Automatic Patents (Class 166/53)
  • Patent number: 11891880
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for preventing flaring at a facility, by a system, includes receiving a plurality of pressure measurements from a sensor disposed downstream of the facility. The method further includes comparing the plurality of pressure measurements to a threshold pressure, wherein the threshold pressure corresponds to mitigating a flaring event. In response to determining that at least one of the plurality of pressure measurements is greater than the threshold pressure, the method further includes analyzing injection response curves for a plurality of wells to determine a first well for adjusting a back pressure on a reservoir intersected by the first well. The method further includes transmitting an instruction to the first well to adjust the back pressure on the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: EOG Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Pratik Kharel, Mark Xavier Metzger, Michael Jiale Yang, Andrew Michael Mealey, Liz Mydung Thai
  • Patent number: 11815922
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a valve control system. The valve control system may include a transmitter and a plurality of valve controllers that each have a receiver. Each valve controller of the plurality of valve controllers is configured to control a respective valve of a plurality of valves. In some embodiments, the transmitter may transmit an electromagnetic signal that includes an encoded message to be decoded by a processor of each valve controller of the plurality of valve controllers. In some examples, the encoded message may include a synchronization message, an instruction message, an error correction message, an encryption message, or any combination thereof that enables the plurality of valve controllers to adjust the plurality of valves to respective target positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vincent Chatelet, Stephane Mainier
  • Patent number: 11733221
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and reporting pollution at an oil facility are disclosed. The technology utilizes a logic control system to read from a pollution sensor and present the sensed data as a pollutant from a leak. The pollution leakage can be further managed and reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: PROJECT CANARY, PBC
    Inventor: David L. Armitage
  • Patent number: 11506002
    Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to tubular detection on a gripperhead system for a drilling rig. The gripperhead system includes a grabber and a gripper each having first and second grabber arm and pistons connected to the first and second arms. Each arm may also include an inwardly facing gripping surface forming at least a portion of a chamber sized to receive a portion of a cylindrical tubular. One or more sensors may be disposed on the gripperhead system, including proximity sensors disposed on the arms, inductive sensors disposed within the pistons, and ultrasonic sensors disposed on other features of gripperhead system. The one or more sensors may be configured to determine the position of the tubular in relation to the arms, measure the size of the tubular, measure the compression force of the grabber, and ensure that the tubular is secured within the grabber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Nabors Drilling Technologies USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Godwin Simanjuntak, Christopher Magnuson
  • Patent number: 11421502
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly that includes a wellhead disposed at a surface of a wellbore, a production tree fluidically coupled to the wellhead, and a telescopic adaptor assembly residing between and fluidically coupled to the wellhead and the production tree. The telescopic adaptor assembly extends or retracts to change an elevation of the production tree with respect to the wellhead and rotates to change a radial position of the production tree with respect to the wellhead. The telescopic adaptor assembly includes a flange attached to the wellhead and a first pipe rotationally coupled to the flange. The first pipe is rotational about a longitudinal axis of the first pipe. The telescopic adaptor assembly includes a second pipe attached to the production tree and is disposed concentrically inside the first pipe. The second pipe is movable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Marius Neacsu, Ahmed A. Al-Ramadhan, Ahmed Al-Mousa
  • Patent number: 11391102
    Abstract: A device, system and method of use for removing well pipe and a subterranean well pump and storing such removed pipe on a spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventors: Steven Morret, Steven Morret, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11359623
    Abstract: A pump control method for controlling at least one booster pump (4). The method includes switching on the booster pump when a booster pump outlet pressure (24) drops to a lower limit value (26), and switching off the booster pump when the booster pump outlet pressure (24) reaches an upper limit value (28). The lower limit value (26) is reduced in a case, in which the maximal outlet pressure (24a) which can be reached on operation of the booster pump (4) lies below the lower limit value (26). A pressure-boosting device is also provided with which the pump control method can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventor: Torben Thorsager Dissing
  • Patent number: 11339612
    Abstract: A mobile service rig includes an onboard rechargeable electric power storage system (e.g., a battery, supercapacitor, etc.) for powering the rig's hoist and drive wheels. Under battery power, the rig travels overland to service wellbores at various wellsites. Once at a wellsite, a pumpjack at the site is de-energized, and the hoist proceeds to remove and reinstall wellstrings (e.g., tubing and sucker rods). While the pumpjack is de-energized, the rig's onboard rechargeable electric power storage system taps into the electric power source normally used for the pumpjack. The drive wheels and hoist can drain the rig's rechargeable electric power storage system, but the pumpjack's electric power source can gradually recharge it while the rig is servicing the wellbore. Moreover, when the hoist lowers the wellstring back down into the wellbore, the energy generated by that operation is recovered and used for replenishing the rig's rechargeable electric power storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Frederic M Newman
