Flexible Cable Or Wire Patents (Class 166/385)
  • Patent number: 7769260
    Abstract: A rod having an embedded optical fiber has a stiff composite outer layer (10) to make the rod self straightening to enable it to be pushed into a pipe or borehole from a spool. This can help enable a reduction of friction between rod and conduit and can enable longer reach. A barrier layer is provided to separate the fiber from the composite layer. The rod can be retrieved after use. The rod can be narrow enough to enable normal flow along the pipe or borehole, and can be injected and retrieved even when the pipe or borehole is pressurized. The fiber can be used for remote sensing of conditions along the conduit. Other tools can be inserted by the rod during the intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Sensornet Limited
    Inventors: Henning Hansen, Mahmoud Farhadiroushan, Richard Julius Kluth
  • Patent number: 7753129
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump and motor assembly for downhole applications has an electric motor having a stationary nonrotating through bore, a pump driven by the electric motor, a deployment line upon which the electric motor and pump may be lowered down through a production tube, and a seal for sealing the assembly against the production tube. An inlet upstream of the seal through which well bore fluid may flow extends through the pump and the stationary nonrotating through bore of the motor, and the fluid may exit through an outlet open to the well bore downstream of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Artificial Lift Company Limited
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20100170680
    Abstract: A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald W. McGregor, David G. Dearing
  • Patent number: 7740078
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a control line to a tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide boom pivotable around a location adjacent the string and with a guide member at an end thereof to guide the control line. The apparatus further includes a clamp boom that is independently pivotable and includes a clamp housing at an end thereof for clamping the control line against the tubular string. The guide boom and the clamp boom each have a center line which is substantially aligned with the center line of the tubing string permitting the control line to be aligned adjacent the tubular string prior to clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hayes, Troy F. Hill, Timothy Bedore, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 7730957
    Abstract: Installation of lines in well tools. A well tool for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes connectors at opposite ends of the well tool, a line extending between the connectors; at least one threaded connection at a position between the connectors; and an anti-rotation device which permits make-up of the threaded connection without relative rotation between ends of the line. A method of installing a line in a well tool includes the steps of: making-up a threaded connection at a position between end connectors of the well tool; and preventing relative rotation between ends of the line during the threaded connection making-up step, the line extending between the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blanton, Ronald W. McGregor
  • Patent number: 7730956
    Abstract: Pressure balanced downhole connections. A well system includes a well tool, a conduit assembly connected to the well tool, the conduit assembly including a conduit and a line positioned within the conduit, the line being connected to the well tool for operation of the well tool, and a device for equalizing pressure between an interior and an exterior of the conduit, the device being positioned downhole. A method of isolating a line in a subterranean well from well fluids in the well includes the steps of: connecting a conduit assembly to a device for equalizing pressure between an interior and an exterior of the conduit assembly, the conduit assembly including a line installed within a conduit; and positioning the conduit assembly and pressure equalizing device in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell C. Smithson
  • Publication number: 20100126734
    Abstract: A method of installing a drilling tool at a lower end of a string of casing suspended in a borehole employs a setting tool run by wireline. The setting tool is latched to a drilling tool connected a drill lock assembly. After landing in a profile sub at the lower end of the casing, fluid pressure is applied to the interior of the string of casing to actuate the setting tool. The setting tool moves to latch the drill lock assembly to the sub so that torque may be transmitted between the profile sub and the drill lock assembly. The setting tool movement also releases the setting tool from the drill lock assembly for retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Erik P. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7721798
    Abstract: A wireline entry sub includes a body for connection with a wellbore string of tubulars. An opening on the body extends a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis. A wireline passage extends though the body from the opening to a lower end. A wireline pulling device is mounted on the sub body to apply pulling force to a wireline. The wireline pulling device ma be driven by a motor mounted on the wireline cut sub or by a to drive of a drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Per G. Angman
