Tool Moved Radially By Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 166/55.8)
  • Patent number: 11774145
    Abstract: A borehole is bored to a borehole target depth in a site and a geothermal heat exchanger is inserted into and then secured in the borehole at the desired depth. Once the heat exchanger has been secured in the borehole, the heat exchanger has a closed distal end and an open proximal end and has at least one fluid path between the closed distal end and the open proximal end, with installation fluid disposed in the fluid path(s). After securing the heat exchanger in the borehole and before excavation of a portion of the site immediately surrounding the borehole, the heat exchanger is temporarily sealed by installing, through the open proximal end, at least one respective internal seal in each fluid path. For each fluid path, the internal seal(s) will be disposed below a respective notional subgrade depth and excavation of the site immediately surrounding the borehole can proceed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Geosource Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Reitsma
  • Patent number: 11753891
    Abstract: A casing mill including a first milling configuration having a first blade for milling a first casing section, and a second milling configuration having a second blade, the second blade being an ultra-high expansion blade for milling a second casing section. A wellbore system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, two nested casings disposed within the borehole, a string disposed within the casings, a casing mill disposed within or as a part of the string and including a first milling configuration having a first blade for milling a first casing section, and a second milling configuration having a second blade, the second blade being an ultra-high expansion blade for milling a second casing section, the second casing section being radially outwardly disposed of the first casing section, and a stroking tool disposed between the first milling configuration and the second milling configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David Alexander, Andrew Ponder, Knut Inge Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 11613949
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus including a sleeve, a tool string, a plug, a means for setting the plug wherein an upper portion of the sleeve is connectable to a lower portion of the tool string, and a lower portion of the sleeve is arranged to receive the plug and the means for setting the plug. A method for using the downhole apparatus (1) is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Altus Intervention (Technologies) AS
    Inventor: Bard Martin Tinnen
  • Patent number: 11274514
    Abstract: A mill for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore therethrough, a plurality of pockets formed in a wall thereof, and a blade disposed in each pocket. Each blade includes a body having a first side opposite a second side, wherein the first side faces in a direction of rotation of the mill. The blade also includes a blade portion disposed on the first side of the body, wherein the blade portion has a first cutting face stepped relative to a second cutting face. Each blade is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein a portion of the first side and the second side protrude from the housing in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Segura, Thomas F. Bailey, David J. Brunnert, Ram K. Bansal, Andrew Antoine
  • Patent number: 11193343
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing a downhole casing from a well on a single trip. A downhole tool assembly is arranged on a work string having a downhole pull tool, a spear tool, motor unit and cutting device. The downhole pull tool is set inside a first casing string and the spear tool, motor unit and cutting device are located inside a second casing string, located through the first casing string. The downhole pull tool and spear tool can be configured to grip the respective casings during cutting of the second casing string. The cut casing section can then be pulled using the downhole pull tool to dislodge the casing section, whereupon via attachment to the spear tool, the cut casing section can be removed from the well. The assembly can be re-set at shallower depths in the event that the cut casing section cannot be dislodged for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ARDYNE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Frode Sunde, Edwin Rooyakkers, Arnstein Wathne, Steffen Hansen, Steffen Evertsen, Eirik Enerstvedt
  • Patent number: 11156048
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for single-trip cementing and casing cutting for well abandonment and slot recovery. A casing cutter is described which has a central through bore including a wall to isolate the cutting assembly from cement being passed through the casing cutter. The casing cutter is run in a cased well bore, cementing occurs through the casing cutter to form a cement plug and then the casing is cut. Embodiments of casing cutters are provided for parting an upper length of casing from a lower length of casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: ARDYNE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 11085670
    Abstract: A borehole is bored to a borehole target depth in a site and a geothermal heat exchanger is inserted into and then secured in the borehole at the desired depth. Once the heat exchanger has been secured in the borehole, the heat exchanger has a closed distal end and an open proximal end and has at least one fluid path between the closed distal end and the open proximal end, with installation fluid disposed in the fluid path(s). After securing the heat exchanger in the borehole and before excavation of a portion of the site immediately surrounding the borehole, the heat exchanger is temporarily sealed by installing, through the open proximal end, at least one respective internal seal in each fluid path. For each fluid path, the internal seal(s) will be disposed below a respective notional subgrade depth and excavation of the site immediately surrounding the borehole can proceed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: GEOSOURCE ENERGY INC.
