Flexible Cable Or Wire Patents (Class 166/385)
  • Patent number: 7533732
    Abstract: A borehole entry apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual entry apparatus for use in borehole entry applications, such as slick line and/or wireline (electric wireline) applications. Exemplary embodiments of this invention enable first and second borehole entry apparatuses, such as slick line and wireline tool assemblies, to be simultaneously coupled to a well head. Use of the invention tends to advantageously save rig time and thus reduce the cost of slick line and wireline operations, in particular on a deep-water offshore drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Dwayne Boyd
  • Publication number: 20090114403
    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: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Terence Borst, Dudley J. Perio, JR.
  • Patent number: 7516798
    Abstract: A coiled tubing transfer system comprising a carrier having a bed, the bed having a width and the length, the length of the bed being longer than the width of the bed, a reel removably supported on the bed, the reel comprising a spool rotatably journaled in first and second supports, the spool having a core with a diameter and long axis extending between the supports, the long axis having a length greater than the width of the bed, the reel being positionable on the bed in a first position with the long axis of the core extending lengthwise of the bed, the longest dimension of the reel transverse to the long axis of the core being less than the width of the bed and a length of coiled tubing useable in earth borehole operations being wound around the core, the coiled tubing having an outside diameter of from 1? to 9?, the ratio of the diameter of the coiled tubing to the diameter of the core being from 1:20 to 1:70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Xtreme Coil Drilling Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wood, Randolph M. Charron
  • Publication number: 20090090517
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical power through a downhole packer comprises a riser nipple engagingly insertable in a passage in the packer; a sleeve surrounding a portion of the riser nipple and slidingly moveable between a cable assembly position and an operational position enabling connection of a cable extending through the packer and the sleeve to an electrical connector; and a retaining nut engageable with the riser nipple capturing the sleeve in the operational position when the retaining nut is engaged with the riser nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Roy Jackson, Jeffrey W. Harvill, SR., Michael G. Colescott
  • Patent number: 7513305
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for conveying and operating tools into a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of performing a downhole operation in a wellbore is provided. The method includes pushing a continuous rod into the wellbore, wherein the continuous rod includes a member disposed therein. The method further includes positioning the continuous rod proximate at a predetermined location in the wellbore and performing the downhole operation. In yet another aspect, a system for performing a downhole operation in a wellbore is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Wilson, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, John Douglas Roberts, Ronald B. Collins, John David, David Nuth, David G. Hosie, Ronald E. Bothner, Michael Nero
  • Publication number: 20090084558
    Abstract: A mobile land rig for use in wellbore operations. The mobile land rig, in certain aspects, has a vehicle; an erectable mast; winch apparatus (e.g., one or two winches); and electric motor apparatus for powering the winch apparatus. In one aspect there are two winches and one electric motor powers both winches. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Lewis Bloom
  • Patent number: 7503387
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of logging a rod-pumped well without removing the production string of tubing (30). The logging is accomplished with a soft-coated cable (100) or a soft-faced sleeve (130) which prevents abrasion or damage to a rod-pump barrel as a logging device or sonde (110) which is lowered into the production string of the rod-pumped well after removal of the sucker rods and the pump assembly without the need to remove the production string. The soft-coated cable or soft-faced sleeve allows logging without damage to the interior surface of the production tubing thereby eliminating scratching or grooving normally associated with previous wireline logging operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7503397
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Albert C. Odell, II, Gary Thompson, David Haugen, Tuong Thanh Le, Robert Dugal, Karsten Heidecke, David Shahin
  • Patent number: 7482945
    Abstract: A downhole communication apparatus has a signal coupler disposed in an end of a downhole tubular component. The signal coupler has a transceiver portion and a conductor portion. A data conductor integrated into the downhole tubular component is operably connected at a junction to the conductor portion of the signal coupler. A peripheral electronic device is in communication with the conductor portion of the signal coupler, either through an electrical coil wrapped around at least part of the conductor portion of the signal coupler or direct electrical contact with the conductor portion of the signal coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Publication number: 20090020294