  • Patent number: 7717184
    Abstract: A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gisle Vold, Egil Abrahamsen, Svein Egil Vestersjo, Terje Baustad, Kaj Stokkeland, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 7717181
    Abstract: An artificial lift system provides an artificial lift design specifically for the pumping of liquids from natural gas wells, but not limited to this application. In doing so, production rates and reserves recovered can be significantly increased. The artificial lift system uses small diameter continuous tubing to run the pump in the hole and deliver small volumes of high pressure dry gas as a power fluid to the pump. This power fluid forces liquid that has been drawn into the pump from the bottom of the wellbore to surface. By removing the liquids from the wellbore the natural gas can flow unrestricted to surface. The design and equipment allow for a cost effective artificial lift alternative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Terry Bullen
  • Publication number: 20100116510
    Abstract: A cable component is provided that includes at least one optical fiber; and a two shaped profiles having inner and outer surfaces such that the inner surfaces combine to from an enclosure for the at least one optical fiber, wherein a first of the two shaped profiles has a cross sectional arc that is greater than a cross sectional arc of a second of the two shaped profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Garud Sridhar
  • Publication number: 20100108331
    Abstract: An embodiment of a clamping, cutting, and wiping assembly assembly may comprise a frame defining a pathway for a cable to pass therethrough, a clamp mechanism, a cutter device, and a wiper mounted to the frame adjacent the pathway for engaging with a cable, wherein the clamp device, the cutter, and the wiper may each be actuatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Michael Ramsey, Matthew E. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100108323
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing downhole tools, such as sliding sleeves, includes a first (opening) shifting tool connected to an end of a continuous rod, an intermediate rod connected below the first shifting tool, and a second (closing) shifting tool connected to the end of the intermediate rod. The first tool has a profile for selectively opening sleeves when moved downhole, and the second tool has a profile for selectively closing sleeves when moved uphole. Alternatively, a single tool can couple to the end of the continuous rod and can have the profiles for opening and closing sleeves. When used, the continuous rod and shifting tools are deployed downhole to a series of sliding sleeves on a tool string. Manipulated by the continuous rod and a rig at the surface, the shifting tools are used to successively open and close the sliding sleeves so that successive isolated zones of a formation can be treated with frac fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: James F. Wilkin
  • Patent number: 7708077
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly in a casing-while-drilling operation is retrieved attaching a wireline to the bottom hole assembly. The density of the fluid in the casing string is lightened to a lesser density than the fluid in the annulus, thereby creating a pressure differential between fluid above the bottom hole assembly and fluid below the bottom hole assembly to exert an upward force on the bottom hole assembly. The operator pulls upward on the wireline to assist the upward force in moving the bottom hole assembly up the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Michael E. Moffitt, Tommy M. Warren
  • Patent number: 7699114
    Abstract: An oil and gas well assembly is provided that includes a wireline cable having at least one optical fiber; a downhole tool having at least one optical fiber; and a cablehead having a first end connected to the wireline cable, a second end connected to the downhole tool. The cablehead further includes at least one optical fiber which transmits data between the at least one downhole tool optical fiber and the at least one wireline cable optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kalim Ullah, Montie W. Morrison, Daniel Hogan
  • Patent number: 7686091
    Abstract: A drive assembly for inserting hose within a wellhead housing that intermittently reciprocates the hose feed into the housing. The intermittent reciprocating action feeds the hose past obstacles in the wellhead housing, such as within annuluses between tubulars. The drive assembly includes rollers that frictionally contact the hose and when rotated drive the hose forward. The rollers are rotated by a drive sprocket that is rotated by a hand crank. An offset cam assembly between the hand crank and the drive sprocket adds an orbital/reciprocating motion to the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Johnny Jurena, David D. Comeaux
  • Publication number: 20100071910
