Flexible Cable Or Wire Patents (Class 166/385)
  • Publication number: 20140367121
    Abstract: A dual use cable includes at least one fiber optic cable encased in a metallic component that is encased in a layer of polymer material. The polymer material is surrounded by a tube or armor wire strength members embedded in one or two additional polymer material layers. A final assembly can include an outer metallic component or an outer layer of polymer material. The at least one fiber optic cable transmits data and the armor wire strength members and/or metallic components transmit at least one of electrical power and data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Willem A. Wijnberg, Surya Simanjuntak, Sheng Chang, Jushik Yun, Burcu Unal Altintas, David Kim, Maria Auxiliadora Grisanti Vigouroux
  • Publication number: 20140352982
    Abstract: A gas lift barrier valve mandrel assembly includes a longitudinally extending tubular member that defines a production conduit and has a central longitudinal axis. A side pocket mandrel has a first pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a first central axis. The side pocket mandrel has a second pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a second central axis. The central axis of the production conduit, first axis and second axis are non-coaxial and are parallel to one another. A passage fluidly connects an outside of the mandrel to an inside of the production conduit and is intersected by the first and second pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas M. White, Wayne J. Mabry, Jason Michael Kamphaus, Tyson R. Messick, Eric Lovie, Kenneth C. Burnett
  • Publication number: 20140352952
    Abstract: A method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that includes providing a cable. The cable includes an insulated conductor; an armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor; and a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the armor wire layer, and in interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and the at least one insulated conductor. The method also includes introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 8899338
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method to insert a wireline through a blow out preventer to log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage while maintaining well control during the process. A dual throated blow out preventer (10) provides a moveable sealing element (1210, 1402) to allow a wireline (13) and a drill string (25) to be placed in a well for assembly, then seals off the dual throat to isolate the drill string from the wireline, thereby permitting pressure to be maintained on both the wireline through a standard packoff arrangement (1218) and on the drill string using the rams of the blow out preventer (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Salem Lotfi Elsayed, Waqar Khan
  • Patent number: 8893808
    Abstract: A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Cary A. Valerio
  • Publication number: 20140332238
    Abstract: Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum wench system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Kun Zhang, Stephane Breard, Pierre Jacquemont
  • Publication number: 20140326470
    Abstract: A well completion arrangement and method is for removing at least a portion of a line running in an annulus between a tubing and a casing in a well. The arrangement comprises at least two clamping means spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the tubing and fixed thereto, the clamping means being configured for fixing the line with respect to tubing, a splitting means for releasing the line from the interval defined by at least an upper clamping means and a lower clamping means of the at least two clamping means, a line manipulator apparatus for activating said release of the line, and a line retrieval apparatus for displacing into the tubing the portion of the line from said interval, thereby removing the line from the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: WTW Solutions AS
    Inventor: Bård Martin Tinnen
  • Publication number: 20140318814
    Abstract: A wireline pressure control apparatus for use in an oil or gas well, comprising a grease injector having first and second tubes (10) and a bore (12), and a grease injection channel in communication with the bore for injecting grease between the outer surface of the wireline and the inner surface of the bore. The bore (12) has radial passages (15) at spaced apart locations providing a leak path for fluids between the inner surface of the bore and the outer surface of the tubes, allowing pressure to equalise. The radial passages are in fluid communication with one another outwith the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Carl Wood, Runi Joensen, Christopher McLaren, John Craig
  • Publication number: 20140311758
    Abstract: A small-diameter, continuously bonded cable and a method for manufacturing the same includes at least one longitudinally extending inner metallic component with a tie layer of an amended polymer material surrounding and bonded thereto in steps of heating and extruding. A longitudinally extending outer metallic component is radially spaced from the at least one inner metallic component and incased in a polymer material jacket layer in heating and extruding steps. The polymer materials insulate the metallic component for conducting electrical power and/or data signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Jushik Yun, Sheng Chang, Burcu Unal Altintas, Ricardo Vanegas
  • Publication number: 20140305661
    Abstract: A cable duct device in a swellable packer in which the swellable packer is provided with at least one opening therethrough which is adapted to constitute a duct for a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Rune FREYER
  • Patent number: 8857524
    Abstract: Apparatus (14) for supporting a cable (16) in a fluid-filled pipe (10) extending through an underground borehole, comprising a body for connection to an end of the cable extending along the pipe, the body being buoyant in the fluid filling the pipe, such that when the body is connected to the end of the pipe, it floats at or near the surface (15) of the fluid in the pipe. A method of supporting a cable in a fluid-filled pipe using such apparatus, comprises connecting the cable to the body, and dropping the body into the pipe so as to float on the surface of the fluid filing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas Flamant, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 8851193
    Abstract: A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Cary A. Valerio
  • Patent number: 8833441
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cable suspended pumping system. In one embodiment, a method of producing fluid from a reservoir includes deploying a pumping system into a wellbore to a location proximate the reservoir using a cable. The pump assembly includes a motor, an isolation device, a pump, and a power conversion module (PCM). The method further includes setting the isolation device, thereby rotationally fixing the pumping system to a tubular string disposed in the wellbore and isolating an inlet of the pump from an outlet of the pump; supplying a DC power signal from the surface to the PCM via the cable; and supplying a second power signal to the motor, thereby operating the pump and pumping reservoir fluid from the reservoir to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Zeitecs B.V.
