Providing Support For Well Part (e.g., Hanger Or Anchor) Patents (Class 166/382)
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Patent number: 10119369Abstract: A method for orienting a tubing string in a wellbore comprises lowering a tubular string within a casing string in a wellbore, engaging the tubular aligning tool with a casing aligning tool while lowering the tubular string, rotating the tubular string in response to engaging the tubing aligning tool with the casing aligning tool, rotationally aligning the tubular string opening with a casing string opening disposed through the casing string based on the rotating, and retaining the tubular string opening in an axial aligning and a rotational aligning with the casing string opening. The tubular string comprises: a tubular string opening and a tubular string aligning tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Dan P. Saurer
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Patent number: 9951587Abstract: A method of hanging a liner in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes: conveying a liner having a liner hanger and a liner hanger actuator into the wellbore by a service string that includes controller that determines a downhole parameter of interest relating to setting of the liner hanger; determining by the controller the parameter of interest relating to setting of the liner hanger in the wellbore; and sending a wireless liner hanger command signal from the controller in response to the determined parameter of interest to cause the liner hanger actuator to set the liner hanger in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Edward T. Wood, Aubrey Clifton Mills
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Patent number: 9841343Abstract: A test tool and related method for testing a blowout preventer (BOP). The test tool includes a first sub, a first pipe adapted to be connected to, and disconnected from, the first sub, the first pipe including an external spline, a second sub adapted to be connected to, and disconnected from, the first sub, the second sub including an internal spline adapted to engage the external spline of the first pipe, and a second pipe adapted to be connected to the second sub. The test tool includes an operational configuration in which the internal spline of the second sub engages the external spline of the first pipe so that a torque is transferable from the second sub to the first pipe via at least the engagement between the internal spline and the external spline. One or more high pressure low torque (HPLT) connections are incorporated into the test tool.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: SAMOCO OIL TOOLS, INC.Inventors: Michael Jeremy Hellail, Mahammad Aloudat, Ranfis Miguel Ramirez
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Patent number: 9810043Abstract: A self-setting casing protector secured to a slip type casing elevator for grabbing a casing tubular and running the casing tubular into and out of a wellbore having two C-shaped setting plates each with a plurality of fastening holes; a plurality of support tubes positioned between aligned fastening holes; a plurality of bolts each penetrating pairs of fastening holes and a support tube, the second C-shaped setting plate simultaneously engaging (i) two aligned slip setting segments, and (ii) two aligned die retainers. As the slip type casing elevator is hoisted, the casing tubular drops while attached to the first C-shaped setting plate setting the casing tubular in the slip type casing elevator while simultaneously (i) protecting each casing tubular as it is sequentially lowered into or pulled from the wellbore, and (ii) protecting an upsetting box with premium connections as the tubular is run into and out of a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Inventor: Richard Dewayne Bentley
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Patent number: 9797208Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are usable for automatically engaging and setting slips of an automatic slip setting apparatus about a tubular, when the automatic slip setting apparatus is properly positioned relative to a desired section of the tubular for gripping, lifting and/or holding, and installing and/or removing the tubular, in or out from a wellbore, while preventing slippage and/or dropping of the tubular. The automatic slip setting apparatus is usable with an elevator or spider assembly, each comprising a main body having a central opening extending therethrough, a plurality of slips, and a yoke. An arm assembly, connected to the elevator or spider assembly, moves when contacted by a tubular moving through the central opening, and a latching member, which is connected to the yoke, can be moved by the arm assembly, thereby causing the plurality of slips to move to a closed position for gripping the tubular.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Frank's International, LLCInventors: Donald E. Mosing, Vernon J. Bouligny, John E. Stelly, Timothy Bernard, Jacob Chu, Adrian Paval
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Patent number: 9777569Abstract: A running tool for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore and methods for operating a wellbrore using the running tool are disclosed. The running tool includes a tubular body and a latch for releasably connecting the tubular string to the body. The running tool further includes a lock to keep the latch engaged.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Rocky A. Turley, Robin L. Campbell, Karsten Heidecke, George Givens
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Patent number: 9714558Abstract: A method for forming a lateral junction in an open hole section of a wellbore includes lowering a tubular member through a cased section of the wellbore. Thereafter, the tubular member is expanded in an open hole section of the wellbore, thereby anchoring the tubular member in the wellbore in a manner that leaves an open hole section of the wellbore between the expanded, tubular member and the cased section. Thereafter, a window is formed in a sidewall of the tubular member, and a lateral wellbore is drilled through the window.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Ronald Gordon Barker, Douglas Brian Farley, William Clifford Hogg
