With Bending Of Tubing Patents (Class 166/384)
  • Patent number: 8910709
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member located in a wellbore, the second tubular member including an upper end portion which has a greater diameter than the diameter of the first tubular member, the method comprising: lowering the first tubular member into the wellbore until the first tubular member is located at least within the bore of the upper end portion of the second tubular member; and expanding the first tubular member until the first tubular member is sealingly connected to the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Meta Downhole Limited
    Inventors: Neil Thomson, Peter Wood, Andrew Gorrara
  • Patent number: 8875783
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an expandable tubular assembly in a borehole. In one aspect, a system for expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided. The system includes a running tool configured to position the tubular in the borehole. The running tool including a first expander configured to activate the anchor portion by expanding the tubular to a first diameter. The system further includes a second expander configured to expand the tubular to a second larger diameter, wherein the second expander is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In another aspect, a method of expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Varadaraju Gandikota, Nader E. Abedrabbo, Larry A. Kendziora, Lev Ring
  • Publication number: 20140318813
    Abstract: The need to have the housing of an ESP suspended by the discharge flange to allow room for downhole thermal expansion in a situation where there is no surface access to the lower end of the ESP when the discharge flange is bolted up is addressed by building the ESP on a support that is removable downhole without intervention. A controlled electrolytic material or CEM can be used or other materials that meet the structural support requirement for the ESP and then after a predetermined time lose their capacity to support leaving the ESP suspended by its discharge flange and capable of growing under thermal loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles Thomas Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 8844638
    Abstract: A tool (10) for installing and removing a valve removal plug (60) from wellhead components, the tool comprising a curved pressure containing housing (11) having a first and a second end (12, 13), the housing having a bore (20) extending from the first end to the second end, a flexible drive member (21) within the bore and drive means (40, 41) connected to the drive member for causing rotational movement of the drive member within the pressure containing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Edward T. Thornburrow
  • Publication number: 20140262347
    Abstract: A method for sealing a flexible liner that has been emplaced in a borehole manifesting artesian water flow. The upper end of the liner is closed with a plug, and a mud tube is extended from the plug down to a small volume of mud at the bottom end of the liner. The pressure in the liner interior is increased according to the weight of the mud column in the mud tube. Pressure in the liner interior can be regulated by allowing mud to move up and down in the mud tube, and by adding or withdrawing water from the closed liner interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140262346
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating eversion of a flexible liner down a borehole when an artesian head condition is producing a rate of water flow out of the top of the borehole. A bypass pipe channels artesian flow, moving upward in the borehole and/or well casing, past an everting flexible liner to a wellhead fixture. Artesian flow arriving at the wellhead fixture is pumped away to ameliorate resistance to liner eversion otherwise presented by the water flow. A heavy mud may be disposed inside the everting liner further to promote its downward eversion past the artesian flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140262345
    Abstract: An expandable tubular system that includes a launcher section coupled to a tubular string and that houses an expansion device. A shoulder section that is formed at a transition point between the launcher section and the tubular string has a wall thickness greater than the wall thicknesses of the tubular string and the launcher section. The shoulder section has an inner diameter less than inner diameters of the launcher section and the tubular string. The shoulder section is arranged to increase the force required to begin expansion of the tubular string and increase the contact area between the inner surface of the shoulder section the expansion device when supporting the weight of the tubular string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Darren Richard SANTELER
  • Patent number: 8826974
    Abstract: An additional string is run through an existing string using a running string. With the strings overlapping an upper inflatable secures them together leaving gaps. The upper inflatable creates an upper expanded zone where the swage assembly is then built. The swage assembly has a seal and upon pressure being applied between the upper inflatable and the seal the swage assembly releases the running string and is pushed to expand the additional string until tagging a cement shoe. The running string is rejoined to the swage assembly and after cementing a lower inflatable is deployed to make a bell and to set an external packer if used. If there is an external packer the shoe releases and on the way out of the hole the upper inflatable sets a seal in the lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Anja Erdmann, Keven O'Connor, Ines Gruetzmann
  • Patent number: 8826973
    Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. There is further provided with in the systems a means for delivering high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates, a laser bottom hole assembly, and fluid directing techniques and assemblies for removing the displaced material from the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel F. Moxley, Mark S. Land, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Mark S. Zediker
  • Publication number: 20140246212
