Means For Forming Filter Beds (e.g., Gravel Placing) Patents (Class 166/51)
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Patent number: 11788368Abstract: A dual-open entry injector head positioning system installed on support structures, such as conventional lifting frames, utilized over wells on offshore vessels. The injector head positioning system is lighter and more compact than conventional equipment positioning systems, while permitting simultaneous deployment of multiple intervention systems (such as, for example, continuous tubing and wireline) from said lifting frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: PROFESSIONAL RENTAL TOOLS, LLCInventors: Grant Fleming, Scott Dees
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Patent number: 11719076Abstract: An apparatus for activating chambers of downhole hydraulic screens. The apparatus comprises an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a flow path. The outer sleeve is coupled to one hydraulic screen on one end and another hydraulic screen on another end. The inner sleeve couples to base pipe at both ends. The flow path is an annulus defined between the outer diameter of the inner sleeve and the inner diameter of the outer sleeve. Hydraulic seals are formed at the interfaces between the inner sleeve and base pipe and the outer sleeve and hydraulic screens. In practice, the assembled apparatus and hydraulic screens are ran downhole to a production zone using production tubing and a running tool. Fluid from the surface is pumped into the production tubing, diverted therefrom, and into chambers of the hydraulic screens using the flow path to conduct fluid between the hydraulic screens.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Ryan Wesley McChesney, Gordon McLeary, David Symon Grant
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Patent number: 11506028Abstract: A recirculating gravel pack system includes a tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a flow path, a first opening extending from the inner surface through the outer surface and a second opening, spaced from the first opening extending from the inner surface through the outer surface. A screen is positioned about the tubular member spaced from the outer surface defining a passage that is selectively fluidically connected to the second opening. A return tube extends between the screen and the outer surface running axially along the tubular member. The return tube includes a first end defining an inlet arranged in the passage and a second end defining an outlet positioned in a low-pressure zone outside the passage downhole from the first opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Wilfred Provost
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Patent number: 11365609Abstract: Bypass modules may be employed in a gravel packing operation to facilitate a sufficiently rapid dehydration of a gravel slurry in a wellbore. The bypass modules include a material which swells in response to contact between the material and fluid in a well such that flow through the bypass module may be prohibited once the gravel packing operation is complete such that production fluids may flow through screens and associated ICDs to enter an inner diameter of a completion string. The bypass modules may be disposed at a tee junction in a leak-off conduit, at an end portion of the leak-off conduit and/or independent of a leak-off conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Caleb Thomas Warren
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Patent number: 11365610Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a flow control device (FCD) module for use with hydraulic screens. In one embodiment, the FCD module comprises a base pipe having a port coupling an exterior of the base pipe and an interior of the base pipe; an FCD unit coupled to the base pipe about the port and configured to control production fluid from an oil and gas formation to the interior of the base pipe; one or more separate isolated activation channels extending along at least a portion of the base pipe, the one or more separate isolated activation channels configured to fluidly couple with one or more hydraulic activation chambers of a screen subassembly; and one or more covers surrounding the base pipe about the FCD unit, the one or more covers forming a production fluid channel between the screen subassembly and the FCD unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Wesley McChesney, Gordon McLeary, David Symon Grant
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Patent number: 11333008Abstract: A well screen system includes upstream and downstream screen assemblies arranged along an axis. The assemblies each have first and second transport tubes. A first packing tube is connected to the first transport tube by first adapter and has an uppermost nozzle axially spaced from the first adapter by a first effective packing tube length. A second packing tube is connected to the second transport tube by a second adapter and has an uppermost nozzle axially spaced from the second adapter by a second effective packing tube length different than the first effective packing tube length. The downstream screen assembly second transport tube is connected to the upstream screen assembly first transport tube to alternate the effective packing tube lengths of packing tube uppermost nozzles along the screen system. Methods of making well screen systems and methods of gravel packing well screen systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Maxime PM Coffin, Man Yee Leong
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Patent number: 10844695Abstract: A treatment tool can include a housing with longitudinal passages, a valve that controls flow between sections of one passage, another valve that controls flow between the one passage and a section of another passage, and a locking device that prevents the first valve from being transitioned to an open configuration from a closed configuration. A method can include flowing a fluid through a passage of a service string and into an annulus about a screen, the fluid entering the screen and flowing to another annulus via another passage of the service string, then installing a plug in the first passage, thereby preventing flow through the first passage to the annulus about the screen, and creating at least one pressure differential across the plug, thereby preventing flow from an interior of the screen to the other annulus and permitting flow from the first passage to the screen interior.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Candido Castro, Joshua M. Hornsby, Brian J. Ritchey