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Patent number: 9695643Abstract: A pipe mat for use with a tubing tray for receiving, organizing and storing drill pipe tripped out of a drill string on a drilling rig has a plurality of substantially parallel and spaced-apart support rails to form a plurality of drain channels disposed between adjacent pair of support rails. A plurality of substantially parallel and spaced-apart nub rails is disposed on the plurality of support rails. The nub rails are substantially orthogonal to the support rails, thereby forming a lattice structure having openings disposed between the nub rails that are in communication with the drain channels. A plurality of spaced-apart pipe nubs extend upwardly from the nub rails, which hold a drill pipe in place when an end of the drill pipe is placed onto one of the pipe nubs. A method for collecting fluids draining from drill pipe uses the pipe mat with the tubing tray.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.Inventors: Quinn A. J. Holtby, Dallas Laird Greenwood
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Patent number: 9605533Abstract: A system and method for locating a bottom hole assembly during liner drilling. The system and method employ a liner and a drill string. The liner may include a stop sub. The drill string may include a bottom hole assembly position indicator. In one or more embodiments, the bottom hole assembly position indicator is configured to engage the stop sub and arrest further advancement of the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Michael Eric Moffitt
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Patent number: 9574404Abstract: Well conduit system and methods using a first outer conduit wall and at least one second inner conduit wall positioned through a wellhead to define an annulus with radial loading surfaces extending across the annulus and radially between at least two of the conduit walls to form passageways through subterranean strata concentrically, wherein an inner pipe body of greater outer diameter is inserted into an outer pipe body of lesser inner diameter by elastically expanding the circumference of the outer pipe body and elastically compressing the circumference of the inner pipe body, using a hoop force exerted therebetween. Releasing the hoop force after insertion will release the elastic expansion and compression of the pipe bodies to abut the radial loading surfaces within the annulus for sharing elastic hoop stress resistance and thereby forming a greater effective wall thickness, capable of containing higher pressures than the conduit walls could otherwise bear.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
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Patent number: 9556680Abstract: A liner assembly (100) includes a drill string (120) to drill a borehole (105) in a formation (110). The liner assembly further includes a liner assembly releasably coupled to the drill string to move with the drill string in the borehole while the drill string drills, and to be released from the drill string in the borehole after the drill string drills to a depth.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Johannes Dirksen, James H. Dudley, Kenneth D. Caskey, Joseph D. Parlin
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Patent number: 9453393Abstract: An apparatus for setting a liner in a wellbore that includes a setting tool attached to a work string. The setting tool includes a stretching mandrel and a liner top releasably attached to the setting tool. The liner top includes banded elastomer sheaths positioned in multiple locations along its length. The apparatus may also include a roller screw, operatively attached to the setting tool, so that a rotational movement imparted to the work string causes a forward, rotational movement of the stretching mandrel and engages the stretching mandrel with an inner portion of the liner top so that a protuberance is formed on the inner portion of the liner top and a groove is formed on an outer surface of the liner top.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Seminole Services, LLCInventor: Frank Mullins
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Patent number: 9435166Abstract: Methods are disclosed for deploying a retrievable MWD tool in a non-retrievable environment and aligning a selected orientation of an MWD tool, as deployed in a bottom hole assembly (BHA), with a selected orientation on a tool face on the BHA. Preferred methods include providing an orienting hanger assembly (comprising a tubular inner hanger, a tubular outer collar, and a tool adapter) and attaching an MWD tool to the tool adapter. The outer collar is inserted into a BHA and the selected tool face orientation is marked on the outer collar. The inner hanger is rotated within the outer collar to align (via the alignment notch) the high side of the MWD tool to the tool face orientation transferred onto the outer collar. The inner hanger is locked to the outer collar.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: GE Energy Oilfield Technology, Inc.Inventors: Craig Macdonald, Mark Miller
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Patent number: 9366105Abstract: The lockdown mechanism (10) and running tool (50) are provided for securing the casing hanger (12, 13) within the wellhead (14) and sealing the annulus between the casing and the wellhead. The lockdown ring (20) fixes the lockdown sleeve (40) to a wellhead in response to a lockdown piston (22). A first seal (24) energized by the running tool seals between the lockdown sleeve and the wellhead. Ball seat (30) is axially movable within the running tool, and a second seal also energized by the running tool (32) seals between the lockdown sleeve and the casing hanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.Inventors: Larry E. Reimert, Denise A. M. Antunes, Morris B. Wade