    Inventor: Stanley Reitsma
  • Patent number: 11085263
    Abstract: A knife for performing a downhole cutting operation includes two spaced-apart blades positioned respectively at a trailing side and leading side of the knife. The blade at the trailing side defines a first cutting element of the knife and the blade at the leading side defines a second cutting element of the knife. The first cutting element extends to a radially outermost position of the knife such that the first cutting element initially cuts a downhole casing during the initial cutting operation of the knife. The second cutting element is not involved in the cutting of the casing during the initial cutting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Graeme Foubister
  • Patent number: 11035514
    Abstract: An underground pipe repair device is for a joint between a service pipe and a branch pipe. The underground pipe repair device may include a first T-shaped joint liner having a base portion extending laterally in the service pipe, and an arm portion extending vertically into the branch pipe. The underground pipe repair device may also include an annular body aligned with and being radially spaced from an opening for the branch pipe and coupled to the first T-shaped joint liner for enabling reinstatement of the branch pipe opening without damaging a liner in the service pipe or the first T-shaped joint liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Improved Infrastructure Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Jerold L Botts
  • Patent number: 10934787
    Abstract: A mill for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing having a bore therethrough and a plurality of eccentrically arranged pockets formed in a wall thereof and an arm disposed in each pocket. Each arm has a body portion and a blade portion extending from an outer surface of the body portion and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The mill further includes cutters disposed along each blade portion and a block disposed in each pocket and connected to the housing. Each block has a guide engaged with a mating guide of the respective body portion and an inner passage for providing fluid communication between the housing bore and the respective pocket. The mill further includes an actuator for extending the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Ram K. Bansal, Mohammed Aleemul Haq, Thomas F. Bailey, Richard J. Segura, Ian Smith
  • Patent number: 10844682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a workover tool string for cutting into a production tubing of a well completion having a top, the well completion comprising a casing into which the production tubing is arranged and a production packer arranged between the casing and the production tubing defining an annulus above the production packer, the workover tool string comprising: a longitudinal axis, a first tool string end and a second tool string end, the first tool string end being arranged closer to the top when submerged into the well completion, a tubing cutting unit comprising a body and a cutting edge configured to be rotated around the longitudinal axis while being projected in relation to the body for cutting into a wall of the production tubing from within in order to separate a first part of the production tubing closest to the top from a second part of the production tubing, wherein the workover tool string further comprises a tubing penetration unit comprising a projectable penetration element configu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Welltec A/S
    Inventor: Christian Krüger
  • Patent number: 10808481
    Abstract: A tool for cutting a tubular includes a housing, a first blade having a first cutting surface, and a second blade having a second cutting surface. The first blade and the second blade are configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The first blade and the second blade are disposed in the housing in the retracted position. The first cutting surface and the second cutting surface overlap in the retracted position. In another embodiment, a tool for cutting a tubular in a wellbore, includes a housing having a longitudinal axis; a pin connected to the housing and disposed on a first side of the longitudinal axis; and a blade including a cutting surface, the blade configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position about the pin, wherein the cutting surface is disposed at least in part on a second side of the longitudinal axis in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: William Allen Schultz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10781640
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool which may be a reamer or a mill has a rotary tool body with at least one block which carries hard-faced cutters and projects or is extensible from the tool body. A radially outward facing part of the cutter block defines a channel for fluid flow which extends generally axially along the cutter block. The channel is configured such that at least the rotationally trailing edge of the channel extends along the block in one or more directions which are inclined relative to the tool axis. This reduces or avoids the amount of channel edge parallel to the tool axis and thereby mitigates whirling and/or or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashley Bernard Johnson, Jonathan Robert Hird
  • Patent number: 10781653