    Inventors: Lance I. Fielder, Robert Nicholas Worrall
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8813839
    Abstract: A system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube, comprising a power line disposed along a production tube and terminating in a first power connector and an orientation profile disposed in the vicinity of the first power connector. An assembly includes a powered device having a second power connector and an extending orientation capable of radial outward movement from the assembly. The powered device being lowered down the production tube, causing the extending orientation to be urged radially outwards to engage with the orientation profile and orient the device, so that the first power connector and second power connector engage to connect the powered device to the power line in an automatic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Artificial Lift Company
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20140231076
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to cut a control line and/or to run a control line on a rig may include a movable cutting apparatus to cut a control line, a load transfer member to engage a control line, a load measuring device to measure a load imparted to a load transfer member, and a drive member to engage and drive a control line. The apparatuses and methods may be used with a control line positioning apparatus, a pipe engaging apparatus, and/or may be used by themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventor: Dougal Hugo Brown
  • Patent number: 8807225
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises providing a cable, wherein the cable comprises at least one insulated conductor, at least one armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor, a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and insulated conductor, the polymeric material forming a continuously bonded layer which separates and encapsulates the armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and whereby the polymeric material is extended to form a smooth polymeric jacket around the at least one armor wire layer, introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Publication number: 20140174725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore is presented. The method includes conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore via a cable, and determining the torque in the cable in real-time. The method further involves conveying the downhole tool on a wireline, and automatically triggering an alert when the torque reaches a certain level. The apparatus includes a cable, a downhole tool attached to the cable for conveyance within the wellbore, and a sensor to measure torque in the cable. The apparatus may also include a telemetry system to communicate the torque data to the surface. The downhole tool includes a sensor to measure the relative torque between the downhole tool and the cable in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nikhil Dalvi, Edward Harrigan
  • Patent number: 8757276
    Abstract: A technique enables the efficient connection of communication lines in a well application by substantially reducing online rig assembly time. The technique reduces online time of the rig by sealably fastening a first connector of a downhole connection assembly to a segment of a communication line during offline assembly time to substantially reduce the online time requirements. The first connector is later connected to a corresponding second connector while the rig is online to complete the downhole connection assembly that joins communication line segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alff, Robert Speers, Emmanuel Rioufol
  • Publication number: 20140158379
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cable deployment of downhole equipment, wherein the conductors of a power cable bear the load of the downhole equipment and jewelry, as well as the cable itself. The power cable includes a set of elongated conductors, an upper coupling and a lower coupling. The upper support coupling suspends each of the conductors from the support structure and electrically couples the conductors to a power source. The lower coupling suspends the downhole electrical equipment from the conductors and electrically couples the conductors to the downhole equipment. One embodiment uses 7075 T-6 aluminum conductors to provide a length of at least 10,000 feet, a yield stress of at least 50,000 psi and a resistance of less than 0.2 ohm/kf. The aluminum conductors are homogeneous and are non-reactive with hydrogen sulfide, so no lead sheathing is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Don C. Cox
  • Patent number: 8727024
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a tubing bundle during installation or removal. The apparatus includes a clamp for securing the tubing bundle to an external wireline. The method includes deploying the tubing bundle and wireline together, The tubing bundle is periodically secured to the wireline using a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventors: David L. Decker, Brad F. Lyles, Richard G. Purcell, Ronald Lee Hershey
  • Patent number: 8726980
    Abstract: A technique facilitates the employment of an electric submersible pumping system or other well system downhole into a wellbore. The electric motor system is coupled with a signal carrying cable for conveyance to a desired downhole location in the wellbore. The signal carrying cable is constructed with sufficient strength to solely support the electric motor system during deployment and use in the wellbore without addition of a separate supporting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Allan D. Ross, Hifzi Ardic, Willem A. Wijnberg, Jushik Yun, Jose Ramon Lozano-Gendreau
