Providing Support For Well Part (e.g., Hanger Or Anchor) Patents (Class 166/382)
  • Patent number: 8056640
    Abstract: A hydraulic head clamp assembly is integral with a drill head mounted on a mobile drill rig. A side-shift carriage is provided for shifting the drill head from side-to-side relative to a centerline of a drill rod string. The clamp assembly includes a rigid jaw mounted on the side of the drill head, and a movable jaw mounted adjacent to said rigid jaw with a space between the jaws for receiving the drill rod string. The movable jaw is connected to a pair of hydraulic cylinder actuators that are actuated via a hydraulic circuit to control the clamp action between the rigid jaw and the movable jaw. The clamp assembly can be used to retract a drill rod string from the ground without limiting access to the inner diameter of the drill rod, and can also be used to advance the drill rod into the ground via a static push.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kejr, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Kejr, Melvin Kejr
  • Publication number: 20110272165
    Abstract: The locating sub system and method for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well-bore allow for orientation and positioning of one or more tools within a well-bore to perform precise operations within a well-bore. The locating sub apparatus can include a latching member that engages and causes a tubular member to rotate to a desired orientation and/or position for down-hole operations. The locating sub apparatus can further include a sacrificial sub that houses a latching member and a tubular member to traverse the well-bore to the site for down-hole operations. Upon completion of down-hole operations as desired or in an emergency, an upward force can be exerted upon the tubular member thereby disengaging an frangible member causing the tubular member to disengage from the latching member allowing for retrieval of the tubular member through the well-bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
  • Publication number: 20110259609
    Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a tubular element (56) in a well-bore using an expander located in the tubular element, the expander (40) comprising an expansion member (48) and a plurality of segments (50) spaced in circumferential direction around the expansion member, the segments being movable between a radially retracted position and a radially expanded position by axial movement of the expansion member relative to the segments. The method includes a plurality of successive expansion cycles, wherein each expansion cycle comprises the steps of : (a) moving the expander (40) in axially forward direction through the tubular element (56) whereby the segments (56) are in the radially retracted position; and (b) radially expanding the tubular element by moving the segments to the radially expanded position by axially moving the expansion member relative to the segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Johannes Louis Leonadus Hessels, Serge Mathieu Roggeband, Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zusling
  • Patent number: 8042616
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, Tuong Thanh Le, Raymond H. Jackson, Gregory R. Nazzal, James C. Swarr, David J. Brunnert, William M. Beasley, Brent J. Lirette, Albert C. Odell, Jim Terry, Dave McKay, Samir Alkhatib, Mike Wardley
  • Publication number: 20110253387
    Abstract: A technique facilitates sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The technique comprises delivering a sidetracking system downhole into a wellbore, and utilizing a component of the sidetracking system to grip a wall of the wellbore. The sidetracking system may comprise a whipstock assembly and a running/stinger assembly in which the stinger assembly is designed for disconnection from the whipstock assembly after delivery downhole. After disconnecting the stinger assembly, the sidetracking system enables delivery of cement slurry down through the stinger assembly to form a cement plug at a desired location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Ervin
  • Publication number: 20110253389
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a landing assembly. The landing assembly includes a top ring. The landing assembly also includes a bottom ring disposed axially below the top ring. A radially interior surface of the top ring is configured to engage a radially exterior surface of the bottom ring via first threading. The landing assembly also includes a lock ring disposed between the top ring and the bottom ring on a radially exterior side of the landing assembly. The landing assembly further includes a landing ring disposed axially below the bottom ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110253386
    Abstract: An anchor system including a housing having a radial opening therein. A piston disposed within the housing and translatable therein. A slip in operable communication with the piston such that translation of the piston axially of the housing causes movement of the slip radially of the housing. The slip having a contact face that is nonparallel to an axis of the housing and nonparallel to a surface against which the slip is configured to be set. A method for anchoring a tool is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Nathan J. Brandt, David B. Haughton, John P. Davis, Christopher W. Guidry
  • Publication number: 20110253388
    Abstract: Apparatus for the insertion of a pack-off into a recess in a bore of a wellhead body comprises an activating sleeve which has a portion disposed for engagement with the pack-off for the movement of the pack-off into the recess and body portions shaped for location on a datum member within the bore. The activating sleeve includes a plurality of apertures circumferentially spaced about the activating sleeve. A running tool which is adapted to move said activating sleeve into engagement with the packoff carries spring-loaded dogs each disposed in one of the apertures. Each of a plurality of releasing pins is positioned such that it enters a respective one of the apertures when the activating sleeve has caused the packoff to be located in the recess. The entry of the pins into the apertures causes depression of the dogs out of the apertures and allows the consequent release of the activating sleeve from the running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel A. WILLOUGHBY
