is provided for fluid flowing into the drainage section. The annular space forms a flow path through the flow control device passing by a valve body arranged to adjust the flow area in response to the pressure difference across the flow control device and/or changes in density of the fluid. The flow control device includes a valve seat cooperating with the valve body. The valve body includes an annular resilient valve member arranged to be deformed at least in a radial direction, in order to reduce or increase the flow area through the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Bjørnar Werswick, Haavard Aakre, Vidar Matheisen
  • Patent number: 9187686
    Abstract: A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article to a composition comprising a corrosive agent selected from a reducing sugar, ester, aminocarboxylic acid, or a combination thereof. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the corrosive agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, salt, and a corrosive agent selected from a reducing sugar, ester, aminocarboxylic acid, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 9109269
    Abstract: A powder metal compact is disclosed. The powder metal compact includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The powder metal compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material that comprises an Mg—Zr, Mg—Zn—Zr, Mg—Al—Zn—Mn, Mg—Zn—Cu—Mn or Mg—W alloy, or a combination thereof, dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 9097078
    Abstract: A method for removing downhole equipment installed in a well includes introducing an equipment dissolution mixture around the downhole equipment. The dissolution mixture includes one or more chemicals and/or materials suitable for the substantial dissolution of the downhole equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: MAERSK OLIE OG GAS A/S
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen, Engel Van Spronsen
  • Patent number: 9090956
    Abstract: A powder metal compact is disclosed. The powder metal compact includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The powder metal compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material that comprises an Al—Cu—Mg, Al—Mn, Al—Si, Al—Mg, Al—Mg—Si, Al—Zn, Al—Zn—Cu, Al—Zn—Mg, Al—Zn—Cr, Al—Zn—Zr, or Al—Sn—Li alloy, or a combination thereof, dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 9068428
    Abstract: A selectively corrodible downhole article includes a movable cylindrical member comprising a first section and an axially separated second section, the first section comprising a first material having a first galvanic activity, the second section comprising a second material having a second galvanic activity, the first galvanic activity greater than the second, the first section electrically isolated from the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Michael H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9033041
    Abstract: A technique includes running a seat assembly on a conveyance line into a tubing string, which has previously been installed in a well. The seat assembly includes a seat, which is adapted to receive an untethered object. The technique includes attaching the seat assembly to the string at a location downhole in the well; receiving the object to create a fluid barrier; and diverting fluid using the fluid barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Baihly, Michael J. Bertoja, Robert A. Parrott, Bruno Lecerf, Don Aldridge
  • Patent number: 9027637
    Abstract: A well system has a fluid flow path for the inflow of production fluid. An inflow control device is disposed within the fluid flow path. The inflow control device has at least first and second fluid passageways. A first plug is disposed within the first fluid passageway and is operable to restrict fluid flow therethrough. The first plug is operably removable from the first fluid passageway responsive to a first stimulus. A second plug is disposed within the second fluid passageway and is operable to restrict fluid flow therethrough. The second plug is operably removable from the second fluid passageway responsive to a second stimulus, wherein the first stimulus is different from the second stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Jun Kang, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 9027655
    Abstract: A slip element, including a substrate at least partially formed from a material degradable upon exposure to a fluid; and an outer surface disposed on the substrate. A method of removing a slip element including exposing a substrate of the slip element to a downhole fluid for degrading the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhiyue Xu, Richard YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 9027653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a secondary system and method for initiating a down hole operation in a wellbore when a primary activation system fails. The primary activation system is configured to provide fluid communication between a first chamber and a second chamber in response to a primary activation operation. The secondary activation system includes a passageway between the first chamber and the second chamber, and a rupture member positioned in the passageway. The rupture member has a threshold pressure differential at which the rupture member ruptures to afford fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber to thereby initiate the down hole operation if the primary activation system fails. The primary activation operation may be configured to move a trigger member to initiate the down hole operation, whereas the secondary activation operation may be configured to initiate the down hole operation without moving the trigger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Frederick Budler, Frank Acosta, Kumaran Palanivel
  • Patent number: 9016384
    Abstract: A system including a first component, a second component disposed radially adjacent to the first component, and a centralizer disposed between the first component and the second component for at least partially filling a radial clearance between the first component and the second component. The centralizer is formed at least partially from a disintegrable material responsive to a selected fluid. A method of completing a borehole is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 9010442