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Patent number: 9353597Abstract: An apparatus for isolating fluid flow in a bottomhole tool assembly comprises a generally cylindrically shaped flow tube with a side, a top, and a bottom; an upper ball seat connected to the top of the flow tube; a lower ball seat connected to the bottom of the flow tube; a plurality of openings in the side of the flow tube; a tapered inner diameter in the upper ball seat, acting as a ball valve; a tapered inner diameter in the lower ball seat, acting as a ball valve, smaller than the tapered inner diameter in the upper ball seat; an upper sub attached to the bottomhole tool assembly; a lower sub attached to the bottomhole tool assembly; shear pins connecting the upper ball seat to the upper sub; and a limiting pin in the lower sub below the lower ball assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: TD TOOLS, INC.Inventors: Thomas L. Dotson, Barrett Tucker
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Patent number: 9347280Abstract: An adjustable riser suspension system for suspending a riser under tension including a riser hanger, a mating sleeve rotationally coupled to the riser hanger, a ratchet-latch sleeve located inside the mating sleeve with an external profile configured to engage an internal profile of the mating sleeve and an internal profile configured to engage an externally threaded face of the riser. The riser hanger and mating sleeve are configured to move downward relative to the riser such that the mating sleeve fits over at least a portion of the riser, causing the ratchet-latch device to ratchet over the external threads of the riser. The mating sleeve is configured to rotate relative to the riser, causing the internal and external profiles of ratchet-latch device to lock the riser and the mating sleeve to prevent movement of the riser relative to the mating sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Inventors: Delbert Edwin Vanderford, Max Van Adrichem
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Patent number: 9303481Abstract: A non-rotation lock screw for a wellhead assembly is provided that includes a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion includes a distal end configured to engage a component of the wellhead assembly, and may include one or more seals. The rotating portion may be rotating into a component of wellhead assembly such that the non-rotating portion translates in a radial direction. The rotating portion and non-rotating portion may be coupled together via a bearing to enable free rotation of the rotating portion. Systems and methods of operation that include the non-rotation lock screw are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 9260926Abstract: In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes a mandrel having at least two portions, a first portion having a seal ring disposed on an exterior surface and a second portion without a seal ring disposed on an exterior surface. In one embodiment, the seal ring is disposed around the first portion. In another embodiment, the burst and collapse integrity of the first portion is substantially the same as the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: George Givens, Rocky A. Turley
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Patent number: 9249640Abstract: A release mechanism for use with a downhole component in a wellbore environment comprises a shifting sleeve disposed about a mandrel, where the shifting sleeve is torsionally locked with respect to the mandrel, a collet prop disposed about the mandrel and engaged with the shifting sleeve, where the engagement between the collet prop and the shifting sleeve is configured to torsionally lock the collet prop with respect to the shifting sleeve, and a collet engaged with the collet prop, wherein the collet couples the mandrel to the downhole component.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard P. Noffke, Arthur T. Stautzenbeger
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Patent number: 9175537Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A seal member has inner and outer seal legs separated by a slot. A locking ring is positioned in the outer seal leg and has wickered sections, where each of the wickered sections protrude through a window in the outer seal leg of the seal member. An energizing ring has an upper tapered surface that is oblique to an axis of the annular energizing ring and extending laterally from the axis over a portion of the locking ring and a lower tapered surface that is oblique to and extending laterally from the axis. As the energizing ring is moved into the slot, the upper tapered surface engages an inner surface of the locking ring, and the lower tapered surface engages an inner annular wall of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Peter Gette, David Lawrence Ford, Michael Benjamin Snyder
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Patent number: 9133671Abstract: A shifting tool for sleeves is supported on wireline or slickline and is pumped to the desired location by pressure from above delivered against the tool and passing around its periphery or against an articulated peripheral extending member that can optionally seal. Once in the vicinity of the desired sleeve to be shifted the shifting key is engaged to the sleeve and further applied pressure on the articulated peripheral seal shifts the sleeve in a downhole direction. The sleeve can also be shifted in an uphole direction with an anchor that grabs near the sleeve and a latch key that grabs the sleeve and is configured to retain grip as a motor moves the latch key uphole. Power can come from a wireline or can be locally provided if using slickline. The seal or extending member is retractable for tool removal or relocation.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Justin C. Kellner
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Patent number: 9127507Abstract: A rotatable downhole cutting tool configured for enhanced drive consistency in low power circumstances. The tool is equipped with a hydraulic axial drive actuator suitable for use in wireline deployment. The actuator itself includes a reciprocating piston with a ball screw that threadably interfaces a ball nut for dampening the axial drive imparted by the piston. As such, even though hydraulically driven at generally well under about 10 horsepower, bounce in the axial drive is substantially eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michael Jensen, Ruben Martinez
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Patent number: 9121232Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body supported from a running string; and a releasing assembly for releasing from set liner hanger portions of the tool to be retrieved to the surface. The releasing assembly includes a connecting member for engaging the tool with a liner hanger, a piston hydraulically moveable in response to fluid pressure within the tool body from a lock position to a release position for releasing the connecting member, and a clutch for rotationally releasing the tool body from the liner hanger. Rotation of the running string moves a nut upward along the body so that the running string may then be picked up to disengage the tool from the liner hanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Aju Abraham, Taylor Latham
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Patent number: 9109436Abstract: Method for repairing a hanger (D) of a liner (B), for making a leak-tight connection, the liner (B) being placed inside and in the continuation of the casing (A) of a well, the method consisting in axially positioning a metal tubular blank (1) in the well, the blank having a solid wall radially deformable beyond its elastic limit and comprising an upper cylindrical portion (10) whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the casing (A), a lower portion (13) also cylindrical whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the liner (B), and an intermediate portion (11, 12) of diameter varying between these two diameters, and causing radial expansion of at least one of these two cylindrical portions (10, 13) beyond its elastic limit so that they are applied closely and firmly and in leak-tight manner against the inner face of the wall opposite the casing (A) or liner (B).Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Saltel IndustriesInventors: James Leighton, Frédéric Nicolas, Yoann Riou, Benjamin Saltel, Gwenaël Tanguy, Samuel Thiebaut
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Patent number: 9068444Abstract: A velocity string deploys in production tubing of a gas well (or a gassy oil well) to help lift fluid toward the surface. The velocity string reduces flow area in the production tubing so that a critical flow velocity can be reached to lift liquid. Overtime, the reservoir pressure and resulting gas flow may decrease such that less liquid is produced toward the surface. At such a stage, operators then expand the velocity string to further decrease the flow area in the production tubing, which can produce the needed critical flow velocity to allow produced liquid to be lifted toward the surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: William C. Lane, Deborah L. Banta
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Publication number: 20150144358Abstract: A downhole tool has a release device for releasing a downhole device in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a collet with an inner surface and a collet shoulder; a release rod configured to engage the collet shoulder in a locked position and disengage from the collet shoulder in a release position; and a release tube surrounding the release rod and having a release ramp proximate a nose of the release tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Jose A. Mejia, Jeffrey B. Wensrich, Benjamin L. Todd, Michael Moody
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Publication number: 20150144359Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a downhole tool comprising a central element/member and a sleeve that is rotatably and orbitally disposed around the central element/member. The sleeve rotates and orbits around the central element/member responsive to fluid flowing through the downhole too. The disclosure is also related to a method of advancing the downhole tool in a well by flowing fluid through the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson, Andy Ferguson
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Patent number: 9038739Abstract: An anchoring assembly in a downhole tool, the assembly including a first tubular member, a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member, and an anchoring block disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The anchoring block includes a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a central bore formed therethrough, a contact crown, in which at least one annular flow channel is formed between the contact crown and the body, and a contact ring configured to engage at least a portion of the first tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Daniel Manwill, Jonathan Marshall, Jacques Orban, Ray R. Sherrill
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Publication number: 20150136394Abstract: A running tool for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes a tubular body and a latch for releasably connecting the tubular string to the body. The latch includes a longitudinal fastener for engaging a longitudinal profile of the tubular string and a torsional fastener for engaging a torsional profile of the tubular string. The running tool further includes a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and the lock keeps the latch engaged in the locked position. The running tool further includes an actuator operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position and an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Rocky A. TURLEY, Robin L. CAMPBELL, Karsten HEIDECKE, George GIVENS
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Publication number: 20150136426Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a seal assembly comprising a main body comprising a production fluid port configured to align with a production fluid bore of a tubing spool of a mineral extraction system, a first annular seal supported by the main body and disposed on a first side of the production fluid port, and a second annular seal supported by the main body and disposed on a second side of the production fluid port, wherein the seal assembly is configured to be disposed in an annular region between a hanger and the tubing spool of the mineral extraction system, the first annular seal and the second annular seal are configured to isolate the production fluid port from the annular region, and the seal assembly is configured to be removed from the tubing spool without the hanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Edward Nguyen
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Publication number: 20150136393Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Rocky A. TURLEY, Robin L. CAMPBELL, Karsten HEIDECKE, George GIVENS
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Patent number: 9033060Abstract: A tubular anchoring system includes a frustoconical member and a sleeve with at least one first surface that is radially alterable in response to longitudinal movement of the frustoconical member relative to the sleeve. The at least one first surface is engagable with a wall of a structure positioned radially thereof to maintain position of at least the sleeve relative to the structure when engaged therewith. A seal with at least one second surface is radially alterable in response to longitudinal movement of the frustoconical member relative to the seal, and a seat is in operable communication with the frustoconical member having a land which is sealingly engagable with a removable plug runnable thereagainst. The land is longitudinally displaced relative to the sleeve in an upstream direction defined by direction of flow that urges the plug thereagainst.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: YingQing Xu, Gregory Lee Hern
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Patent number: 9027658Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hanger running tool includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a first mating surface configured to engage a second mating surface of a hanger to couple the inner sleeve to the hanger. The outer sleeve is disposed about the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to rotate about a common longitudinal axis with respect to the inner sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Sebastien Bories, Gavin Paul Robottom
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Patent number: 9027659Abstract: A technique enables anchoring of a tool in a wellbore. The technique provides traction against a well component without creating high stress concentrations that weaken the well component. An anchoring device comprises anchoring members that are selectively movable to an expanded configuration for anchoring the tool. The anchoring members have traction surfaces able to selectively engage a smooth anchoring surface of the well component at any desired location along the well component. Each traction surface is formed to facilitate traction while minimizing stress concentration.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ruben Martinez, Max E. Spencer
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Publication number: 20150114669Abstract: A retention system for limiting axial and radial movement of a wellbore lock ring. The retention system includes pins for resisting axial movement of the lock ring and assemblies for limiting radial outward movement of the lock ring. The lock ring circumscribes and couples to a wellbore hanger. The pins project radially from the hanger into the lock ring and into slots, where the slots extend a distance along the inner surface of the lock ring. The assemblies also project radially into the hanger and each have a portion that registers with a channel on a lower end of the lock ring. Lock ring outer radial movement is limited by contact between the portions of the assemblies and inner surfaces of the channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Mayur Mansukh, Aniruddha D. Gadre, Joseph William Pallini, David Lawrence Ford
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Publication number: 20150114668Abstract: A wellhead assembly includes a tubular wellhead housing having a bore and an annular gallery slot. The annular gallery slot is defined by an enlarged inner diameter of the bore. A tubular hanger is selectively landed in the bore of the wellhead housing, defining an annular cavity between the bore and an outer diameter of the tubular hanger. The tubular hanger is supported by the wellhead housing with a hanger support located in the annular cavity. A flow-by passage is in fluid communication with the annular cavity at locations above and below the hanger support. The flow-by passage intersects with the gallery slot and intersects an outer radial surface of the tubular hanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Mayur Mansukh, Aniruddha D. Gadre, Daniel Caleb Benson, David Lawrence Ford
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Publication number: 20150107857Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are usable for automatically engaging and setting slips of an automatic slip setting apparatus about a tubular, when the automatic slip setting apparatus is properly positioned relative to a desired section of the tubular for gripping, lifting and/or holding, and installing and/or removing the tubular, in or out from a wellbore, while preventing slippage and/or dropping of the tubular. The automatic slip setting apparatus is usable with an elevator or spider assembly, each comprising a main body having a central opening extending therethrough, a plurality of slips, and a yoke. An arm assembly, connected to the elevator or spider assembly, moves when contacted by a tubular moving through the central opening, and a latching member, which is connected to the yoke, can be moved by the arm assembly, thereby causing the plurality of slips to move to a closed position for gripping the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: Frank's International, LLCInventors: Donald E. Mosing, Vernon J. Bouligny, John E. Stelly, Timothy Bernard, Jacob Chu, Adrian Paval