    Abstract: Described herein is a tubular apparatus for the continuous completion of wells for hydrocarbons, of the type comprising a flexible cylindrical wall (11; 11?) defining inside it a hollow passage (19) suitable for being wound, in particular on a spool, and laid for use in the step of completion of a drilling well. According to the invention, said cylindrical wall (11; 11?) comprises a fabric (12, 13, 15; 12?, 13?, 15?) including inside it at least one gap (14; 14?), which develops in the axial direction of said cylindrical wall (11), said fabric (12, 13, 15; 12?, 13?, 15?) comprising means suitable for operating under traction (15; 15?) when within said at least one gap (14; 14?) a pressurized fluid (20) is present injected for stiffening the tubular apparatus (10; 10?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventor: Giordano Pinarello
  • Patent number: 8820419
    Abstract: A tieback receptacle is configured with an exterior cone and externals seals with a clearance space to accept a tieback shoe that will wash over the receptacle and expand when landed and advanced over the cone. The lower end of the shoe is tapered so that the thickness opposing the upper seal adds to burst and collapse resistance while the tapered lower end allows a thicker receptacle to be used in the area of the lower seal. The expansion can be accomplished with setting down weight which can also enhance the set of the liner hanger below. Minimal expansion in the order of 3% or less is needed. Exterior slots create cement flow passages and a no-go for the stem to prevent damage to the box further below. A metal to metal seal is created at the cone that is straddled by the exterior seals on the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark K. Adam
  • Publication number: 20140238696
    Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the wellbore. A coiled tubing injector may be provided on a separate turntable assembly or on the same turntable assembly as the reel assembly. A swivel support assembly may be provided for managing operation lines associated with the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: REEL REVOLUTION HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Terence BORST, Dudley J. PERIO, JR.
  • Patent number: 8807209
    Abstract: A swellable material seal includes a quantity of swellable material disposed in a geometric configuration; and a plurality of openings in the material to enhance wettability thereof by a swelling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James G. King
  • Patent number: 8800669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore. An expandable tubular may comprise a first end having a first wall thickness, a second end having a second wall thickness, and a middle section disposed between the first and second ends and having a third wall thickness that is less than the first and second wall thicknesses. The first and second ends may include grooves. A method for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore may comprise running the tubular past the restriction, wherein the tubular comprises a first end and a second end, each end having a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of a middle section disposed between the ends. The method may include expanding the tubular, wherein the first and second ends of the expanded tubular have outer diameters greater than the outer diameter of the middle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Lev Ring, Varadaraju Gandikota
  • Patent number: 8800650
    Abstract: An expandable tubular includes a plurality of leaves formed from sheet material that have curved surfaces. The leaves extend around a portion or fully around the diameter of the tubular structure. Some of the adjacent leaves of the tubular are coupled together. The tubular is compressed to a smaller diameter so that it can be inserted through previously deployed tubular assemblies. Once the tubular is properly positioned, it is deployed and coupled or not coupled to a previously deployed tubular assembly. The tubular is useful for all types of wells and boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamic Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Spray, Steven Svedeman, David Walter, Peter Mckeighan, Shane Siebanaler, Peter Dewhurst, Steven Hobson, Doug Foss, Holger Wirz, Aaron Sharpe, Michael Apostal
  • Publication number: 20140209326
    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. The straight 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 straight section. The concave portion and the convex portion have an arc length extending the concave portion to a trailing edge of the tool. 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 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. DELANGE, Scott H. OSBURN, Varadaraju GANDIKOTA, Ghazi J. HASHEM
  • Patent number: 8776876
    Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie Hart, Craig D. Johnson, L. McD Schetky, Peter Besselink
  • Patent number: 8763709
    Abstract: An assembly and techniques for employing multiple motors to drive an oilfield injector. The injector is configured to drive a well access line such as coiled tubing and the motors may be electric in nature. Additionally, the motors are configured to operate at substantially sufficient cooling speeds for electric motors. Nevertheless, the motors are coupled through a common differential mechanism such that a range of differential speeds may be derived via comparison of the operating speeds of the motors. Thus, a wide array of injection speeds may be employed without requiring the motors to operate at dangerously low speeds in terms of electric motor cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Rod Shampine
  • Publication number: 20140166284
    Abstract: A completion system, including a tubular string initially having an substantially constant first dimension and configured to include at least one unexpanded portion having the first dimension and at least one expanded portion having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. The tubular string has at least one opening therein formed at the at least one expanded portion. At least one screen assembly is included having a third dimension and positioned radially adjacent the at least one expanded portion. A radial clearance is formed between the outer dimension of the at least one screen assembly and the second internal dimension of the at least one second portion of the outer tubular string. A method of completing a borehole is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jason Allen, Robert O'Brien, Mark Adam