    Abstract: An assembly for positioning a well access line in a well. The assembly is located between a supply of well access line and a well, with the line running through the assembly and to the well. Multiple pulleys are incorporated into the assembly about which a well access line such as a conventional wireline may be wrapped. The pulleys are biased to one another such that slack in the line may be stored at the assembly and drawn on in the event of line tension spiking up to a predetermined amount. As such, tension in the line may be kept to a minimum so as to avoid damage to the line during a well access operation. Furthermore, should the tension in the line fail to come back down to below the predetermined amount, the well access operation may be halted in an automated manner. Halting may proceed while continuing to allow take-up of the slack in the line until completed halting of the operation is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Peter Fitzgerald, Hifzi Ardic
  • Publication number: 20090014175
    Abstract: A system for logging with wired drill pipe includes a logging tool string; an interface sub in operable communication with the logging tool string; and a wired pipe in operable communication with the interface sub and method for logging with wired drill pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: ANDREAS PETER
  • Publication number: 20080308281
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Doyle Frederic Boutwell, JR., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20080264651
    Abstract: A technique for deploying a communication line in a tubing used in a wellbore. The communication line is positioned within the tubing which may be used to deploy a well device into a wellbore. Additionally, a reactive material is placed into the tubing. The consistency of the reactive material may be selectively changed so as to fill space between the cable and the tubing, thus providing support for the cable and/or pressure isolation along the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohammad Athar Ali, Donald W. Ross
  • Patent number: 7434627
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the insertion of a tool into a wellbore, especially a non-vertical wellbore. In one embodiment a tool is fixable in a wellbore and includes centralizing, friction-reducing members that serve to keep the body of the tool off the walls of the wellbore. In another embodiment the tool includes a wiper ring that partially fills an annular area formed between the centered tool and the wellbore walls. The surface of the ring facing the upper end of the wellbore provides fluid resisting piston surface and permits the centered tool to be pumped down the wellbore more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Rocky A. Turley, John W. McKeachnie
  • Publication number: 20080245533
    Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes a tubular; at least one end ring positioning the tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith; and a fiber supported at the tubular and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Martin P. Coronado, Stephen L. Crow, Vinay Varma
  • Publication number: 20080223585
    Abstract: A tubing string including a tubing and an isolation valve is run into a well, where the tubing string is configured to receive an electrical pump. A first wet connect portion of the tubing string is engaged with a corresponding second wet connect portion that is part of a downhole completion section. A toolstring including the electrical pump is run into an inner bore of the tubing for engagement inside the tubing string. Removal of the toolstring including the electrical pump is enabled without removing the tubing string due to presence of the isolation valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Donald W. Ross, Mohammad Athar Ali
  • Publication number: 20080210441
    Abstract: A wellhead system has a wellhead of a subterranean hydrocarbon well, a coiled tubing hanger in the wellhead, a coiled tubing hanger extension connected to a top portion of the coiled tubing hanger, a first seal inside the coiled tubing hanger extension, the first seal and the coiled tubing hanger extension defining a sealed space in the coiled tubing hanger extension. Coiled tubing extends into the sealed space in the coiled tubing hanger extension and being suspended by the coiled tubing hanger and the coiled tubing hanger extension, the coiled tubing extending into the wellhead. A downhole electrical cable extends through the coiled tubing and into the sealed space in the coiled tubing hanger extension. An electrical connector extends through the seal and is connected electrically to the cable. The electrical connector has an electrical circuit having an electrically open and an electrically closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian Scott, David B. Pye, Joseph A. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7416028
    Abstract: A telemetry system for bi-directional communication of data between a well point and a terminal unit situated on a surface, which can be used inside drilling or production strings. The system includes data transmission and optional reception devices. An active vehicle, which can be equipped with plural automation levels, ranging from purely tele-operated to completely autonomous, is provided for unwinding and pulling a connection line, capable of moving inside a drilling or production string, or a passive vehicle, moved by a deploying cable and a suitable winding/unwinding device, in particular a winch. A connection line, containing electric conductors and/or one or more optical fibers of the transmission and optional reception devices is provided between a well point and its corresponding point situated inside the vehicle or on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Tecnomare S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Prendin, Danilo Maddalena, Gilberto Toffolo, Francesco Donati
  • Publication number: 20080173441
    Abstract: A system and method for deploying one or more tools in a wellbore according to which a clamp is coupled to a flexible interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: PINNACLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David Bowles, Patrick Mekolik
  • Publication number: 20080164036
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Bullen
  • Patent number: 7392850
    Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first sub configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second sub configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second sub contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7383879
    Abstract: A continuous feed injection unit used for example for injection and removal of continuous well string from wells operates in a dual speed configuration. The unit comprises a first hydraulic motor, a second hydraulic motor, cooperating continuous well string gripping chains connected to be driven by the first and second hydraulic motors, a hydraulic power supply connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors and a control system for the hydraulic power supply. The control system for the hydraulic power supply has a motor speed control valve with at least a first and second operating configuration, the first operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in parallel and the second operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in series. The hydraulic power supply may be a conventional power tong hydraulic supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: C-Tech Oilwell Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Emanuel Kulhanek, Mark D. Widney
  • Patent number: 7377316
    Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first cap configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the first cap contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second cap configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second cap contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20080099211
    Abstract: A reciprocating drive apparatus for connection to a top end of a rod swing to drive a downhole pump located in a well includes a plate adapted to be fastened to a top end of a well head assembly of the well, and a mast attachable to the plate in a substantially vertical working position. A hydraulic cylinder is attached to the mast such that when the mast is in the working position the hydraulic cylinder is oriented substantially vertically, and such that the hydraulic cylinder can extend and retract in response to a controller. A tether is adapted to be fixed to the well head and to the top end of the rod string and is configured such that the hydraulic cylinder engages the tether to move the rod string up and down as the hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: John Wagner
  • Publication number: 20080078556
    Abstract: A cable that delivers power, signals, or information is wet connected downhole. The lower portion of the cable can be in an auxiliary conduit to a main tubular and be installed already connected to sensors, instruments or other downhole equipment. The connection is made up downhole to connect a string with its auxiliary conduit to the portion of the string and its auxiliary conduit that are below. The cable already in the hole has an upper end ferrule for connection to a ferrule on the lower end of a cable delivered into the upper auxiliary conduit after the wet connect is made up. When the ferrules connect they are held together and a signal goes to the surface that they have connected. The auxiliary connected conduits have a lateral conduit in fluid communication for use in delivery of the cable with circulating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Walter S. Going, Steven Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 7350589
    Abstract: A pipe installation system has a pipe composed of sections that are added and removed to increase and decrease a length of the pipe. The system further has a cable storage spool for stowing a length of cable in a compact manner inside the pipe and for paying out the stowed cable when the length of the pipe is increased such that the paid-out cable is deployed along the increased length of the pipe. An anchoring assembly attaches the cable to an inside surface of the pipe at predetermined locations spaced along the pipe with respective anchors as the cable is deployed in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20080066905
    Abstract: A method for inserting a tool into a wellbore includes uncoiling a coiled tubing into the wellbore to a selected depth therein. When the tubing is at the selected depth, the tubing is uncoupled. A tool is inserted into the interior of the tubing. The tubing is reconnected, and the tool is moved along the interior of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: James G. Aivalis, Harry D. Aivalis
  • Publication number: 20080053654
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Kalim Ullah, Montie W. Morrison, Daniel Hogan
  • Publication number: 20080029276
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for retrieving a downhole tool from a wellbore are provided. The method includes running a retrieval tool into a wellbore on a conveyance. The retrieval tool configured to automatically manipulate into an engagement position with the downhole tool. Engaging the downhole tool with the retrieval tool and removing the downhole tool from the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Garry Wayne Templeton, Andre N. Broussard, Monte Ira Johnson, Mark William Schnitker
  • Patent number: 7322421
    Abstract: A head member having a piston provided thereon is connected to an elongate tube such as a micro-tube. The micro-tube contains one or more optical fibres, preferably suspended therein by a protective fluid such as a scavenging gel. The head member is preferably inserted into an already-deployed downhole tubular and fluid is pumped down that already deployed tubular behind the piston such that the head member and attached micro-tube and optical fiber(s) are pumped downhole. A sealing means such as a resin material may be pumped downhole in the annulus between the outer circumference of the micro-tube and the inner circumference of the already-deployed tubular downhole in low viscosity form and which may be adapted to cure or harden after a passage of time and/or under application of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Welldynamics Inc.
    Inventor: David William Blacklaw
  • Patent number: 7316276
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring torque on a rig. The apparatus comprises a central body having a central passage, and a first plurality of splines formed within the central passage and a second plurality of splines formed on a bottom sub, and wherein the first plurality of splines and the second plurality of splines cooperate to engage and transfer the torque applied to the central body. A third plurality of splines may be formed within the central passage, and a fourth plurality of splines formed on a top sub may be included that cooperates to engage and transfer the torque applied to the cental body with the third plurality of splines. In one of the preferred embodiments, the top sub is connected to a top drive of a rig. The apparatus may further comprise a first threaded cap engaging that contains an opening in communication with the central passage. A wireline is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7316269
    Abstract: A relatively light weight radial wire-line conveyance mechanism capable of sustained high pressure incorporated into a wire-line riser set-up and configured to allow multiple radial bends without sheaves. The conveyance mechanism includes a segmented tubular body structure capable of being pressurized and defining a radial arc of between 0 and 180 degree having a threaded coupling at each end for connection to riser tubular joints. The tubular body contains a series of connected tubular segments, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball assembly therein defining a pressurized wire-line pathway for receiving wire-line that passes through each of the tubular segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Benny W. Moretz
  • Publication number: 20070284116
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: PRECISION ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Hall, Sam Ash, Scott Campbell, Tim Marsh, Leonard Casey
  • Publication number: 20070284117
    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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Mitchell C. Smithson
  • Patent number: 7298286
    Abstract: A downhole communication apparatus has a signal coupler disposed in an end of a downhole tubular component. The signal coupler has a transceiver portion and a conductor portion. A data conductor integrated into the downhole tubular component is operably connected at a junction to the conductor portion of the signal coupler. A peripheral electronic device is in communication with the conductor portion of the signal coupler, either through an electrical coil wrapped around at least part of the conductor portion of the signal coupler or direct electrical contact with the conductor portion of the signal coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: David R. Hall
  • Patent number: 7290601
    Abstract: A product consisting of a plurality of thermocouple cables braided or wound and covered with protective armour, thereby forming a braided bundle. The product is used in accordance with a method involving a further step of inserting the braided bundle into a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Petrospec Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerald V Chalifoux, Robert B Logan
  • Patent number: 7284618
    Abstract: An apparatus and automated control of the apparatus for use in coiled pipe operations is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile rig or trailer that carries a tower having attached thereto a reel of coiled tubing and a standard coiled tubing injector. The tower is positionable to support the reel of coiled tubing and the injector at a desired elevation above a wellhead. The reel of coiled tubing is supported upon a movable reel cart which is actively positioned by an automated control system to position the reel of coiled tube and ultimately the coiled tubing as it drawn from and drawn upon the reel during operation. The control system monitors the position of the coiled tube as it is passed through the injector and positions the reel cart to minimize the number of bends the coiled tubing is subjected to during one complete iteration of running in and withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Bob Geddes, Wayne Kipp
  • Publication number: 20070227741
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: John R. Lovell, Sarmad Adnan, Joseph A. Ayoub, Michael G. Gay
  • Patent number: 7264061
    Abstract: The invention concerns an external well packer (4, 4?, 4?) for a pipe string (2), and also a method of leading at least one line (18) seamlessly past at least one packer (4, 4?, 4?) along the pipe string (2). What is characteristic of the packer (4, 4?, 4?) is that it consists of a continuous inner packer ring (8) and a separate and continuous outer packer ring (10), which in the operating position encloses the inner packer ring (8) in a pressure tight manner. The fitting surface of at least one of the packer rings (8, 10) is provided with at least one through-going line slot (16, 16?), which in the operating position encloses a line (18) in a pressure tight manner. This allows continuous lines (18) to be stretched out past several such packers (4, 4?, 4?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Reslink AS
    Inventors: Arthur Dybevik, Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 7264060
    Abstract: A side entry sub for use with a drill string, where the side entry sub receives a wireline within its inner diameter. The present invention includes a device capable of severing the wireline proximate to the side entry sub. The present invention can further include a capturing device to grapple the severed portion of the wireline to prevent it from being dropped within the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Philip Wills
  • Patent number: 7261152
    Abstract: A cable drawn snubbing apparatus includes a first track and a second track in parallel spaced relation. A carriage extends between and engages the first track and the second track. Pipe engaging slips are carried by the carriage. Upper cables extend from the carriage to an upper end of the first track and the second track. Lower cables extend from the carriage to a lower end of the first track and the second track. Upper winches exert a force upon the upper cables to pull the carriage toward the upper end. Lower winches exert a force upon the lower cables to pull the carriage toward the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Lorne G. K. Smith
  • Patent number: 7249637
    Abstract: The inventions 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: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hayes, Troy F. Hill, Timothy Bedore, Jimmy L. Hollingsworth, David M. Haugen
  • Patent number: 7234520
    Abstract: The invention relates to jet devices and the operating methods thereof and can be used in order to produce and intensify the oil inflow from a well. The inventive device comprises a jet pump arranged on a tubing string in the well with a casing string. An active nozzle and a mixing chamber are coaxially arranged in the body of said pump and a bypass channel provided with a mounting seat for a sealing unit with an axial channel or for functional inserts with autonomous instruments is embodied. The output of the pump is connected to an annular space of the tubing string, the input of a channel for supplying a working medium to the active nozzle being connected to the internal space of the tubing string above the sealing unit. A channel for removing the medium pumped out from the well is connected to the internal cavity of the tubing string below the sealing unit. Said device is also provided with a radiation source and a receiver-transducer of physical fields and a packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Zinoviy Dmitrievich Khomynets, Vladimir Petrovich Stenin
  • Patent number: 7225881
    Abstract: The auger is attached to a spiral gear and a spring, the apparatus then being connected to the downhole, leading end of the logging sonde. When the auger nose of the modified sonde assembly strikes any of various obstructions on the sidewall that cause it to lose momentum, such as a rock ledge, the momentum of the heavy sonde causes the auger nose assembly to compress, forcing the auger to rotate on the spiral gear. The rotational action thus produced allows the auger to pull the sonde to pass the obstruction. After the obstruction has been passed, the potential energy stored in the spring induces the auger to return to its original extended position, whereupon it is ready to encounter and pass another obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: David C. Bushnell
  • Patent number: 7224288
    Abstract: A repeater is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a cylindrical housing, characterized by a proximal end and a distal end, and having a substantially cylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall defining a central bore passing therethrough. The cylindrical housing is formed to define at least one recess in the cylindrical wall, into which a repeater is inserted. The cylindrical housing also includes an annular recess formed into at least one of the proximal end and the distal end. An annular transmission element, operably connected to the repeater, is located in the annular recess. In selected embodiments, the annular transmission element inductively converts electrical energy to magnetic energy. In other embodiments, the annular transmission element includes an electrical contact to transmit electrical energy directly to another contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: IntelliServ, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox
  • Patent number: 7216719
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a weld coupling and a thermal insulator. The weld coupling is adapted to be welded to an outer housing of a first cable segment to couple the first cable segment to a second cable segment. The thermal insulator is adapted to prevent thermal damage to a communication line of the first cable segment when the weld coupling is welded to the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hebah Ahmed, Harjit S. Kohli, Ben A. Donnell
  • Patent number: 7213657
    Abstract: A coupler and a method for installing an instrumentation line, such as fiber optic cable, into a wellbore. The coupler places upper and lower instrumentation lines in communication with one another downhole to form a single line. The coupler comprises a landing tool and a stinger that lands on the landing tool, thereby placing the upper and the lower instrumentation lines in communication. The landing tool is run into the wellbore at the lower end of a tubular, such as production tubing. The upper instrumentation line affixes to the tubing and landing tool and extends to the surface. The lower instrumentation line affixes along the stinger. In this manner, the lower instrumentation line may be installed after expansion of a well screen or liner and may be later removed from the wellbore prior to well workover procedures without pulling the production string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gisle Vold, Mike Foster, Jesse Constantine
  • Patent number: 7195075
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a device includes a downhole tool comprising a wire comprising at least one strand comprising a low thermal expansion material. The low thermal expansion material may have a low electrical resistance material disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis E. San Martin, Evan L. Davies
  • Patent number: 7188677
    Abstract: A device for tensioning and relieving production tubing (49) extending from a subsea hydrocarbon well (107) up through a riser (63) to a floating installation (87), a continuous production tubing extension (85) passing through a telescopic unit (67) in the upper part of the riser (63), preferably extending above a production deck (89) on the floating installation (87), where the production tubing (49) is provided with a tubing tensioner unit (1) below and in the proximity of the lower end of the telescopic unit (67).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: National Oilwell Norway AS
    Inventor: Magne Mathias Moe
  • Patent number: RE39509
    Abstract: A top entry sub (ES) includes a tubular member (TM) with a main body section (8) and an enlarged external diameter upper end portion (11). A single passage (15) extends through the main body section (8) and terminates in a pair of spaced passages (14) and (14a) that extend through the enlarged external diameter end portion (11), which passages terminate in a common upper surface on the top entry sub (ES) for receiving a well string and providing an entry into the top entry sub for members such as coiled tubing, snubbing members and cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Specialty Rental Tools & Supply, LP
    Inventors: Charles M. Helms, Charles W. Bleifeld