  • Patent number: 11226137
    Abstract: A system for regulating fluid flow in a geothermal energy production system includes a flow control device disposed in an injector well and/or a producer well, which are disposed in a subterranean region. The injector well includes an outflow port configured to inject a fluid into the region, the producer well includes an inflow port configured to receive the fluid from the region, and the outflow port and the inflow port are in fluid communication via one or more passages in the subterranean region between the injector well and the producer well. The flow control device is configured to restrict a flow of a fluid into the producer well based on a temperature and/or a flow rate of the fluid in the flow control device. The temperature and/or the flow rate selected to maintain a temperature of the fluid entering the producer well within a selected range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward O'Malley, Eugene Stolboushkin, Alexander Kendall
  • Patent number: 11162331
    Abstract: A customizable system and method for actively controlling and/or optimizing remote oil and/or gas production systems such as artificial-lifting systems runs within a desired or predefined envelope based on quantifiable and measurable parameters such as economical threshold, water cut, temperature, pressure, flow rate or vibration, failure model prediction, and the like. The execution of such optimizations or control is conducted with real-time diagnosis, thereby leading to the desired response or outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Agile Analytics Corp.
    Inventor: Andrej Babić
  • Patent number: 11118425
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to downhole tools and, more particularly, embodiments related to incorporation of a pumpdown relief valve into a downhole tool that is responsive to changes in differential fluid pressure along a downhole tool. Disclosed is a system for pumpdown regulation in a wellbore. The system may include a downhole tool having a tool body with a tool head that is attachable to a line, the line being attached to a point at a surface of the wellbore. The system may further include a pumpdown relief valve coupled to the tool body that is operable to allow fluid to bypass the downhole tool in direct response to a differential fluid pressure across a length of the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Harrigan, David Ronald Beard, Randolph S. Coles
  • Patent number: 11015420
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a computer readable medium are provided for automatically controlling a pump in an oil production environment. Sensor data can be collected from pump machinery and can be used to generate an advisory statement identifying a change in pump operation in regard to one or more operating conditions. The advisory plan can be used to determine an optimization action plan to maintain the operation of the pump machinery with respect to the operating conditions. The optimization action plan can include an action, a parameter, and a parameter variable and can be transmitted to a computing device configured within a supervisory control and data acquisition system and coupled to the pump machinery. The computing device can execute the optimization action plan to control the pump machinery with respect to the operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Rawshan Monier Abdeldaim
  • Patent number: 10920530
    Abstract: A technique facilitates completion and stimulation of a reservoir, e.g. a lower tertiary reservoir. Initially a wellbore is drilled into the tertiary reservoir. Following drilling, the wellbore is completed by deploying completion equipment constructed to facilitate stimulation of the tertiary reservoir. The completion equipment may be operated in conjunction with a stimulation system to stimulate the tertiary reservoir and thus to enhance retrieval of hydrocarbon fluids contained within the tertiary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian W. Cho, Jose F. Garcia, Roberto Simao Trad, John Algeroy
  • Patent number: 10858921
    Abstract: A gas lift system for oil and gas wells has a gas pump. The gas pump comprises production tubing, a chamber, a dip tube, check valves, a gas supply line and control valve, a gas vent line and control valve, and a fluid control line. Liquid is pumped to the surface by allowing it to collect in the chamber and then forcing it out of the chamber with high-pressure gas. The gas supply and vent valves preferably are controlled by a single pressure control line. The system preferably included retrievable valves that may be installed through the production tubing to provide a life-of-the-well gas lift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: KHOLLE Magnolia 2015, LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Juenke, Stephen W. Turk, E. Lee Colley, III
  • Patent number: 10844700
    Abstract: A tool having a downhole conveyance, a first packer, a second packer, a pump, and a first and second sensor. The pump defines a plurality of inlets and an outlet, wherein the plurality of inlets is aligned with a first plurality of holes in the downhole conveyance, and the outlet oriented in a direction longitudinally opposite the first plurality of holes and the second plurality of holes. The second sensor is longitudinally separated further away from the first plurality of holes than the first sensor and configured to activate the pump when a water level is detected. The first sensor is configured to deactivate the pump when the water level is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Alwaleed Abdullah Al-Gouhi
  • Patent number: 10808483
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for directing the flow of fluids via a production tree. The production tree extends upwardly from a lower surface to an upper surface and at least partially enclosing an upper section of a production bore and an upper section of an annulus bore, wherein one of a lower section and the upper section of the production bore includes a first production valve, the upper section of the production bore includes a second production valve, and the upper section of the annulus bore includes a second annulus valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas UK Limited
    Inventors: Stanley Hosie, Paul White, Simon Corrigan, Brian Craig, Bobby Voss, Michael Ross
  • Patent number: 10758753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ducting system (100) for conveying a flow of a gaseous feed (110) comprising a combustible component from an inlet to at least one combustion module (12), the ducting system (100) utilising a combination of a sensor (C0) for measuring the concentration of the combustible component in the gaseous feed (110), a flame detector (F0, F1, F2, F3, . . . , Fn) a shut-off valve (6) and a flame arrestor (5) located in a flow path of the gaseous feed upstream of the shut-off valve (6) such that a measurement of a concentration of combustible material in the gaseous feed over a specified concentration by the sensor (CO) causes the shut-off valve (6) to be configured to the closed position for preventing flow of a gaseous feed comprising a combustible mixture of the combustible component from reaching an ignition source and/or detection of flame by the flame detector (F0, F1, F2, F3, . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Shi Su, Hua Guo, Xinxiang Yu
  • Patent number: 10724360
    Abstract: A system for isolating a wellbore having a fluid flow passage extending from surface to a subterranean location has a first, downhole, valve and a second, uphole, valve. The downhole valve is located in the wellbore at a first subterranean location and the uphole valve is located in the wellbore at a second subterranean location spaced from the first valve. Downhole valve is operable between a first configuration permitting access through the flow passage and a second, well isolation, configuration isolating the flow passage below the valve. Uphole valve is operable between a first configuration permitting access therethrough and a second, isolation, configuration providing an isolated or isolatable volume between the first and second valves. A pressure sensor disposed in the isolated volume between the downhole valve and the uphole valve and, in use, permits a pressure in the isolated volume to be measured and/or communicated to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel George Purkis
  • Patent number: 10718188
    Abstract: A set of reservoir production results are obtained by simulation of hydrocarbons flow in a heterogeneous reservoir based on the values of heterogeneity blocks transport matrices. The transport matrices of the heterogeneity blocks are calculated from a reservoir block hierarchy. The simulation is initiated by a set of foundation blocks transport matrices calculated by evaluating a fluid transport law in the blocks being in the lowest rank of the hierarchy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oleg Yurievich Dinariev, Nikolay Vyacheslavovich Evseev, Sergey Sergeevich Safonov, Denis Vladimirovich Klemin
  • Patent number: 10612322
    Abstract: A rod handling system for a drilling activity includes i) a rod support defining a first axis, ii) a rod dispensing device positioned adjacent to the rod support for moving a rod between a first lateral side of the rod dispensing device and the rod support, and iii) a rod positioning device that is positioned adjacent to the rod dispensing arm on a second lateral side thereof for moving the rod between a first position, on the rod support, and a second position on a lateral side of the rod positioning device that is opposite the rod dispensing device in a generally vertical orientation. The system has a first advantage of dedicating a different device for each of the two main tasks necessary in order to complete a cycle of inserting or removing drill rods from a drill head. Furthermore, it has a second advantage of reducing the time required to complete an inserting/removing cycle because the whole cycle is performed by two independent devices that can be simultaneously operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Usinage Marcotte Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Doyon
  • Patent number: 10570697
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a lubricator system and method for entering the oil/gas wellhead or casing head with a wireline and tool while being able to safely shut or contain well pressure build up. The lubricator is coupled with a lubricator cutting flapper valve and can be attached to a wellhead on the oil/gas well, so that the lubricator extends below the wellhead. The wellhead can be opened, allowing the wireline and tool to enter into the bore. The tool is attached to a wireline cable that is controlled on the surface by means of a spooled drum attached to a portable or mobile machine or equipment. The lubricator cutting flapper valve includes structure that can sever the wireline and seal the lubricator to avoid allowing well gas or fluids to escape if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: MS Directional, LLC
    Inventor: Terry L. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 10544662
    Abstract: A submersible, hydraulically actuated, multi-stage double-acting positive displacement pump system is provided. The system has a hydraulically actuated reciprocating linear double-acting motor centrally disposed between and connected to double-action fluid pumps on either side of the motor, with pistons of each of pump and the motor all in the annular space between an inner wall of the apparatus' cylindrical body and the outer wall of a cylindrical production fluid conduit concentrically disposed within the body, to pump wellbore fluid from outside the assembly through the pumps and into the central production fluid conduit. The rate and direction of hydraulic fluid flow through the actuator may be controlled by VFD motors and PLC controller on the ground, and through at least one electromechanical valve and two limit switches mounted to the downhole components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: PMC PUMPS INC.
    Inventors: Yuchang (Bob) Ding, Xuefeng (Kevin) Ding
  • Patent number: 10539129
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system pertaining to the field of oil production engineering. According to the method, the crank complete-cycle operation uses a utility frequency driving mode, and the crank incomplete-cycle pumping operation and the crank incomplete-cycle no-pumping, operation use a variable, frequency driving mode. The system is provided with a utility frequency loop and a variable frequency loop which are provided with a common input terminal and a common output terminal. The common input terminal of the utility frequency loop and the variable frequency loop is connected to a utility frequency power supply circuit, and the output terminal is connected to a driving electric machine of the oil pumping unit. A frequency changer is configured in the variable frequency loop. An operation control unit is further configured outside the utility frequency loop and the variable frequency loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: HARBIN SURFICS ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY INC
    Inventors: Ye Yang, Lin Wang, Min Zhang, Mingting Han, Yanan Sun, Chunlong Sun, Guoqing Wang, Hongliang Gong, Jie Zhang, Wen Xing, Feng Wei, Deshi Zhang, Jinyuan Li, Chenglin Liu, Feifei Wan, Yunlong Chen
  • Patent number: 10508522
    Abstract: An automated sucker rod spacing device comprising a housing, a screw set within the housing and connected to a sucker rod string via a polished rod, a nut which is in threaded engagement with the screw, a means to transmit a rotation force to the nut, wherein the rotation of the nut can lower or raise the screw and thus lower or raise the sucker rod string. The device can be used to stop tagging, ensure full pump fillage, and avoid gas lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: TRC Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Eric Johnson, Donald Ewing, Donald Mike Johnson, Joe Boyd, Danny Uselton
  • Patent number: 10364915
    Abstract: The present discloses valve systems that include valve shift detection systems that can be employed to determine when a valve has shifted. In certain embodiments, the valve shift detection systems include a switch integrated into a valve block that may be closed upon shifting of the spool valve. In certain embodiments, the switch may include a component that completes a circuit upon contacting the valve. The valve shift detection systems also may include a controller designed to detect a voltage or current change produced by completing the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy Murphy, Kent D. Harms, Albert Hoefel
  • Patent number: 10214202
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes a transmission control module, a power source, a transmission, and a drive train. The transmission control module partially operates the hybrid system and receives operating information from various components of the system, calculates power losses in the drive train, and calculates the driving torque needed to reach a target power profile determined from a driver's input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. West, Jeffrey K. Runde, John P. Kresse
  • Patent number: 10114388
    Abstract: A method of demand management and control of fluid pipe networks including providing a computer controlled fluid network for delivery of fluid through a plurality of valves, maintaining a real time database of predetermined parameters including flow schedules and valve capabilities, requesting a flow rate and time of delivery of said fluid to at least one of said plurality of valves, determining availability of providing delivery and flow rate of fluid to the at least one of said plurality of valves based on hydraulic capacity of the fluid network, and calculating parameters using the database to deliver fluid to the at least one of said plurality of valves, whereby each of the plurality of valves is monitored and adjustably controlled to provide the flow rate and delivery through the at least one of said plurality of valves and manage the pressure head within said fluid pipe network between predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: RUBICON RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventors: David John Aughton, Sumith Choy
  • Patent number: 10001121
    Abstract: A pumping system and method for operating a pumping system including a motor coupled to a variable speed drive to drive a pump. A torque indicator corresponding to the torque presented to the drive is determined. The torque indicator may be used to detect a fault if it exceeds a baseline torque, or to detect a defective transducer, or to detect a system change by perturbing one parameter and comparing another to a predicted value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lyon van der Merwe, Don Brown, Paul Luarde
  • Patent number: 9938803
    Abstract: A method for controlling the liquid load size of a plunger lift well during the shut in time of the well to facilitate a controlled plunger rise. Intra-cycle control allows dynamic adjustments within a cycle to keep the plunger running and not stalling out or rising too fast. The method includes the steps of shutting in the well to build up pressure within the well, adjusting a size of a liquid slug within the tubing while the well is shut in, opening a valve to relieve pressure within the well and raise the plunger within the tubing, pushing the liquid slug out of the well with the plunger, and closing the valve wherein the plunger falls within the tubing. The intra-cycle adjustments include reducing the size of the liquid slug for preventing fluid loading and increasing the size of the liquid slug for controlling a rise rate of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: James F. Lea, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9920616
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ranging from ahead of a drill bit is described. The ranging apparatus includes a ranging probe with at least one sensor that may be deployed ahead of the drill bit. The ranging probe may be conveyed via a cable through the interior of a drill string. In an alternative embodiment, the ranging probe may be attached to a ram that is seated inside of the drill string and that may be extended and retracted. In such an embodiment, the ranging probe may be retrievable by cable. The ranging probe optionally includes collapsible arms that retract when the ranging probe is inside the drill string or drill bit and that extend when the ranging probe is deployed ahead of the drill bit. One or more ranging sensors may be coupled to the collapsible arms. Ranging measurements may be communicated to the surface using telemetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Thomas Hay
  • Patent number: 9874073
    Abstract: Apparatuses for engaging an actuator of a subsurface tool are disclosed, comprising: a valve closure device; a plurality of actuation assemblies, comprising: an actuation device; an actuation rod, wherein the actuation device is configured to axially translate the actuation rod; an actuation platform, wherein the actuation rod engages the actuation platform; a plurality of actuation heads, configured to engage the actuation platform; and wherein the plurality of actuation heads engage an actuation member and are configured to transfer mechanical force to the actuation member, thereby axially translating the actuation member; and wherein axial translation of the actuation member exerts a downward force on the valve closure device to move the valve closure device from a closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9856719
    Abstract: A system for supplying power for drilling operations has a main powerhouse and a drill floor powerhouse in which the drill floor powerhouse is movable in relation to the main powerhouse. The main powerhouse has an generator/generator, a mud pump, and a mud pump drive thereat. The mud pump drive is supplied with power from the engine/generator. The drill floor powerhouse as an energy storage system connected or interconnected to an output line from the engine/generator such that power from the engine/generator is directed to the energy storage system. The drill floor powerhouse has a load connected to the energy storage system such that power from the energy storage system is directly transferred to the load and such that power from the engine/generator is isolated from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 9790938
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of a surface pump such as a hand-operated water pump or oil pump, which uses an accelerometer mounted to a component of the pump to monitor movement of a pump component, for example the handle, and transmitted via a data connection such as a mobile data communications network to a server. The accelerometer measurements are processed by using a trained model such as a support vector machine to output an indication of the condition of the pump or the level of liquid in the well or borehole served by the pump. The model may be trained using a training data set of sensor measurements associated with liquid level in the well and condition of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: David Clifton, Patrick Thomson, Farah Colchester, Heloise Greeff
  • Patent number: 9765578
    Abstract: A sanitary check valve arranged between a drop and outlet pipes in a water well casing that will prevent operate to block a back flow of water through the drop pipe when pumping from a water source is discontinued as could contaminate that water source. The valve is for fitting into an actuator fitting body that mounts between the drop and outlet pipes opposite ends and includes a side plate for releasable coupling to a separate actuator mount that connects through the well casing and includes a drain pipe. The drop and outlet pipes fitted to the fitting body are lowered into the well casing to where the side plate edges slid between parallel sides of the mount, coupling the assembly together such that an upward water flow moves the float valve off of the drop pipe end to pass that flow through the outlet pipe for use, and, when that upward flow is stopped, the valve closes over the drop pipe end and opens to the mount drain pipe to a water flow that dumps outside the well casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Jeremy W. Bowman
  • Patent number: 9745805
    Abstract: A method of interconnecting a drill rod with a drill string by a threaded connection is disclosed. The method includes axially aligning the drill rod with the drill string, rotating the drill rod in a disengagement rotational direction of the threaded connection, identifying a rotational position of the drill rod where thread ends of the rod and the drill string slip over each other, stopping the rotating within a predetermined period of identifying the rotational position, and rotating the drill rod in an engagement direction, such that the drill rod is interconnected with the drill string by the threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
    Inventors: Kent Evermark, Peter Rosmark, Per Vilen
  • Patent number: 9605521
    Abstract: A valve apparatus capable of withstanding high pressures and techniques for using this apparatus in various suitable applications are provided. The valve apparatus typically includes both an upper bellows comprising a standard, convoluted bellows and a lower bellows comprising an edge-welded bellows. The valve apparatus may also include a floating, constant volume fluid chamber that travels with the lower edge-welded bellows as the lower bellows compresses and expands in an effort to protect the lower bellows from very high internal volume fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Zlatko Salihbegovic
  • Patent number: 9574435
    Abstract: A method for real-time data acquisition and presentation of force, position, load, pressures, and movement within a subterranean well pumping system, such as an oil well. Data is gathered using sensors attached to a surface level pump drive and wellhead system. Well structural data and well production data are combined therewith to generate a real-time display of down-hole well operation, including animated graphics of the pump operation, including pump movement, rod and tubing stretch, fluid movement, gas compression, system forces, and fluid pressures. Liquid levels are tested using an acoustic liquid level instrument, and incorporated to improve well performance analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: James N. McCoy
  • Patent number: 9533856
    Abstract: A system for calculating and displaying a length of payout of an elongate member upon a reel is provided. The system includes a rotatable reel wherein rotation causes the member to be either paid out from or withdrawn toward the reel. A motor is provided and is configured to selectively transmit torque to the reel to urge rotation of the reel. A transmission is in operative connection between the motor and reel, the transmission is configured to transfer torque from the motor to the reel. A sensor is operatively engaged with the reel, the sensor being configured to sense movement of the reel and generate a signal representative of the sensed movement of the reel. A controller that is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and calibrated to determine a length of hose that is paid out from the reel based upon the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Spartan Tool L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Spelich, Ross Wilson, Kevin T. Dineen, Hannah E. Thomas, Matt C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9512688
    Abstract: A downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction includes a tool housing, an arm assembly movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing, the arm assembly having an arm member connected with the tool housing in one end, an arm activation assembly arranged in the tool housing for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, and a pump for circulating hydraulic fluid. The arm assembly has a hydraulic mechanism arranged in connection with the arm member, and a fluid influx channel provided in the arm member, the fluid influx channel being in fluid communication with the hydraulic mechanism for supplying hydraulic fluid from the pump to the hydraulic mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9429000
    Abstract: A system comprising a well flow optimization program and associated control equipment for monitoring changing variables and well conditions and dynamically performing adjustments to one or more established set points. The system is designed to work with a plunger lift system but is also functional on a well that is not running a plunger lift or any type of artificial lift system. The system is also capable of controlling open flow and open flow set points and sales flow and sales flow set points by means of a pneumatic flow control device. The disclosed system also minimizes the time that is needed to optimize a well by a producer/operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: PCS FERGUSON
    Inventors: Christopher A. Velasquez, Kori A. G. Hare
  • Patent number: 9376887
    Abstract: This stuffing box (46) defines a circulation passage (66) of a cable working line (28), a packer (70), and a back-pressure resistant valve (74). The passage (66) extends between an upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46), intended to be connected to a well, and a downstream end (64). The back-pressure resistant valve (74) is arranged in the passage (66) to prevent, in case of break of the line (28), the back-pressure of a fluid from the upstream end (62) towards the downstream end (64). The or each packer (70) is situated between the upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46) and the back-pressure resistant valve (74). No packer (70) is arranged between the back-pressure resistant valve (74) and the downstream end (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: GEOSERVICES EQUIPMENTS
    Inventors: Yvon Bernard, Pierre-Arnaud Foucher, Francois Girardi
  • Patent number: 9366114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Evolution Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 9297247
    Abstract: A method for controlling the liquid load size of a plunger lift well during the shut in time of the well to facilitate a controlled plunger rise. Intra-cycle control allows dynamic adjustments within a cycle to keep the plunger running and not stalling out or rising too fast. The method includes the steps of shutting in the well to build up pressure within the well, adjusting a size of a liquid slug within the tubing while the well is shut in, opening a valve to relieve pressure within the well and raise the plunger within the tubing, pushing the liquid slug out of the well with the plunger, and closing the valve wherein the plunger falls within the tubing. The intra-cycle adjustments include reducing the size of the liquid slug for preventing fluid loading and increasing the size of the liquid slug for controlling a rise rate of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: James F. Lea, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9291033
    Abstract: Surface controlled subsurface control valves for use in wells and methods of controlling the same. In one embodiment, a valve includes a valve body, a bore closure assembly, a mechanical linkage, a drive assembly, and a control assembly. The valve body defines a bore for fluid to flow through when the bore closure assembly is in an open position. When the bore closure assembly is in its closed position, the bore closure assembly prevents fluid from flowing through the bore. The mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the bore closure assembly and to the drive assembly. The primary control assembly determines a force to apply to the mechanical linkage based on a present operating condition of the valve and causes the drive assembly to apply the determined force to the mechanical linkage. As a result, the mechanical linkage drives the bore closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Edward Scott, John Goiffon, Jimmie Robert Williamsom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9279838
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for controlling a motor of a rod pumping system using previous RPMs of the motor and predicting an RPM of the motor; correcting a power factor of a motor of a rod pumping system; allocating energy consumption and allocating energy generation for a set of wells connected to an electricity meter using an amount of energy generated by each well; and generating an alert if a set of data is beyond a threshold for the set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: LONG MEADOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. DaCunha, Richard M. Myers
  • Patent number: 9194214
    Abstract: A method and system of controlling the temperature of fluids produced from a reservoir to prevent overheating of an adjacent geological formation. A cooling fluid is supplied through an annulus formed between a production tubing and a production casing, which are in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cooling fluid is mixed with the reservoir fluid, and the fluids are produced through the production tubing. The temperature of the produced fluids is controlled or reduced by heat exchange with the cooling fluid supplied through the annulus to prevent excessive heat dissipation to the geological formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: WORLD ENERGY SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Marvin J. Schneider
  • Patent number: 9145314
    Abstract: A device for inoculating fluid conducted through pipes includes a reservoir configured to hold an inoculant. The reservoir includes an outlet through which the inoculant is feedable to at least one of the pipes and an inlet configured to route compressed air into an interior of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: ROTHENBERGER AG
    Inventor: Olaf Bode
  • Patent number: 9121262
    Abstract: A while-drilling tool comprising a motor, a transmission coupled to the motor, and a pump comprising a first piston disposed in a first chamber and a second piston disposed in a second chamber and coupled to the first piston. A planetary roller-screw is coupled between the pump and the transmission. A valve block is configured to fluidly communicate with the first and second pump chambers, a borehole in which the while-drilling tool is configured to be positioned, and a formation penetrated by the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Reinhart Ciglenec, Steven G. Villareal, Albert Hoefel, Peter Swinburne, Michael J. Stucker, Jean-Marc Follini
  • Patent number: 9085966
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transient testing of an oil well to determine the individual, distinct skin factor components of an apparent skin factor, which includes opening the well to a first predefined choke setting to allow the reservoir fluid to flow through the well for a first predefined period of time, and measuring a production rate of the reservoir fluid through the well, when the first predefined period of time expires. The method further includes performing a shut-in of the well for a first predefined build-up period, and repeating, when the first predefined build-up period expires, the steps of the flowing, the measuring, and the performing for at least two additional choke settings. The distinct skin factor components of the apparent skin factor are determined using a graphical relationship between the determined apparent skin factors and the measured production rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Noor M. Anisur Rahman, Faisal M. Al-Thawad, Saud A. BinAkresh
  • Publication number: 20150144336
    Abstract: An exemplary automated system and method are provided for monitoring and controlling the transfer of water to frac water tanks during hydraulic fracturing. In one embodiment, the automated system includes a first manifold, a plurality of controllable valves, a plurality of level indicators, a pump, controller(s), storage device, and display. In one implementation, the controller is configured to control the opening/closing of the plurality of controllable valves based, at least in part, on the water levels of the frac water tanks. The controller(s) may include one or more control modes. In other implementations, the system may include a second manifold (or additional manifolds) and the capability to blend water from two or more sources, such as from an impaired water source, using either a single or multiple-manifold configuration. In other implementations, an assembly is provided, such as a skid or trailer mounted assembly, for use in a mobile automated system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Data Automated Water Systems, LLC
    Inventors: GREGGORY L. HARDIN, Jeffrey S. Russo