Destroying Or Dissolving Well Part Patents (Class 166/376)
  • Patent number: 7909104
    Abstract: A decomposable sealing device is described for use in liquid-filled pipes or boreholes, which is characterised in that the sealing device comprises a sleeve-shaped element (19) which envelops a number of strata (5, 7, 9) completely or partly in the pipe's radial and a longitudinal direction, comprising layered division of a number of decomposable strata (5, 7, 9) and a number of closed liquid-filled chambers (16) arranged between the strata (5, 7, 9) and where the sleeve-shaped element (19) comprises a body (2) which can be rearranged to establish connection between the respective chambers (16) and one or more grooves (14) in the inner wall of a pipe. A method for decomposing the sealing device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Bjorgum Mekaniske AS
    Inventor: Stig Ove Bjørgum
  • Patent number: 7900696
    Abstract: A down hole flow control tool for use in a well bore, such as a bridge or frac plug, includes back-flow vent holes in a central mandrel and initially covered by a member on the mandrel, such as a lower slip or a lower cone. In a subsequent, set configuration, the member moves away from the vent hole allowing back flow of well fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall W. Nish, Randy A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7900703
    Abstract: A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose portion and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lester I. Clark, John C. Thomas, Jeffrey B. Lund, Eric E. McClain
  • Patent number: 7897063
    Abstract: A composition and method for breaking down and denaturing friction-reducing compound introduced into the ground during the drilling of gas and oil wells and for destroying other contaminants and biohazards naturally present within and artificially introduced into hydrocarbon wells, which are formed as a result of the drilling and pumping processes. The composition includes several species of oxidizing agent compounds that are effective in breaking down hydrogen sulfide produced by bacteria as well as the friction-reducing polymer used during drilling and several other organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen C. Perry, Michael E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7878253
    Abstract: An affixation and release arrangement includes a first component having a fluid pressure chamber. A piston is mounted in the first component and exposed to the fluid pressure chamber. A second component is affixed to the first component through the piston, the piston being responsive to fluid pressure increase within the chamber to unaffix the second component from the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Calvin J. Stowe, James M. McNicol, Andrew D. Ponder
  • Publication number: 20110017471
    Abstract: Downhole tools and methods for isolating a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore or flowpath formed therethrough, and one or more sealing members disposed therein. The one or more sealing members can include an annular base and a curved surface having an upper face and a lower face, wherein one or more first radii define the upper face, and one or more second radii define the lower face, and wherein, at any point on the curved surface, the first radius is greater than the second radius. The sealing members can be disposed within the bore of the tool using one or more annular sealing devices disposed about the one or more sealing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Publication number: 20110005773
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation including providing a well bore that includes a filter cake on at least a portion of the well bore and contacting at least a portion of the filter cake with a filter cake degradation fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier. The method also includes allowing the relative permeability modifier to retain at least a portion of the filter cake degradation fluid in the well bore for a time sufficient to contact the filtercake and allowing the filter cake to degrade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Andrew D. Penno
  • Patent number: 7861781
    Abstract: A wall casing cement plug assembly includes a receptacle with an axial passage. The receptacle is pumped to a lower end of the casing string and locked in place. The receptacle has a casing seal that engages the string of casing and a retainer mechanism on its exterior that engages a profile in the string of casing. Cement is pumped through the receptacle by rupturing a blocking device in the axial passage of the receptacle. A wiper plug is pumped down the string casing. The wiper plug has a prong on its lower end that stabs into the axial passage of the receptacle. A latch located in the lower portion of the receptacle locks the wiper plug to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Shane P. D'Arcy
  • Patent number: 7855168
    Abstract: The current disclosure describes a multifunctional fluid that addresses a new concept in the removal of filter cake. A composition is disclosed comprising: a carrier fluid, a surfactant, a fluorine source and an organic stabilizer able to minimize precipitation of fluorine The associated method to remove the filter cake is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Fuller, Syed Ali, Laurent Pirolli, John W. Still
  • Publication number: 20100314127
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, nonexplosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. SWOR, Brian K. WILKINSON
  • Patent number: 7849927
    Abstract: A method of running a tubular string into a wellbore comprises running a bore-lining tubular string into a wellbore substantially without rotation, while rotating a cutting structure at a distal leading end of the tubular string. Other methods provide for rotation of the string and the provision of a non-rotating stabiliser towards the leading end of the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Deep Casing Tools Ltd.