  • Publication number: 20110247832
    Abstract: A liner hanger includes a mandrel and a slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, wherein the slip assembly includes an expandable non-frangible slip ring and a plurality of gripping members. A liner top packer includes a mandrel, a slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, and a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, wherein the slip assembly includes an expandable non-frangible slip ring and a plurality of gripping members disposed circumferentially around the expandable non-frangible slip ring. A method for setting a tool in a wellbore includes running the tool having a slip assembly disposed around a mandrel of the tool into the wellbore, positioning the tool at a predetermined wellbore location, actuating the tool to impart a force on the slip assembly, and expanding the expandable non-frangible slip ring from a first diameter to a second diameter to displace the gripping members radially outward into engagement with a surrounding surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Harris
  • Publication number: 20110232920
    Abstract: A production assembly for controlling production from a well, the assembly including a wellhead that includes a body and a bore through the body. The bore does not include a hanger support shoulder but does include an engagement profile extending into the body. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger assembly installable in the wellhead. The assembly includes a load shoulder including a load segment expandable into supporting engagement with the bore engagement profile. The assembly also includes a tubing hanger and attached production tubing capable of being run in with the load shoulder and supportable on the load shoulder when the shoulder is engaged with the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110226489
    Abstract: A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, Steve Jackson
  • Publication number: 20110226490
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for installing a wellhead component in a single trip. Generally, a wellhead component may be run into a wellhead using a running tool. The running tool may then be retrieved from the wellhead and replaced with a locking tool, which is also run into the wellhead. Additional tools may be used to over-pull the wellhead component and to cementing the wellhead component in place. The process of retrieving and running tools into the wellhead is both time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments include a one-trip tool configured to run a wellhead component into a wellhead, engage an internal coupling to lock the wellhead component in place, over-pull the wellhead component to ensure the internal coupling was properly engaged, and cement the wellhead component in place within the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110226488
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a rotatable tubing string in a well and for tensioning the tubing string includes a tubing head (12) and inner mandrel (34) positioned at least partially within the tubing head and supporting the tubing string. A bushing (32) is supported on the tubing head and engages the inner mandrel, such that the bushing and the inner mandrel rotate together. A tubing rotator (16) is provided for rotating the bushing, with a tubing rotator having a rotator mandrel connected to the bushing. A plurality of circumferentially spaced J-lock mechanisms (56) between the bushing and the inner mandrel are provided for tensioning the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Javier Adolfo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8020627
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Shahin, Karsten Heidecke
  • Publication number: 20110220369
    Abstract: An expansion tool for use in a wellbore includes an expansion surface made up of a concave portion, a convex portion and a straight section therebetween. In one aspect, the center section is formed according to a formula Y=(1.26) (X)?0.13, where X is the wall thickness of a tubular and Y is the length of the center section. In another aspect, the expansion surface includes a first concave portion and a convex portion having an arc length extending the concave portion to a trailing edge of the tool. In another embodiment, the concave and convex portions are radius-shaped. The arrangement of the shapes and their relation to each other reduces relatively high and low contact pressures and lessens the effects of axial bending in a tubular or a connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Richard W. DeLange, Scott H. Osburn, Varadaraju Gandikota, Ghazi J. Hashem
  • Publication number: 20110220370
    Abstract: A method is provided of fixing at least one element, preferably a sensor or a valve, in a borehole formed in an earth formation. The method comprises positioning each element in the borehole, positioning a swellable body in the borehole, the swellable body being susceptible of swelling upon contact with a swell fluid, wherein the swellable body is arranged to press the element against a wall of the borehole upon swelling of the swellable body, and allowing the swell fluid to contact the swellable body thereby inducing the swellable body to swell and to press the element against said wall of the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Dirk Schilte, Zijsling Djurre Hans
  • Publication number: 20110214884
    Abstract: Reducing the diameter of a well bore has many advantages. To achieve this a subsurface well bore is provided comprising one or more expandable sleeve components, preferably expandable liners (27, 271), each expandable sleeve component being fully overlapped by one or more non expandable sleeve component, preferably conventional liners (28, 29), such that the interior of the well bore is cased entirely by non expandable sleeve components (28, 29). In addition the through holes (34a) for downhole lines can be provided within the well head (34) rather than the tubing hanger (33). As the tubing hanger does not need to provide space for through holes and associated mounting couplings, its diameter can be reduced, thus reducing the internal diameter of the well bore by several inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Audun Faanes, Halvor Kjørholt, Torstein Vinge