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Patent number: 10731442Abstract: The present invention relates to a completion system for connecting several screens into a well tubular structure mounted from base pipe sections.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Welltech Oilfield Solutions AGInventor: Satish Kumar
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Patent number: 10309192Abstract: A method for installing a production string in a wellbore and a production assembly for deployment in a wellbore are disclosed. An upper completion portion including a tubular and an upper circulation valve and a lower completion portion including a screen assembly and a lower circulation valve are together deployed into a wellbore at the same time. The upper circulation valve is movable between a closed position to block fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the tubular and an open position to establish fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the tubular. The lower circulation valve is movable between an open position to establish fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of a base pipe deployed adjacent the screen assembly and a closed position to block fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the base pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Wallace Techentien, Travis Thomas Hailey, Jr., John Kenneth Oliver
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Patent number: 10087725Abstract: A liner deployment assembly (LDA) for use in a wellbore includes: a crossover tool. The crossover tool includes: a seal for engaging a tubular string cemented into the wellbore; a tubular housing carrying the seal and having bypass ports straddling the seal; a mandrel having a bore therethrough and a port in fluid communication with the mandrel bore, the mandrel movable relative to the housing between a bore position where the mandrel port is isolated from the bypass ports and a bypass position where the mandrel port is aligned with one of the bypass ports; a bypass chamber formed between the housing and the mandrel and extending above and below the seal; and a control module. The control module includes: an electronics package; and an actuator in communication with the electronics package and operable to move the mandrel between the positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Daniel Purkis, Richard Dalzell, Jason Duthie, Ian Jaffrey
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Patent number: 9664014Abstract: A method and a system for segmental flow control in an oil-gas well are disclosed. The oil-gas well includes a first annular space (111) and a second annular space (103). The first annular space (111) is formed with the space between the borehole wall (101) of the oil-gas well and a perforated tube (102) which is in the oil-gas well and extends along an axial direction of the oil-gas well; The second annular space (103) which is formed with the space between the perforated tube (102) and a flow-control filter string (105) which is in the perforated tube (102) and extends along the axial direction of the oil-gas well. The method includes filling anti-channeling isolating particles (109) in the first annular space (111) and the second annular space (103) to enable fluid to flow in the first annular space (111) and the second annular space (103) filled with the anti-channeling isolating particles (109) in the manner of seepage.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Anton Bailin Oilfield Technologies (Beijing) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bailin Pei, Yong Xue, Songmei Zhang
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Patent number: 9657219Abstract: A method of increasing hydrocarbon production, the method including fracturing downhole formation and disposing an expandable proppant into the downhole formation. The method further includes expanding the expandable proppant into contact with the downhole formation and holding open the downhole formation with the expandable proppant. A proppant having an expandable outer shell layer, wherein the expandable outer shell layer is configured to expand outwardly to a size at least 10 percent greater in an open position than in a closed position. A proppant delivery system having a tool body, an expandable injector disposed on the side of the tool body, and an expandable proppant disposed within the tool body.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: A&O Technologies LLCInventor: Alejandro Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9441454Abstract: A device and method allows a bore valve in the washpipe and in certain instances a port valve or sliding sleeve to open or close upon command from the surface so that gravel slurry may be placed in a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: John P. Broussard, Christopher A. Hall, Ronald van Petegem
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Patent number: 9410388Abstract: A well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to excite a formation with acoustic waves transmitted from the acoustic generator. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can transmit acoustic waves into cement surrounding a casing. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to transmit acoustic waves into an annulus surrounding a well screen during or after a gravel packing operation. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be connected in a drill string in close proximity to a drill bit, with the acoustic generator transmitting acoustic waves into a formation ahead of the bit.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Roger L. Schultz, Daniel D. Gleitman
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Patent number: 9353604Abstract: Systems and methods for completing a well. A lower completion assembly is run into a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface formation in a single trip. The lower completion assembly includes a screen assembly, an inner string, and a sealing device. The inner string has a return opening and at least one inflow control device communicating with an interior of the inner string. The barrier device actuates between a gravel packing position and an inflow control position. Gravel flows about the screen assembly with the barrier device in the gravel packing position during at least a portion of gravel pack operations. The barrier device is actuated to the inflow control position to restrict flow through the screen assembly during at least a portion of a well operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Barry Scott Stringfield, Edvin Eimstad Riisem, Terje Moen, Bryan Stamm
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Patent number: 9309751Abstract: An entry tube system allows fluid to enter a chamber and flow to one or more shunt tubes connected to a downhole end of the entry tube. The fluid can enter the chamber about all or substantially all of the circumference of an inner mandrel disposed within the entry tube, and flow through the chamber to be directed into the shunt tubes.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLCInventor: Chris Hall
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Patent number: 9284815Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for gravel packing a wellbore. The system includes a service tool extending through a packer that isolates a proximal annulus of the wellbore from a distal annulus thereof. The service tool defines an inner bore and a conduit, with the conduit being in fluid communication with the proximal annulus and the distal annulus. The system also includes a flow restrictor disposed in the conduit. The flow restrictor is configured to induce a first pressure drop in fluid flowing through the conduit in a first direction and to induce a second pressure drop in fluid flowing through the conduit in a second direction, with the second pressure drop being greater than the first pressure drop.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ashish Sharma, Stephen D. Hill, Bryan Stamm
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Patent number: 9273537Abstract: A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand. For example, a sand control system may be provided with a base pipe having a non-permeable section and a permeable section in which the permeable section is created via at least one opening formed laterally through a wall of the base pipe. The sand control system also comprises at least one drainage tube positioned along an exterior of the base pipe and coupled to the base pipe in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The drainage tube is permeable and enables the inflow of fluid while preventing the influx of sand. The inflowing fluid is delivered along an interior of the drainage tube and through the opening into an interior of the base pipe for production.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Edvin Eimstad Riisem
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Patent number: 9187995Abstract: Wellbores are fractured by setting open hole packers on a string with access through valves on the string between the set packers. Setting the packers creates wellbore stress so that fractures tend to preferentially form near the packers regardless of the orientation of the borehole. When the fracturing is done and the well is put on production some of the proppant comes back into the wellbore and packs around the packers with solids that can be produced from the formation carried by flowing fluids. An annular passage is created near the packer to allow produced fluids to bypass the packed proppant and other solids to get into the production string. A screen protects the passage from clogging so that production is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Michael H. Johnson
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Patent number: 9187986Abstract: A fracturing/gravel packing tool system with dual flow capabilities. A method of treating a well includes the steps of: flowing a fluid into the well through a work string while simultaneously flowing another fluid into the well through an annulus; and directing each of the fluids to the exterior of a well screen in the well. A well treatment system includes a slurry and a fluid flowed into a well. The slurry has an initial density, but the fluid is mixed with the slurry in the well, thereby causing the slurry to have a reduced density in the well. Another method of treating a well includes the steps of: installing a gravel packing assembly including a well screen in the well; flowing a slurry and a fluid into the well; mixing the slurry with the fluid, thereby reducing a density of the slurry in the well; and flowing the reduced density slurry about an exterior of the well screen.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Colby M. Ross, Samuel Martinez
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Patent number: 9169723Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular having an opening and a formation includes a particulate control device and a flow control device positioned adjacent to the particulate control device. A flow path is formed between the opening of the wellbore tubular and the formation and that is internal to the particulate control device and the flow control device. The apparatus may include an additive supply line having an outlet positioned to dispense at least one additive into the flow path. A related method for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular having an opening and a formation may include positioning a flow control device adjacent to a particulate control device in the wellbore and dispensing at least one additive into a flow path internal to the particulate control device and the flow control device.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Anderson da Silva Amaral, Eddie G. Bowen
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Patent number: 9062529Abstract: A method of conducting a gravel pack operation comprising lowering a fluid control assembly into a wellbore and supplying a fluid mixture comprising gravel into an annulus between the fluid control assembly and the wellbore to form a gravel pack. A washout assembly surrounds a pre-determined length of the fluid control assembly to remove gravel pack from around the predetermined length. A tattle-tale sub provides an indication of the location of the washout assembly relative to the fluid control assembly. The placement of a cement or inflatable packer is controlled relative to the pre-determined length of the fluid control assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Jason Ellis, Joe Bob Maddox, Lance Alan Lee, Harris Guldry, II
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Publication number: 20150136391Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus is provided, including first and second joints, each including a sand control screen assembly including a base pipe and a filter medium positioned exteriorly of the base pipe; and a slurry delivery subassembly positioned exteriorly of the sand control screen assembly, the slurry delivery subassembly including a ring assembly positioned around the base pipe; and a transport tube extending through the ring assembly and longitudinally along the sand control screen assembly; a jumper tube coupled to, and extending between, the transport tube of the first joint and the transport tube of the second joint; and a cage assembly extending circumferentially about respective portions of the first and second joints and positioned exteriorly of the jumper tube, the cage assembly comprising a plurality of cage sections that are each independently connected to the respective ring assemblies of the first and second joints. A method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Gregory Scott Cunningham, Brandon Thomas Least
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Publication number: 20150129194Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus includes a base pipe having at least one opening in a sidewall portion thereof. A fluid filtration subassembly is positioned exteriorly of the base pipe and is in fluid communication with the at least one opening of the base pipe. The fluid filtration subassembly extends partially circumferentially around the base pipe and has at least two circumferential terminuses defining a circumferential gap therebetween. A slurry delivery subassembly is positioned exteriorly of the base pipe and at least partially within the circumferential gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Jan Veit
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Patent number: 9016371Abstract: An apparatus for performing a wellbore operation, such as a gravel packing, includes a tool body, a flow passage formed in the tool body, the flow passage connecting a first space with a second space; and a flow control device positioned along the flow space. The flow control device may include a valve element configured to allow uni-directional; and a flow control element configured to allow flow in bi-directional flow. The valve element and the flow control element may be arranged to form a split flow path between the first space and the second space.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Nicholas J. Clem
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Publication number: 20150101803Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for sealing an annulus enclosing a tubular element in a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: i) introducing a first drilling fluid in the wellbore; ii) drilling an open hole section of the wellbore using a drilling tool suspended at the end of a tool string; iii) pumping a second drilling fluid comprising particles into the wellbore; iv) filtering the particles out of the second drilling fluid near a downhole end of the tubular element; v) extending the tubular element into the open hole section of the wellbore while directing at least part of the filtered particles to an annulus between the tubular element and a wellbore wall. Steps i) to v) may be repeated as often as required.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels, Stefan Aernout Hartman, Erik Kerst Cornelissen, Dhivya Sashidhar
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Patent number: 9004155Abstract: Passive completion optimization with fluid loss control. A completion string includes a set of well tools interconnected as a portion of the completion string, the well tools including a well screen assembly, at least one valve which controls fluid communication between an interior and exterior of the string, and two packer assemblies, each of the packer assemblies including at least one swellable seal element, and the packer assemblies longitudinally straddling the valve and the screen assembly. Another completion string includes a set of well tools interconnected as a portion of the completion string, the well tools including two packer assemblies, a well screen assembly, and the screen assembly including an inflow control device which restricts fluid flow through the screen assembly, each of the packer assemblies including a swellable seal element, and the packer assemblies longitudinally straddling the screen assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Chalker, Jody R. McGlothen, Robert K. Buckner, Tommy L. Stambaugh, Floyd R. Simonds
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Patent number: 8985207Abstract: A completion assembly is run downhole into a well. The assembly includes a valve and a material that is adapted to initially configure the valve to prevent fluid flow through the valve in at least one direction. The technique includes performing a downhole completion operation in the well and disintegrating the material to allow the prevented fluid flow through a nozzle of the valve. The nozzle is used to regulate production or injection in the well.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Tage Thorkildsen, Timo Jokela, Pavel Petukhov, Marius Destad, Edvin Eimstad Riisem
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Publication number: 20150075767Abstract: A completion tool for gravel packing screens incorporates an added position to allow redirection of flow to a signal transmission tool at the needed flow rates to optimize signal to noise ratios by creation of a discrete flow path that channels the desired flow directly to the device and using the production tubing and upper annulus as the balance of the flow circuit. The Smart Collet® has a landing location for this position which is preferably between the circulation and reverse positions of the crossover tool. The wash pipe assembly can have a shifting tool that closes the sleeve over the gravel exit ports for the information transmittal such ports can thereafter remain closed because the gravel packing is complete but for the reversing out of excess gravel which happens above the gravel exit ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Aaron C. Hammer, Marc N. Samuelson
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Patent number: 8967240Abstract: A gravel packing assembly has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly having a filter medium positioned exteriorly of a base pipe and a slurry delivery subassembly positioned exteriorly of the sand control screen assembly. The slurry delivery subassembly includes at least one transport tube extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the sand control screen assembly. At least one jumper tube is coupled to and extends between the at least one transport tube of the first joint and the at least one transport tube of the second joint. A jumper tube protection assembly extends between the first and second joints and is positioned exteriorly about the at least one jumper tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Scott Cunningham, Brandon Thomas Least
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Patent number: 8960270Abstract: Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers. A well system includes a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid, and a shunt tube flowpath extending through the seal element for delivery of a slurry in a gravel packing operation. A swellable packer assembly includes a base pipe; a swellable annular seal element having a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material; and a valve connected to the flowpath and positioned within the swellable material. Another well system comprises a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid; a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material of the seal element; and a connection between the flowpath and a shunt tube assembly, the connection being positioned within the swellable material.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Alf K. Sevre, Tom R. Koloy, Alan Wilkins, Rutger Evers
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Patent number: 8960287Abstract: A well screen system comprises a wellbore tubular and a coiled shunt tube disposed along the wellbore tubular. The coiled shunt tube is configured to be unwound from a reel. A method of gravel packing comprises passing a slurry through a coiled shunt tube, passing the slurry from the coiled shunt tube to an annulus between an outside of a sand screen assembly and a wellbore wall, disposing the slurry about the sand screen assembly, and forming a gravel pack in response to disposing the slurry about the sand screen assembly. The coiled shunt tube is disposed along the sand screen assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Luke William Holderman, Todd Richard Agold, John Charles Gano
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Publication number: 20150047841Abstract: In one aspect, a method of forming a shape conforming material is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include: providing a base shape memory material having a glass transition temperature; and adding a selected amount of heat transfer nanoparticles to the base shape conforming material to provide the shape conforming material. In one aspect, the heat transfer nanoparticles include a core and a shell, wherein the core has a melting point below the glass transition temperature of the base shape memory material and the melting point of the shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Donald N. Horner, Othon Do Rego Monteiro Neto
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Publication number: 20150041130Abstract: A downhole tool includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member may have one or more screens coupled thereto, a packer coupled thereto, and a shunt tube isolation valve coupled thereto. A first sleeve may be coupled to the packer and move from a first position to a second position. The packer may actuate into a set state when the first sleeve is moved to the second position, and the packer may isolate first and second portions of an annulus from one another when in the set state. A shunt tube may be coupled to the packer and provide a path of fluid communication from the first portion of the annulus, through the packer, and to the second portion of the annulus when the packer is in the set state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Daniel Cleveland, Oscar Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20150027700Abstract: A technique facilitates a well operation employing at least one dehydration tube. The at least one dehydration tube is located along an exterior of a plurality of screen assemblies deployed in a wellbore and is fluidly coupled to a base pipe of at least one of the screen assemblies. The fluid coupling provides fluid access to the base pipe through a base pipe opening. Fluid flow along the at least one dehydration tube is controlled with a flow control mechanism. Additionally, an inflow of fluid from an exterior to an interior of select screen assemblies is separately controlled with an inflow control device associated with each select screen assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Edvin E. Riisem, Pavel Petukhov, Andrzej Tunkiel, Aurelien Mainy, Terje Moen, Michael D. Langlais
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Patent number: 8936082Abstract: A method includes providing a slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a solids mixture, and injecting said slurry in a wellbore wherein the solids mixture comprises at least two volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Mohan K. R. Panga, Peter J. Photos, Bruno Drochon, John W. Still, Mehmet Parlar, Balkrishna Gadiyar, Dinesh R. Patel, Graham M. Watson
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Patent number: 8919435Abstract: Certain aspects and features relate to dehydrator screens that are inexpensively made wire, mesh, or stamped metal screens that can direct carrier fluid from a gravel pack slurry efficiently to one or more screens associated with a base pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Jean-Marc Lopez
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Patent number: 8893789Abstract: A shunt tube assembly comprises a shunt tube and a jumper tube comprising a first end. The shunt tube comprises a non-round cross section, and the first end of the jumper tube is coupled to the shunt tube at a coupling. The first end of the jumper tube comprises a substantially round cross section at the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Halliburtion Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Scott Cunningham, Brandon Thomas Least, Stephen Michael Greci, Jean Marc Lopez, Jan Veit
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Publication number: 20140299310Abstract: A gravel packing assembly has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly having a filter medium positioned exteriorly of a base pipe and a slurry delivery subassembly rotatably mounted exteriorly on the sand control screen assembly. The slurry delivery subassembly includes at least one transport tube extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the sand control screen assembly. At least one jumper tube is coupled to and extends between the at least one transport tube of the first joint and the at least one transport tube of the second joint. The at least one transport tube of the first joint is axially aligned with the at least one transport tube of the second joint by rotating the slurry delivery subassembly of the first joint relative to the sand control screen of the first joint after the two joints are coupled together.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Gregory Scott Cunningham
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Patent number: 8851171Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a string and a screen assembly, which is adapted to be run downhole on the string. The screen assembly includes a tubular carrier and a container. The container includes a gravel pack layer that includes gravel. The tubular carrier and the gravel pack layer are adapted to be radially expanded downhole; and the tubular carrier, container and the gravel pack layer are adapted to be run downhole as a unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Aleksandar Rudic
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Patent number: 8839861Abstract: Systems and methods for providing zonal isolation in a hydrocarbon well include or utilize a tubular assembly having an upstream manifold, a gravel packing conduit, a transport conduit, a leak-off conduit, and a downstream flow path. The tubular assembly is adapted to receive a gravel-laden slurry and to direct at least a portion of the same to the gravel packing conduit. The gravel-laden slurry exiting the gravel packing conduit packs the annulus between the tubular assembly and the wellbore by dehydrating at least in part through the leak-off conduit. The leak-off conduit is further gravel-packed by the gravel-laden slurry received by the tubular assembly. The leak-off conduit is dehydrated through a flow control valve. Together, the gravel packed annulus and the gravel packed leak-off conduit provide a gravel-based zonal isolation system.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Charles S. Yeh, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, David C. Haeberle
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Patent number: 8833445Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods to facilitate gravel packing of a wellbore having a flow restricting device are described. The assemblies, systems, and methods can include a flow restricting device and an alternative-path gravel packing system to provide a gravel pack about the flow restricting device. The assemblies, systems, and methods can allow uniform and complete annular sand control pack placement together with reduced flow of unwanted fluids.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Wallace Techentien, Harvey Joseph Fitzpatrick, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140251609Abstract: A treatment assembly treats zones of a horizontal borehole. For example, the assembly can gravel pack a zone by delivering slurry down a workstring. The slurry exits the workstring's outlet and pass to the borehole annulus of the zone through a flow port in the assembly. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel, and the fluid returns from the borehole flow through a screen back into the assembly. After gravel packing, operators remove excess slurry from the workstring by reverse circulating down the assembly to carry the excess slurry uphole through the workstring. Closures on the assembly prevent the reverse circulation from communicating through the screens to the borehole annulus. Additionally, flow valves can be used on the flow ports to selectively open and close them.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: John P. Broussard, Christopher A. Hall
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Publication number: 20140238657Abstract: A gravel pack apparatus for a wellbore has a shunt tube disposed along the apparatus near a wellscreen. The shunt tube is typically composed of stainless steel and has an internal passage for conducting slurry. Along its length, the tube has flow ports for passing the conducted slurry into the wellbore. The exit ports can use erosion inserts composed of erodible material, barrier inserts having breakable barriers, flow nozzles with external sheaths or caps, erosion-resistant bushings disposed on the flow nozzles, etc. The tube can also include a tube body having the exit ports and flow nozzles integrally formed thereon. The tube body can couple end-to-end with sections of shunt tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John S. Sladic, Stephen McNamee, John Broussard, Christopher A. Hall, Floyd R. Simonds
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Patent number: 8813850Abstract: A method can include closing a valve interconnected between sections of a washpipe of a service tool string by displacing the service tool string relative to a completion string, thereby preventing flow through the washpipe. A well system can include a service tool string reciprocably received in a completion string, the service tool string including a washpipe received in a well screen, and a valve which selectively permits and prevents flow through the washpipe. The completion string can include a structure which operates the valve in response to displacement of the service tool string relative to the completion string. Another method can include closing a valve by partially withdrawing a service tool string from a completion string, thereby preventing flow through a washpipe of the service tool string.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Gary J. Geoffroy
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Publication number: 20140231083Abstract: A sand control device for restricting flow of particles from a subsurface formation into a tubular body within a wellbore, the device being divided into compartments along its length, each compartment comprises a base pipe. The base pipe defines an elongated tubular body having a permeable section and an impermeable section within each compartment, also comprising a first filtering conduit and a second filtering conduit. The filtering conduits are arranged so that the first filtering conduit is adjacent to the non-permeable section of the base pipe, while the second filtering conduit is adjacent to the permeable section of the base pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, Tracy J. Moffett, Ted A. Long, Andrey A. Troshko, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, David A. Howell, Annabel Green, Stephen McNamee, Rodney S. Royer, Robert F. Hodge, Peter Olenick, Henry Nguyen, William Barry Fisher
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Patent number: 8807205Abstract: A gravel packing assembly has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly having a filter medium positioned exteriorly of a base pipe and a slurry delivery subassembly rotatably mounted exteriorly on the sand control screen assembly. The slurry delivery subassembly includes at least one transport tube extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the sand control screen assembly. At least one jumper tube is coupled to and extends between the at least one transport tube of the first joint and the at least one transport tube of the second joint. The at least one transport tube of the first joint is axially aligned with the at least one transport tube of the second joint by rotating the slurry delivery subassembly of the first joint relative to the sand control screen of the first joint after the two joints are coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Gregory Scott Cunningham
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Publication number: 20140224486Abstract: A packer and screen assembly for a gravel or filter-packed well including a cylindrical shaped screen and a packer ring attached to an upper portion of the screen, with the packer ring positioned above an annular space surrounding the cylindrical-shaped screen and including an access opening having a closed configuration that substantially closes off the annular space and an open configuration that permits access to the annular space to fill the annular space with gravel or filter material. A method of filling or refilling a well with gravel or filter pack material is also provided including the steps of accessing the packer and screen assembly positioned within the well, transitioning the access opening in the packer ring from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and delivering gravel or filter pack material through the access opening and into the annular space surrounding the cylindrical-shaped screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: David William Traut
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Patent number: 8794324Abstract: A treatment system including a seal assembly operatively arranged with respect to a first zone in a borehole for isolating the first zone from a second zone and a third zone. The second and third zones are located on opposite sides of the first zone. A string assembly extends between the second zone and the third zone, forms a first fluid pathway operatively arranged to bypass the first zone and enable fluid communication between the second and third zones. The first fluid pathway is fluidly connected to an annulus of the borehole for enabling a treatment of the second and third zones to be performed simultaneously. A method of operating a treatment system is also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Brian Vlasko
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Patent number: 8794338Abstract: A tubular assembly comprises a wellbore tubular, at least one shunt tube, and a coupling assembly configured to rotatably couple the at least one shunt tube to the wellbore tubular. A method of coupling the tubular assemblies comprises coupling a first wellbore tubular to a second wellbore tubular, wherein a first shunt tube is coupled to the first wellbore tubular, rotating a second shunt tube about the second wellbore tubular that is coupled to the first wellbore tubular until the second shunt tube is substantially aligned with the first shunt tube, and coupling the first shunt tube to the second shunt tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Michael Greci, Jean Marc Lopez