  • Publication number: 20140158378
    Abstract: A radially expandable device including a tubular body formed from an extruded member having an extrusion direction. The extruded member is configured after extrusion of the extruded member so that the extrusion direction aligns with a resulting circumference of the tubular body during formation of the tubular body from the extruded member. The extruded member is formed from a material operatively arranged to disintegrate upon exposure to a selected borehole fluid. The tubular body is operatively arranged to be expanded from a first radial dimension to a second radial dimension. Methods of making and using a radially expandable device are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 8733456
    Abstract: A monobore wellbore apparatus and method of construction. The apparatus includes a series of overlapping expandable liner sections. The overlapping liner sections may be expanded and pressed to provide no gaps along the length of the liner system. The liner sections may include centralizers and/or circumferential seals that provide sealing functions and spaces between the overlapping liner sections. The liner sections may be lined with a suitable sealing material, including an epoxy or may be filled with cement or another desired materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Ines Gruetzmann, Detlev Benedict, Wiebke Schoenebeck, Keven O'Connor, Matthias R. Moeller
  • Patent number: 8726985
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Louis Leonardus Hessels, Serge Mathieu Roggeband, Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Publication number: 20140131053
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for radially expanding a tubular element below a previous tubular element. The method includes: connecting a downhole section to an uphole section of the tubular element, the downhole section having a smaller diameter than the uphole section; bending a downhole end of the downhole section radially outward and in axially reverse direction to form a start expanded tubular section extending around an unexpanded part of the downhole section; arranging said start expanded tubular section at least partially within a downhole end of the previous tubular element; anchoring said start expanded tubular section to the previous tubular element; and increasing the length of an expanded tubular section of the tubular element by pushing an unexpanded tubular section downhole relative to said start expanded tubular section to expand the unexpanded tubular section by bending the wall of the unexpanded tubular section radially outward and in axially reverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels, Francesco Dalla Longa
  • Patent number: 8695707
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of removing an organic deposit including introducing a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises at least two non-polar organic solvents and at least two polar organic solvents; allowing the fluid to dissolve at least a portion of the organic deposit; and removing at least a portion of the fluid. This invention relates to compositions and methods of removing an organic deposit including introducing a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises at least two non-polar organic solvents and at least two polar organic solvents, wherein the non-polar organic solvents comprise aromatic naphtha, terpenes, kerosene, and combination thereof, and wherein the polar solvents comprise heavy aromatic naphtha, cyclohexanone, N-2-methyl pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and combination thereof, allowing the fluid to dissolve at least a portion of the organic deposit, and removing at least a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Li, Syed A. Ali, Oscar Bustos, Matthew J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8695698
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular include a resilient launcher. The resilient launcher includes a launcher portion and a sleeve portion. An inner diameter of the sleeve portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the launcher portion. An expansion cone is disposed in the launcher portion of the resilient launcher. The expandable tubular is disposed around the sleeve portion and above the launcher portion of the resilient launcher. The launcher portion comprises a port that is sealable below the expansion cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gregory Marshall Noel
  • Patent number: 8684096
    Abstract: Anchor assemblies for installation within an existing conduit. The anchor assemblies have a nondeformable mandrel, an expandable metal sleeve, and a swage. The expandable metal sleeve is carried on the outer surface of the mandrel. The swage is supported for axial movement across the mandrel outer surface from a first position axially proximate to the sleeve to a second position under the sleeve. The movement of the swage from the first position to the second position expands the sleeve radially outward into contact with the existing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Key Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Martin Alfred Stulberg
  • Patent number: 8657001
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a support member operable to be disposed within a tubular member that includes a threaded connection with a pin member. The tubular member is coupled to an expansion device that is operable to radially expand the tubular member and a pin catcher that is operable to engage the pin member as the expansion device and pin catcher move axially through the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard Murray Whiddon
  • Patent number: 8627896
    Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wood, Richard D. Havinga
  • Publication number: 20130319693
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes an assembly, which includes a whipstock and a lateral deflector that are adapted to be run downhole into a first wellbore of the well as a unit. The whipstock is adapted to guide at least a drilling string to form a second wellbore, and the lateral deflector is adapted to guide a liner during installation of the liner into the second wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Barton Sponchia, Gabriel Isaicu, Patrick McKinely, Matthew C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130319692
