Perforating Or Splitting Cutter Patents (Class 166/55.2)
  • Patent number: 8720566
    Abstract: An apparatus including a body, a mandrel disposed at least partially within the body, and a spring. The spring maintains the mandrel in a retracted position within the body until a predetermined pump rate is applied. The spring allows the mandrel to move to an extended position when the predetermined pump rate is applied. The spring returns the mandrel to the retracted position within the body when the predetermined pump rate is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Banack
  • Publication number: 20140124199
    Abstract: A tubular assembly is disclosed for use in a wellbore (5) of an oil, gas or water well, typically for landing a downhole device in the wellbore. The assembly has a sleeve (1) adapted to receive the body of the downhole device. The sleeve is deployed into a conduit in the wellbore and expanded, so that the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is radially expanded against the inner surface of the conduit. The sleeve has a bore with an inner circumferential surface comprising an inwardly facing formation adapted to engage with an outwardly facing formation on the body of the downhole device when the body of the downhole device is disposed in the bore of the sleeve. The sleeve is typically deployed in the wellbore at the desired location and is radially expanded by an expander device (2) that is deployed within the bore of the sleeve. The expanded sleeve plastically deforms and retains its expanded configuration after the radial expansion force is removed from the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Gorrara, Peter Wood
  • Publication number: 20140124191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tubing cutter tool for submerging into a casing in a wellbore and separating an upper part of the casing from a lower part of the casing by cutting the casing from within, the tool extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a tool housing having a first and a second housing part, 100 a cutting arm which is pivotably connected with the first housing part and has a cutting edge in a first end, said arm being movable between a retracted position and a projected position in relation to the tool housing, an arm activation assembly for moving the cutting arm between the retracted position and the projected position, and a rotatable shaft arranged in the second housing part and connected with the first housing part for rotating the cutting arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Publication number: 20140096947
    Abstract: A cutting and pulling tool has a piston responsive to flow therethrough with an orifice to create backpressure to drive the piston uphole to rotate the blades outwardly such as in an expanded section of tubular below a transition from a smaller tubular dimension. The extended cutters are pulled to the transition and an overpull determines that the desired location has been reached. The overpull force is removed and fluid flow and rotation is commenced to cut. The blades extend to a position perpendicular to the tool axis so that they are supported off a radial housing surface as the weight of the cut string above is supported on the blades. The string is pulled up and supported with slips on a rig floor at which point weight is slacked off and a plug is landed in the top of the piston to push it down to remove the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robbie B. Colbert, Randall L. Hebert, Joshua C. Joerg, Mary L. Laird
  • Publication number: 20140083674
    Abstract: A cutting unit for a slot-type perforator is mounted in a casing, driven by a pusher, containing cutting tools with an extension mechanism for extending thereof, including a holder fixed to the pusher and another holder fixed to the casing. The holders are capable of rotating, causing an extension and retraction of the cutting tools from and to the casing. The extension mechanism includes a balance beam, having shoulders for placing the cutting tools and being assembled in the casing between the holders. The beam rotates around an axle during interaction with the holders. The axle is adapted to move along the longitudinal axis of the casing, e.g. in a groove arranged therein. The cutting unit may include at least two balance beams sequentially mounted between the holders. The cutting unit can be equipped with a retractable mechanism bringing parts thereof into a transportation position and fixing them therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Marie Pasvandi
  • Publication number: 20140076557
    Abstract: In stimulating a subterranean zone surrounding a well bore, a perforation trajectory is identified that is transverse to a predicted direction of primary fracture propagation in the subterranean zone. A perforating gun in the well bore is aimed to perforate in the perforation trajectory, and then operated to perforate the well bore in the perforation trajectory. Thereafter, a fracture treatment is performed on the subterranean zone through the perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Publication number: 20140060838
    Abstract: The invention relates to the completion and enhancement of oil and gas wells. The invention provides for a downhole tool which: enters vertical or horizontal wells located adjacent to the oil and gas bearing formation, parts the casing and extends outward forming micro-boreholes necessary to remove residual oil and gas which remain in place. After the initial fluid production has been harvested, the invention can be employed on new or old wells and can operate in all conditions which wells encounter during the standard drilling process. The process of micro-holes can replace the process known as “fracking”. Fracking is being employed; however the process is being reviewed due to safety of human life. The invention employs special alloys and procedures to form the extended reach micro-boreholes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
  • Publication number: 20140060802
    Abstract: Workover and completion systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser workover and completion of a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform laser workover and completion operations in such boreholes deep within the earth and at highly efficient rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Foro Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Foro Energy Inc.
