Flexible Cable Or Wire Patents (Class 166/385)
  • Patent number: 7163065
    Abstract: Telemetry systems and methods are disclosed for real time communication of information between multiple positions in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Zhiyi Zhang, Bruno Best, Gilberto Toffolo
  • Patent number: 7156176
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system may be used to heat a hydrocarbon containing formation. The system may include a heater placed in an opening in the formation. The system may allow heat to transfer from the heater to a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. The heater may be removable from the opening in the formation and redeployable in at least one alternative opening in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, John Matthew Coles, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Bruce Gerard Hunsucker, James Louis Menotti, Christopher Arnold Pratt, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7073602
    Abstract: Apparatus for injecting coiled tubing into a bore comprises a rotatable housing (28, 29) having an axis along which coiled tubing is to be translated. A set of rolling elements (12, 14) is rotatably mounted in the housing (28, 29), each rolling element (24) having a skewed axis of rotation with respect to the housing axis and being arranged for rolling contact with an outside diameter of the coiled tubing. The arrangement is such that rotation of the housing (28, 29) relative to the tubing causes the tubing to be moved axially through the rotating housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb
    Inventors: Neil Andrew Abercombie Simpson, Alexander Craig Mackay
  • Patent number: 7059407
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanism, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Lawrence O. Carlson, David A. Kinison, Kris J. Nygaard, Glenn S. Goss, William A. Sorem, Lee L. Shafer
  • Patent number: 7051803
    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 tubular body structure capable of being pressurized 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 blocks, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball assembly therein defining a wire-line pathway for receiving a wire-line that passes through each of said tubular blocks, fully contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Benny W. Moretz
  • Patent number: 7051814
    Abstract: A tubing injector (10) includes a traction device (12) having opposed grippers (14) laterally moveable so as to move a respective chain link member (16) of an endless loop chain into gripping engagement with the coiled tubing. A drive motor (11) is provided for powering the endless loop chain, and a plurality of roller bearings (20) each act between a respective chain link member and a gripper. A pressure compensating device (30) subjects fluid in a fluid passageway in the roller bearing (20) to a fluid pressure functionally related to subsea pressure. The tubing injector may be used for injecting the coiled tubing subsea into a wellhead or into another flowline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: John Goode, Ivan Iankov, Ronald Yater
  • Patent number: 7036601
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting, deploring, and retrieving an array is disclosed. The array has a plurality of nodes interconnected by sections of cable and can be transported, deployed, and retrieved with the apparatus and method of the present invention. The apparatus includes a plurality of first divisions and a plurality of second divisions. The first divisions have first portions or holders capable of individually accommodating the nodes. The second divisions are alternatingly positioned adjacent the first divisions. The second divisions have second portions or surfaces capable of individually accommodating the sections of cable. The first and second divisions can be integral portions of the apparatus, can be separate members positioned on the apparatus, or can be used with a standard cable drum. Preferably, the second divisions can be rotated relative to the first divisions to tightly wind and easily unwind the sections of cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Arne Berg, Lars Inge Hofstad, Paul Travis
  • Patent number: 7000696
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a pressurized wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sensor Highway Limited
    Inventor: Gary O. Harkins
  • Patent number: 6983796
    Abstract: A technique for providing auxiliary conduits in multi-trip completions is disclosed. The technique has particular applicability to liner mounted screens which are to be gravel packed. In the preferred embodiment, a protective shroud is run with the gravel pack screens with the auxiliary conduits disposed in between. The auxiliary conduits terminate in a quick connection at a liner top packer. The gravel packing equipment can optionally be secured in a flow relationship to the auxiliary conduits so as to control the gravel packing operation. Subsequent to the removal of the specialized equipment, the production tubing can be run with an auxiliary conduit or conduits for connection down hole to the auxiliary conduits coming from the liner top packer for a sealing connection. Thereafter, during production various data on the well can be obtained in real time despite the multiple trips necessary to accomplish completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christian F. Bayne, Benn A. Voll, J. Todd Broome, James R. Zachman, Graeme H. Falconer, Michael W. Norris, Edward J. Zisk, Jr., David A. Bilberry, Steve B. Hodges
  • Patent number: 6957701
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanisms, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Lawrence O. Carlson, David A. Kinison, Kris J. Nygaard, Glenn S. Goss, William A. Sorem, Lee L. Shafer
