Means For Perforating, Weakening, Bending Or Separating Pipe At An Unprepared Point Patents (Class 166/55)
  • Patent number: 8985209
    Abstract: A technique facilitates removal of excess sand during a jet perforating operation without requiring that the perforating string be pulled out of hole. A jet perforating tool is provided with at least one perforating nozzle for creating perforations in a well via high-pressure fluid. The jet perforating tool also comprises at least one wash nozzle oriented to direct fluid under pressure against a sand plug to break loose excess sand. A pair of seats and plug members may be used in the jet perforating tool to control the flow of pressurized fluid through the perforating jet nozzle and/or the wash nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Carolina Gonzalez Martinez
  • Patent number: 8985210
    Abstract: A method of severing at least a first object comprises: positioning a severing device adjacent to the first object, wherein the first object is a wireline or a tubular, and wherein the severing device comprises: a first reactant, and a second reactant; initiating a reaction, or allowing a reaction to occur, between the first reactant and the second reactant, wherein the reaction is an exothermic reaction, and wherein heat evolved from the reaction has a temperature greater than or equal to the melting point of the first object; and directing at least a portion of the heat from the outside of the first object through the first object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam D. Wright
  • Patent number: 8978749
    Abstract: A perforation tool assembly comprises a perforation gun, and a mass energy absorber coupled to the perforation gun. The mass energy absorber is configured to alter the propagation of mechanical energy released by firing one or more perforation guns. The mass energy absorber comprises a mass and at least one absorber, and the at least one absorber is disposed between the mass and the perforating gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Rodgers, Marco Serra, Timothy S. Glenn, John D. Burleson
  • Patent number: 8967256
    Abstract: A perforation tool comprises an explosive charge comprising an explosive focal axis, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool and disposed along the explosive focal axis. The flowable material is configured to be released by detonation of the explosive charge and flow to create at least a partial barrier to flow through the aperture in response to the perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Walker, John H. Hales
  • Patent number: 8960288
    Abstract: A system and method of perforating by stacking a perforating string within a wellbore, then deploying the perforating string to a designated depth for detonating shaped charges in the perforating string. The string can be formed by anchoring a single perforating gun in the wellbore, then landing subsequent guns on one another atop the anchored gun. Wet connects on the ends of the perforating guns enable mechanical engagement of each adjacent gun as well as signal communication through the connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Tim W. Sampson
  • Patent number: 8950509
    Abstract: A firing assembly is configured to be contained in a recess formed in a wall of a tubular string subassembly and operates without blockage of the central core of the casing subassembly. The assembly can include: one or more casings connected together to form a firing head containment body, the firing head containment body comprising a detonation chamber and actuation chamber; a detonator configured in the detonation chamber; a moveable actuator configured in the actuation chamber and operatively connected to the detonator, wherein the actuator is retained in a first position in the actuation chamber by a retention detent; a coupler operatively connected to the actuator opposite the detonator, wherein the coupler comprises a channel for communicating pressure through the coupler to the actuator that overcomes the retention detent and allows the actuator to move in the actuation chamber to as second position, wherein the detonator activates in dependence upon the actuator moving to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nine Energy Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Brian Coffey, Terry Lee Mytopher
  • Patent number: 8950487
    Abstract: An assembly for minimizing damaging effects of pressure waves on devices in a wellbore. The assembly comprises a dynamic device disposed in the wellbore and generating pressure waves during actuation; a barrier device disposed in the wellbore and presenting an obstacle to the pressure waves generated by the dynamic device; and an occlusion disposed in the wellbore between the dynamic device and the barrier device which reduces the damaging effects of the pressure waves on the barrier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Erik Baumann, Harvey Williams, Lawrence A. Behrmann, Kenneth R. Goodman, Adil Al Busaidy, Karim Al Sayed, Fokko Harm Cornelis Doombosch, Andrew J. Martin
  • Publication number: 20150027708
    Abstract: In one aspect an apparatus for performing a downhole operation is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include a downhole tool that contains a hydraulically-operated motor and a flow control device that in one position allows a fluid to pass through the motor while preventing the fluid to flow to the motor and in another position allows the fluid to flow to the motor to operate the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jacob R. Honekamp
  • Patent number: 8939210
    Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: William T. Bell, James G. Rairigh
  • Publication number: 20150021029
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, an intercept well for penetrating an existing tubular is drilled. A casing entry tool is provided in the intercept well and operated to form at least one aperture in the wall of the existing casing. The casing entry tool may be oriented toward the target tubular. In some embodiments, a generally concave notch may be positioned on the casing entry tool and adapted to engage with the convex outer surface of the target tubular. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may retain the orientation of the casing entry tool within the intercept well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: William R. Abrant, Charles A. Butterfield, JR., Gerald Heisig
  • Patent number: 8931555
    Abstract: There is described a device for machining apparatus arranged for machining of a portion of a casing positioned in a wellbore, wherein a return fluid conduit extends from the machining apparatus in a direction toward a deposit area arranged in the wellbore. Also described is a method for machining of a portion of a casing positioned in a wellbore, wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging a return fluid conduit between a machining apparatus and a deposit area or an area connected to the deposit area, providing a particle carrying liquid flow (M) in a direction from the machining apparatus and toward the deposit area, during the machining of the casing leading metal shavings into the liquid flow (M), and directing the liquid flow (M) into the return fluid conduit, as the metal shavings are held back and deposited in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: West Production Technology AS
    Inventors: Helge Krohn, Mads Grinrød
  • Publication number: 20150000900
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a downhole tool coupled to a wireline for conveying the downhole tool into the wellbore and for providing a data communication between the downhole tool and a surface device. The downhole tool further includes a settable device, a setting tool for setting the settable device in the wellbore, a sensor that provide measurements relating to downhole parameter, and a controller for determining the downhole parameter from the measurements and in response thereto altering an operation parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8919444
    Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation may include a casing, an energetic material, a liner, and an acid-generating material. The casing may have a slotted end configured to receive a detonator cord, and an open end. The energetic material may be disposed in the open end and in ballistic. The liner may enclose the open end, and the liner may include an acid-generating material that is configured to form an acid upon detonation of the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Owen Oil Tools LP
    Inventors: Matthew Clay, James Talavera
  • Patent number: 8919236
    Abstract: A perforating gun assembly comprises a drop sub linking the firing head to the gun tube or tubes. The drop sub includes a 360° perimeter shaped charge explosive for severing pipe having an axial bore to accommodate a pass-through of the perforation charge detonation chord. Consequently, the severing tool is detonated by the traverse of a detonation wave along the chord length to disconnect the perforating gun prior to detonation of the perforation charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: William T. Bell, Don Umphries
  • Publication number: 20140374100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a punching tool for providing a hole or a dimple in a metal casing in a borehole. The punching tool comprises a tool body having an axial extension, and a punching unit connected with the tool body comprising: a fluid inlet, a punch movable between a retracted and a projected position and extending substantially radially in relation to the axial extension, and at least one hydraulic punch cylinder moving the punch between the retracted and the projected position. The present invention further relates to a method for providing a hole or a dimple in a metal casing downhole and to a method for installing a plug in an existing hole in the casing downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jorgen Hallundbaek, Rasmus Sommer
  • Publication number: 20140352964
    Abstract: One disclosed method includes conveying a casing cutting tool into the wellbore lined with at least one casing string and cement, stroking the casing cutting tool over a predetermined axial length of the wellbore while ejecting fluid from one or more nozzles in the casing cutting tool and thereby forming a plurality of longitudinal cuts through the casing string and cement, rotating the casing cutting tool about its longitudinal axis at two or more axially offset locations along the predetermined axial length while ejecting fluid from nozzles and thereby forming a plurality of axially offset transverse cuts in the casing string and the cement, whereby longitudinal cuts and axially offset transverse cuts form wedges in the wellbore, and dislodging the wedges from the wellbore and thereby exposing formation rock along the predetermined axial length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Jorn Tore Giskemo, Oyvind Rakstang, Aimee Greening, Desmond Jones
  • Patent number: 8899346
    Abstract: A perforating assembly includes a material that can respond to a magnetic field by changing shape multiple times and causing a fire control circuit to activate and deactivate. The material may be a magnetic shape-memory alloy and can change shape when the magnetic field is removed or inverted. When the material changes shape, the material can cause another component of the perforating assembly to change position to activate or deactivate the fire control circuit, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete C. Dagenais, Michael L. Fripp
  • Publication number: 20140338910
    Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: William T. Bell, James G. Rairigh
  • Patent number: 8887798
    Abstract: A downhole stabilizer includes a radial expansion assembly deployed about, and configured to rotate substantially freely with respect to, a tool mandrel. The expansion assembly preferably 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 preferably includes a plurality of angled splines configured to engage corresponding splines disposed on the cones. Relative axial motion between the stabilizer block and the cones causes a corresponding radial extension or retraction of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Simson, Ronald G. Schmidt, Charles H. Dewey
  • Patent number: 8881817
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a cylindrical body, a sleeve having a contact portion disposed on a distal end, and a cutter having a radiused portion on a top surface operatively engageable with the contact portion. Also, a method of cutting drill pipe, the method including disposing a cutting tool in a wellbore around the drill pip and actuating a radiused cutter of the cutting tool, wherein the actuating includes radially extending the cutter into contact with the drill pipe. The method also includes applying a substantially constant force between the cutter and the drill pipe and rotating the cutting tool. Additionally, a cutter for a drill pipe cutting tool, the cutter including a work surface located at a first end of the cutter, an attachment point located at a second end of the cutter, and a radiused surface located between the work surface and the attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Perschke, Harshad Patil, Nishant Koti
  • Patent number: 8881816
    Abstract: A perforation tool assembly is provided. The perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Glenn, John P. Rodgers, Jeff A. Nelson, John D. Burleson, Marco Serra, John H. Hales
  • Patent number: 8875796
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Hales, John D. Burleson, Samuel Martinez
  • Patent number: 8863851
    Abstract: A grapple device is secured to a mill to allow relative rotation between them. The grapple has an outward bias to allow it to grip the packer bore or an extension from the packer. The mandrel has a wedge adjacent its lower end and torque fingers that fit between grapple segments when relative longitudinal movement occurs between the mandrel and the grapple assembly. The grapple assembly has a left hand thread so that it comes out of the packer if the mandrel engages the grapple assembly in a manner for tandem rotation. The torque fingers on the wedge on the mandrel support the grapple fingers over their length as rotation to the right removes the grapple assembly from the packer bore. Reverse circulation takes away the cuttings into the mill bore where they are separated from the reverse circulating fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, Gerald D. Lynde
  • Patent number: 8863822
    Abstract: A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Doyle Fredric Boutwell, Jr., Karsten Heidecke, Kevin Wood, Bernd-Georg Pietras
  • Publication number: 20140299322
    Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation is disclosed. The method can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: David Underdown
  • Publication number: 20140299324
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling a drain hole from a well are provided. A flexible tubing used for conveying fluid to a jet bit is confined radially by a reduced-diameter tubing piece or a liner in production tubing near the diverter used to direct the flexible tubing. Concentric tubing pieces allow location of the bit in a well by measuring weight of a work string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BUCKMAN JET DRILLING INC.
    Inventors: Zachary D. Pearl, William G. Buckman, SR., William C. Maurer, Thomas N. Garmon
  • Publication number: 20140302305
    Abstract: A composite includes a porous matrix that includes a molybdenum-silicon-boron (Mo—Si—B) alloy that has a plurality of pores with a lubricant in contact with the Mo—Si—B alloy, a hydrophobic compound in contact with the Mo—Si—B alloy, or a combination thereof. A method for preparing a porous composite includes disposing a porous matrix comprising a Mo—Si—B alloy on a substrate, the Mo—Si—B alloy comprising a plurality of pores; disposing a lubricant on a surface of the porous matrix; and disposing a hydrophobic compound on a surface of the porous matrix to form the porous composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Somesh Kumar Mukherjee, Vivekanand Sista, John H. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8851160
    Abstract: Perforation guns comprise a firing head to activate an initiator which, in turn, causes detonation of perforation charges. The firing head comprises a firing pin in sliding engagement with a bore of a housing. An opening in the housing places the firing pin in fluid communication with a wellbore annulus when the perforation gun is disposed in the wellbore. A release mechanism maintains the firing pin in it is initial position. Upon being disposed in the desired location within the wellbore, the release mechanism is actuated allowing the firing pin to move within the bore. Hydrostatic pressure acts on the firing pin in a first direction that is determined by a bias provided by one end of the firing pin providing greater resistance to movement as compared to the other end. Movement of the firing pin causes the firing pin to strike the initiator causing detonation of the perforation charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Eugene Stolboushkin
  • Publication number: 20140290949
    Abstract: An apparatus, a module, a device and a method for shearing objects are disclosed. The apparatus is configured for insertion into a borehole. The apparatus comprises: a primary axis; a movable shearing means; and a deflecting means. The deflecting means and the movable shearing means are mutually configured such that, when the movable shearing means is driven by a driving force in a direction parallel to the primary axis, the movable shearing means slides along the deflecting means and at least a portion of the movable shearing means is deflected in a direction towards to the primary axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Peter Hall, David Mudie
  • Patent number: 8844613
    Abstract: A shear blade attached to a ram block. At least one bolt passage is formed at an angle at the top of the ram block. A bolt passage is formed in the shear blade that corresponds with the bolt passage on the tam block. A bolt introduced into the bolt passage of the ram block and also the bolt passage in the shear blade attaches the shear blade to the ram block. By using this technique for attaching the shear blade to the ram block, surface area of a front face of the shear blade is not further reduced. Therefore, the strength of the shear blade is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hydrill USA Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Viral Shah, William L. Carbaugh, Leonard G. Childers
  • Patent number: 8839873
    Abstract: An interval can be divided into zones by inserting a series of plugs that register with specific profiles at predetermined intervals along a section of pipe. Each plug supports a releasable perforating gun that can release from the plug and perforate an interval for treatment such as fracturing or acidizing. A subsequent plug then isolates the just treated zone and the process is repeated working up toward the surface. When the full interval is treated the plugs can then be removed by making their cores disappear using a reaction or dissolving techniques. Mechanical alternative that push all the plugs to hole bottom or that retrieve them together or individually are possible alternative techniques for removal of the plugs from the treated interval before production is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles C. Johnson, Michael H. Johnson, Maria M. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8839863
    Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a gun body formed from a ductile material. The gun body deforms under pressure while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to remain intact and without rupturing or leaking. A flowable material can be inserted within the gun body that provides additional support to the gun body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Avigdor Hetz, Randy L. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140262271
    Abstract: A perforation gun string. The perforation gun string comprises a perforation gun that forms at least part of the perforation gun string; and a swellable material coupled to the perforation gun string. The swellable material is configured to be exposed to a downhole wellbore environment; the swellable material is configured to swell in response to exposure to the downhole wellbore environment; and the swellable material is configured to protrude beyond an outer surface of the perforation gun string when it swells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Martinez, John H. Hales
  • Publication number: 20140262502
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a controller node disposed within a wellbore, and a tool node configured for movement through the wellbore, wherein the tool node communicates with the controller node via a near field communication (NFC) signal, wherein prior to communication with the controller node, the tool node will not perform at least one function and, after communication with the controller node, the tool node will selectively perform the at least one function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Zachary William WALTON, Matthew Todd HOWELL, Michael Linley FRIPP
  • Publication number: 20140262270
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MCR Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Robertson, William F. Boelte, Douglas J. Streibich
  • Publication number: 20140262273
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for an apparatus that may include: a) a protuberance slicer and orientation device a cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve having a down-hole end with an outer edge perpendicularly affixed to an annular support ring, and an up-hole end having a cut-out mating edge; the annular support ring having an orifice, a protuberance slicer, a plurality of fins, and a diameter that exceeds the diameter of the cylindrical sleeve; and b) a center body device, having a cylindrical sleeve having a pivotable load measurement mechanism disposed thereon, and a cut-out mating mechanism disposed thereon; where the apparatus is positioned atop a subterranean tool string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Scientific Drilling International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Brown, Nate Paszek
  • Patent number: 8833439
    Abstract: A well system for forming a window in a casing string positioned in a wellbore. The system includes first and second steel casing joints (462, 464) interconnectable within the casing string. An aluminum exit joint (460) is positioned between the first and second steel casing joints (462, 464). The aluminum exit joint (460) has a first interconnection with the first steel casing joint (462) and a second interconnection with the second steel casing joint (464). The aluminum exit joint (460) is operable to have the window formed therethrough. A first sleeve (470) is positioned within the first interconnection to provide galvanic isolation between the aluminum exit joint (460) and the first steel casing joint (462). A second sleeve (472) is positioned within the second interconnection to provide galvanic isolation between the aluminum exit joint (460) and the second steel casing joint (464).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Zimmerman, David Joe Steele, Pao-Shih Chen
  • Publication number: 20140251617
    Abstract: A method of removing an unexpanded shoe comprises disposing a tool in a wellbore. The tool includes a latch assembly and a mill body. The latch assembly is engaged with a shoe assembly that is coupled to the wellbore by a tubular having an expanded portion and an unexpanded portion. The mill body is rotated relative to the latch assembly so as to mill the unexpanded portion of the tubular until the shoe assembly is uncoupled from the wellbore. The tool and the shoe assembly are then pulled through the expanded portion and out of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Eric James CONNOR, Harsh V. CHOWDHARY, Frederick C. BENNETT, Nanda K. Boddeda, Ronald T. ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 8826983
    Abstract: Disclosed are plasma charges and methods for using plasma charges in completing a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Hongfa Huang
  • Patent number: 8820396
    Abstract: An ultra-high pressure (UHP) cutting device for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore is provided. The cutting device comprises a UHP hose connector for connection with a UHP hose in communication with a fluid source; a rotatable UHP tube with a top end in fluid communication with the UHP hose connector and a bottom end opposite the top end; a rotating means in operational communication with the UHP tube for rotating the UHP tube during operation of the cutting device; and a cutter head in fluid communication with the bottom end of the UHP tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: NuWave Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy Cumby, Tim Sharp, Troy Illingworth
  • Patent number: 8807206
    Abstract: A perforating gun system comprises at least one charge disposed within a gun body, and a first sleeve disposed within the gun body about the at least one charge. The first sleeve comprises a first expansion section, and the first sleeve is configured to undergo non-uniform expansion in response to the detonation of the at least one charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. Walker
  • Patent number: 8807219
    Abstract: A blade assembly of a blowout preventer for shearing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The blowout preventer has a housing with a hole therethrough for receiving the tubular. The blade assembly includes a ram block movable between a non-engagement position and an engagement position about the tubular, a blade carried by the ram block for cuttingly engaging the tubular, a retractable guide carried by the ram block and slidably movable therealong, and a release mechanism for selectively releasing the guide to move between a guide position for guiding engagement with the tubular and a cutting position a distance behind the blade for permitting the blade to cuttingly engage the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Christopher Dale Johnson, Shern Eugene Peters, Eric Trevor Ensley
  • Publication number: 20140224500
    Abstract: A method of separating a tubular element, comprising providing a tubular element having an inner and an outer surface, a circumference of said outer surface, a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; radially surrounding said tubular element with an explosive shaped charge material, wherein said shaped charge explosive material is capable of generating a high-velocity plasma jet in response to an activation signal, and wherein said explosive material comprises an electrically conductive layer; transmitting said activation signal to said explosive material; generating said high-velocity plasma jet; and separating said tubular element into a first portion comprising said first end and a second portion comprising said second end when said high-velocity plasma jet penetrates said outer surface of said tubular element and exits said inner surface of said tubular element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Curtis Len Wilie, Simon McKay
  • Publication number: 20140216712
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metallurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20140216713
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metalurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Schultz, Brock Watson
  • Publication number: 20140216728
    Abstract: A shockwave generator pre-treats one or more production zones within a well to facilitate recovery of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons from the well. The well may be heated to a particular temperature, where after a cooling agent is introduced through the shockwave generator which effects a cooling action in the walls of the well and induces cracking which is propagated by the tremors or shocks of the cooling agent as it exits the generator. The initiated cracks may be further propagated using one or more additional stimulation methods, including a freeze-thaw method which is implemented through a subsystem having overlapping components with the shockwave generator subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Triple D Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell S. Kosakewich
  • Patent number: 8794335
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Fadul, Paul Herman, Paul Ringgenberg, Randy Moore, Michael Fripp, Dennis Crowdis, John Hales, Bryan Powell
  • Patent number: 8794326
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a pressure reduction to occur in a wellbore following firing of at least one perforating gun can include determining a desired free gun volume which corresponds to a desired pressure reduction in the wellbore resulting from firing of the perforating gun, and varying a free gun volume of the perforating gun until the free gun volume is substantially the same as the desired free gun volume. A well system can include at least one perforating gun positioned in a wellbore, the perforating gun comprising multiple perforating charges and a free gun volume, and the free gun volume being reduced by presence of a flowable material about the multiple perforating charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cam Le, Dennis J. Haggerty
  • Patent number: 8789467
    Abstract: An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 8783361
    Abstract: There is provided a high power laser assisted blowout preventer and methods of use. In particular, there are provided systems and assemblies for utilizing high power laser energy within a blowout preventer to cut tubulars that are present within the bore of the blowout prevent, reducing the risk that such tubulars will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Foro Energy, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Henry A. Bergeron, Philip V. Clark, Joel F. Moxley, Paul D. Deutch, Lance D. Underwood, Charles C. Rinzler, Ronald A. De Witt, Sharath K. Kolachalam, Daryl L. Grubb