  • Patent number: 8657006
    Abstract: A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mire
  • Publication number: 20140027117
    Abstract: A spearing device for use in removing casing is disclosed. The spearing device includes: a top sub; a bottom sub; a mandrel, coupled to the top and bottom subs, having an outer corrugated surface; a grapple having a correspondingly corrugated inner surface and an outer surface including wickers for engaging an interior surface of the casing; a piston disposed within the mandrel and operatively coupled to the grapple; and a spring operative with the piston and biasing the grapple toward a collapsed position. The grapple: (i) axially and rotationally moves along the corrugated outer surface of the mandrel and (ii) expands and collapses responsive to axial movement relative to the mandrel. Responsive to increases in hydraulic pressure, the piston compresses the spring and axially moves and expands the grapple. Responsive to subsequent decreases in hydraulic pressure, the spring decompresses and axially moves and collapses the grapple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Hekelaar
  • Publication number: 20130319651
    Abstract: The proposed hydro-mechanical slot-type perforator enables simultaneously performing at least two slots in a production column. The perforator includes a casing, upper and lower pistons movable within the casing, a cutting unit driven by the pistons and carrying extendable cutting tools, and, optionally, a retractable mechanism fixing the perforator for transportation. The extension is provided by rotatable shackles, or balance beams, or a combination thereof. The lower piston is moved by pressurized fluid supplied through hydraulic channels or a hydraulic system, made in the casing. The shackles rotate around axles being spaced apart, or coincided. The cutting tools can be mounted on the shackles' movable parts, and, when mutually interacted, oppositely extend the cutting tools during countermovement of the pistons. The cutting tools can be mounted in the balance beam's shoulders, or can represent sharp edges thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: PASSERBY INC
    Inventor: Marie Pasvandi
  • Publication number: 20130312949
    Abstract: A cutting unit for a slot-type perforator is mounted in a casing having a specific edge, driven by a piston or plunger. The cutting unit includes cutting tools associated with a first holder immovable relative to the piston, and a second holder, including a recess, cooperating with the casing's edge, immovable relative to the casing. The holders move relative to each other causing extending and retracting the cutting tools in opposite directions, during piston's movements. The cutting unit includes a retractable mechanism to bring its parts into a transportation position and to fix them therein. The retractable mechanism includes a guide groove made in the second holder, and a connecting rod attached to the first holder. The rod moves through the groove ensuring the return of the second holder into the transportation position, wherein it is fixed absent pressure upon the piston, caused by interaction of the edge and recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Marie Pasvandi
  • Patent number: 8567496
    Abstract: A system and method for managing a well site having a subterranean formation. The method comprises determining a first spectral attenuation of a first seismic wave measured from a first location, determining a second spectral attenuation of a second seismic wave measured from a second location, determining a reservoir attenuation anisotropy from a comparison of the first spectral attenuation to the second spectral attenuation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from a comparison of the first seismic wave to the second seismic wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stewart Thomas Taylor, Joel Le Calvez
  • Publication number: 20130255963
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a plurality of location markers in a passageway of the well and deploying an untethered object in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway. The technique includes using the untethered object to sense proximity of at least some of the location markers as the object travels downhole, and based on the sensing, selectively expand its size to cause the object to become lodged in the passageway near a predetermined location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Gary L. Rytlewski, Bruno Lecerf, Michael J. Bertoja, Christian Ibeagha, Alex Moody-Stuart, Adam Mooney, Jay Russell, Christopher Hopkins, Adam Paxson, Billy Anthony, Dinesh Patel
  • Patent number: 8534957
    Abstract: A method and system for repairing, replacing or installing an underground pipeline using an appropriate tool head. A coolant, preferably a cryogenic liquid, is injected in front of the tool head to embrittle or otherwise reduce the toughness of the material ahead of the tool head. The method and system of this invention are particularly suitable for use in connection with pipe splitting and pipe bursting, where a pig disposed within the underground pipeline is connected with the appropriate tool head forming a space between the pig and the tool head into which the coolant is introduced. The pipe between the pig and the tool head is embrittled by the coolant, reducing the resistance of a pipe to splitting or bursting which, in turn, reduces the force required for the pig to pull the tool head as the pig is motivated through the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Ersoy