  • Patent number: 6932161
    Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulation for housing instrumentation lines, control lines, or instruments downhole. In one use, the encapsulation resides between an expandable downhole tool, such as an expandable sand screen, and the wall of the wellbore. The encapsulation is specially profiled to allow the downhole tool to be expanded into the wall of the wellbore without leaving a channel outside of the tool through which formation fluids might vertically migrate. The encapsulation is useful in both cased hole and open hole completions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lams, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. M. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6926082
    Abstract: A safety sleeve used with a wireline connection where the safety sleeve comprises an elongated body with an axial aperture formed along its axis. The wireline connection connects a severed wireline and can be comprised of a fishing spear and a fishing overshot. The safety sleeve axially encompasses the wireline connection assembly with its elongated body. The bending moment required to yield said safety sleeve is greater than the maximum bending moment experienced by the combination of the safety sleeve and the wireline connection during operation. The safety sleeve can also include a collar threadedly connectable to one side of the elongated body, a window formed along the elongated body, and a raised portion formed on the inner radius of the elongated body. The invention further includes a method of using the safety sleeve in conjunction with a wireline connection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Wills, Jeremy Huthwaite
  • Patent number: 6915849
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for conveying downhole tools within a borehole using a continuous rod. The apparatus may include a continuous rod, a downhole tool attached to one end of the continuous rod, and a delivery rig for lowering the continuous rod and downhole tool into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nuth
  • Patent number: 6913084
    Abstract: Method and assembly for conducting wireline operations in a deep, subsea location. The method includes providing a rig on the surface of a body of water, having a riser extending from the rig floor to the sea floor; an annular preventer positioned on the end of the riser on the sea floor; a plurality of blowout presenters positioned below the riser to prevent a blowout into the riser; and, a wireline subsea blowout preventer control head. A lubricator is lowered into the riser, with the control head attached thereto, and wherein the wireline tool is disposed within the control head. The lubricator is position within the annular preventer. Wireline operations may then be conducted. If a blowout occurs during wireline operations, any pressure would be prevented from entering the riser, and would be contained by the control head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6892809
    Abstract: A coiled tubing injector apparatus for use in inserting coiled tubing into a well, temporarily suspending the coiled tubing, and removing the coiled tubing from the well is described. The apparatus includes a base with a pair of spaced-apart carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The base is part of a frame positioned above a wellhead. The carriages each have a gripper chain drive system rotatably mounted thereon and movable therewith. An actuation and linkage system allows the carriages to move toward and away from one another in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the superstructure and the base. Thus, the gripper chain systems comprises gripper chains that can be engaged or disengaged from the coiled tubing extending through the apparatus. A wetting fluid basin is positioned below the gripper chains, and support guides engage the coiled tubing below the gripper chains to prevent buckling of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Austbo, Randy S. Rosine, Robert E. Domann, Kenneth C. Parks
  • Patent number: 6886638
    Abstract: The present invention provides a field weldable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumbergr Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hebah Ahmed, Harjit S. Kohli, Ben A. Donnell
  • Patent number: 6865933
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring a well and for obtaining fluid samples from below the ground. The apparatus includes a single-piece, extruded plastic well stock that extends from the surface of the ground to the lowest sampling depth. Plural sampling intervals are defined between the surface and the lowest sampling depth. Sampling intervals are defined by isolating sections of the borehole by using packers that seal the annular space between the well stock and the borehole. The well stock includes plural longitudinal chambers. Inlet holes are put into the well stock so that inlets for each interval admit fluid to only one longitudinal chamber. Inert sealant is injected below inlets to prevent fluid from spreading below a desired level. Instructions are placed into the longitudinal chambers to monitor fluids in the chambers or to retrieve samples, or alternatively, the well stock can be removed to obtain samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Murray D. Einarson, Michael B. Casey, Donald Winglewich
  • Patent number: 6848510
    Abstract: The present invention provides a screen for a well that utilizes a partial screen wrapping used to advantage with side conduits (e.g., alternate flowpaths), control lines, intelligent completions devices, and the like. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Bixenman, Craig D. Johnson, Jake A. Danos, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: 6840326