    Inventor: Derek F. Herrera
  • Publication number: 20100294510
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dissolvable downhole tool. The tool includes, a dissolvable body constructed of at least two materials and at least one of the at least two materials is a reactive material, and a first material of the at least two materials being configured to substantially dissolve the dissolvable body and a second material configured to control reaction timing of the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kevin C. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7833944
    Abstract: Methods and compositions including a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a solid particle comprising a crosslinked aliphatic polyester; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Larry S. Eoff, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7828055
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a defined space, such as an annulus around a production tubular within a wellbore, includes a compliant porous material. The compliant porous material can be compressed and maintained in a compressed state by incorporation of a deployment modifier which may be a water-soluble or oil-soluble adhesive or biopolymer, used as an impregnant, a coating, or a casing. The production tubular can be positioned at a desired location and the compliant porous material exposed to a deployment modifier neutralizing agent, which then dissolves or otherwise prevents the deployment modifier from continuing to inhibit the deployment. Thus, deployment can be delayed to an optimum time by controlling exposure of the deployment modifier to the deployment modifier neutralizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darrin L. Willauer, Ping Duan
  • Publication number: 20100270031
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a downhole plug is disclosed. The downhole plug can include a housing having an aperture disposed generally through the center of the housing, a stopper having a composition of at least two different materials, one or more covers at least partially disposed on the stopper, wherein the stopper is at least partially encapsulated by the one or more covers, and wherein the stopper is disposed in the aperture and adapted to block fluid flow therethrough, and a flow control device disposed adjacent the stopper to selectively introduce fluid to at least a portion of the stopper. In one or more embodiments, a method is disclosed for operating a wellbore using a downhole plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7819198
    Abstract: A one-shot thermally activated release mechanism, the release mechanism including a spiral or helically wound spring wrapped around a set of jaws in a manner that prevents the jaws from expanding; held in this tightened position by two wires, with one wire fixed to the body of a member of the jaws and the second wire attached to the spring, the wires bonded together by a solder or other fusible material. The jaws restrict the movement of a plunger. Heating the solder causes release of the spring and enables expansion of the jaws, allowing movement of the plunger. A bias force on the plunger assists in movement of the plunger past the expanding jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Birckhead, Christopher W. Mayeu
  • Publication number: 20100263872
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising an inlet space, a central space adjacent and in fluid communication with the inlet space along a central axis, a dome space adjacent and in fluid communication with the central space along the central axis, and a plurality of channels adjacent to and in fluid communication with the dome space, wherein the plurality of channels are radially spaced about the central axis, and wherein a channel axis of the at least one of the plurality of channels is incident the central axis by less than ninety degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad R. Bull, Ivan L. Blanco, Kenneth G. Neal
  • Patent number: 7810553
    Abstract: A wireline cutter comprises a primary housing with a first axial bore configured to receive a wireline positioned within a well bore, and a first blade mounted within the primary housing and operable to cut the wireline. A method of cutting a wireline in a well bore comprises running a wireline cutter into the well bore, receiving the wireline within the wireline cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter. A one-trip cutting system for use in a well bore comprises a wireline cutter, and a coiled tubing cutter. A method for cutting a coiled tubing with a wireline disposed therein comprises running a system comprising a wireline cutter and a coiled tubing cutter into the well bore, cutting the coiled tubing with the coiled tubing cutter, and cutting the wireline with the wireline cutter, wherein both cutting steps are performed in one trip into the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Cruickshank, Benjamin Bianchi, Richard Messa
  • Publication number: 20100252273
    Abstract: A convertible downhole device comprises at least one sacrificial material to provide two or more configurations so that two or more different operations or functions are performable by the downhole device, one in which the sacrificial material is fully intact and another in which the sacrificial material is at least partially removed or disappeared. The sacrificial material may be removable through any suitable method or device, such as by contacting with a fluid, by temperature, by pressure, or by combustion, ignition, or activation of a fusible or energetic material, or crushing or breaking up of a frangible material. Upon removal of the sacrificial material, the downhole device has at least one additional configuration so that at least a second operation can be performed by the downhole device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Darin H. Duphorne
  • Patent number: 7806189
    Abstract: Downhole tools and methods for isolating a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore or flowpath formed therethrough, and one or more sealing members disposed therein. The one or more sealing members can include an annular base and a curved surface having an upper face and a lower face, wherein one or more first radii define the upper face, and one or more second radii define the lower face, and wherein, at any point on the curved surface, the first radius is greater than the second radius. The sealing members can be disposed within the bore of the tool using one or more annular sealing devices disposed about the one or more sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 7798236
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a pressure isolation plug for managing a wellbore with multiple zones. The pressure isolation plug generally includes a body with a bore extending therethrough, a first disintegratable ball sized and positioned to restrict upward fluid flow through the bore, wherein the disintegratable ball disintegrates when exposed to wellbore conditions for a first amount of time. The plug also includes a second ball sized and positioned to restrict downward fluid flow through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: W. John McKeachnie, Michael McKeachnie, Scott Williamson, Rocky A. Turley
  • Patent number: 7798226
    Abstract: A cement diffuser and method for allowing a ported tubular to be cemented in place, while keeping an annulus about a port of the ported tubular generally free of set cement. The cement diffuser includes a collection of fibers secured over the port and extending out from an outer surface of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Packers Plus Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Jon Themig
  • Publication number: 20100230104
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for completing a borehole (1, 2) prior to the start of production, wherein after making the borehole (1, 2) the borehole wall (3) is anchored in a sealed manner with a conveying tube (4) and/or casing tube, and the borehole wall (3) is perforated with perforation units (5) at desired points. To complete a borehole without the use of cemented conveying tubes and/or casing tubes, it is proposed that the conveying tube (3) and/or casing tube be provided on its outer surface with a swellable sealing jacket (6), wherein the sealing jacket (6) swells after activation and anchors the annular gap between the conveying tube (4) and/or casing tube and the borehole wall (3) in a sealed manner and simultaneously centres the conveying tube (4) and/or casing tube in the borehole (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Nölke, Roland Peeters, Liam McNelis, Malte Veehmayer, Frank Preiss
  • Patent number: 7784543
    Abstract: A tubing component for use in a downhole environment including a tubular having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of beaded matrixes disposed in the plurality of openings the beaded matrixes being configured to be pluggable in situ in the downhole environment. A method for controlling flow in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7775286
    Abstract: A convertible downhole device comprises at least one sacrificial material to provide two or more configurations so that two or more different operations or functions are performable by the downhole device, one in which the sacrificial material is fully intact and another in which the sacrificial material is at least partially removed or disappeared. The sacrificial material may be removable through any suitable method or device, such as by contacting with a fluid, by temperature, by pressure, or by combustion, ignition, or activation of a fusible or energetic material, or crushing or breaking up of a frangible material. Upon removal of the sacrificial material, the downhole device has at least one additional configuration so that at least a second operation can be performed by the downhole device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Darin H. Duphorne
  • Patent number: 7762342
    Abstract: A flow conduit may have at least one orifice is in the vicinity of a flow source. The source is at least partially covered (and flow blocked by) an optional temporary coating or barrier. The flow pathway between the orifice and the source is temporarily blocked with a degradable material or barrier. The material disintegrates (e.g. under the influence of time or temperature) to optionally produce a product that removes the temporary coating in the area adjacent the barrier. The method is useful in one non-limiting context of recovering hydrocarbons where the flow conduit is the casing or liner of the well and the flow source is a subterranean reservoir where the temporary coating is a filter cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Paul McElfresh, Chad Williams
  • Patent number: 7757773
    Abstract: A latch for interconnecting a first wellbore element and a second wellbore element in a manner such that the first and second elements can be conveyed into a wellbore in tandem and then disconnected from one another includes a first latch head connectable to the first element, a second latch head connectable to the second element, and a lock mechanism connectable between the first and second latch heads, wherein the lock mechanism structurally degrades when exposed to the wellbore environment allowing disconnection of the first latch head and the second latch head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Rytlewski
  • Publication number: 20100175889
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in dispensing fluid into a wellbore includes a piston element releasably coupled to a housing and a detonator in the housing that applies a force sufficient to release the piston element from the housing when activated. The apparatus also has an intermediate section that mates with the upper section, an elongated member coupled to the piston and that is positioned in a bore of the intermediate section; and a lower section having a housing that mates with the intermediate section. The housing includes at least one opening providing communication between a bore of the housing and an exterior of the housing; and a movable barrier in the lower section. The movable barrier has a first position, wherein the barrier substantially blocks communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening, and a second position, wherein the barrier does not substantially block communication between the bore of the intermediate section and the at least one opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Gartz, Garret William Hansen, Robert Michael Frederick Lesiuk