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cone system having a cone segment capable of deflecting in response to a restriction or obstruction encountered while expanding a tubular. In one aspect, an expansion cone system is provided. The expansion cone system includes a mandrel and two or more pockets disposed circumferentially around the mandrel. Each pocket is at least partially defined by a fin member. The expansion cone system further includes a cone segment coupled to each pocket. Additionally, the expansion cone system includes a biasing member disposed between the mandrel and the respective cone segment. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Nader Elias Abedrabbo, Varadaraju Gandikota, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 8596370
    Abstract: The seal has a base ring that expands with the underlying supporting tubular. Extending from the base ring is a pleated structure with segments folded over each other so that the run in shape is small and up against the supporting tubular for run in. The pleated segments can have internal stiffeners that also add a bias radially outwardly when the structure is freed to move in that direction. A retaining band keeps the assembly retracted until tubular expansion defeats the band to allow the unitary structure to move out radially to the wellbore or surrounding tubular. The pleated portion unfolds and spans outwardly from the base ring to retain pressure differential in one direction while allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. The assembly can be attached to a swage device so that pressure from above can drive one or more swage members to expand a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ines Rex, Keven O'Connor, Joerg Lehr
  • Publication number: 20130306329
    Abstract: 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 fold-able 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Daniele Di Crescenzo, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Publication number: 20130299197
    Abstract: An expansion system including a mandrel slidably coupled to plurality of primary cone segments that are interleaved with a plurality of secondary cone segments. The expansion system has a the first position wherein the primary cone segments and secondary cone segments are in a retracted position, a second position wherein the primary cone segments are in an expanded position and the secondary cone segments are in a retracted position, and a third position wherein the primary cone segments and the secondary cone segments are in an expanded position. When the expansion assembly is disposed within a tubular member and in the second position, the primary cone segments expand the tubular member into a tri-lobe cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Frederick Cornell Bennett
  • Publication number: 20130284434
    Abstract: A system for determining a depth in a wellbore of a reference point associated with a coiled tubing. The system comprises a sensor coupled to a coiled tubing spool, wherein the sensor coupled to the coiled tubing spool is configured to determine an angular position of the spool, a processor coupled to the sensor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, determines the depth in the wellbore of the reference point of the coiled tubing based on an input from the sensor coupled to the coiled tubing spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Chris Andrew MARVEL
  • Patent number: 8555987
    Abstract: A method of creating a wellbore system comprises arranging an expandable tubular element in a wellbore whereby a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, and axially extending the expanded section by moving the remaining tubular section downward relative to the expanded section so that said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction, whereby an annulus is defined between said expanded and remaining tubular sections, the annulus containing a body of fluid. A volume of the fluid is replaced by pumping a replacement fluid into the annulus and discharging the volume of fluid from the annulus whereby at least one of the volume of fluid and the replacement fluid flows into the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels, Pieter Van Nieuwkoop
  • Patent number: 8550178
    Abstract: An expandable packer features a sealing element in an exterior recess that is straddled by projections or bumps. Upon expansion the bumps move out against the borehole wall as an anchor support. Optionally, the bumps may be covered with a sealing material and may be constructed to assist in their radial movement to the borehole wall as a result of expansion particularly if the mandrel is expanded in compression. The bumps are not necessarily expanded with the swage and their radial growth can be induced from longitudinal shrinkage resulting from radial expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Y. Xu, Mark K. Adam
  • Patent number: 8544550
    Abstract: A subsea wellhead a generally cylindrical body including a lower extension for forming an annular space for a cement column between the lower extension and an outer conductor. The extension carries a multiplicity of interfitting rings forming a sleeve which facilitates flexure of the extension in the presence of the cement column. Each ring may comprise an inner flange for disposition adjacent the outside of the extension and an outer flange for fitment over the inner flange of an adjacent ring. The outer flange may have a radial through-bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Daniel A Willoughby
  • Patent number: 8544536
    Abstract: A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: David W. McCulloch, Timothy S. Steffenhagen, William B. White, William G. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20130233548
    Abstract: An expandable tubular assembly includes an expander for expanding a tubular. The expander may be hydraulically actuated. A bore obstruction object may be received in a receptacle sleeve that is a modular component of the expandable tubular assembly. In this respect, the expandable tubular assembly may be quickly fitted with a receptacle sleeve designed to receive selected type of bore obstruction object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Darren Richard Santeler, Derek Slater Payne, Mike A. Luke
