Fluid Flow Control Member (e.g., Plug Or Valve) Patents (Class 166/386)
  • Patent number: 8985228
    Abstract: A treatment plug includes, an anchor runnable and settable within a structure having, at least two slips movably engaged with one another to cause the at least two slips to move radially into engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal movement between the at least two slips. The treatment plug also has at least one seal having a deformable metal member configured to radially deform into sealing engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal compression of the deformable metal member, and a seat that is sealingly receptive to a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Graeme Michael Kelbie
  • Patent number: 8978773
    Abstract: A downhole bypass valve utilizes a stationary sleeve defining an interior ball-seat. When a dropped ball is seated, fluid differential pressure is diverted to an annular area adjacent a first sliding sleeve. The sleeve slides in response to the pressure differential upon shearing of a shear pin, or similar, and opens ports to the wellbore annulus. Treatment or maintenance operations can then occur through the ports, which can be fitted with nozzles. A second sliding sleeve, independent from the first, is operated in response to dropping a second ball into the device. The second ball diverts fluid differential pressure to an annular area adjacent the second sleeve and movement occurs when a shear pin shears. The second sleeve covers the ports to the wellbore annulus and closes the valve. After a sliding sleeve shifts, pressure across the sleeve is equalized, allowing reverse flow without risk of accidental sleeve actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David J Tilley
  • Publication number: 20150068772
    Abstract: A downhole ball dropping system operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. First and second ball dropper assemblies are interconnected in the tool string. The first ball dropper assembly releasably retains a first ball and the second ball dropper assembly releasably retains a second ball. A sensor is operable to detect deployment of the first ball and is operable to generate a signal to prevent release of the second ball from the second ball dropper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Timothy Edward Harms, Bryon David Mullen
  • Publication number: 20150068771
    Abstract: A downhole ball dropping system operable to be positioned in a well. The system includes a tool string having a flow path. A ball dropper assembly is interconnected in the tool string. The ball dropper assembly has a sliding sleeve including a port. A ball is releasably retained by the ball dropper assembly. An actuation assembly is operably associated with the ball dropper assembly and is operable to receive a deployment signal. A release assembly is disposed within the ball dropper assembly. A sensor is operable to detect deployment of the ball and is operable to generate a signal indicating whether the ball deployed. In operation, responsive to the deployment signal, the actuation assembly triggers shifting of the sliding sleeve to align the port with the ball and shifting of the release assembly to push the ball into the flow path through the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Timothy Edward Harms, Bryon David Mullen
  • Publication number: 20150053420
    Abstract: A flow control device can include water in a chamber, the chamber having a variable volume, a flow restricting member which displaces in response to a change in the chamber volume, and a biasing device which influences a pressure in the chamber. A method of controlling flow of steam in a well can include providing a flow control device which varies a resistance to flow in the well, the flow control device including a chamber having a variable volume, water disposed in the chamber, and a biasing device. The biasing device influences the chamber volume. Another flow control device can include water in a chamber, the chamber having a variable volume, a flow restricting member which displaces in response to a change in the chamber volume, and a biasing device which reduces a boiling point of the water in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, John C. Gano, Zachary R. Murphree
  • Publication number: 20150053395
    Abstract: A seal element for sealing a conduit is described. The seal element comprises a frusto conical portion and a first lip extending from an external edge of the frusto conical portion, the lip being adapted to be pivoted into engagement with a conduit surface. In a described embodiment, two seal elements are provided on a plug for sealing a conduit, the seal elements facing in opposite directions to seal from above and below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Lee Mercer, Stewart Christie
  • Publication number: 20150053428
    Abstract: A method of setting and maintaining a tool in a set position for a period of time includes the following. Causing a component of a device to move relative to another component of the device, interengaging one or more features of at least one of the components with the another component, creating a set condition of a tool engaged with the component and the another component with the causing and interengaging. The method further includes dissolving at least the one or more features when removal of the tool is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yingqing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 8960334
    Abstract: A differential pressure release sub includes a sub housing having a housing bore, a piston chamber communicating with the housing bore and at least one fluid port communicating with the piston chamber. A piston having a piston bore is disposed for axial displacement in the piston chamber from a first position wherein the at least one fluid port is fluidly sealed from the piston bore to a second position wherein the at least one fluid port is disposed in fluid communication with the piston bore. A first surface having a first surface area is on the piston. A second surface having a second surface area less than the first surface area of the first surface is on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher A. Branton
  • Patent number: 8960316