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power generator sub is coupled at one end to a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wellbore instrument is coupled to the other end of the adapter sub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: NICHOLAS ELLSON, Erik Quam, Sylvain Bedouet, Dudi Rendusara, Ricardo Vasques, Nathan Landsiedel
  • Publication number: 20100065284
    Abstract: A cable duct device in a swellable packer (1) of the kind in which the packer (1) is adapted to be able of sealing an annulus (3), and in which the swellable packer (1) is provided with at least one opening (6) therethrough adapted to constitute a duct for a cable (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rune FREYER
  • Publication number: 20100059233
    Abstract: A method of selectively actuating well tools includes the steps of: selecting a well tool for actuation by current flow in one direction through a set of conductors; and selecting another well tool for actuation by opposite current flow through the set of conductors. A system includes multiple control devices that control which well tool is selected for actuation in response to current flow in at least one conductor set. A current direction in the conductors selects a certain well tool for actuation. A method of using n conductors to selectively actuate n*(n?1) well tools includes the steps of: arranging the conductors into n*(n?1)/2 sets; connecting the conductor sets to respective groups of the well tools; and controlling direction of current flow through at least one of the sets of conductors, thereby selecting at least one well tool in the respective group of the well tools for actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell C. SMITHSON, Timothy R. TIPS
  • Patent number: 7673691
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that said apparatus comprises body parts of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member. A device for retaining a string of tubulars, said device comprising at least one body part having a curved tapered surface upon which inserts are located for engagement with said string of tubulars characterized in that said curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Manfred Jansch
  • Patent number: 7665535
    Abstract: A one-trip system for use in a subterranean well includes a tubing hanger, a production tubing, a perforating gun assembly and a screen assembly. The tubing hanger is adapted to be mounted to one of a well in the well casing near the earth's surface. The production tubing is sealingly attached to the tubing hanger, and the perforating gun assembly is coupled to the production tubing. The tubing hanger, production tubing, perforating gun assembly and screen assembly are adapted to be run downhole as a unit. Once the unit is positioned downhole the screen assembly is adapted to be moved relative to the production tubing by a riglessly-deployed continuous medium that is deployed through the production tubing from the surface of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Paul J. G. Van Wulfften Palthe
  • Publication number: 20100025048
    Abstract: A U-shaped fiber optical cable assembly (11, 21) is arranged in a heated well (1) such that a nose section (13, 23) comprising the bent U-shaped cable section (11C, 21C) is located near the toe (1 A) of the well where the ambient well temperature is lower than the temperature of an intermediate section of the well which is heated by steam injection, electrical heating and/or influx of heated hydrocarbon fluids from a heated section of the surrounding formation to a temperature above 200 degrees Celsius, thereby inhibiting the risk of hydrogen darkening of the bent U-shaped cable section. It is preferred to make the nose section of a glass solder, to arrange the U-shaped fiber optical cable assembly in an aluminium guide tube (22) sealed at its lower end with end cap (31), and to use a heat resistant fiber optical cable to further inhibit the risk of hydrogen darkening of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Andre Franzen, Kari-Mikko Jääskeläinen
  • Publication number: 20100018721
    Abstract: A drive assembly for inserting hose within a wellhead housing that intermittently reciprocates the hose feed into the housing. The intermittent reciprocating action feeds the hose past obstacles in the wellhead housing, such as within annuluses between tubulars. The drive assembly includes rollers that frictionally contact the hose and when rotated drive the hose forward. The rollers are rotated by a drive sprocket that is rotated by a hand crank. An offset cam assembly between the hand crank and the drive sprocket adds an orbital/reciprocating motion to the drive assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Johny Jurena, David D. Comeaux
  • Patent number: 7647977
    Abstract: A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, John Fernandez, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 7640993
    Abstract: A system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube has a power line extending down a production tube and terminating in a power connector or contact. The powered device toolstring is down the tube and has a corresponding power connector or contact. The two connectors or contacts are aligned as the connector or contact of the line approaches the connector or contact of the tool. Then the two contacts are fitted together such that they make electrical connection when the powered device toolstring is located adjacent to the power connector or contact of the production tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Artificial Lift Company Limited Lion Works