  • Patent number: 8720590
    Abstract: A permeable material compacting method includes, positioning a portion of at least one elongated member within the interior of a tubular, moving a portion of the at least one elongated member through the interior of the tubular, moving a permeable material through the interior of the tubular with the portion of the at least one elongated member, and radially compacting the permeable material as the permeable material passes through the interior of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Randall V. Guest, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8708041
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. At least a portion of the pipe string includes a signal communication channel having a cable, such as an electrical conductor or an optical fiber. At least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the pipe string and has at least one sensor therein for measuring a physical parameter. The at least one instrument is in signal communication with the signal communication channel in the pipe string. The system includes a controller functionally associated with the at least one instrument and configured to initiate operation of the at least one sensor upon detection of a command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Shyam B. Mehta, Reza Taherian, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Patent number: 8701754
    Abstract: A coiled tubing injector, rollers on the backside of grippers on a gripper chain pass over at least one shallow groove or depression formed in, or gap between segments of, a planar roller contact surface of a skate, thereby momentarily removing or reducing the force being applied by the skate to the grippers as the grippers pass through at least one predetermined location within a gripping zone of the coiled tubing injector. The reduction or removal of the force on the grippers allows the grippers to reset their positions on the tubing at one or more predetermined locations in order to accommodate changes in the strain caused by changes in stress as the tubing moves through the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: David W. McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20140102721
    Abstract: An injector for deploying a cable into a wellbore includes a traction assembly having at least a stationary segment and a movable segment. Each segment includes: a drive sprocket; an idler sprocket; a track looped around and between the sprockets; a set of grippers fastened to and disposed along the respective track, and a frame. The frame: is connected to the stationary segment, has a coupling for connection to a pressure control assembly (PCA), and has a passage for receiving the cable. The injector further includes a motor torsionally connected to the drive sprocket of the stationary segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ZEITECS B.V.
    Inventors: Eugene BESPALOV, James Rudolph WETZEL, Matthew CROWLEY, Neil GRIFFITHS
  • Patent number: 8672043
    Abstract: An apparatus including a coiled tubing unit coupled to a drilling rig, and an enclosure surrounding the coiled tubing unit. The coiled tubing unit may include a coiled tubing reel and a coiled tubing injector, wherein the injector may move relative to the coiled tubing reel. The coiled tubing unit is configured to move relative to the drilling rig in both longitudinal and lateral directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nabors Alaska Drilling, Inc.
    Inventors: Donovan Korach, Drew Byers
  • Patent number: 8640781
    Abstract: A method and device for deploying a cable and an apparatus in a ground formation having a motherbore, wherein the method comprises positioning a non-rotating drill pipe, a cable and an apparatus in a motherbore tubular; and drilling a lateral opening relatively the motherbore by displacing the drill pipe into the formation with the cable and apparatus attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fishbones AS
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20140014373
    Abstract: A clamp system for use with a wellbore tubular comprises a wellbore tubular having a circumferential groove and a clamp, and the circumferential groove is configured to retain the clamp within the circumferential groove. The clamp system can be used to secure a control line to a wellbore tubular, which can comprise retaining the control line to an outside of a wellbore tubular that comprises the circumferential groove and resisting a force applied to the control line by transferring the force to the circumferential groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: William M. Richards
  • Publication number: 20130333900
    Abstract: A coiled tubing injector, rollers on the backside of grippers on a gripper chain pass over at least one shallow groove or depression formed in, or gap between segments of, a planar roller contact surface of a skate, thereby momentarily removing or reducing the force being applied by the skate to the grippers as the grippers pass through at least one predetermined location within a gripping zone of the coiled tubing injector. The reduction or removal of the force on the grippers allows the grippers to reset their positions on the tubing at one or more predetermined locations in order to accommodate changes in the strain caused by changes in stress as the tubing moves through the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: David W. McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20130292126