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing tool comprising a housing comprising ports, a triggering system, a first sliding sleeve transitional from a first position to a second position, and a second sliding sleeve transitional from a first position to a second position, wherein, when in the first position, the first sliding sleeve retains the second sliding sleeve in the first position, wherein, when in the first position, the second sliding sleeve prevents a route of fluid communication via the one or more ports of the housing and, when is in the second position, the second sliding sleeve allows fluid communication via the ports, and wherein the triggering system is configured to allow the first sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position responsive to recognition of a predetermined signal comprising a predetermined pressure signal, a predetermined temperature signal, a predetermined flow-rate signal, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Streich, Zachary William Walton
  • Publication number: 20150101825
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first plurality of segments, and the second portion includes a second plurality of segments. The apparatus is deployable in a tubing string that is installed in the well, and the second plurality of segments is adapted to engage the tubing string and exert a force on the first plurality of segments. The first plurality of segments is adapted to expand to form a seat in the tubing string to receive an untethered object in response to the force, and the second plurality of segments is adapted to be released from the first plurality of segments downhole in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregoire Jacob
  • Patent number: 8997899
    Abstract: A cutting element includes a modified gilmoid having two planes defining a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and a first support extending from a central area of a first of the two planes and a second support extending from a central area of a second of the two planes. The supports are sized and positioned such that when the cutting element is resting against a planar surface such that one of the plurality of cutting edges and the first support are in contact with the planar surface the first plane forms an acute angle with the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Calvin J. Stowe, II
  • Patent number: 8991497
    Abstract: The following describes a novel and alternative mechanism in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material allows to obtain a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse C. Lee, Stephane Boulard, Nikhil Shindgikar, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Publication number: 20150083436
    Abstract: A method for installing and operating a cable head with cable shear mechanism for wireline cable supporting oilfield equipment in a wellbore. The cable head has a housing, a cable bore, a tapered sleeve, a sliding bell, a drive pinch cylinder, a linear biasing mechanism positioned between the tapered sleeve and the drive pinch cylinder, a plurality of shear pins disposed partially into the housing and though the drive pinch cylinder, wherein each shear pin is adapted to withstand from 100 pounds to 2000 pounds of shear load, a pair of slidable cutting segments, and a pair of slidable cutting segment guides. When cable load exceeds a preset limit, the shear pins shear allowing the slidable cutting segments to be moved up the slidable cutting segment guides to impact and shear the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: G&H DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING, LP
    Inventors: Joe Noel Wells, Edward Cannoy Kash
  • Patent number: 8985210
    Abstract: A method of severing at least a first object comprises: positioning a severing device adjacent to the first object, wherein the first object is a wireline or a tubular, and wherein the severing device comprises: a first reactant, and a second reactant; initiating a reaction, or allowing a reaction to occur, between the first reactant and the second reactant, wherein the reaction is an exothermic reaction, and wherein heat evolved from the reaction has a temperature greater than or equal to the melting point of the first object; and directing at least a portion of the heat from the outside of the first object through the first object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam D. Wright
  • Patent number: 8978765
    Abstract: A valve system for providing fluid flow through radial openings disposed along an axial length of a tubular. The tubular comprises at least one valve group containing at least two valves operable by one drop ball. An inset 302 e.g. of standard grade steel provided in a harder liner 301 in the opening provides an intermediate small opening for at least the time required to open all the remaining valves in the group. The small opening limits the pressure drop over the valve. When all valves are open, the insets 302 are eroded away by an abrasive material, e.g. a slurry used for hydraulic fracturing, and permanent full openings are created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: I-Tec AS
    Inventors: Kristoffer Braekke, Geir Lunde, Roger Antonsen
  • Publication number: 20150060085
    Abstract: A method of reducing restriction in a borehole that is configured for a multizone fracturing operation wherein the borehole has a plurality of plug reception assemblies and each of the plurality of plug reception assemblies includes at least one component configured to disintegrate upon exposure to a selected condition. The method includes exposing the at least one component to a disintegrating environment and facilitating restriction reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 8967275
    Abstract: A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article comprising a controlled electrolytic material to a composition that comprises a reducing agent. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the reducing agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, chelant, metal ions, and a reducing agent that includes ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, a derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 8967276
    Abstract: A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough, and plugs positioned within the perforations that are configured to dissolve in response to exposure to a first environment thereby creative of a second environment that can dissolve or increase porosity of cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Bennett M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20150053422
    Abstract: A hybrid rotary cone drill bit includes a plurality of legs. A bearing shaft extends from each leg, and a rotary cone is rotationally coupled to each bearing shaft. At least one rotary cone includes a nose row of cutting structures, an inner row of cutting structures, and a gage row of cutting structures. The nose row and the inner row of cutting structures are formed of milled teeth. The gage row of cutting structures is formed of cutter inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., L.P.