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20090314498
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securement of lines to downhole well tools. A method of securing one or more lines to a well tool includes the steps of: installing the one or more lines in a groove formed longitudinally along an outer surface of the well tool, the groove having a width at the outer surface of the well tool which is narrower than a width of the groove at a position radially inward relative to the outer surface; and securing the one or more lines in the groove. A well tool includes a groove formed longitudinally along an outer surface of an outer housing of the well tool. The groove has a width at the outer surface of the well tool which is narrower than a width of the groove at a position radially inward relative to the outer surface. One or more lines are secured in the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Bharathwaj KANNAN, Brett Wayne Bouldin
  • Publication number: 20090308618
    Abstract: ESP power cable is inserted into a length of tubing disposed in a wellbore. The device comprises a support attachable to the cable that is in frictional sliding contact with the tubing inner surface. The frictional sliding contact between the support and the tubing reduces axial stress in the cable. Support devices are added at intervals on the cable length, thereby distributing the cable axial stress along the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Charles C. Collie
  • Patent number: 7628211
    Abstract: A method for connecting control lines to well bore equipment for controlling a well on a batch basis. A batch basis as used herein can mean that the well is controlled periodically. A first half of the pin connector can be formed by securing an extending hydraulic wet connector to a lower tubular portion. The lower tubular portion can have a lower tubular body, a first pin, and a lower hydraulic flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: PetroQuip Energy Services, LLP
    Inventors: Charles David Wintill, Rodney Wayne Long, William Ryle Darnell, William John Darnell, Michael Chad Darby
  • Patent number: 7628214
    Abstract: A system for inserting control lines to a control line receptacle at an alternate path structure including an upper guide having a path structure engagement roller, a control line insertion wheel and a control line bypass space. The system further includes a lower guide separate from the upper guide and having a path structure engagement roller and a control line insertion wheel. The path structure engagement roller and control line insertion wheel are resiliently biased to a position to cause control line insertion to the alternate flow path structure when in an engaged position. A method for inserting control lines is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Stephen L. Crow
  • Publication number: 20090288841
    Abstract: During casing-while-drilling, drilling fluid is pumped through a conduit leading to a flow passage a casing string gripper and down the casing string. A bottom hole assembly is mounted at a lower end of the casing string for drilling a wellbore. The bottom hole assembly is retrieved by mounting a circulation sub to the casing string below the casing string gripper, the circulation sub having a lateral outlet. A return flow line is connected from the outlet to the circulation system. The operator flows fluid downward in an annulus of the casing string and back up the casing string, causing the bottom hole assembly to move upward. The fluid flowing back up the casing string is diverted through the outlet in the circulation sub to the circulation system without passing through the flow passage in the casing string gripper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Tesco Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Michael E. Moffitt, Tommy M. Warren
  • Publication number: 20090277647
    Abstract: A method of subsurface lubrication facilitates well completion, re-completion and workover while increasing safety and reducing expense. The method involves using a subsurface lubricator mounted to a wellhead of the cased wellbore to lubricate a downhole tool string into the cased wellbore by running a subsurface lubricator through the wellhead and into an upper section of a production casing of the cased wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Murray DALLAS
  • Publication number: 20090266562
    Abstract: A technique is provided for utilizing optical fiber in a well environment. A well system is combined with a tube-in-tube system designed to protect one or more internal optical fibers. The tube-in-tube system has an entry at one end and a turn around at an opposite end to enable fluid flow between a flow passage within an inner tube and a flow passage within an annulus between the inner tube and a surrounding outer tube. An optical fiber is deployed in and protected by the tube-in-tube system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert Greenaway