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises providing a cable, wherein the cable comprises at least one insulated conductor, at least one armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor, a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and insulated conductor, the polymeric material forming a continuously bonded layer which separates and encapsulates the armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and whereby the polymeric material is extended to form a smooth polymeric jacket around the at least one armor wire layer, introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
  • Patent number: 8573313
    Abstract: Well servicing methods and systems are described, in one embodiment comprising a pressure containment housing fluidly connected directly to a wellhead of a wellbore, and a reel positioned inside the housing on which is spooled a communication line. One method comprises introducing the communication line into the pressurized wellbore without a well control stack, the communication line being introduced and driven into the wellbore by controlling a reel, the reel being internal to a pressurized housing removably connected directly to a wellhead of the wellbore. Fluid flow may move the communication line to a desired location in the wellbore. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Sarmad Adnan, Jospeh A. Ayoub, Michael G. Gay
  • Publication number: 20130248208
    Abstract: Roller devices for passively or actively aiding in the conveyance of a toolstring through a well. The well may be of tortuous architecture and include a host of different corrosives. However, the roller devices are equipped with a cylindrical bearing based mechanism such as a journal bearing. Thus, these devices may be substantially less prone to exposure to corrosives. For example, they may be provided in a substantially monolithic circumferential form more readily shielded and/or isolated from such direct exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Derek Copold, Sashank Vasireddy, Serko Sarian
  • Publication number: 20130233571
    Abstract: In an injector head (30) for handling tubing for insertion into and retrieval from a wellbore, a non-gripping portion of the path (22) of each chain loop (12), which is otherwise susceptible to oscillations when running in at least certain conditions, is constrained by a chain guide (44). The chain guide allows the chain to move freely as it is driven by the sprockets (16) in a loop, but dampens or prevents development of oscillations in the chain loop (12) when moving along one or more sections of its path in which it is not otherwise be pressed against tubing or constrained by sprockets or tensioners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: Timothy James GODDARD
  • Patent number: 8528651
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for directionally disposing an elongated flexible member in a pressurized conduit, including inserting a bent end portion of an elongated hollow body through an opening in fluid communication with a well valve and defined by a pressurized conduit, the bent end portion being disposed in a pre-determined direction and location within the pressurized conduit; inserting a lead portion of an elongated flexible member into a fluid passageway defined by a primary valve, the fluid passageway of the primary valve being in sealed fluid relationship with the elongated hollow body which, in turn, is in sealed fluid relationship with the pressurized conduit, wherein the lead portion of the elongated flexible member is inserted through the bent end portion and into the pressurized conduit by a pre-determined distance; and retaining in place the inserted elongated flexible member which is directionally disposed in the pressurized conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, Harold L. Becker
  • Patent number: 8505633
    Abstract: A coupling to serve as a logging head or other downhole weakpoint assembly. The coupling is configured with a variety of internal tensile members. The individual members and load bearing capacities of each may be selectively engaged in a variety of combinations so as to provide a host of different load bearing capacities to the weakpoint coupling. Such selectable engagement is achieved through the dialing of a key by the user without the need to add or remove any load bearing features from the coupling. Thus, the user-friendly nature of the coupling is enhanced and the possibility of the user leaving behind supplemental load bearing tensile members for change-out is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: L. Michael McKee
  • Patent number: 8485269
    Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Patent number: 8459348
    Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mineo, Jerry Clinton Foster
  • Patent number: 8443900
    Abstract: A method of unloading liquid from a reservoir includes deploying a pumping system into a wellbore to a location proximate the reservoir using a cable. The pumping system includes a motor, an isolation device, and a pump. The method further includes setting the isolation device, thereby rotationally fixing the pumping system to a tubular string disposed in the wellbore and isolating an inlet of the pump from an outlet of the pump; supplying a power signal from the surface to the motor via the cable, thereby operating the pump and lowering a liquid level in the tubular string to a level proximate the reservoir; unsetting the isolation device; and removing the pump assembly from the wellbore using the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Zeitecs B.V.