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing a downhole casing from a well on a single trip. A downhole tool assembly is arranged on a work string having a downhole pull tool, a spear tool, motor unit and cutting device. The downhole pull tool is set inside a first casing string and the spear tool, motor unit and cutting device are located inside a second casing string, located through the first casing string. The downhole pull tool and spear tool can be configures to grip the respective casings during cutting of the second casing string. The cut casing section can then be pulled using the downhole pull tool to dislodge the casing section, whereupon via attachment to the spear tool, the cut casing section can be removed from the well. The assembly can be re-set at shallower depths in the event that the cut casing section cannot be dislodged for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ARDYNE HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Frode Sunde, Edwin Rooyakkers, Arnstein Wathne, Steffen Hansen, Steffen Evertsen, Eirik Enerstvedt
  • Patent number: 10760364
    Abstract: Tubing in a borehole is removed using a rotary milling tool comprising a plurality of elements projecting from or extensible from the body of the tool. The elements are distributed azimuthally around the tool body. The elements comprise cutters to remove material from the tubing and outward facing guide surfaces for sliding contact with an inner surface of the tubing. As the tool is rotated and advanced, forward cutters contact the inner surface removing material from the tubing and exposing a renewed interior tubing surface with a diameter swept out by the cutter. The outward facing guide surfaces extend the same distance from the tool body as the forward cutters producing a sliding contact with the newly created inward facing surface. Further cutters, disposed behind the outward facing guide surfaces, with respect to motion of the tool through the tubing, remove the remaining portion of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashley Bernard Johnson, Jonathan Robert Hird
  • Patent number: 10683719
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wireline tractor (10) for use in a casing or tubing (4) in a well. The wireline tractor (10) includes at least one retractable wheel (14) for driving within the casing or tubing (4) and a rotatable disc-shaped cutting device (11) mounted on an actuator (13) that is coupled to the wireline tractor. The cutting device (11) and the actuator (13) are configured for pressing the cutting device (11) against a wall of the casing or tubing (4) and for cutting a perforation (100) in the wall of the casing or tubing (4), in operational use of the wireline tractor (10). The invention further relates to a method for perforating a casing or tubing (4) in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Qinterra Technologies AS
    Inventor: Arne Motland
  • Patent number: 10577914
    Abstract: A system and method for optimized control of an assembly for drilling a borehole comprises a self-tuning, multivariable controller and an optimization engine that manipulates the setpoints of the controller such that drilling performance may be continuously optimized. The method includes evaluation of a characteristic system time constant, using this constant to compute bit ROP, using computed ROP to compute process gains, which are used to tune the multivariable controller, automatically refining controller setpoints based on controller performance, and using an optimization engine to systematically adjust controller setpoints such that drilling parameters are optimized based on any of several performance indicators, or a weighted combination of performance indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Patricia Astrid, Abhay Kumar Singh, John Edward Huhman, Matthew Alan Stoever, Mark William Dykstra, Rob Hendrikus Gerardus Marinus Grauwmans, Jan-Jette Blangé
  • Patent number: 10563472
    Abstract: A downhole rotary tool for comminuting tubing in a borehole comprises a tool body and a plurality of cutting assemblies projecting from or extensible from the tool body and distributed azimuthally around a longitudinal axis of the tool body. Each cutting assembly comprises a supporting structure and a plurality of cutters with cutting surfaces of hard material. The rotating tool is advanced into initial contact with the tubing to commence milling axially along the tubing and then advanced further to continue milling the tubing, At least one cutting assembly has material which is softer than the hard faces of the cutters and is positioned to contact the tubing at the initial contact and delay contact between at least one hard surfaced cutter and the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Wellbore Integrity Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Ashley Bernard Johnson
  • Patent number: 10563473
    Abstract: An interface tool and apparatus for retrieving a tubing from a well at least partly filled with a liquid, the tubing having first and second end portions. The apparatus includes an anchor for engaging tubing; sealing module for sealing first end portion of the bore of tubing; injector for injecting a low density fluid into tubing in or at an elevation below sealing module; and sealing cable connecting to a surface of the well. Apparatus includes first and second tool string sections, and interface tool configured for connecting first tool string section and second tool string section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Qinterra Technologies AS
    Inventors: Marco Volgmann, Bard Martin Tinnen