  • Patent number: 8528644
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving control over the milling force applied to a milling bit that is turned through a rotary drive to form a hole in a wellbore casing. A bit-weighting sub is applied between the tubing used to lower the rotary drive's motor into the wellbore and the rotary drive itself, the sub serving to take the weight of the tubing off the rotary drive when the motor lands in operative connection with the drive, and further serving to apply a known milling force to the drive (and thus to the bit) independent of the weight of the tubing. In a preferred form the sub includes a spring that is compressed against the drive when the tubing and motor are landed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Radjet LLC
    Inventors: Charles Brunet, Michel Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20130213668
    Abstract: A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130213641
    Abstract: A method and/or system is provided for milling an opening into a tubular positioned in a well bore using coiled tubing. Surface equipment includes a programmable controller at the surface, which is utilized for controlling an injector motor so that an encoder for monitoring movement of said coiled tubing string produces less than a predetermined maximum number of pulses for a given time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Reginald W. Layden, Gary Joseph Werner
  • Publication number: 20130192829
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130192842
    Abstract: A jack system may provide subsea or surface operation. The jack system includes a top plate and a base plate with at least two pistons disposed between the base and top plate. The pistons are extendable to increase a separation distance between the base and top plate, and said pistons are retractable to decrease the separation distance between the base and top plate. The jack system also includes a bottom slip bowl assembly, a top slip bowl assembly, and rotary assembly. The top slip bowl and rotary assembly are rotateably coupled to the top plate wherein the rotary assembly and the top slip bowl assembly rotate relative to the top plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CUDD PRESSURE CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Curtis Overstreet, Scott Michael Cunningham, J.E. Skip Ward
  • Publication number: 20130175035
    Abstract: A perforating tool usable in a well casing to perforate the well casing is described. Perforating tool comprises an activation member disposed in body wherein the activation member is moveable relative to the body to move at least one working member between and inwardly retracted condition an outwardly deployed condition relative to the body. A plurality of pistons is arranged to move the activation member relative to the body, each said piston being disposed in a respective pressure chamber arranged to be filled with fluid in response to an increase in fluid pressure in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Patent number: 8448700
    Abstract: An abrasive perforator tool with a bypass flow channel. The tool comprises a tubular body or housing with perforating nozzles in the sidewall. A sleeve assembly inside the central bore of the tool provides for sequential deployment of first and second sleeves. Prior to deployment of the sleeve assembly, pressurized fluid can be passed through the tool to operate other tools beneath the perforator in the bottom hole assembly. Deployment of the first sleeve diverts pressurized fluid through the nozzles for perforating. Deployment of the second sleeve redirects the pressurized flow through the outlet of the tool to resume operation of other tools below the perforator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Connell, Robert J. Farkas
  • Patent number: 8439114
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Parrott, David Mills, Cynthia L. Hickson, Jerry D. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130081803
    Abstract: An apparatus including a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a feature to physically interface a sidewall of the wellbore, and first and second setting pistons each extendable from the downhole tool opposite the feature. The downhole tool also includes a rigid member spanning and extendable with the first and second setting pistons, wherein a length of the rigid member is variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Chen Tao, Thomas W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8403049
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Patent number: 8356666
    Abstract: A wellbore perforation tool comprises an explosive charge, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool. The flowable material is released by detonation of the explosive charge and, after perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body, flows to form at least a partial barrier of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Jerry L. Walker, John H. Hales
  • Publication number: 20130008639
    Abstract: Mechanical connector for the connection and assembly of guns used in the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun has a hollow cylindrically shaped housing whose ends have threaded joints. Explosive shipped-charges are radially set in respective peripheral slots of the gun. Guns are coaxially joined in vertical position within the casing of the well, forming an assembly that includes the firing head and a bottom sub. The joints between consecutive guns and between the bottom sub and the lowermost gun, include tubular adaptor pieces and intermediaries that have respectively a threaded joint end and an opposing end constituted by a bayonet-type locking joint formed by a single reinforced latching bayonet locking tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: TASSAROLI S.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Jose TASSAROLI
  • Patent number: 8327925
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that comprise mixtures of barite and carbon fiber material and further may include steel and a binder. The compositions may be utilized for manufacturing perforator devices, including perforating guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Allan W. King
  • Publication number: 20120279710
    Abstract: A device for drilling a hole in a well tubular and for subsequent injection of a fluid or fluid mixture into an annular space or formation surrounding the well tubular. The device comprises a housing and a drill bit assembly arranged inside the housing. In the drill bit assembly, a drill bit with cutting edges and grooves extending along its outside surface, is arranged. The device further comprises rotation means being capable of rotating the drill bit assembly and a fluid supply for supplying a fluid or fluid mixture to the grooves of the rotating drill bit. A seal is surrounding the drill bit and capable of sealing the device against the inner surface of the well tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Maersk Olie og Gas A/S
    Inventors: Edo Boekholtz, Ülger Gökhan, Klaus Wahrmann
  • Patent number: 8291977
    Abstract: A method of severing a well string that extends into an oil well from an oil platform with a deck includes supporting upper and lower sections of the well string, the lower section supported at the platform deck with a deck located string support. A shear mechanism cuts the well string at a position that can be above the deck located string support. The upper section is then lifted a selected distance and the deck located string support again supports the string at a position below the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Gulfstream Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Mire
  • Patent number: 8286697
    Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a high pressure gun body. The gun body can be thickened so that no empty space is present between it and a corresponding gun tube. Alternatively, the gun body could be a solid cylinder with slots radially formed therein to receive a shaped charge. In another embodiment, a flowable material, such as foam, fluid, sand, ceramic beads, eutectic metal, and combinations thereof, is provided in the space between the gun body and gun tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Randy L. Evans, Avigdor Hetz, Mark Sloan, William D. Myers, Nauman H. A. L. Mhaskar
  • Patent number: 8245785
    Abstract: The apparatus and method for drilling through the casing utilizes a yieldable biasing element to provide a self-adjusting length and exerts a predictable, controlled biasing force against the casing cutter for penetrating the casing. The cutter will be suspended from the well head by an element which will stretch to some extent, and the self-adjusting length will compensate for this also. As the cutter is lowered into position, and during the casing cutting operation, a flow of pressurized gas or emulsion can be directed through the down hole unit, to clear cuttings and other solids from the cutter's path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Latjet Systems LLC
    Inventor: Jasper N. Peters
  • Patent number: 8240369
    Abstract: A slot-perforating system for an abrasive-hydro-slotting of a near well-bore zone for establishing an inflow path between a borehole and a formation has an adaptor connectable to a tubing; a hydraulic block connected to the adaptor for regulating a speed of operation; a perforator providing a hydro-slotting, and a return block located between the hydraulic block and the perforator and returning the perforator an initial upper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Go Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoli Nikouline, Nikolai Korvet
  • Patent number: 8215397
    Abstract: A system for dynamic underbalanced perforation of a hydrocarbon well includes a perforation fluid located within the hydrocarbon well. A perforation gun is suspended within the perforation fluid and a completion fluid is located within the hydrocarbon uphole of the perforation fluid. An isolation fluid is located within the hydrocarbon well uphole of the perforation fluid and downhole of the completion fluid. A method of perforating a hydrocarbon well includes a perforation fluid placed in the hydrocarbon well. A perforation gun is placed within the perforation fluid. A completion fluid is placed in the hydrocarbon well. An isolation fluid is placed in the hydrocarbon well. A local dynamic underbalance condition is created in the hydrocarbon well. A flow of the completion fluid downhole is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Griffith
  • Patent number: 8210250
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Bryan F. McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20120160493
    Abstract: A flexible milling assembly for milling an orifice through a well casing. One embodiment includes a drive yoke, and a plurality of straight and split yoke assemblies—all linked together and to a cutter head with universal blocks that enable the components to pivot relative to each other. A string of joint tubing connected to a prime mover on the surface is used to lower the milling assembly into a well and supply the driving torque. A split shoe coupled to a guide tube is positioned within the well casing where the orifice is to be milled. The milling assembly is guided through a curved passage within the split shoe to bring the cutter head into contact with the well casing. A protector assembly can be provided to enclose and protect the milling assembly when it is tripping into and out of the well casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: David Belew, Jack J. Kolle, Mark H. Marvin
  • Publication number: 20120138286
    Abstract: Perforating assemblies and perforating safety systems capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The perforating assemblies can include an isolation device that is capable of preventing a denotation train when the assemblies are in a first orientation and allowing a denotation train when the perforating assemblies are in a second orientation. The isolation device can be automatically reoriented or reconfigured upon a change in the orientation of the perforating assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Lee Mason, John Hales
  • Publication number: 20120118557
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley Wayne Loving, Bryan Franklin McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20120103612
    Abstract: A system for opening a window in a casing string (42) positioned in a wellbore (32). The system includes a hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) having a housing and a piston assembly with a differential piston area. The piston assembly is longitudinally shiftable relative to the housing and is initially secured relative thereto to prevent longitudinal movement therebetween. An anchor assembly (114) is operable to longitudinally secure the hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) within the casing string (42). A window opening tool (118) operably associated with the hydraulic pressure intensifier (116) is operably engagable with the casing string (42) such that when the anchor assembly (114) is longitudinally secured within the casing string (42) and the piston assembly is unsecured relative to the housing under hydrostatic pressure, longitudinal movement of the piston assembly transmits a force to the window opening tool (118), thereby opening the window in the casing string (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Owen Roane, Stuart Alexander Telfer
  • Patent number: 8166993
    Abstract: Blowout preventer (BOP) and method for sealing a well. The BOP includes a body having first and second conduits, the first conduit being substantially perpendicular on the second conduit; a piston extending through the first conduit and being configured to reciprocate inside the first conduit, the piston having a body portion, a neck portion and a head portion in this order; a ram block disposed on the piston and configured to move with the piston inside the first conduit for closing the second conduit; and a shim configured to fill a gap between a back region of the ram block and the body portion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Leonard Childers
  • Patent number: 8157011
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a fracture operation on a well site having a subterranean formation with a reservoir therein. The method involves measuring at least one seismic wave before and after stimulating the subterranean formation, comparing the seismic waves measured before the stimulation of the subterranean formation to the seismic waves measured after stimulation of the subterranean formation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from the compared seismic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stewart Thomas Taylor, Joel Le Calvez
  • Publication number: 20120037365
    Abstract: A perforating gun designed to orient a charge holding structure (e.g., tube, solid rod) within a barrel of the perforating gun to be at the same position relative to a wellbore casing regardless of a position of the barrel of the perforating gun. A charge assembly receivable within the barrel includes the charge holding structure and first and second end caps that are rotatably interconnected to the charge holding structure and non-rotatably interconnected to the barrel. As the charge holding structure is always or substantially always designed to maintain a common orientation in relation to the wellbore casing, explosive charges associated with the charge holding structure so as to fire towards particular location on the wellbore casing may always or substantially always perforate such particular locations upon or after the explosive charges have fired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: CCS Leasing and Rental, LLC