    Inventors: Lance I. Fielder, Robert Nicholas Worrall
  • Publication number: 20130112402
    Abstract: Methods for forming a geothermal well are provided. A method for forming a geothermal well can include drilling a first wellbore having a substantially linear segment connected to an arcuate segment. A second wellbore can be drilled to connect to a terminating end of the arcuate segment, thereby forming a wellbore loop. A thermally conductive tube can be disposed through the wellbore loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Willard D. Harris, Michael Batten
  • Publication number: 20130112433
    Abstract: An injector head for feeding a tool string support member downhole is described. The injector head includes a first gripping device and a second gripping device. The first and second gripping devices are adapted to grip a tool string support member passing through an injector head passageway. The injector head further includes an actuator movable between a first position and a second position wherein, movement of the actuator between the first and second positions moves at least a portion of both of the first and second gripping devices towards or away from a passageway longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Kenny Armstrong, Morten Talgo, Ole Johannessen
  • Patent number: 8413723
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises providing a cable, wherein the cable comprises at least one insulated conductor, at least one armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor, a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and insulated conductor, the polymeric material forming a continuously bonded layer which separates and encapsulates the armor wires forming the at least one armor wire layer, and whereby the polymeric material is extended to form a smooth polymeric jacket around the at least one armor wire layer, introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 8397828
    Abstract: A spoolable downhole control system includes a length of one or more lines suitable for the downhole environment. The spoolable downhole control system also includes one or more components disposed in signal bearing communication with the one or more lines and along a length of the one or more lines, prior to the system being connected with a string. The components are capable of actuating an operation. A method for creating a downhole system includes spooling out the spoolable downhole control system and joining the one or more components with one or more subs of the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Don A. Hopmann, Luis E. Mendez
  • Publication number: 20130062076
    Abstract: This device includes a cable (32) having a smooth outer surface (40). The cable (32) comprises a central conductor (42) and an annular outer sheath (44). The outer sheath (44) includes a polymer matrix (56) and mechanical reinforcing fibers (58, 60) embedded in the polymer matrix (56). The central conductor (42) comprises a solid cylindrical metal core (48) having a smooth outer surface (52), a breaking strength greater than 300 daN and a lineic electrical resistance greater than 30 mohms/m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Vincent Chatelet, Stephane Polis
  • Publication number: 20130025885
    Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Mineo, Jerry Clinton Foster
  • Publication number: 20130000925
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for directionally disposing an elongated flexible member in a pressurized conduit, including inserting a bent end portion of an elongated hollow body through an opening in fluid communication with a well valve and defined by a pressurized conduit, the bent end portion being disposed in a pre-determined direction and location within the pressurized conduit; inserting a lead portion of an elongated flexible member into a fluid passageway defined by a primary valve, the fluid passageway of the primary valve being in sealed fluid relationship with the elongated hollow body which, in turn, is in sealed fluid relationship with the pressurized conduit, wherein the lead portion of the elongated flexible member is inserted through the bent end portion and into the pressurized conduit by a pre-determined distance; and retaining in place the inserted elongated flexible member which is directionally disposed in the pressurized conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Gregory Darby, Harold L. Becker
  • Patent number: 8336633
    Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of communication line connections in a well environment. An electro-optic splitter enables communication line connections which comprise electrical conductor connections and optical fiber connections. The electro-optic splitter comprises a universal block which enables the electrical conductor and optical fiber to pass through the universal block while also enabling splitting of at least one of the electrical conductor and optical fiber for additional connection to one or more downhole gauges or other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dan M. Worrall, Jr., Robert Speer
  • Publication number: 20120292051
    Abstract: A method of deploying a downhole tool into a wellbore includes: lowering a cable into the wellbore; after lowering the cable, engaging a mold with an outer surface of the cable; injecting sealant into the mold and into armor of the cable, thereby sealing a portion of the cable; lowering the downhole tool to a deployment depth using the cable; engaging a seal with the sealed portion of the cable; and operating the downhole tool using the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: James Rudolph Wetzel, Nicolas A. Garibay, Neil Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8312934
    Abstract: A line retention system includes a positionally fixed retainer having one or more recesses therein that are receptive to one or more lines. The system further includes one or more spline recesses in the positionally fixed retainer receptive to one or more position splines and one or more position splines that are receivable in the one or more spline recesses. A method for retaining one or more lines is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Martin P. Coronado
  • Patent number: 8307917
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving tubing through a borehole is disclosed. The apparatus includes a surface injector assembly and a downhole injector assembly with a driving mechanism to move the tubing through the borehole, an anchoring system for securing the downhole injector assembly downhole to a cased portion of a borehole wall and connections for receiving a power supply form the surface. A method of moving tubing through a borehole is also disclosed. The method involves attaching a downhole injector assembly to a cased portion of a borehole wall sufficiently downhole such that the downhole injector assembly can supply weight to a drilling assembly, and injecting tubing through the borehole using the downhole injector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Spyro Kotsonis, Eric Lavrut