  • Patent number: 10344548
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool for cutting sections or “windows” in tubular strings in wellbores has rotating cutters and a lower stabilizer section, both actuated by a fluid operated mechanism. The stabilizer section keeps the downhole cutting tool centralized in the tubular string. The cutters may have a robust profile and structure which enhances the window cutting function and permits passage of an operating rod to operate the stabilizer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ABRADO, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Ruttley, Charles L. Bryant
  • Patent number: 10309178
    Abstract: A mill for milling a casing in a wellbore. The mill includes a plurality of radially extendable cutting members on a body. An activation device extends the cutting members radially outward from the body upon application of a hydraulic pressure to the activation device and mechanically retracts the blades upon removal of the hydraulic pressure from the activation device. The cutting members are separable from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Hart
  • Patent number: 10301896
    Abstract: A cutting tool (10) for cutting a tubular. The cutting tool (10) comprises a cutting element (18) which defines a cutting profile, a first drive mechanism (20), which is operable to rotate the cutting element (18); and a second drive mechanism (22), which is operable to control the displacement of the cutting element (18) with respect to a surface of the tubular that is to be cut. The first and second drive mechanisms (20, 22) are arranged such that they are independently powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: WESTERTON (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Alexander Porter
  • Patent number: 10267111
    Abstract: Dual section mills are selectively sequentially operated by locking an actuator for the backup mill as the primary mill has blades extended with internal flow through a housing. When the primary mill is spent the support string is shifted to defeat a lock on an actuation piston for the backup mill so that its blades can extend and continue to mill to finish the job. The blades of the primary mill continue to rotate in the already milled portion of the window as the secondary mill enlarges the window. Another way the secondary mill is actuated is to open access to flow to the secondary mill by removing a pressure barrier such as a valve or a disappearing plug, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Hart, Andrew D. Ponder, Lambertus C. Joppe
  • Patent number: 10240418
    Abstract: A casing mill having a main body with cutter bases with cutters mounted on the cutter bases. The cutter bases are moved radially by operating arms which are rotatably attached to the main body, which are in turn moved by an operating mechanism in response to fluid flow through. One or more of the operating arms are extended to form a cutout arm, which enables cutting an initial window in a casing string, from which milling can continue. The operating arms are mounted to the main body by pins, which are held in the main body by a pin retaining arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: ABRADO, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Ruttley
  • Patent number: 10161209
    Abstract: The present invention provides a section mill/casing cutter/stabilizer apparatus and method featuring a segmented body that allows different pressure actuated sequences of extending stabilizer blades and cutting blades to cause the cutting and milling of wellbore casing and other debris in a wellbore. Applied pressure results in the flow through a flow restriction that creates a force on return springs associated with the centering and the cutting blades. The segmented body allows the manipulation of the blades and centralizers as needed. The spring returns a mandrel to the original retracted or run-in position on cessation or reduction of flow. The ability to vary the segments and sequences makes it easier to run the apparatus in conjunction with other milling and cutting tools, enhancing their performance through centralization and enlarging of cutting capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: WELLBORE FISHING & RENTAL TOOLS, LLC
    Inventor: David L. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 10081996
    Abstract: In a plug an abandon environment with casing and a tubular string running through the casing a tool is placed at a desired location for a severing of the inner tubular. A first set of blades is extended from a housing to cut radially until the inner tubular is severed. A second set of blades are then extended for axial milling with a reach limit of the outside wall of the severed tubular at a location between upsets. As the axial milling reaches an upset, the second set of blades is allowed to retract and a third set with a longer reach is extended to axially mill the upset. Thereafter the third set of blades is allowed to retract and the second set is extended to continue axial milling. The second and third sets of blades can be reversed so that initial axial milling can be at the upset rather than between the upsets followed by milling between the upsets with the shorter reach blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: George N. Krieg, David J. Joyner, Ryan C. Holcomb, Jake H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10047582