  • Publication number: 20090266561
    Abstract: An ESP/separator assembly (10) is positioned downhole in a well on a tubular string (18) to pump downhole fluids to the surface. The assembly includes an electric submersible pump (12) and an electrically powered motor (20) positioned below the pump. An electrical cable (22) extends downhole past the motor and to the pump. A generally cylindrical shroud (26) is positioned circumferentially about the pump, the motor, and a portion (24) of the cable extending past the pump and to the motor. A separator (60) is provided at the lower end of the shroud, such that the shroud supports substantially the weight of the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Delwin E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7607478
    Abstract: An intervention tool for use inside a wellbore is provided that includes an intervention module capable of performing an intervention operation downhole, and a drive electronics module in communication with the intervention module and configured to control the intervention module. The tool also includes one or more sensors which measure at least one operational parameter of the intervention operation during the intervention operation. The intervention operation is optimized based on the measured at least one operational parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben Martinez, Matthew Billingham, Todor Sheiretov, Paul Beguin
  • Publication number: 20090260834
    Abstract: A rod having an embedded optical fibre has a stiff composite outer layer (10) to make the rod self straightening to enable it to be pushed into a pipe or borehole from a spool. This can help enable a reduction of friction between rod and conduit and can enable longer reach. A barrier layer is provided to separate the fibre from the composite layer. The rod can be retrieved after use. The rod can be narrow enough to enable normal flow along the pipe or borehole, and can be injected and retrieved even when the pipe or borehole is pressurised. The fibre can be used for remote sensing of conditions along the conduit. Other tools can be inserted by the rod during the intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Sensornet Limited
    Inventors: Henning Henson, Mohmoud Farhadiroushan, Richard Julius Kluth
  • Patent number: 7604057
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is retrieved through a casing string by lightening the density of the drilling fluid in the casing string above the bottom hole assembly to a lesser density than the drilling fluid in the casing string annulus. The bottom hole assembly moves upward in the casing string in response to an upward force created by the different densities of fluid. While moving upward, less dense fluid being displaced by the upward movement of the bottom hole assembly flows from the casing string. When the bottom hole assembly stops moving upward, slips suspended it at that intermediate point in the casing string. The operator now lightens the density of the drilling fluid in the casing string below the bottom hole assembly, again creating an upward force on the bottom hole assembly that causes the bottom hole assembly to move upward in the casing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Erik P. Eriksen, Michael E. Moffitt, Tommy M. Warren
  • Patent number: 7594763
    Abstract: A fiber optic delivery system and side pocket mandrel removal system. In one example, a system for making optical connections in a well includes an optical connector positioned in the well, and another optical connector displaceable into operative connection with the first optical connector after the first optical connector is positioned in the well. In another example, a method of making optical connections in a well includes the steps of: positioning a tubular string in the well; then installing an assembly in the tubular string, the assembly including an optical connector; and then displacing the optical connector into operative engagement with another optical connector in the tubular string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, Paul D. Ringgenberg, Cynthia S. Tuckness, Chester S. McVay
  • Publication number: 20090211765
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly installing or withdrawing a sealing liner into or out of a subsurface well bore or borehole. An eversion aid is engaged with the liner, the eversion aid serving to push the liner down the borehole during installation, and to assist in proper liner extraction during its withdrawal from the borehole. Water is transferred between the liner interior and the borehole outside the liner to regulate the disposition of borehole water, and to aid in proper sealing functions of the liner and to promote proper liner extraction during withdrawal. Various embodiments and features of the eversion aid apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Publication number: 20090211768
    Abstract: A system and method for deploying an optical fiber within the bore or a well using a linear traction to push the optical fiber, typically encased in a protective sheath, down an instrumentation tube to place an optical fiber sensor at a desired location with the bore of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SABEUS, INC.