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Publication number: 20150107856Abstract: A gripping system is taught for gripping oil well casing, casing string or other string comprising one or more slips cammed against one or more inclined recesses when the gripping system is rotated to maintain gripping engagement of the casing. A further gripping system is taught for gripping oil well casing, casing string or other string comprising one or more slips received into one or more inclined recesses. A method is taught for gripping casing sections or casing strings. The method comprises the steps of providing a gripping system comprising one or more recesses and one or more slips, setting said one or more slips on the casing section and rotating the gripping system to cam said one or more slips against said one or more inclined recesses, wherein camming said one or more slips against said one or more inclined recesses serves to maintain gripping engagement on the casing. A further method is taught for gripping casing sections or casing strings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Vetsouvanh Malathong, Jonathan Ancelet
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Patent number: 9010445Abstract: A casing running tool is provided having a central mandrel with spiral wedge grooves, an outer cage having generally horizontal slots corresponding to the spiral wedge grooves, and grabber balls disposed between the spiral wedge grooves and the horizontal slots. Each of the spiral wedge grooves has a deeper end and a shallower end, between which the respective grabber balls roll. When a grabber ball is disposed in the shallower end of the respective spiral wedge groove, the grabber ball exerts a radial force against an inner wall of a casing or liner being supported. In addition, the running tool facilitates the application of torque from the running tool to the casing or liner being supported.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Tesco CorporationInventor: Edgar Fernando Yajure
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Patent number: 9010415Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion assembly and method to expand tubulars. In embodiments, an expansion assembly for disposition in a wellbore includes an expandable tubular and an expansion tool that has a swage and a thruster. In addition, the expansion tool has a front anchor assembly that has a front anchor having an open position providing an anchoring relationship with the internal wall and a closed position providing the front anchor with a diameter less than an internal diameter of the expandable tubular. The front anchor assembly also has a sensor positioned on an opposing side of the front anchor from the expansion swage providing that while the sensor is positioned inside the internal wall the front anchor may be in an open position or in a closed position while upon exit of the sensor from the end portion the sensor brings the front anchor in a permanently closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Mohawk Energy Ltd.Inventors: Scott A. Benzie, Alessandro O. Caccialupi, Andrei G. Filippov
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Patent number: 9010446Abstract: An anchoring system for use with a downhole tool includes a body with anchor members mounted on the body that pivot radially outward from the body and into engagement with an inner surface of a tubular. Curved slots are provided along a portion of the members and a sliding block has a protrusion that projects into the slots. The slots are curved so that when the block is urged axially within the body, the interaction between the slots and protrusions pivots the members radially outward. A piston is urged through the body to drive the block. Optionally, an elongate helical gear may cooperate with grooves formed in an edge of the members so that rotating the gear pivots the members radially outward.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Karsten Fuhst, Andreas Peter, Matthias Moeller, Christian Weiner, Ulrich Michael, William Befeld
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Publication number: 20150101827Abstract: A technique facilitates avoidance of premature actuation of a liner hanger in a wellbore. The technique utilizes a running string which may be coupled to a liner having a liner hanger. The running string extends into the liner in a manner which creates an inner pressure region within the running string, an intermediate pressure region between the running string and the liner, and an outer or annulus pressure region surrounding the liner. The inner pressure region is initially isolated from the intermediate pressure region by a closure mechanism during, for example, movement downhole. The closure mechanism selectively closes off a port used to actuate the liner hanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Aju Abraham
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Patent number: 9004183Abstract: A string is equipped with a braking device to regulate its speed into the wellbore through an existing tubular. When the targeted amount of overlap with an existing tubular is accomplished the two tubulars are then joined together. The braking system can take many forms such as externally mounted mechanisms that are speed responsive to vary the braking force. The inside of the tubular can have trapped gas to provide buoyancy and reduce the dropping speed. The braking can be accomplished hydraulically through regulated flow through the tubular or by a combination of a hydraulic and mechanical device. The momentum of the dropped string can also be controlled with a swage device that at the appropriate location lands on a taper and wedges or fuses itself to the surrounding tubular to gain support from the surrounding tubular.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Peter J. Fay
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Patent number: 9004184Abstract: The invention provides a wellbore system comprising an expandable tubular element arranged in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby an annular space is present between the tubular element and a wall surrounding the tubular element. The tubular element is provided with sealing means for sealing the annular space, wherein the sealing means includes a foldable wall section of the tubular element. The foldable wall section has a reduced bending stiffness relative to a remainder wall section of the tubular element and is deformable from an unfolded mode to a folded mode by application of a compressive folding force to the tubular element. The foldable wall section when in the folded mode comprises at least one annular fold extending radially outward into said annular space. The wellbore system further comprises a folding device for applying said folding force to the tubular element.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Daniele Di Crescenzo, Djurre Hans Zijsling
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Publication number: 20150096766Abstract: A running tool and delivery and/or retrieving apparatus, and method for use, are designed for optionally delivering and optionally retrieving an oilfield device down a borehole. A kelly extends into the borehole. The tool has a journal configured for slidable movement along the kelly, an engagement disk mounted around the journal configured for engaging the device, and a plurality of fins attached perpendicular to an outer circumference of the journal. The proximal fins extend radially from the outer circumference of the journal toward the engagement disk, are butted against the engagement disk and extend to a diameter complementary to an outer diameter of the engagement disk. The plurality of proximal fins surround and are arranged concentric with the journal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Nicky A. White, James W. Chambers, Thomas F. Bailey
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Patent number: 9000941Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Andreas Hohl, Frank Schuberth, Hanno Reckmann
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Patent number: 8997882Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a stage tool. In one aspect, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore is provided. The tool includes a body having a bore. The tool further includes a seal assembly attached to the body. The seal assembly having an expandable annular member, a seal member and an expander sleeve, wherein the seal member includes one or more anti-extrusion spring bands embedded within the seal member. The tool further includes a slip assembly attached to the body. The slip assembly includes slips that are configured to engage the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Rocky A. Turley, Brent J. Lirette, Huy V. Le
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Patent number: 8997881Abstract: A method of supporting a pressure bearing wall against a pressure differential applied across the wall can include positioning a support structure proximate the pressure bearing wall, the support structure having a support surface formed thereon, and the support surface contacting the pressure bearing wall and supporting the wall against the pressure differential. A pressure bearing housing assembly can include a pressure bearing wall and a support structure which supports the pressure bearing wall against a pressure differential applied across the wall. A well system can comprise a well tool including a pressure bearing housing assembly exposed to pressure in a wellbore, whereby a pressure differential is applied across a pressure bearing wall of the housing assembly, the pressure bearing wall being supported against the pressure differential by a support structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Adam H. Martin, Donald Perkins
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Publication number: 20150090463Abstract: An automated pipe slips includes a pipe slips body having a generally frustoconically tapered inner wall. A plurality of wedges is positioned to slide along the tapered inner wall and may be hydraulically driven. In some embodiments, the wedges alternate between long and short wedges, such that only long wedges are used to engage a tubular member having a small diameter, and both long and short wedges are used to engage a tubular member having a large diameter. In some embodiments, the automated pipe slips may include a centralizer assembly. In some embodiments, the automated pipe slips may include a wiper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Ashish Gupta, Vladimir Scekic, Padira Reddy, Brian Ellis, Faisal Yousef, Chris Magnuson, Larry Heighington
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Patent number: 8985226Abstract: An electric submersible pump assembly (ESP) (21, 120) is deployed in a production tube (20, 100) in a borehole such that the motor (26, 41, 121) of the ESP is spaced from the inner wall of the production tube, defining a conduit (36, 111) through which the pumped well fluid can flow to cool the motor. The production tube may have an enlarged diameter portion (25, 76, 101) within which the motor is positioned. Alternatively or additionally, the ESP and/or the production tube may be provided with stabilizing spacers (24, 45, 140, 141) which extend between the ESP and the tube to centralize the ESP in the tube and support it against vibrational movement, the spacers defining an annular conduit (36, 111) between the motor casing and the production tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: AccessESP UK LimitedInventor: Philip Head