    Inventors: Kyle Nobile, Matt Stroever, David Michel Harrington, Karl W. Rose
  • Publication number: 20150021042
    Abstract: A drillable plug includes a mandrel having an upper end and a lower axial section, the lower axial section having a geometry transition point separating an upper circular mandrel profile from a lower non-circular mandrel profile, a seal element disposed around the upper circular mandrel profile, and a lower cone having an inner surface forming a passage, the lower cone disposed around the lower non-circular mandrel profile whereby the lower cone is rotationally locked with the mandrel and a lower slip assembly moveably disposed on a sloped outer surface of the lower cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: George J. Melenyzer, Christopher Cromer
  • Patent number: 8936095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of conveying magnetic particles into a wellbore is disclosed. A plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to a magnetic field are delivered downhole via a degradable material. The degradable material confines the particles and conveys the particles to a desired location downhole. The structure comprising the degradable material and the confined particles can be lowered into a subterranean well by a cable or wire, or alternatively released into the well under the influence of gravity and flow induced forces. The material degrades in response to conditions encountered in a subterranean environment thus releasing the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Manuel Marya
  • Publication number: 20140374121
    Abstract: Entry guides for use on a tubing string comprise one or more dissolvable materials. A profile disposed on the entry guide facilitates aligning the tubing string in a desired orientation within a wellbore. For example, the profile can align the tubing string with a bore of a component disposed within the wellbore so that the tubing string can be inserted into a bore of the downhole component. After proper alignment has been achieved, the one or more dissolvable materials can be activated to disappear leaving behind the tubing string and the downhole component in their desired arrangement. One or more portion of the entry guides, including the profile, can be formed out of the dissolvable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kelly D. Ireland, Timothy L. Cragin
  • Publication number: 20140367117
    Abstract: A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article comprising a controlled electrolytic material to a composition that comprises a reducing agent. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the reducing agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, chelant, metal ions, and a reducing agent that includes ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, a derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 8910715
    Abstract: A system including a combined plug and valve device that may be precisely delivered to and inserted into an uncontrolled undersea oil well. Once positioned in the well, the device is operated in graduated fashion to anchor the plug to the well and gradually stanch the flow of oil from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Rowan University
    Inventors: Charles Earl Linderman, Karl Bachman Dyer, Ryan Alexander Bandura, Eric William Constans, Kandalam Venkata Ramanujachary
  • Patent number: 8905146
    Abstract: A downhole assembly with controlled degradation including a body having a cavity therein and is formed from a first material having a first electrode potential. An insert is disposed in the cavity, the insert electrically coupled to the body and formed from a second material having a second electrode potential, with the first electrode potential being more negative than the second electrode potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sean Gaudette, Wayne Furlan
  • Patent number: 8905139
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Napoleon Arizmendi, Jr., Richard Paul Rubbo
  • Patent number: 8905147
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: at least a first material, wherein the first material: (A) is a metal or a metal alloy; and (B) is capable of at least partially dissolving when an electrically conductive path exists between the first material and a second material and at least a portion of the first and second materials are in contact with an electrolyte, wherein the second material: (i) is a metal or metal alloy; and (ii) has a greater anodic index than the first material. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: contacting or allowing the wellbore isolation device to come in contact with an electrolyte; and allowing at least a portion of the first material to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fripp, Syed Hamid, Pete Dagenais