    Abstract: A section mill for removing a portion of a casing in a wellbore. The section mill may include a body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bore formed axially therethrough. A plurality of blades may be coupled to the body. Each of the blades may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of each blade may be coupled to the body via a hinge pin, and the second end portion of each blade may have a cutting surface formed thereon. A seat may be formed within the bore. The blades may be adapted to actuate from an inactive position to an active position in response to an impediment forming a seal against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Hekelaar
  • Patent number: 10030459
    Abstract: A section milling device may include a plurality of rotatable arms that each include one or more cutting members. The rotatable arms may be rotated between a retracted position and an extended position. When rotated to the extended position, the rotatable arms may be locked or substantially limited in their movement by one or more hydraulic pistons. The rotatable arms may be held at a predetermined angle during milling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Stokes, Timothy M. O'Rourke, Nathan E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 10012048
    Abstract: A method for milling a tubular cemented in a wellbore includes deploying a bottomhole assembly (BHA) into the wellbore through the tubular, the BHA comprising a window mill; and extending arms of the window mill and radially cutting through the tubular, thereby forming a window through the tubular, wherein a body portion of each window mill arm engages and stabilizes from an inner surface of the tubular after a blade portion of each window mill arm cuts through the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Segura, Thomas Bailey, David J. Brunnert, Ram K. Bansal, Andrew Antoine
  • Patent number: 9932790
    Abstract: A casing cutting tool, to be disposed downhole in a casing string on a drillstring, for the cutting and/or milling of casing strings. The tool has a main body with a plurality of rotatable blades which can rotate between a first retracted position to a second position substantially at right angles to the main body. In this second position, cutting surfaces on the blades engage the casing wall, and rotation of the tool results in cutting of the casing. A plurality of stabilizing arms are rotatably attached to the main body. A link between the blades and the stabilizing arms forces the stabilizing arms to rotate outward when the blades rotate outward. The stabilizing arms are dimensioned to span the inner diameter of the casing string, while leaving clearance to rotate the tool. The outermost ends of the stabilizing arms are rounded to avoid cutting the casing and reduce drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ABRADO, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Kulage
  • Patent number: 9745812
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA Applied Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 9725977
    Abstract: Cutter blades extend and stay extended as long as pressure on a piston is continued. The blades either open fully in open hole or cut through the wall of a tubular and then mill in an uphole direction to take out a piece of the tubular. The piston that held out the blades when pressure was applied is acted on by a return bias when the pressure is removed so that the blades can retract and the tool removed through the cut tubular. As a backup a plug can be dropped to obstruct a through passage in the piston so that pressure from the surface can be used to force the piston back to retract the blades. Continued drilling operations or the cut and milled portion can be then blocked off such as with cement for a plug and abandonment of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary L. Laird, Robbie B. Colbert
  • Patent number: 9725958
    Abstract: Expandable tools for use in subterranean boreholes may include a body defining a fluid flow path extending through the body. A valve piston may be located within the fluid flow path of the body, the valve piston configured to move longitudinally within the body responsive to drilling fluid flowing through the fluid flow path above a threshold pressure. The valve piston may include a nozzle defining an opening at an end of the valve piston. A status indicator may be located within the flow path of the body, the status indicator being fixed relative to the body. The status indicator may be positioned and shaped to alter a cross-sectional area of the opening of the nozzle by at least partially entering the nozzle responsive to the valve piston moving longitudinally within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Khoi Q. Trinh
  • Patent number: 9574417
    Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for engaging and removing an object within a wellbore comprises a cutting tool at a lower end. Continued engagement of the cutting tool with the object is facilitated by an axial compression device disposed within the bottom hole assembly below the anchor of the bottom hole assembly. The axial compression device comprises a compressed position and an expanded or extended position. As the object is being cut or abraded, the axial compression device moves from the compressed position toward the expanded position so that a continued downward force is transferred to the object by the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary L. Laird, Robbie B. Colbert, David W. Coleman
  • Patent number: 9488009