  • Patent number: 8522869
    Abstract: A fiber optic based logging assembly deliverable via coiled tubing. The downhole portion of the assembly is directed to develop a logging profile of a well by way of the fiber optic line. Thus, a downhole battery may be provided with the tool. Further, opto-electric interfaces may be provided with the assembly to convert between electrical and optical communication signals. Additionally, with the reduced profile of an optical communication line through the coiled tubing portion of the assembly, an operator may elect to perform treatment applications in real-time. That is, in certain circumstances, the operator may direct a treatment application utilizing the downhole assembly in response to the developing well profile (i.e. without first requiring that the assembly be withdrawn and replaced with a solely dedicated treatment assembly).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Vidal Noya, Soon Seong Chee, Sarmad Adnan
  • Patent number: 8522885
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke
  • Publication number: 20130220639
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for lining a wellbore, and a method for using said system. The system comprises: a drill string (20) for drilling the wellbore; an expandable tubular element (4) enclosing the drill string, wherein a lower end portion of a wall of the expandable tubular element is bent (14) radially outward and in axially reverse direction to define an expanded tubular section (10) extending around an unexpanded tubular section (8); a pushing device (50) for pushing the unexpanded section into the expanded tubular section; a blow-out preventer (302) for closing off the wellbore in case of an emergency. Herein the blow-out preventer encloses the unexpanded tubular section and comprises a cutter (320) for cutting the unexpanded tubular section and at least one closure device (324) for closing the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Francesco Dalla Longa, Petrus Cornelis Kriesels
  • Patent number: 8430177
    Abstract: A method of radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, whereby an annulus is defined between the expanded and remaining tubular sections. The expanded tubular section is axially extended by moving the remaining tubular section downward relative to the expanded tubular section so that the lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction, and load transfer means is positioned in the annulus, the load transfer means being arranged to transfer a load between the remaining tubular section and the expanded tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Pieter Van Nieuwkoop
  • Patent number: 8408318
    Abstract: A method for radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element. An annular space is defined between said expanded and remaining tubular sections. The expanded tubular section is axially extended by moving the remaining section downward relative to the expanded section so that said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction. A tube is positioned in the annular space so that the tube extends substantially concentrically with the expanded section and is arranged to support at least one of the remaining section and the expanded tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels
  • Patent number: 8397804
    Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie Hart, Craig D. Johnson, L. McD Schetky, Peter Besselink
  • Patent number: 8397801
    Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wood, Richard Havinga
  • Patent number: 8387709
    Abstract: A method for radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, and axially extending the expanded tubular section by moving the remaining tubular section a selected distance downward relative to the expanded tubular section so that said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction. The remaining tubular section is axially extended at an upper end thereof with an extended tubular portion of a length at least equal to said distance of downward movement of the remaining tubular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels
  • Patent number: 8360142
    Abstract: A system comprising a first expandable tubular section and a first expansion bridge coupled to an inner surface of the first expandable tubular section. A base pipe is coupled to the first expandable tubular section and to a second expandable tubular section. A second expansion bridge is coupled to an inner surface of the second expandable tubular section. The system also comprises an expansion cone disposed within and translatable relative to the first expandable section. The expansion cone has an expansion diameter greater than an inner diameter of the first and second expansion bridges and less than an inner diameter of the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Glenn Durst, Adam Darius Johnson, III, Gregory Marshall Noel
  • Patent number: 8327927
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing earth borehole operations comprising a base or substructure, a mast mounted on the base, a top drive mounted on the mast for longitudinal movement therealong, the top drive having an opening therethrough and a coiled tubing injector mounted on the mast above the top drive such that coiled tubing from the tubing injector can pass through the opening in the top drive, the apparatus being operable to selectively use the top drive to engage and manipulate a component used in borehole operations while the coiled tubing injector is substantially inoperative and selectively operable to use the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into an earth borehole while the top drive is substantially inoperative or alternatively using the coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into a tubular string being manipulated by the top drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Xtreme Drilling and Coil Services Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas Dyer Wood
  • Patent number: RE45244
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman, Peter Besselink