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for lifting heavy loads beneath the floor of a drilling rig or a platform. A base skid supports tables to which winch bases are attached. Winches, usually four in number, are placed on the winch bases and the cables of the winches are placed through sheaves and attached to a double line bar. Sheaves are attached to a load, such as a blowout preventer. Cradle lines may support a blowout preventer. Load cells may be used with the winch cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fastorq LLC
    Inventor: Al Joseph Shiyou
  • Publication number: 20040188101
    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 tubular body structure capable of being pressurized 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 blocks, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball assembly therein defining a wire-line pathway for receiving a wire-line that passes through each of said tubular blocks, fully contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Benny W. Moretz
  • Publication number: 20040182581
    Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Publication number: 20040173359
    Abstract: The present invention provides a field weldable connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Hebah Ahmed, Harjit S. Kohli, Ben A. Donnell
  • Publication number: 20040159443
    Abstract: A coiled tubing injector apparatus for use in inserting coiled tubing into a well, temporarily suspending the coiled tubing, and removing the coiled tubing from the well is described. The apparatus includes a base with a pair of spaced-apart carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The base is part of a frame positioned above a wellhead. The carriages each have a gripper chain drive system rotatably mounted thereon and movable therewith. An actuation and linkage system allows the carriages to move toward and away from one another in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the superstructure and the base. Thus, the gripper chain systems comprises gripper chains that can be engaged or disengaged from the coiled tubing extending through the apparatus. A wetting fluid basin is positioned below the gripper chains, and support guides engage the coiled tubing below the gripper chains to prevent buckling of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Larry L. Austbo, Randy S. Rosine, Robert E. Domann, Kenneth C. Parks
  • Publication number: 20040094306
    Abstract: A tubing injector (10) includes a traction device (12) having opposed grippers (14) laterally moveable so as to move a respective chain link member (16) of an endless loop chain into gripping engagement with the coiled tubing. A drive motor (11) is provided for powering the endless loop chain, and a plurality of roller bearings (20) each act between a respective chain link member and a gripper. A pressure compensating device (30) subjects fluid in a fluid passageway in the roller bearing (20) to a fluid pressure functionally related to subsea pressure. The tubing injector may be used for injecting the coiled tubing subsea into a wellhead or into another flowline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: John Goode, Ivan Iankov, Ronald Yater
  • Publication number: 20040045721
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for lifting heavy loads beneath the floor of a drilling rig or a platform. A base skid supports tables to which winch bases are attached. Winches, usually four in number, are placed on the winch bases and the cables of the winches are placed through sheaves and attached to a double line bar. Sheaves are attached to a load, such as a blowout preventer. Cradle lines may support a blowout preventer. Load cells may be used with the winch cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Al Joseph Shiyou
  • Publication number: 20040020661
    Abstract: Apparatus for injecting coiled tubing into a bore comprises a rotatable housing (28, 29) having an axis along which coiled tubing is to be translated. A set of rolling elements (12, 14) is rotatably mounted in the housing (28, 29), each rolling element (24) having a skewed axis of rotation with respect to the housing axis and being arranged for rolling contact with an outside diameter of the coiled tubing. The arrangement is such that rotation of the housing (28, 29) relative to the tubing causes the tubing to be moved axially through the rotating housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Neil Andrew Abercombi Simpson, Alexander Craig MacKay
  • Patent number: 6666274
    Abstract: The invention comprises a section of improved tubing with coupled end connectors and an insert containing at least one electrical wire. The insert has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the improved tubing. The insert also has projections at each end such that when two inserts are placed end to end, the projections will mate up. The insert has at least one groove cut into its side and running the length of the insert. The groove is for the placement of a wire for transmission of power to the well bore or for the placement of a wire for transmission of data from the well bore. When a plurality of the inventions are placed end to end, the insert projections line up the electrical connectors and correct mating of the insert projections will result in correct mating of the electrical connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sunstone Corporation
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Publication number: 20030226667