    Abstract: A secondary cutting structure for use in a drilling assembly includes a tubular body, and a block, extendable from the tubular body, the block including a first arrangement of cutting elements disposed on a first blade, a first stabilization section disposed proximate the first arrangement of cutting elements, a second arrangement of cutting elements disposed on the first blade, and a second stabilization section disposed proximate the second arrangement of cutting elements. A method of drilling includes disposing a drilling assembly in a wellbore, the drilling assembly including a secondary cutting structure having a tubular body and a block, extendable from the body, the block including at least three blades, actuating the secondary cutting structure, wherein the actuating includes extending the block from the tubular body, and drilling formation with the extended block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Navish Makkar, Brian Cruickshank, Charles Dewey, Michael George Azar
  • Patent number: 9464496
    Abstract: A packoff device is disclosed for sealing an annulus within a wellbore, and for bypassing the sealed annulus. The packoff device may include a mandrel having a bore formed axially therethrough and first and second ports extending radially from the bore. A sealing element that extends radially-outwardly from the mandrel may be positioned axially between the first and second ports, and may create a seal within an annulus between the mandrel and a casing, to isolate a portion of the annulus above the sealing element from a portion below the sealing element. A sleeve within the bore may, with the mandrel, form a channel providing fluid communication between the first and second ports. The sleeve may be movable between open and closed states. The first and second ports may be unobstructed by the sleeve in the open state, one or more may be obstructed in the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy M. O'Rourke, Jonathan Park
  • Patent number: 9441436
    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, 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9404331
    Abstract: A section mill for removing a portion of a casing in a wellbore. The section mill may include a body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a bore formed axially therethrough. A plurality of blades may be coupled to the body. Each of the blades may have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of each blade may be coupled to the body via a hinge pin, and the second end portion of each blade may have a cutting surface formed thereon. A seat may be formed within the bore. The blades may be adapted to actuate from an inactive position to an active position in response to an impediment forming a seal against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen Hekelaar
  • Patent number: 9366101
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robbie B. Colbert, Randall L. Hebert, Joshua C. Joerg, Mary L. Laird
  • Patent number: 9353589
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool includes a tool body and a plurality of cutter knife sets, each of the plurality of cutter knife sets configured to extend outwardly to separately perform a pipe cutting operation. A first cutter knife set has a diameter in an extended position larger than a diameter in an extended position of a second cutter knife set. A method includes running the downhole cutting tool into a wellbore, deploying the first set of expandable cutting arms to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a first work piece, rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the first work piece, deploying the second set of expandable cutting arms during a single trip into the wellbore to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a second work piece, and rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the second work piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hekelaar
  • Patent number: 9187971
    Abstract: A section mill features extendable cutting blades and centering blades that are pressure actuated for sequential extension of the centering blades before the cutting blades. Applied pressure results in flow through a flow restriction that creates a force on return springs associated with the centering and the cutting blades. The springs allow extension of the centering blades before the cutting blades. Another spring returns a mandrel to the run in position on cessation of flow. The blades are extended or retracted with a rack and pinion drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Floyd J. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9187989
    Abstract: A packer apparatus usable in a well casing to provide an annular seal in the well casing. The packer apparatus includes an activation member mounted to the body wherein the activation member is moveable relative to the body to deform an elastomeric packer element outwardly relative to the body to form an annular seal in the well casing. A plurality of pistons is arranged to move the activation member relative to the body, each 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Patent number: 9175534
    Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TETRA Applied Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Mark McAfee, Mark Franklin Alley
  • Patent number: 9097073