    Inventors: Manuel Torres, Darwin Holte
  • Patent number: 8066059
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley Wayne Loving, Bryan Franklin McKinley, Dale Norman
  • Publication number: 20110272134
    Abstract: A downhole device with compressive layer at the surface thereof. Such devices may be particularly well suited for survivability in the face of potentially long term exposure to a downhole environment. Techniques for forming protective compressive layers at the surfaces of such devices may include positioning devices within a chamber for bombardment by high frequency particles. As a manner of enhancing the compressive layer thickness and effectiveness, low temperature conditions may be applied to the device during the high frequency treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Indranil Roy, Manuel Marya, Rashmi Bhavsar, Chris Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8047276
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Stefan Stamoulis
  • Patent number: 8042613
    Abstract: A drilling head, method of drilling, and use of the drilling head, for reboring a stuck valve or drilling into the formation downhole and, in particular a drilling tool having a drilling head and a driving unit. The drilling head includes a hole saw beside a drill bit for cutting out a piece from the stuck valve. A drilling system includes the drilling tool and a driving tool for moving the drilling tool downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Weltec A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbaek, Sven Karsten Jensen, Thomas Sune Andersen
  • Patent number: 8020619
    Abstract: Methods for severing tubing having a cable extending along its length include lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing to a desired location, igniting the first cutting torch, and directing cutting fluids in a circumferential arc to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable. A second cutting torch can be lowered and positioned relative to the first cut, and ignited to direct cutting fluids radially to cut the tubing all around the circumference, enabling retrieval of the tubing. The need for precise positioning and alignment of the torches to sever both the cable and tubing is thereby eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Robertson Intellectual Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, William Boelte
  • Publication number: 20110209871
    Abstract: A downhole tool gun string assembly comprises a first perforating gun operable to generate a first pressure at a first location in a wellbore, wherein the first perforating gun comprises a first plurality of perforating charges; a second perforating gun operable to generate a second pressure at a second location in the wellbore, wherein the second pressure is different from the first pressure and the second perforating gun comprises a second plurality of perforating charges, and wherein at least one of the second plurality of perforating charges is operably associated with a secondary pressure generator, where the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured to maintain a pressure at a selected location in the wellbore below a threshold when the first and second perforating guns are activated substantially concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Cam Van Le, Darren Ross Barlow, Jeffrey Alan Nelson
  • Patent number: 7987911
    Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator is provided comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a liner with a further insert liner where the high explosive is positioned between the liner and the housing. In use the high explosive will collapse the liner and insert causing two cutting jets to form. The insert may substantially cover the surface area of the liner or it may over only partially cover the liner, such as the apical portion of the liner or the base portion of liner. Alternatively the insert may be varied in thickness across the surface area of the liner. Typically the thickness of the liner may be between 1 and 10% of the liner diameter and the thickness of the insert may be between 1 and 200% of the thickness of the liner. The insert may be produced during the manufacture of the liner, but preferably the liner will be a retro fitted item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Mark R Rhodes, Stephen Wheller, Anthony J Whelan, Michael R Hoar, Neil Cole
  • Publication number: 20110174486
    Abstract: A wellbore perforation tool is provided. The tool comprises an explosive charge, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool. The flowable material is released by detonation of the explosive charge and, after perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body, flows to form at least a partial barrier of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Walker, John H. Hales