    Abstract: A system for injecting or withdrawing a fluid into or from a well is provided. The system includes an injector vehicle having a longitudinal axis and operable to position tubing into the well. The system also includes a tubing supply vehicle operable to provide the tubing to the injector vehicle for positioning in the well. In one aspect of the invention, the tubing is mounted on at least one spool, wherein the longitudinal axis of the injector vehicle is transverse to an axis of rotation of the spool and transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tubing supply vehicle. In a separate aspect of the invention, a spiral guide is used to transition tubing during spooling and unspooling between a plurality of empty and full spools. In yet a separate aspect of the invention, a spool is vertically adjustable to allow rotation of the spool during spooling and unspooling. A method of use is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Gilman A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6655453
    Abstract: A drillpipe line installation system, the drillpipe string being composed of drillpipe sections which are added and removed to increase and decrease the length of the drillpipe, and a length of cable is disposed within the drillpipe string. The length of this cable is greater than that of the drilipipe string when the cable is put in the drill pipe. The system includes a lower cable storage means which stows the cable in a compact manner and pays the cable out when the length of the drillpipe is increases, and an upper cable storage means which can take up the cable in a compact manner when the length of the drillpipe is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: XL Technology LTD, TSL Technology
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20030201100
    Abstract: A downhole cathodic protection cable system includes an attachment shoe electrically connected to a metallic structure at a distance substantially below the earth's surface, and an electrical cable having a first end connected to a connection structure substantially at the earth's surface and a second end electrically connected to the attachment shoe. The first end is connected through the connection structure to provide current to the cable sufficient to prevent substantial corrosion surrounding the attachment shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Abdul-Raouf M. Al-Ramadhan
  • Publication number: 20030196797
    Abstract: A single tractor unit is provided for pulling a tractor, in which the tractor itself drives a plurality of hydraulic motors which control a crane unit, a coiled tubing injection unit, and the pumps and motors associated with a liquid nitrogen system which is used for injecting gaseous hydrogen into a workover well with coiled tubing. In an alternative mode, the liquid nitrogen system is replaced with one or more nitrogen generators which gather nitrogen from the earth's atmosphere to be pumped through the coiled tubing into the well being treated. Alternatively, the gaseous nitrogen source is one or more tanks of compressed nitrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: James B. Crawford, Edward R. Lamb
  • Publication number: 20030192708
    Abstract: In a well an instrumentation line can be introduced down the well bore by a control line having at least a portion outside of intermediate casing and set in cement slurry between the intermediate casing and the surrounding rock and reaching to a zone of interest. A primary member accepts the distal end of the control line at the end of the intermediate casing. A secondary member has a terminal control line (sealed at its far end) attached on its outer surface. When in place, the secondary member extends into and through the zone of interest. When the secondary member is lowered through the primary member, its top end is lowered onto the bottom end of the primary member. Couplings engage and angularly orientate so that the top of the terminal control line couples to and seals with the distal end of the control line to form a conduit through which a fibre optic instrumentation line can be threaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Kurt D. Koehler, Gary O. Harkins
  • Publication number: 20030150614
    Abstract: Method and composition for sealing a borehole. A chemically bonded phosphate ceramic sealant for sealing, stabilizing, or plugging boreholes is prepared by combining an oxide or hydroxide and a phosphate with water to form slurry. The slurry is introduced into the borehole where the seal, stabilization or plug is desired, and then allowed to set up to form the high strength, minimally porous sealant, which binds strongly to itself and to underground formations, steel and ceramics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Donald W. Brown, Arun S. Wagh
  • Publication number: 20030111235
    Abstract: An indexing tool for use with flexible coiled tubing in downhole applications to clear obstructions is provided. The indexing tool includes a housing having a central longitudinal bore. A plunger having a longitudinal axis and biased by a spring is received and movable longitudinally within the bore between retracted and extended positions. A channel formed on the plunger receives channel followers in the form of guide pins to cause the plunger to rotate about its longitudinal axis as the plunger is moved between the retracted and extended position. A limiting member of the plunger engages stop members to limit the movement of the plunger beyond the retracted and extended position, so the guide pins do not bear the longitudinal forces exerted on plunger. The guide pins are also provided with a head having a seating surface to facilitate tightening of the guide pins and to prevent further insertion of the guide pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick S. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6575241