  • Patent number: 7726406
    Abstract: A trigger device for setting a downhole tool is disclosed. The trigger device includes a retaining member that prevents the downhole tool from setting until it is properly positioned within the well. Regardless of the type of downhole tool or the type of trigger device, the retaining member includes a dissolvable material that dissolves when contacted by a solvent. The dissolvable material is preferably one that dissolves at a known rate so that the amount of time necessary for the downhole tool to set is pre-determined. Preferably, the solvent is a water-based or hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid or mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 7712541
    Abstract: A technique is provided to temporarily protect well system components during transport, movement downhole and/or initial downhole operations. A sacrificial material is formed as a protective sacrificial element disposed proximate susceptible well system components. The protective sacrificial element is at least partially dissolvable in fluids within a wellbore to facilitate removal of the element after a desired time period. Once the temporary, protective sacrificial element is removed, the protected well system component is fully operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ives Loretz, Donald Ross
  • Publication number: 20100108328
    Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren Swor, Phillip Starr, Don R. Smith, Brian K. Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20100108327
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loren C. Swor, Brian K. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7708078
    Abstract: A conductor delivery arrangement includes a length of feedable tubing; a landing tool in operable communication with the feedable tubing; and a conductor in operable communication with the landing tool and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Carl W. Stoesz
  • Publication number: 20100101802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling head for reboring a stuck valve or drilling into the formation downhole. The invention furthermore relates to a drilling tool comprising the drilling head and a driving unit. The drilling head comprises a hole saw beside a drill bit for cutting out a piece from the stuck valve. Furthermore, the invention relates to a drilling system comprising the drilling tool and a driving tool for moving the drilling tool downhole, a method of drilling; and a use of the drilling head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Weltec A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbaek, Svend Karsten Jensen, Thomas Sune Andersen
  • Publication number: 20100101803
    Abstract: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert CLAYTON, Kevin BERSCHEIDT
  • Patent number: 7703511
    Abstract: A pressure barrier apparatus 2 for providing a removable pressure barrier in a borehole is described. The apparatus comprises a housing 6, 8 defining a central bore 10 having a first part 20 and a second part 22 separated by an erodeable pressure barrier member 18. The housing also defines a second fluid flow passage 12 for connecting the first part to the second part, and a plurality of conduits 24 for directing fluid onto the barrier member. A sleeve 30 has a first condition in which fluid communication between the first part 20 and the second fluid flow passage 12 is prevented, and a second condition in which fluid is permitted to flow from the first part to the second fluid flow passage to cause erosion of the barrier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Completion Technology Limited
    Inventors: Mark Buyers, David Forsyth
  • Patent number: 7699101
    Abstract: A well system having a galvanic time release plug. A well system includes a flow passage and a flow blocking device which selectively obstructs flow through the passage, the device including an electrode in a galvanic cell. A flow blocking device for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes a portion which delays an electrochemical reaction in a galvanic cell. A method of controlling fluid flow in a well system includes the steps of: obstructing flow through a passage using a flow blocking device which includes an electrode of a galvanic cell; and increasing flow through the passage by operation of the galvanic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Haoyue Zhang, Luke W. Holderman, Deborah Fripp, Ashok K. Santra, Anindya Ghosh
  • Patent number: 7686082
    Abstract: A completion method delivers cement to an open hole below a cemented casing. A gun or guns are run below a liner and a hanger and advanced into the cement before it sets up. With the gun and the liner surrounded in cement up to close to the hanger that supports the liner to the already cemented casing, the cement is allowed to set around the gun with no tubular surrounding the gun. The gun carries extra shot to enhance the perforation and can be fluid filled with clean fluid. Prior well cleaning such as with brine circulation is now limited to the region of the hanger and above. Production flow is through the perforations into the gun body allowing any residue of the explosive charge used to perforate to flow to surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Roger J. Marsh
  • Publication number: 20100065282
    Abstract: A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lester I. Clark, John C. Thomas, Jeffrey B. Lund, Eric E. McClain
  • Patent number: 7661481
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use as a downhole tool or a component thereof for insertion into a wellbore. According to one aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable; and a water-swellable material in the chamber, wherein the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water. According to another aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable, and wherein at least a portion of the body is made with a material that is deteriorable by hydrolysis; and a water-swellable material in the chamber. According to a further aspect, the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7661480
    Abstract: A method for rupturing a glass disc in a well completion tool located downhole in a section of production tubing includes providing a wellhead isolation tool, or tree saver, to isolate the wellhead Christmas tree, adding a pressurized fluid to the tubing/casing annulus and pumping a disc rupturing fluid into the production tubing via the tree saver until the disc is ruptured. Following rupture, the pump can be rapidly stopped, or slowed, and started to create a water hammer effect that removes any glass shards remaining in the disc holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ammal F. Al-Anazi
  • Publication number: 20100000741
    Abstract: A process to drill through a composite frac plug in an oil well utilizes an improved mill, rotates drill pipe at one hundred to five hundred rpm, circulates drilling fluid such that the velocity of said fluid upwardly over said exterior of the drill pipe is in the range of three hundred to four hundred and seventy five feet per minute, and applies one thousand to three thousand pounds of slack off weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Steve D. Jameson
  • Patent number: 7640988
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a subterranean section surrounding a wellbore with a fluid. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a three-dimensional tubular element capable of fluid flow in a wellbore with at least one burst disk with a pre-determined pressure rating positioned at a desired location on the tubular wherein the burst disk ruptures at the pre-determined pressure at the desired location on the tubular in the wellbore. The method provides the ability to choose the order in which the subterranean interval sections surrounding a wellbore are treated with fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Manh V. Phi, Pin Y. Huang, Michael D. Murrey
  • Publication number: 20090321085
    Abstract: A device for removing junk from a well by attaching to a tubing string a mill body with a removable milling core and lowering the assembly into a well. A movable collet and check valve are located in the milling core. The milling core can be separated from the mill body by dropping a ball bearing into the tubing and then feeding water under pressure into the tubing behind the ball bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Troy Austin Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7635023
    Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat to a first hydrocarbon layer in the formation from a first heater located in an opening in the formation. The opening and the first heater may have a horizontal or inclined portion located in the first hydrocarbon layer and at least one connecting portion extending between the horizontal or inclined portion and the surface. Isolation material is placed in the opening such that the isolation material partially isolates the layer in which the horizontal or inclined portion of the first heater is located. An additional horizontal or inclined opening portion that extends from at least one of the connecting portions of the opening is formed in a second hydrocarbon layer. A second heater to provide heat the second hydrocarbon formation is placed in the additional substantially horizontal opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Bernard Goldberg, Arthur Herman Hale, David Scott Miller, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Publication number: 20090255686
    Abstract: A flow conduit may have at least one orifice, which conduit is in the vicinity of a flow source. The source is at least partially covered (and flow blocked by) an optional temporary coating or barrier (e.g. filter cake). The flow pathway between the orifice and the source is temporarily blocked with a degradable material. A delayed degradation material layer is present over or covering the degradable material. The delayed degradation material layer degrades at a rate slower than the degradable barrier. The degradable material and delayed degradation material layer disintegrate (e.g. via time, temperature, a solvent). The degradable material optionally produces a product that removes the temporary coating. The method is useful in one context of recovering hydrocarbons where the flow conduit is the casing or liner of the well and the flow source is a subterranean reservoir where the coating is filter cake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Paul M. McElfresh, Chad F. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090250226
    Abstract: A method for rupturing a glass disc in a well completion tool located downhole in a section of production tubing includes providing a wellhead isolation tool, or tree saver, to isolate the wellhead Christmas tree, adding a pressurized fluid to the tubing/casing annulus and pumping a disc rupturing fluid into the production tubing via the tree saver until the disc is ruptured. Following rupture, the pump can be rapidly stopped, or slowed, and started to create a water hammer effect that removes any glass shards remaining in the disc holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Ammal F. Al-Anazi
  • Patent number: 7591318
    Abstract: A method for removing a sealing plug from a casing or a wellbore according to which a sealing plug is adapted to expand into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. A wireless signal is sent to the plug to cause the plug to lose its structural integrity and fall to the bottom of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Tilghman
  • Publication number: 20090218098
    Abstract: A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Gordon A. Tibbitts, Greg Galloway, Adrian Vuyk, JR., James Terry
  • Patent number: RE41059
    Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gano, Tommie A. Freeman, John S. Bowling, James R. Longbottom