    Abstract: A flow control device comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in the fluid pathway, a one-way valve disposed in the fluid pathway to substantially block fluid flow from the interior of the wellbore tubular to the fluid pathway and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pathway to the interior of the wellbore tubular, and an inflatable seal disposed between an opening to the interior of the wellbore tubular and the fluid pathway, wherein the inflatable seal is configured to inflate to substantially block the fluid pathway in response to a fluid pressure differential between the interior of the wellbore tubular and the exterior of the wellbore tubular that exceeds a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 8960283
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in launching cement plugs in a well cementing operation comprises a cylinder, a piston slideably received in the bore of the cylinder and an actuator extending from the piston through the cylinder. The actuator is operable by the piston for launching plugs from the apparatus into the well. A resilient damper cartridge is slideably mounted on the actuator in the cylinder so as to be contactable by the piston. A series of frangible pins is located in the cylinder wall so as to provide temporary limits to the movement of the cartridge in the cylinder as the piston slides along the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Philippe Gambier, André Salvaire, Greg Giem
  • Patent number: 8955604
    Abstract: A receptacle sub that increases the venting flowrate during retrieval of a running tool. The sub includes a sleeve with a bypass port in a central bore defined by a tubular body. The sleeve is selectively moveable from an upper position to a lower position. A seal on the sleeve seals the sleeve to the bore while a retainer holds the sleeve in the upper position. A bypass passage in the body is in fluid communication with the bypass port. A drop member lands on the sleeve, blocking downward flow through the sleeve and actuating a hydraulic function. The drop member receives a fluid pressure greater than the hydraulic function fluid pressure, releasing the retainer to move the sleeve to the lower position. This allows fluid communication from above the central bore through the bypass passage and through the bypass ports of the sleeve below the drop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Peter Gette
  • Patent number: 8955600
    Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve and a second valve that are both in fluidic communication with a lower completion. The first valve and the second valve are positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, and a member in operable communication with the first valve and the second valve. The system is configured such that both the first valve and the second valve are open when the member is in a first position, the first valve is closed and the second valve is open when the member in a second position, the first valve is open and the second valve is closed when the member is in a third position, and the first valve and the second valve are both closed when the member is in a fourth position. The first valve and the second valve are closable in response to retrieval of an upper completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donald P. Lauderdale, Wilfred Schexnayder
  • Patent number: 8955606
    Abstract: Sealing devices for use in a wellbore to seal a leak path through an inner wall surface of the wellbore comprise a mandrel, an expandable element, and a shape deforming sealing element. Expansion or inflation of the expandable element moves the shape deforming sealing element from its run-in shape to its set shape. A stimulus, such as a change in temperature, acts upon the shape deforming sealing element facilitating the shape deforming sealing element changing shape. Removal of the stimulus causes the shape deforming sealing element to remain in the set shape. Thereafter, the mandrel and expandable element can be removed to leave only the shape deforming sealing element within the wellbore to seal the leak path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20150041155
    Abstract: An electromagnetic chemical adhesive pipe plugging system is provided, including an elongated hollow injection quill, said quill having a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnetic jaws, a plurality of circumferentially spaced shoes, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnetic heads, wherein the magnetic jaws, shoes, and magnetic heads are capable of being pushed radially outward into gripping engagement with the inner diameter of a pipe assisted by chemical adhesive bonds against the pressure forces acting thereon, and the magnetic heads are capable of creating an intense magnetic field. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling, and operating the system are also provided and include insertion through the BOP primary exit line or choke and kill lines within a BOP device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Charlene Barnes-Kahoe
  • Publication number: 20150041154
    Abstract: An annular barrier (1) for providing a barrier between a casing (3) and a borehole (5) or between a casing and a surrounding casing, comprising:—a tubular part (6) for forming part of the casing, having an axial extension,—an expandable metal sleeve (7) connected with and surrounding the tubular part and defining an expandable space (13), and—an opening (11) fluidly connected with the expandable space for letting fluid from within the tubular part to the expandable space to expand the sleeve, wherein the annular barrier further comprises a tubular metal element (20, 20A) connecting the sleeve with the tubular part, having an extension in the axial extension and a first end part (21) connected with the tubular part and a second end part (22) connected with the expandable sleeve, and wherein the first end part is arranged closer to the opening along the axial extension of the tubular part than the second end part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Tomas Sune Andersen
  • Publication number: 20150034338
    Abstract: A wellhead plug and a method for using a wellhead plug are presented. The ahead plug includes a plug body having at least a locking module, multiple sealing members, and a threaded connection tool. The wellhead plug according to the present disclosure offers multiple advantages over existing technologies. For example, the device may serve duplex roles as a wellhead pressure plug and/or a connection test tool. The device may, for example, serve as a blowout preventer (BOP) connection test tool, as well as an emergency drill pipe hang off tool (EDPHOT). This Abstracts submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ah Chai LIM, Chamal Jayanath SENEVIRATNE, Kyaw THET, Kim Kok GOI, Nur Adlina Binte SUHAIMI, Sim Guan TEO
  • Patent number: 8944171
    Abstract: A technique includes deploying a string that includes a seat assembly in a well; and running a shifting tool in a passageway of the string. The shifting tool shifts the seat assembly to cause the seat assembly to transition between a first state in which the seat assembly forms a seat that is adapted to allow an untethered object communicated in the passageway of the string to pass through the seat assembly to a second state in which the seat assembly is adapted to catch the object to form a fluid barrier in the string. The fluid barrier is used to divert fluid in the tubing string to perform, for example, a stimulation operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Parrott, Bruno Lecerf, Sergey Vladimirovich Solovyov, Mikhail Petrovich Gusev, Ilya Anatolievich Pavlov, Jason Baihly, Michael Bertoja
  • Patent number: 8944170
    Abstract: A method for completing a wellbore having a plurality of stimulation valves disposed therein at longitudinally spaced apart locations includes moving a spoolable rod into the wellbore. The rod includes a plurality of spaced apart sensors therein. At least one valve operating dart is applied to an exterior of the spoolable rod. The dart is configured to engage a selected one of the stimulation valves. A position of the at least one dart is estimated during pumping of fluid into the wellbore by measuring output of the sensors in the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ziebel AS
    Inventor: Henning Hansen
  • Publication number: 20150027714
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting the lower main wellbore of whipstocks and completion deflectors from debris accumulation. A well system subassembly includes a deflector tool arranged within a casing string and defining a deflector surface and an inner bore extending longitudinally from the deflector surface and one or more seal stacks disposed about the inner bore of the deflector tool. A wellbore barrier device is disposed about the inner bore uphole from the one or more seal stacks and is expandable from an unswelled configuration to a swelled configuration. When the wellbore barrier device is in the swelled configuration, it protects the one or more seal stacks from debris generated from milling and/or drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph DeWitt Parlin
  • Patent number: 8939216
    Abstract: A snubbing plug is configured to enable pressure equalization above and below the plug before it is removed from a mineral extraction well. The pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. While the snubbing operations are ongoing, the fluid pathways are closed and sealed by a valve. Upon completion of the snubbing operations, the valve is opened to enable fluid flow through the pathways. The valve includes a piston disposed within a body of the snubbing plug. The piston may be coupled to pins disposed within L slots in the body. While the valve is closed, the pins are disposed in a horizontal portion of the L slot, blocking vertical movement of the piston. To open the valve, the piston is rotated until the pins reach a vertical portion of the L slot, whereupon a spring biases the piston upward to open the fluid pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8936099
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary valve and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track having at least two return paths; and a position pin disposed on a cam flange and extending into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, and rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Patent number: 8936100
    Abstract: A non-rising stem gate valve is provided that includes a drive sleeve disposed between the gate and the stem. The drive sleeve is coupled to the stem and isolates the moveable connection between the sleeve and the stem from fluid in the valve. The drive sleeve is also coupled to the gate such that movement of the drive sleeve along the stem moves the gate between the open and closed positions of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Wayne Mosman
  • Publication number: 20150013964
    Abstract: A treatment plug includes, an anchor runnable and settable within a structure having, at least one slip movably engaged with the anchor to move radially into engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal movement of the at least one slip relative to surfaces of the treatment plug, at least one seal having a deformable metal member configured to radially deform into sealing engagement with the structure in response to being deformed radially outwardly, and a seat that is sealingly receptive to a plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Graeme Michael Kelbie
  • Patent number: 8931570
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid in-flow into a wellbore tubular includes a translating flow control element having one or more fluid conveying conduits; and a reactive element that actuates the flow control element. The reactive element may be responsive to a change in composition of the in-flowing fluid. The reactive element may change volume or shape when exposed to or not exposed to a selected fluid. The selected fluid may be oil, water, or some other fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, mixture, etc.). The reactive element may slide the flow control element such that a conduit formed on the flow control element changes length, which then changes a pressure differential across the flow control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Dario Casciaro, Murray K. Howell
  • Patent number: 8931567
    Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Enovate Systems Ltd
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150008003
    Abstract: An assembly for assisting performance of an operation involving a hardenable fluid in an axial flowbore of a casing string including a carrier disposed at the casing string. An operative device is carried by the carrier. A channel connects between the operative device and the axial flowbore. A plugging element is positioned in the channel that protects the operative device by preventing the hardenable fluid from entering the channel, and the plugging element is reconfigurable to selectively permit communication between the operative device and the axial flowbore via the channel. A method of protecting and using an operative device disposed at a casing string is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Louis F. Lafleur
  • Publication number: 20150000935
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating an untethered object in a passageway downhole in the well and using a cross-sectional dimension of the object and an axial dimension of the object to select a seat assembly of a plurality of seat assemblies to catch the object to form an obstruction in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Jahir Pabon, Matthew Godfrey, John David Rowatt
  • Publication number: 20150000920
    Abstract: Stimulation valves are provided that have a valve housing, an indexed driver, a reciprocating shifter, an actuation seat, and an isolation seat. The indexed driver is linearly actuated from an initial position through intermediate positions to a terminal position. In the driver initial and intermediate positions, the valve body shuts off fluid communication through ports provided in the housing. In the driver terminal position the valve body allows fluid communication through the ports. The reciprocating shifter indexes the indexed driver from its initial position through its intermediate positions to its terminal position. The actuation seat receives a ball for actuation of the shifter and releases the ball after actuation of the shifter. The isolation seat allows passage of the ball when the indexed driver is in its initial and intermediate positions and receives the ball when the indexed driver is in its terminal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
  • Publication number: 20150000922
    Abstract: Tools for a well tubular comprising a ball seat assembly. The ball seat assembly comprises first and second ball seats. The first ball seat is adapted to receive a ball deployed into the tool, transition to a second state and release the ball. The first ball seat is operatively engaged with the second ball seat such that as it transitions to its second state it causes the second ball seat to transition from a first state of increased clearance to a second state having reduced clearance. The second seat then is adapted to receive the ball after it is released by the first seat. The second ball seat is adapted to actuate the tool, transition to a third state, and release the ball. The clearance through the second ball seat in its second state is less than the clearance through the first ball seat in its first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Team Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
  • Patent number: 8924029
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a model associated with production of natural gas from a well, where the well has a choke valve that controls flow of material including natural gas from the well. The method also includes identifying, using the model, a solution that increases an amount of natural gas obtained from the well over a specified time horizon. In addition, the method includes adjusting operation of the choke valve based on the identified solution. The model could be generated using geological data associated with the well and/or historical data associated with natural gas production from the well. A natural gas reservoir can be modeled as a continuous stirred bed with a rock or shale void fraction using mass or volumetric unit balances. Gas content versus pressure for the well can be plotted, and Langmuir adsorption parameters for the well can be identified using the plotted gas content versus pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Nath, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Jeffrey G. Renfro, Betty Jean Stanek
  • Publication number: 20140374100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a punching tool for providing a hole or a dimple in a metal casing in a borehole. The punching tool comprises a tool body having an axial extension, and a punching unit connected with the tool body comprising: a fluid inlet, a punch movable between a retracted and a projected position and extending substantially radially in relation to the axial extension, and at least one hydraulic punch cylinder moving the punch between the retracted and the projected position. The present invention further relates to a method for providing a hole or a dimple in a metal casing downhole and to a method for installing a plug in an existing hole in the casing downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jorgen Hallundbaek, Rasmus Sommer
  • Patent number: 8915303
    Abstract: A method of servicing an electric submersible pump in a well with a positive wellhead pressure includes providing production tubing in the well casing, a coil tubing string within the production tubing having an electric submersible pump at a downhole end of the coil tubing string, and a pump-receiving housing above the injection port of the wellhead. With the injection port sealed and the pump-receiving housing opened, the electric submersible pump may be inserted or removed from the pump-receiving housing. With the pump-receiving housing closed and the injection port opened, the electric submersible pump may be moved to or from the production tubing in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Petrospec Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerald Chalifoux
  • Publication number: 20140367122
    Abstract: A wellbore flowable device comprises an orientor, wherein the orientor causes the flowable device to be oriented within the wellbore such that the flowable device has a higher pressure differential rating than a similar flowable device without the orientor. A method of orienting the wellbore flowable device comprises: introducing the wellbore flowable device comprising the orientor into the wellbore; and allowing the flowable device to orient itself within the wellbore in a preselected orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Zachary R. MURPHREE, Michael L. FRIPP
  • Patent number: 8910716
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a tubular is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a retrievable communication device configured to be conveyed to a selected location in the tubular downhole. The apparatus also includes a control node configured to communicate with the retrievable communication device at the selected location, a flow control device coupled to and controlled by the control node and a sensor coupled to the control node, wherein the sensor and flow control device are downhole of the control node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Newton, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8910717
    Abstract: A frangible pressure control plug includes a first portion of a body adjacent a first end of the plug. A second portion of the body adjacent a second end of the plug. The second portion attached to the first portion in a first condition. A groove in the body interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A bore within the body passing through the first end and the first portion and inaccessible from the second end and wherein, fluid communication between the bore and the groove is prevented in the first condition and allowed in a second condition. Also included is a method of actuating a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason C. Mailand, Justin C. Kellner
  • Patent number: 8905144
    Abstract: A flow control device can include a surface that defines a chamber and includes a side perimeter and opposing end surfaces, a greatest distance between the opposing end surfaces being smaller than a largest dimension of the opposing end surfaces, a first port through one of the end surfaces, and a second port through the surface and apart from the first port, the side perimeter surface being operable to direct flow from the second port to rotate about the first port. Another device can include a cylindroidal chamber for receiving flow through an inlet and directing the flow to an outlet, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber being smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber, the cylindroidal chamber promoting rotation of the flow based on a characteristic of the inflow through the inlet. The device can have a flow path structure in the cylindroidal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Michael L. Fripp
  • Publication number: 20140352982
    Abstract: A gas lift barrier valve mandrel assembly includes a longitudinally extending tubular member that defines a production conduit and has a central longitudinal axis. A side pocket mandrel has a first pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a first central axis. The side pocket mandrel has a second pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a second central axis. The central axis of the production conduit, first axis and second axis are non-coaxial and are parallel to one another. A passage fluidly connects an outside of the mandrel to an inside of the production conduit and is intersected by the first and second pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas M. White, Wayne J. Mabry, Jason Michael Kamphaus, Tyson R. Messick, Eric Lovie, Kenneth C. Burnett
  • Patent number: 8899335
    Abstract: A downhole bypass valve comprises a tubular body including a side port and a sleeve axially movably mounted in the body and normally biased to a closed position to close the side port. An activating device is configured to be pumped or dropped into the body to engage the sleeve and permit movement of the sleeve to an open position and open the side port. A latch has a part in the body and a part in the activating device, the parts of the latch configured to engage and retain the sleeve in the open position. The activating device is further operable to disengage from and translate through the sleeve and the parts of the latch are further operable to disengage and permit the sleeve to return to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Churchill Drilling Tools Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Churchill
  • Patent number: 8899334
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a housing defining an axial flowbore and comprising ports, a first sleeve, a second sleeve movable relative to the housing from (a) a first position in which the second sleeve obstructs fluid communication via the ports of the housing to (b) a second position in which the second sleeve allows fluid communication via the ports of the housing, and wherein the first sleeve is movable relative to the housing from (a) a first position in which the first sleeve does not allow a fluid pressure applied to the axial flowbore to move the second sleeve from the first position to the second position to (b) a second position in which the first sleeve allows a fluid pressure applied to the axial flowbore to move the second sleeve from the first position to the second position, and an expandable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew James Merron, Matt T. Howell, Jesse Cale Porter
  • Patent number: 8899339
    Abstract: Isolation systems for use in a wellbore include two or more tubular segments and at least one coupling assembly. The at least one coupling system is adapted to couple the first and second tubular segments together. The at least one coupling system is further adapted to block at least a portion of the wellbore annulus. The at least one coupling system is further configured as a leaky isolation assembly to separate the wellbore annulus into at least two isolated zones when disposed in the wellbore. At least one isolation zone has at least two outlets including a first outlet through an opening into the tubular and a second outlet past the leaky isolation assembly. The isolation system is configured to provide the isolation with hydraulics during well operation that preferentially drives fluids through the first outlet and at least substantially prevents fluid from passing the isolation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Timothy G. Benish
  • Patent number: 8893811
    Abstract: A system for servicing a subterranean formation comprising a wellbore completion string comprising a first master activatable stimulation assembly, a first slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the first slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the first master stimulation assembly; a second master activatable stimulation assembly, and a second slave activatable stimulation assembly, wherein the second slave activatable stimulation assembly activates responsive to activation of the second master stimulation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brock Miller
  • Patent number: 8893810
    Abstract: For wellbore fluid treatment, sliding sleeves deploy on tubing in a wellbore annulus. Operators deploy a plug down the tubing to a first sleeve. The plug seats in this first sleeve, and pumped fluid pressure opens the first sleeve and communicates from the tubing to the wellbore annulus. In the annulus, the fluid pressure creates a pressure differential between the wellbore annulus pressure and a pressure chamber on second sleeves on the tubing. The resulting pressure differential opens the second sleeves so that fluid pressure from the tubing can communicate through the second open sleeves. Using this arrangement, one sleeve can be opened in a cluster of sleeves without opening all of them at the same time. The deployed plug is only required to open the fluid pressure to the annulus by opening the first sleeve. The pressure chambers actuate the second sleeves to open up the tubing to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Zimmerman, David Ward, Cesar G Garcia
  • Patent number: 8893806
    Abstract: An exercise tool assembly for operating a downhole tool auxiliary to a primary actuator system of the downhole tool includes a cylinder mandrel configured to be received in the central bore of the downhole tool. A piston mandrel is in and sealed with the cylinder mandrel. The exercise tool assembly is configured to couple to an actuator sleeve of the downhole tool and to couple to the downhole tool at a location apart from the actuator sleeve. The piston mandrel is responsive to a change in pressure in the central bore to translate relative to the cylinder mandrel and translate the coupling with the actuator sleeve relative to the coupling at the location apart from the actuator sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie Robert Williamson, James Dan Vick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8893809
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation may utilize a particulate control device positioned external to the wellbore tubular and a flow control device having a retrievable flow restriction element that controls a flow parameter of a fluid flowing between the particulate control device and a bore of the wellbore tubular. The flow control device may be re-configured in the wellbore and/or be used to inject a fluid into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack E. Charles, Benn A. Voll, Matthew Shane Clews, Eddie G. Bowen
  • Patent number: 8887803
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd Eddie East, Jr., Sharlene Dawn Lindsay, Nicholas Hubert Gardiner
  • Patent number: 8881825
    Abstract: A gas lift barrier valve mandrel assembly includes a longitudinally extending tubular member that defines a production conduit and has a central longitudinal axis. A side pocket mandrel has a first pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a first central axis. The side pocket mandrel has a second pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a second central axis. The central axis of the production conduit, first axis and second axis are non-coaxial and are parallel to one another. A first passage fluidly connects an outside of the mandrel to an inside of the first pocket. A second passage fluidly connects the inside of the first pocket to an inside of the second pocket. A third passage fluidly connects the inside of the second pocket to the production conduit. A fourth passage connects the first pocket to the production conduit and allows insertion of a gas lift barrier into the first pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. White, Wayne J. Mabry, Jason Kamphaus, Tyson Messick, Eric Lovie, Kenneth C. Burnett, III
  • Patent number: 8875800
    Abstract: A downhole sealing system includes a reactive material provided on a tubular and including an oxidizable substance; and a sealing material, wherein the oxidizable substance oxidizes when in contact with the sealing material. Also included is a method of providing a seal in a downhole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward T. Wood, Justin Cash Bowersock, James R. Korte
  • Patent number: 8875797
    Abstract: A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet and further through a flow path of the control device passing by a movable disc or movable device which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the disc, whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Vidar Mathiesen
  • Publication number: 20140318815
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for changing a plurality of sleeve valves in a well from a ball catching restricted bored state to an open bore state and for retrieving sleeve valve actuator balls of substantially the same diameter from the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew James MERRON
  • Publication number: 20140318816
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate to a downhole tool that can capture a ball in a trap to prevent both upwell and downwell movement of the ball. Further, certain embodiments described herein may prevent fluid from flowing past a captured ball in either the upwell or downwell directions. Ball and seat valves incorporating such ball trap assemblies can be used to create a bi-directional plug which prevents fluid flow in either direction when the ball trap is engaged with an appropriately configured ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: PEAK COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Hofman, William Sloane Muscroft, Frank Victor De Lucia