    Abstract: A device for moving a tool lengthwise in a passageway such as a pipe or oil well hole, with a power or signal conduit connected between the tool and outside of the passageway, consists of a solid rod with a groove along the rod's length, the groove extending inwards from the rod outer surface. The conduit is installed in the groove. The device can also be used to rotate the tool in the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: C-Tech Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Widney, Richard L. Dedels, Emanuel Kulhanek
  • Patent number: 6568481
    Abstract: A fiber optic instrumentation line is introduced down a hydrocarbon (oil) well bore 12 by control line 16 formed by pressure tubing conduit fixed on the outside of intermediate casing 14 and set in cement slurry 21 between casing 14 and surrounding rock 13 and reaching to the hydrocarbon production zone 15. Hollow primary member 18 accepts distal end of control line 16 at the end of casing 14. Secondary member 22 having sealed terminal control line 27 on its outer surface is lowered through primary member 18 to zone 15, automatically angularly aligning and engaging respective top and bottom end couplings 24 and 20, sealing together a respective top and end of terminal control lines 27, 16 forming a continuous, high pressure, fiber optic receiving tube, from well head 10 to well bottom. Alternatively, two lines 16 linked by loop 26 provide a continuous control line returning to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignees: Sensor Highway Limited, Aera Energy LLC
    Inventors: Kurt D. Koehler, Gary O. Harkins
  • Patent number: 6557630
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sensor Highway Limited
    Inventors: Gary O. Harkins, Christian Koeniger
  • Patent number: 6532839
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the remote measurement of physical parameters are described. The apparatus includes a sensor, sensor instrumentation, a carbon coated optical fiber cable for extending between the sensor and the sensor instrumentation, a conduit for extending to a measurement location and configured to accommodate the optical fiber cable and the sensor, and a cable installing device configured to install the sensor and the optical fiber cable through the conduit and place the sensor at the measurement location. The cable installation device includes an apparatus for propelling a fluid along the conduit, such as a pump, a compressor, and the like. In the method, a sensor is installed at a measurement location by pumping the sensor and a carbon-coated optical fiber cable through a conduit, forming a seal around the cable where it enters the conduit, and connecting the cable to sensor instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sensor Dynamics Ltd.
    Inventors: Erhard Luther Edgar Kluth, Malcolm Paul Varnham
  • Publication number: 20030042019
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to determine the temperature profile of a wellbore using a fiber optic cable and an anchor are disclosed. Furthermore, a pressurized wellhead spool that couples to a standard Christmas tree structure on a well head to facilitate the injection of fiber optic cable into an oil and gas well is disclosed. The wellhead spool is portable and may be connected to fiber optic cable already located at the site, for quick connection to on-site instrumentation. A method of using the apparatuses disclosed to measure wellbore temperature at multiple depths of investigation is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Gary O. Harkins, Christian Koeniger
  • Patent number: 6527056
    Abstract: Coiled tubing or a portion thereof having a first part spaced-apart from a second part, the coiled tubing having a first outer diamter at the first part and a second outer diameter at the second part, the first outer diameter different from the second outer diameter, and outer diameter of the coiled tubing continuously diminishing or increasing from the first part to the second part, in one particular aspect thus varying over its entire length; and methods for using and methods and apparatuses for making such coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: CTES, L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Newman
  • Patent number: 6520264
    Abstract: A pump-through electrical conductor line includes an electrically conductive wire, an insulative coating disposed over the electrically conductive wire, and a tubing having the electrically conductive wire with the insulative coating disposed thereover loosely positioned therein so as to form a non-obstructed annulus between the insulative coating and an inner surface of the tubing. An arrangement for downhole casing collar location includes a length of the pump-through electrical conductor line, a slickline running unit configured to deliver the pump-through electrical conductor line to a downhole environment, a plugging device disposed on a downhole end of the pump-through electrical conductor line, and a casing collar locator disposed on the pump-through electrical conductor line adjacent the plugging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon R J MacKenzie, Mark E. Plante, Dwayne L. Whitney
  • Patent number: 6520255
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanism within said wellbore. In one embodiment, the perforating device has no washing fluid flow passage provided therethrough. In another embodiment, an erosive jet device is used to perforate at least one interval of said one or more subterranean formations. In yet another embodiment, the BHA has at least one pressure equalization means that establishes pressure communication between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. In another embodiment, the BHA comprises a perforating device and a sealing mechanism, wherein the perforating device is positioned below the sealing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Lawrence O. Carlson, David A. Kinison, Kris J. Nygaard, Glenn S. Goss, William A. Sorem, Lee L. Shafer