  • Publication number: 20140338923
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for removing a degradable barrier plug positioned in a downhole axial passageway. The degradable plug is initially isolated from fluid by at least one solid, non-degradable cover. A first electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to open a passageway to the degradable plug. A second electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to allow a fluid, such as water from a supply chamber, to flow into contact with the plug. The plug is substantially degraded, although the cover remains. A third electronic rupture disc assembly is actuated to bend and then cover the remaining solid cover, thereby opening the axial passageway and protecting later-introduced tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Donald G. Kyle, Jeff Huggins
  • Patent number: 8887838
    Abstract: A cutting element includes, a gilmoid with a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and at least one support extending from the gilmoid. The at least one support and at least one of the plurality of cutting edges are simultaneously contactable with a surface upon which the cutting element is restable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Calvin J. Stowe, II
  • Patent number: 8887816
    Abstract: A downhole tool or a component thereof may comprise a plasticized polymer composition that comprises a polymer and a water-soluble plasticizer, wherein the plasticized polymer composition has a first deflection test value. The tool may be exposed to an aqueous-based medium where the water-soluble plasticizer may leach out of the tool such that the plasticized polymer composition has a second deflection test value after exposure to the aqueous-based medium that is less than about 10% of the first deflection test value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Stanley J. Heath, Bradley L. Todd
  • Publication number: 20140332233
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: a first layer, wherein the first layer: (A) comprises a first material; and (B) defines a cavity containing a dissolution medium, wherein a chemical reaction of at least the dissolution medium causes at least a portion of the first material to dissolve. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: introducing the wellbore isolation device containing the dissolution medium into the wellbore; and allowing the chemical reaction to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Zachary W. WALTON, Matthew T. HOWELL, Matt J. MERRON
  • Patent number: 8881823
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising: (a) providing a filter cake on a surface in a subterranean formation, the filter cake comprising a polymer and a bridging agent; (b) providing a filter cake clean-up fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid; and (c) contacting the filter cake with the filter cake clean-up fluid so that a portion of the subterranean formation neighboring the filter cake has a regain permeability of at least about 86%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Natalia Collins, Kingsley Nzeadibe, Stephen W. Almond, Carl Thaemlitz
  • Patent number: 8875784
    Abstract: A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Kuo, Gregory S. Cunningham, Caleb T. Warren, Brandon T. Least, Michael L. Fripp, Matthew E. Franklin, Stephen M. Greci, Aaron J. Bonner
  • Publication number: 20140318808
    Abstract: One or more inflatables are used to initiate fractures in a formation. The onset of fractures after inflation to a predetermined pressure also results in damage to the inflatable and the ability to follow up the stress that initiated the fracture with high flow at high pressure to further propagate the initiated fractures at a location close to their origin. In another variation the inflatable can have openings that are small enough to allow inflation to initiate the fractures and yet continue to allow fluid flow through the openings to propagate the fractures. In yet another variation sliding sleeves with ball seats can be sequentially operated to inflate to fracture followed by opening an adjacent port to propagate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20140311752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to downhole tools and methods of removing such tools from wellbores. More particularly, the present invention relates to downhole tools designed to be comprised of dissolvable materials or frangible materials and methods for dissolving or fragmenting such downhole tools in situ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven G. Streich, Donnie G. Loveday, Donny W. Winslow, John T. Brandell, Earl D. Webb
  • Patent number: 8863850
    Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Trican Well Service Ltd
    Inventors: Scott Sherman, Robert Pugh, Sean Majko, Steve Scherschel