  • Patent number: 8011428
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a decelerating device. The device includes, a body movably engagable within a tubular, a mandrel longitudinally movably disposed at the body, and at least one deceleration element disposed at the body in operable communication with the mandrel such that longitudinal movement of the mandrel with respect to the body causes controlled radial movement of the at least one deceleration element to decelerate the decelerating device in relation to the downhole tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas S. Myerley, Michael J. May
  • Patent number: 8011436
    Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a tubing hanger that lands and seals in a wellhead housing. A tree block is lowered through the drilling riser into engagement with the tubing hanger. The tree block has a lower portion that inserts and latches into the bore of the wellhead housing. The drilling riser is disconnected, and a module is lowered onto the tree block, the module having a choke and controls for controlling the well. The master valve for production is the downhole safety valve in the tubing. The wing production valve is a ball valve located in the flow passage of the tree block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Christie, Robert Voss, Peter Breese
  • Patent number: 8006770
    Abstract: An expandable casing with enhanced collapse resistance and sealing capability. An expandable tubular for use in a subterranean well includes multiple recesses extending into a wall of the tubular, with the recesses being longitudinally spaced apart along the wall. A method of expanding tubulars in a subterranean well includes the steps of: expanding a tubular in the well, the tubular including multiple recesses extending into a wall of the tubular; and after the expanding step, allowing the wall of the tubular to retract radially inward more at each of the recesses than between the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brock W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20110203794
    Abstract: A method of cementing a liner in a well includes mounting a valve assembly that is biased in a closed position to a running tool assembly. The running tool assembly has a stinger inserted through the valve assembly, retaining the valve assembly in an open position. The stinger has a cement retainer releasably mounted to it. After lowering the running tool assembly into engagement with the liner string, the operator pumps a cement slurry through the stinger and the valve assembly. The operator then pumps the cement retainer down the liner string into latching engagement with a lower portion of the liner string. Afterward, the operator lifts the stinger from the valve assembly, causing the valve assembly to move to the closed position. The valve assembly blocks upward flow of fluid from the well conduit through the valve assembly in the event of leakage of the cement retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Moffitt, Erik P. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 8002045
    Abstract: A downhole tool for providing a seal downhole within a wellbore for reducing loading experienced by a sealing member of the downhole tool is disclosed. The downhole tool may include a pair of directional locking members, at least one of which is operable to transfer a loading experienced by the downhole tool through rigid components of the downhole tool, thereby bypassing the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dale Ezell, Gary Dale Ellis
  • Patent number: 8002044
    Abstract: A liner hanger has a housing with a pocket disposed on an inner wall surface and a slip slidingly engaged within the pocket. A moveable cover is disposed interior to the slip thereby restricting movement of the slip from a unset position to a set position. The liner hanger housing is secured in the string of casing and an actuator is mounted on the liner. As the liner is moved through the casing coupler, the actuator actuates the cover, causing the cover to be moved so that the slip can move axially downward from its unset position to its set position. As the cover is moved, the slip moves radially inward and grips the liner to secure the liner within the casing string of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter J. Fay, Gerald D. Lynde, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20110198099
    Abstract: Anchor apparatuses and methods for anchoring a tool within a wellbore are disclosed. An anchor apparatus can include an operator, such as an electrical motor, a hydraulic source, or other similar sources of motion, to cause movement of a rod between a first and second position. A plurality of arms pivotally secured to the apparatus are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Movement of the rod from the first position to the second causes the rod to pivot the arms toward the extended position. Computer instructions can be utilized to cause automatic retraction of the arms upon receipt of a command after a selected interval of time has lapsed to prevent attempted removal of the apparatus while the arms are extended. The anchor apparatus can also include a frangible member provided with a selected tolerance to enable removal of the apparatus without retraction of the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zierolf
  • Patent number: 7997336
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving an assembly having a whipstock and an anchor from a wellbore. A method of retrieving an assembly having a whipstock coupled to an anchor from a wellbore may comprise the steps of releasing the whipstock from the anchor in the wellbore, re-engaging the whipstock to the anchor, and retrieving the whipstock with the anchor from the wellbore. An apparatus for use in a wellbore may comprise a whipstock, a latch coupled to the whipstock, and an anchor operable to be selectively retrieved from the wellbore using the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Scott McIntire, Michael Stulberg
  • Patent number: 7980315
    Abstract: A selectively communicatable hydraulic nipple is provided which includes an upper and lower communications component adapted to communicate with tools landed inside the hydraulic nipple. Each communications component communicates with a control line used by the hydraulic nipple. An operator is allowed to selectively communicate with tools landed inside the nipple via the upper and lower communications components via the nipple control line. As a result, should the TRSCSSV control line loose integrity, the operator has the option of utilizing the nipple control line to continue oil and gas production without the need for well modifications. Alternatively, an operator could land a chemical injection tool, with an injection string suspended therefrom, in the nipple and inject chemicals into the well via the nipple control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bolding, Dewayne Turner
  • Publication number: 20110168407
    Abstract: A method of reducing contact pressure between bearing surfaces of a well tool can include constructing a structure which supports one bearing surface in contact with the other bearing surface, and reducing contact pressure between the bearing surfaces by relieving strain energy in the structure. A well tool can include one bearing surface which contacts another bearing surface. There is a transition between contact and lack of contact between the bearing surfaces. A structure supporting one of the bearing surfaces can have a reduced stiffness, whereby a contact pressure between the bearing surfaces is reduced at the transition. The bearing surfaces can be formed on a thrust bearing, plain bearing, or other type of bearing between components of the well tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ping C. SUI, Gary E. WEAVER
  • Publication number: 20110168409
    Abstract: A high capacity running tool sets and internally tests a casing hanger packoff during the same trip. The running tool has a stem and a body. The body is secured by threads to the stem of the running tool so that rotation of the stem relative to the body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. An engagement element connects the tool body to the casing hanger by engaging the inner surface of the casing hanger. Longitudinal movement of the stem relative to the body moves the engaging element between inner and outer positions and lines up ports in the stem and in the body for setting and testing functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Gette
  • Publication number: 20110168408
    Abstract: A setting tool for an expandable liner hanger. A method includes the steps of: releasably securing the setting tool to the hanger, the setting tool including an expansion cone for displacing through the hanger; and conveying the setting tool and hanger into the well on a generally tubular work string while no portion of the hanger extends longitudinally between the expansion cone and the work string. A setting tool includes an expansion cone, which is displaceable through the liner hanger to expand the hanger; at least one piston positioned on one side of the expansion cone; and an anchoring device for releasably securing the setting tool to the liner hanger, the anchoring device being positioned on an opposite side of the expansion cone. The expansion cone is pressure balanced between its two sides when the expansion cone is displaced through the liner hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Brock W. WATSON
  • Patent number: 7967086
    Abstract: A slip spool includes radially disposed actuators for radially moving slip blocks between a loose encirclement position in which they surround the tubing string and a cached position in which the slip blocks clear an axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool further includes axially disposed actuators for axially displacing the slip blocks between the loose encirclement position and an engagement position in which the slip blocks are seated within a slip bowl of the slip spool so that a weight of the suspended tubing string causes the slip blocks to tightly grip the tubing string. The slip spool facilitates positioning and repositioning of the tubing string in the wellbore and can be used for supporting or snubbing a tubing string in a live well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas, Irwin Rosenhauch
  • Publication number: 20110147011
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein relating to an apparatus to support a tubular member. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, in which the bowl includes an inner wall formed about the longitudinal axis that is tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably disposed within to the bowl and having a tapered outer surface and a tapered inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tapered outer surface of the plurality of slip assemblies is configured to engage the tapered inner wall of the bowl. Further, the bowl may include a shoulder disposed on the inner wall that extends towards the longitudinal axis with respect to the inner wall. Each of the plurality of slip assemblies may be configured to engage the shoulder of the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert THIBODEAUX, JR., Jeremy Richard Angelle
  • Publication number: 20110147012
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SWELLTEC LIMITED
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 7963341
    Abstract: An anchor for a wellbore is adaptable to be operated in at least two separate and distinct ways. In one embodiment, a whipstock anchor is provided that can be operated either mechanically or hydraulically. In another embodiment, the anchor is designed to run through a restriction in a retracted position and thereafter expanded to position a wellbore tool in the wellbore. Preferably, the anchor is expandable to set in wellbores of various sizes and either cased or uncased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Aristeo Rios, III, Greg Marshall, Stephen Hermes Hester, Adrian Vuyk, Jr., Ken W. Winterrowd, Dan Blankenship
  • Patent number: 7958941
    Abstract: An assembly and method for downhole equipment deployment comprising a liner hanger attachable to deployable equipment, a top sub insertable into the liner hanger and attachable to a tubing string, a lock piston releasably connectable to the top sub, and lock pins insertable through the top sub, the liner hanger, and the lock piston, the liner hanger and associated equipment remotely releasable from the top sub and the lock piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Sturni-Hueston Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth J Hueston, Brian K Klimack, Michael Shoyhetman
  • Publication number: 20110132622
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for installing a liner string (102) in a wellbore casing (40). The apparatus (100) includes a tubular mandrel subassembly (110), a load transfer subassembly (140) and an expander cone subassembly (142). The load transfer subassembly (140) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to apply a force in the downhole direction to the liner string (102). The expander cone subassembly (142) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to radially expand at least a portion of the liner string (102) into contact with the wellbore casing (40) when axially moved through the liner string (102). In operation, decoupling of the load transfer subassembly (140) from the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) enables release of the apparatus (100) from the liner string (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Keith Moeller, Brock Wayne Watson
  • Publication number: 20110132624
    Abstract: The method of installing a plurality of casing sections in a well, that includes providing a hanger supporting the casing sections to extend longitudinally in the well, landing the hanger on structure in the well, whereby weight of the casing sections longitudinally compresses the hanger, cementing the casing sections in position in the well, below the hanger, adjusting the hanger to provide for controllable longitudinal shortening of hanger length, thereby removing exertion of casing weight on the hanger, and removing at least part of the hanger away from the well head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: David M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110132623
    Abstract: A setting tool has an expansion cone drive sub-assembly operable to axially move an expansion cone of the setting tool through the liner to radially, plastically expand the liner. With the wellbore liner residing outside of a wellbore, the setting tool is changed to enable decoupling the wellbore liner from the setting tool while leaving at least the expansion cone drive sub-assembly substantially assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Keith Moeller
  • Publication number: 20110127046
    Abstract: A tractor configured for grip locking during advancement to avoid slippage, particularly in open-hole wells. The tractor is equipped with a grip lock mechanism for independently locking an anchor grip in a radially outward direction. This locking occurs sequentially in advance of the power stroke of a reciprocating drive piston associated with the anchor. Thus, radial outward expansion and gripping are ensured at the time pulling of a load in an axial downhole direction is pursued. Such grip locking may be employed throughout tractoring or intermittently, depending upon well characteristics such as formation hardness and well diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Franz Aguirre, Wade D. Dupree, Mark Holly, Derek Copold
  • Publication number: 20110120731
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore are described herein. The interior surface of a tubular string is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the tubular string, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member in communication with the blade continually biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular string to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the tubular string. Positioning a tool in this manner is especially advantageous for locating a cutting tool at a precise location to sever a tubular segment at a joint, releasing tensile forces from the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: ROBERTSON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, William F. Boelte, Douglas J. Streibich
  • Publication number: 20110120732
    Abstract: A device and method for lining the wall of a wellbore (1) as it is being drilled through a subterranean formation (2) using a drill string having a drill bit on the lower end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Paul George Lurie
  • Publication number: 20110114338
    Abstract: A non-rotating downhole sleeve adapted for casing centralization in a borehole. The sleeve includes a tubular body made of hard plastic with integrally formed helical blades positioned around its outer surface and an inner surface which allows drilling fluid to circulate to form a non-rotating fluid bearing between the sleeve and the casing. The tubular sleeve comprises a continuous non-hinged wall structure for surrounding the casing. The non-rotating centralizer sleeve reduces sliding and rotating torque at the surface while drilling the casing, for example, with minimal obstruction to drilling fluid passing between the casing and the surrounding borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Garrett C. Casassa, Sarah B. Mitchell, Norman Bruce Moore
  • Patent number: 7934548
    Abstract: An embodiment of a system for preventing the loss of a spooled device into a wellbore comprises a housing defining an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture sized for allowing the spooled device to pass therethrough, a sensor to measure at least one condition of the system, and a gripper device to engage with the spooled device and the housing to prevent the loss of the spooled device when the condition of the system is a failure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Doud, John A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7931079
    Abstract: A tubing hanger and method for reducing loads and stresses on sealing boundaries in a tubing hanger is provided. The tubing hanger has an inner cavity that is sealed with respect to an external well volume present in for example the surrounding tree architecture and wellhead. A control line extends through the inner cavity to communicate with downhole equipment. A pressure compensator is configured to adjust pressure differential between the inner cavity and the external well volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Allan Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20110083854
    Abstract: A casing hanger nesting indicator generates a signal to notify personnel on the surface that a wellhead member has properly landed on a predetermined surface within the wellbore. The casing hanger nesting indicator comprises a signaling device such as an explosive charge or a frequency shift key wherein the noise or vibration of the signaling device travels through the wellbore, via the drilling conduit in some embodiments, up to the surface platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7918271
    Abstract: Wellhead assembly and method for providing a power connection to a downhole electrical device, such as a heater. Pressure-containing wellhead body members enclose a vertical wellbore and support therein an isolated tubing hanger and a grounding tubing hanger. The isolated tubing hanger suspends a conducting tubing string, while the grounding tubing hanger suspends a grounding tubing string concentrically spaced from the conducting tubing string. The isolated tubing hanger has an outer housing, an inner electrically conducting portion supported by the outer housing operative to provide electrical connection with, and suspend, the conducting tubing string, and insulation between the housing and conducting portion to electrically isolate the housing portion. Hot electrical connection is made for electrical connection to the conducting portion of the isolated tubing hanger or the conducting tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Abram Khazanovich, Irina Khazanovich, Nathan Kwasniewski
  • Publication number: 20110073325
    Abstract: A downhole oilwell toolstring having an adapter having a male threaded portion, a longitudinally extending tubular female housing having a female threaded portion on an inner surface of the housing, a first end located proximate to the female threaded portion, a second end located distal to the female threaded portion, and a recessed groove extending around the circumference of the interior surface of the female housing at a location between the first end the female threaded portion. The adapter has a first end that is distal from the threaded portion and a second end that is proximate to the threaded portion, and a recessed groove extending around the outer circumference of the adapter at a location between the threaded portion and the first end of the adapter. The female housing is connected with the male adapter by way of the female threaded portion and the male threaded portion engaging one another. A ring is located in the recessed groove in the adapter and the recessed groove in the female housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Henderson, Larry Grigar, Tommie Dunn, Kerry Hamilton, Rebecca A. Santiago
  • Publication number: 20110073326
    Abstract: An anchor assembly (400) for anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore tubular. The anchor assembly (400) includes a plurality of slip arm assemblies each having first and second arms (412, 414) hingeably coupled together. The first and second arms (412, 414) each have teeth (418, 426) on one end. A first sleeve (402) is rotatably associated with each of the first arms (412) and a second sleeve (404) is rotatably associated with each of the second arms (414) such that the anchor assembly (400) has a running configuration in which the slip arm assemblies are substantially longitudinally oriented and an operating configuration in which the first and second arms (412, 414) of each slip arm assembly form an acute angle relative to one another such that the teeth (418, 426) of the first and second arms (412, 414) define the radially outermost portion of the anchor assembly (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack Gammill Clemens, Wesley Neil Ludwig, John Patrick Rodgers, Edwin A. Eaton, Marco Serra
  • Publication number: 20110073327
    Abstract: A two-component mortar composition contains a curable resin component (A), and a curing agent component (B), which is separated therefrom to inhibit reaction and contains, in the resin component (A), a reactive diluent mixture, which comprises at least one hydroxyalkyl di(meth)acrylate, at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate and at least one acetoacetato compound of the general formula (I). A method of fastening an anchoring element in boreholes in mineral substrates includes filling a borehole with the inventive two-component mortar composition, inserting an anchoring element in the borehole immediately after filling the borehole with the mortar composition; with the anchoring element being set after a predetermined time period necessary for the chemical reaction of the resin component (A) with a curing agent components (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Buergel
  • Patent number: 7913768
    Abstract: A downhole system including a driving unit for driving an operational tool. The driving unit is provided in a first part of the system and the operational tool is provided in a second part of the system. The system further includes a release device for releasing the operational tool and the second part from the first part of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Welltec A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbaek, Peter Graabaek
  • Patent number: 7909107
    Abstract: A high capacity running tool sets and internally tests a casing hanger packoff during the same trip. The running tool has a stem and a body. The body is secured by threads to the stem of the running tool so that rotation of the stem relative to the body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. An engagement element connects the tool body to the casing hanger by engaging the inner surface of the casing hanger. Longitudinal movement of the stem relative to the body moves the engaging element between inner and outer positions and lines up ports in the stem and in the body for setting and testing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Gette