  • Patent number: 6516892
    Abstract: A coiled tubing rig is operable to simultaneously translate and rotate coiled tubing in a borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Patrick J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6510900
    Abstract: A seal assembly for dual string coil tubing injection into a subterranean well includes a seal plate having first and second bores with annular seals for providing a high-pressure fluid seal around first and second coil tubing strings inserted through the respective bores. The seal plate is adapted to be connected directly to a wellhead, or a lubricator if a downhole tool is connected to either one, or both of the first and second coil tubing strings. The seal assembly further includes passages for supplying lubricant to the first and second annular seals to lubricate the respective seals while the respective first and second coil tubing strings are injected into and extracted from the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Publication number: 20020189820
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a subterranean plug including a mandrel having an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and a packing element arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate quick drill-out of the plug. The apparatus may include a valve for controlling fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The apparatus may include a composite mandrel having radial vents that establish fluid communication from within to without the mandrel. Also, the apparatus may include a wire line adapter kit for running the apparatus in a well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Gabriel Slup, Douglas J. Lehr
  • Patent number: 6478086
    Abstract: A method for plugging wells for use in connection with extraction of a fluid. Above a leakage site in the well, from which the fluid flows into the well from a subsurface formation surrounding the well, there is a set a seal (20), which seals the well, and on the bottom of which is a sensor device (22) for measuring well data. On the top of the seal (20) is a connecting part (24) which is connected to the sensor. Above the seal (20) the well is filled with a temperable, liquid sealant (32), into which is lowered via a cable (38) a connecting device (40) with a connecting part (42) until the connecting parts (24, 42) have been connected. Both the lowering and this connection are provided by means of the weight of the connecting device (40). The cable (38) is connected to a logging device (50) outside the well opening and the sealant (32) is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Henning Hansen
  • Publication number: 20020162666
    Abstract: A fiber optic instrumentation line is introduced down a hydrocarbon (oil) well bore 12 by control line 16 formed by pressure tubing conduit fixed on the outside of intermediate casing 14 and set in cement slurry 21 between casing 14 and surrounding rock 13 and reaching to the hydrocarbon production zone 15. Hollow primary member 18 accepts distal end of control line 16 at the end of casing 14. Secondary member 22 having sealed terminal control line 27 on its outer surface is lowered through primary member 18 to zone 15, automatically angularly aligning and engaging respective top and bottom end couplings 24 and 20, sealing together a respective top and end of terminal control lines 27, 16 forming a continuous, high pressure, fiber optic receiving tube, from well head 10 to well bottom. Alternatively, two lines 16 linked by loop 26 provide a continuous control line returning to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Kurt D. Koehler, Gary O. Harkins
  • Patent number: 6457533
    Abstract: There is provided a downhole tubing sealing system (10) comprising a radially expandable slotted tubular body (16) carrying deformable material (22) on the exterior thereof; and a seal member (26) for location within the tubular body and for engaging an inner surface of said body. There is further provided a method of sealing a portion of a downhole bore, the method comprising locating a radially expandable slotted tubular body (16) carrying deformable material (22) on the exterior thereof in a bore, expanding the body radially into contact with the bore wall, and locating a seal member (26) within the body and radially extending the seal member to engage an inner surface of the body, so sealing portion of the downhole bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
  • Publication number: 20020125014
    Abstract: A pair of spooled tubing strings are simultaneously run into a hydrocarbon well carrying a chamber providing a check valve. The chamber is positioned below a hydrocarbon formation so that liquid produced from the formation falls adjacent and passes into the chamber through the check valve. Periodically, gas is delivered through one of the spooled tubing strings to push liquid out of the chamber upwardly through the other of the tubing strings. Gas produced from the formation flows upwardly in an annulus between the spooled tubing strings and a production string in the well. The apparatus can be used to run only one string of tubing into a well and has a number of features, including measuring the load applied to the tubing string and measuring the amount of tubing run into or out of a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dearing, Jerry W. Noles, Daniel R. King
  • Publication number: 20020112861
    Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Henry L. Restarick, John C. Gano, Patrick E. Laursen, Michael L. Connell, Nicida Maerefat