    Inventor: Agop Cherbettchian
  • Patent number: 7575061
    Abstract: A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween, the body adapted for connection below a top drive to a wellbore string of tubulars; a slot on the body open a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis; a wireline entry port extending through the body from the slot to open adjacent the lower end; and means for facilitating rig up of the wireline entry sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventors: Per G. Angman, Tommy M. Warren
  • Publication number: 20090194296
    Abstract: A cable assembly for use in a hydrocarbon well of extensive depth. The cable assembly may be effectively employed at well depths of over 30,000 feet. Indeed, embodiments of the assembly may be effectively employed at depths of over 50,000 feet while powering and directing downhole equipment at a downhole end thereof The assembly may be made up of a comparatively high break strength uphole cable portion coupled to a lighter downhole cable portion. This configuration helps to ensure the structural integrity of the assembly in light of its own load when disposed in a well to such extensive depths. Additionally, the assembly may be employed at such depths with an intervening connector sub having a signal amplification mechanism incorporated therein to alleviate concern over telemetry between the surface of the oilfield and the downhole equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Gillan, Joseph Varkey, Jose Ramon Lozano-Gendreau, Vladimir Hernandez-Solis, Jan W. Smits, Hifzi Ardic
  • Publication number: 20090173505
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for sealing a communication line within a device positioned in a wellbore. The communication line may be continuous and extends through a pass-through arranged generally longitudinally through the device. Swellable sealing material is positioned about and/or over the communication line which is placed in the pass-through of the device to form and maintain a secure seal once the device is submerged in a fluid that causes the swellable sealing material to expand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Nitin Y. Vaidya
  • Publication number: 20090159297
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running string that includes a tool and a flowable object that is held in a retained position within the string downhole in the well. After the string is run downhole in the well, the flowable object is released to permit the object to flow in and subsequently seat in a flow path of the string to impede fluid communication so that the tool may be actuated in response to the impeded fluid communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: JEREMIE C. FOULD, TIMOTHY M. O'ROURKE, MICHAEL W. REA, BRYAN C. LINN
  • Publication number: 20090148110
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optic fiber; and a buoyancy modifying coating on the at least one optic fiber, the coating comprising at least one microballoon and a matrix material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20090145613
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optic fiber; and a buoyancy modifying coating on the at least one optic fiber, the coating comprising at least one microballoon and a matrix material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Martin P. Coronado
  • Publication number: 20090145610
    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: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 7543645
    Abstract: A method for servicing a well bore comprises connecting a mixing system to the well bore, controlling the mixing system to produce a material mixture with approximately a desired density, and controlling the mixing system to provide the material mixture to the well bore at approximately a desired volumetric flow rate to service the well bore, wherein the controlling to produce approximately a desired density is independent from the controlling to provide approximately a desired volumetric flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Justin A. Borgstadt
  • Publication number: 20090139733
    Abstract: A method for securing a signal propagating line to a downhole component includes configuring the downhole component in a final form prior to securing the line thereto; positioning the line at an outside dimension of the component; and fusing the line to the component with a heat based fusion method and apparatus therefore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vinay Varma, Stephen L. Crow, Martin P. Coronado
  • Patent number: 7537061
    Abstract: Memory tool deployment method, system, and apparatus include a landing ring fit on a pipe deployed in a well. A drop-off tool has a landing collar and has a tool string with one or more memory tools. The drop-off tool is connected to a wireline and is deployed through the pipe in the well with the wireline. The drop-off tool is landed on the landing ring on the pipe so that the memory tools extend beyond the pipe. The wireline is released from the drop-off tool and is removed from the pipe so that logging operations can be performed. After logging, the wireline is redeployed in the pipe in the well and is reconnected to the drop-off tool to retrieve the memory tools from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Hall, Sam Ash, Scott Campbell, Tim Marsh, Leonard Casey
  • Patent number: RE41141
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for drilling, completion, well workovers and well control, combining an integrated lifting unit and a coiled tubing unit, the method and apparatus permit running jointed pipe and coil tubing in combination, and standing multiple joints of pipe near the unit. The invention combines a hydraulic pipe hoisting system, pipe handling systems and pipe racking containment apparatus. A hydraulic workover jack is combined with a multifunction injector head and a standpipe for fluid circulation. The invention may also include a rotary table for rotating pipe and/or a rotating power swivel to allow fluid circulation during pipe rotation. Also included are a gin pole, a winching system for jointed pipe, and a traveling head with traveling slips and stationary slips to allow pipe movement in the well. Hydraulic systems allow insertion and extraction of tools in a work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Cudd Pressure Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Smith, Leslie D. Skinner, Charles C. Overstreet