    Abstract: A dual string section milling tool includes a cutting block deployed in an axial recess in a tool body. The cutting block is configured to extend radially outward from and retract radially inward towards the tool body. The cutting block is further configured to remove a cement layer in a wellbore. The dual string section milling tool further includes a milling blade deployed in an axially slot disposed in the cutting block. The milling blade is configured to extend radially outward from and inwards towards the cutting block. The milling blade is further configured to cut and mill a section of casing string. The dual string section milling tool may be further configured to simultaneously remove cement and mill a wellbore tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Schmidt, Charles H. Dewey
  • Patent number: 9051793
    Abstract: A secondary cutting structure for use in a drilling assembly includes a tubular body, and a block, extendable from the tubular body, the block including a first arrangement of cutting elements disposed on a first blade, a first stabilization section disposed proximate the first arrangement of cutting elements, a second arrangement of cutting elements disposed on the first blade, and a second stabilization section disposed proximate the second arrangement of cutting elements. A method of drilling includes disposing a drilling assembly in a wellbore, the drilling assembly including a secondary cutting structure having a tubular body and a block, extendable from the body, the block including at least three blades, actuating the secondary cutting structure, wherein the actuating includes extending the block from the tubular body, and drilling formation with the extended block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Navish Makkar, Brian Cruickshank, Charles Dewey, Michael G. Azar
  • Publication number: 20150129195
    Abstract: Cutter blades extend and stay extended as long as pressure on a piston is continued. The blades either open fully in open hole or cut through the wall of a tubular and then mill in an uphole direction to take out a piece of the tubular. The piston that held out the blades when pressure was applied is acted on by a return bias when the pressure is removed so that the blades can retract and the tool removed through the cut tubular. As a backup a plug can be dropped to obstruct a through passage in the piston so that pressure from the surface can be used to force the piston back to retract the blades. Continued drilling operations or the cut and milled portion can be then blocked off such as with cement for a plug and abandonment of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mary L. Laird, Robbie B. Colbert
  • Publication number: 20150096753
    Abstract: A casing cutting tool, to be disposed downhole in a casing string on a drillstring, for the cutting and/or milling of casing strings. The tool has a main body with a plurality of rotatable blades which can rotate between a first retracted position to a second position substantially at right angles to the main body. In this second position, cutting surfaces on the blades engage the casing wall, and rotation of the tool results in cutting of the casing. A plurality of stabilizing arms are rotatably attached to the main body. A link between the blades and the stabilizing arms forces the stabilizing arms to rotate outward when the blades rotate outward. The stabilizing arms are dimensioned to span the inner diameter of the casing string, while leaving clearance to rotate the tool. The outermost ends of the stabilizing arms are rounded to avoid cutting the casing and reduce drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy J. Kulage
  • Publication number: 20150053391
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a radial expansion assembly deployed about, and configured to rotate substantially freely with respect to, a tool mandrel. The expansion assembly includes at least one stabilizer block configured to extend radially outward from the mandrel into contact with a wellbore casing string. When deployed between uphole and downhole cones, the stabilizer block includes a plurality of angled splines configured to engage corresponding splines on the cones. Relative axial motion between the stabilizer block and the cones causes a corresponding radial extension or retraction of the stabilizer block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: James A. Simson, Ronald G. Schmidt, Charles H. Dewey
  • Patent number: 8839864
    Abstract: Tools and methods for cutting multiple, co-extending casings in oil and gas wells. The tools comprise a cylindrical body and first and second sets of cutting blades. Each set of cutting blades is mounted to the body for actuation from a retracted, run-in position to an extended, cutting position. The cylindrical body is rotated and the first set of cutting blades is actuated to cut the co-extending casings within a first sweep diameter. The second set of cutting blades then is actuated to cut the co-extending casings beyond the first sweep diameter and within a second sweep diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas T. Beynon
  • Patent number: RE49028
    Abstract: A packer apparatus usable in a well casing to provide an annular seal in the well casing. The packer apparatus includes an activation member mounted to the body wherein the activation member is moveable relative to the body to deform an elastomeric packer element outwardly relative to the body to form an annular seal in the well casing. A plurality of pistons is arranged to move the activation member relative to the body, each 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee