With Heating, Refrigerating Or Heat Insulating Means Patents (Class 166/57)
  • Publication number: 20140262278
    Abstract: A volatile extraction well and method to utilize heat, which could be from the sun or from some other energy source, to directly vaporize subsurface water-ice, or other frozen volatile substance, in-situ. The pressure of the vaporized water (or other volatile gas) released in the heated soil causes the vapor to flow into a sealed drill-hole, or well, and on through an extraction tube to a surface collection vessel where it is condensed and stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Otis R. Walton
  • Publication number: 20140262221
    Abstract: A method (and system) is provided that enhances production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation by identifying at least one target interval of the subterranean formation that is in proximity to a pay interval, wherein the at least one target interval has an electrical resistance less than electrical resistance of the pay interval. A plurality of electrodes are placed in positions spaced apart from one another and adjacent the at least one target interval. Electrical current is injected into the target interval by supplying electrical signals to the plurality of electrodes. The electrical current injected into the at least one target interval passes through at least a portion of the at least one target interval in order to heat the at least one target interval and heat the pay interval by thermal conduction for enhancement of production of hydrocarbons from the pay interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140262203
    Abstract: Described herein are systems for manipulating a flowable substance, comprising: a flowable substance; a heating means; a cooling means; and a composition comprising chemically inert particles coated with a stimuli-responsive material. Compositions and methods for using the compositions are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lehigh University
    Inventors: Sibel Pamukcu, Yi Dong
  • Patent number: 8833454
    Abstract: A process for increasing the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery from an underground formation containing viscous hydrocarbons through the use of both gravity drainage and mobile water drive. The process comprises a pair of vertically-spaced horizontal wells and a laterally offset horizontal well. A heated fluid is injected into the formation via a first well pair, and an adjacent horizontal well creates a pressure sink to draw the heated fluid laterally to assist growth of the formation drainage area for hydrocarbon recovery improvement. Injected fluids recovered from both producers are collected for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Anh Ngoc Duong
  • Publication number: 20140251597
    Abstract: An apparatus is for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein. The apparatus includes an RF source, and a magnetic field radiator including a ferromagnetic body having an aboveground portion and a belowground portion coupled thereto. The magnetic field radiator includes a conductive wire coil surrounding the aboveground portion and coupled to the RF source so that an RF current through the conductive wire coil magnetizes the ferromagnetic body and generates a magnetic field from the belowground portion to heat the hydrocarbon resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis Eugene PARSCHE
  • Patent number: 8826984
    Abstract: Devices and related methods for reducing a thermal loading of one or more components may include a housing having an interior for receiving the component(s), and a thermally conductive flowable material in thermal communication to the component(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kerry L. Sanderlin, Jimmie L. Riche, Jr., Rocco DiFoggio, Vaibhav Bahadur
  • Patent number: 8820397
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a thermally sensitive component. The temperature of the thermally sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the thermally sensitive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Marzouk, Michael Fripp, Adan Hernandez Herrera
  • Publication number: 20140238680
    Abstract: A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: WORLD ENERGY SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Anthony Gus CASTROGIOVANNI, Randall Todd VOLAND, Charles H. WARE, Blair A. FOLSOM, M. Cullen JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20140231081
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to recovering hydrocarbons by injecting into a reservoir outputs from two different types of steam generators along with carbon dioxide. Synergistic results enable lower fuel consumption for such a hybrid based approach versus either type of steam generator alone. One steam generator vaporizes water by thermal transfer from combustion with exhaust from the combustion remaining separated from the steam. Since this type of steam generator outputs a limited carbon dioxide concentration with the steam, at least part of the carbon dioxide injected comes from recycling the carbon dioxide separated out of production fluids recovered from the reservoir. Another steam generator produces the steam by direct water contact with combustion products to produce a resulting fluid including the steam and additional carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: James SCINTA, James SEABA, Scott MACADAM
  • Patent number: 8807220
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing upgraded hydrocarbons in-situ from a production well. The method begins by operating a subsurface recovery of hydrocarbons with a production well. An RF absorbent material is heated by at least one RF emitter and used as a heated RF absorbent material, which in turn heats the hydrocarbons to be produced. Hydrocarbons are upgraded in-situ and then produced from the production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Maxine Jones Madison, Dwijen Kumar Banerjee, Francis Eugene Parsche, Mark Alan Trautman
  • Publication number: 20140224488
    Abstract: A production zone isolation system includes a sealing mechanism is positioned adjacent to or within the production zone of a well bore such that the expanders are positioned parallel to areas aft and fore of the area which is to be isolated. A refrigerant or cooling agent is pumped into a first inner tubular and exits out of the expanders and into regions of second outer tubular. At pressurized water tilled regions of the well bore that are adjacent to the regions of the second outer tubular, freezing is induced, thereby forming ice plugs and a sealed region therebetween. The refrigerant is not in direct contact with the surrounding water but is instead in juxtaposition to it and separated therefrom by second outer tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Triple D Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell S. Kosakewich
  • Publication number: 20140224491
    Abstract: A process is provided for recovering hydrocarbons, such as heavy oils, from a subterranean reservoir. The process includes providing a supercritical aqueous fluid at a high temperature and high pressure to the underground hydrocarbon reservoir, injecting the aqueous fluid into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons in the reservoir, and recovering the heated hydrocarbons from the reservoir. In some cases, the supercritical fluid is also used to upgrade the hydrocarbons and/or facilitate the transportation of the hydrocarbons from the production field to another location, such as a refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Segerstrom
  • Publication number: 20140216714
    Abstract: A transmission line segment coupler is for coupling together first and second coaxial transmission line segments each including an inner tubular conductor and an outer tubular conductor surrounding the inner tubular conductor and a dielectric therebetween. The coupler apparatus includes an outer tubular bearing body to be positioned within adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments, and an inner tubular bearing body configured to slidably move within the outer tubular bearing body to define a linear bearing therewith. The inner tubular bearing body is configured to define a fluid passageway in communication with the adjacent open ends of the inner tubular conductors of the first and second coaxial transmission line segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: TIM DITTMER, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit, Brian Wright
  • Publication number: 20140216724
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein is provided. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled with the transmission line. The transmission line includes at least one transmission line tuning section including an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a liquid-blocking plug between the inner and outer conductors to define a tuning chamber configured to receive a dielectric liquid with a gas headspace thereabove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: TIM DITTMER
  • Publication number: 20140216725
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RE antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, and an RF transmission line configured to be positioned within the wellbore and couple the RE source to the RE antenna. The RE transmission line defines a liquid coolant circuit therethrough. The apparatus further includes a liquid coolant source configured to be coupled to the transmission line and to provide a liquid coolant through the liquid coolant circuit having an electrical parameter that is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: TIM DITTMER, Brian Wright, Verlin A Hibner, Mark A Trautman
  • Publication number: 20140216738
    Abstract: Solvent may be injected into a hydrocarbon reservoir at an increasingly elevated vertical level to allow vapor of the solvent to contact and mobilize viscous hydrocarbons in the reservoir, for producing mobilized hydrocarbons. Solvent may be injected into a mobile zone below a viscous hydrocarbon zone, to allow solvent vapor to ascend to mobilize viscous hydrocarbons in the viscous hydrocarbon zone. A vertical or slanted injection well may be used to inject the solvent into the reservoir, and a production well spaced horizontally apart from the injection well may be used to produce fluids from the reservoir. A bottom-up solvent-aided process may comprise injecting water and liquid solvent into the mobile zone, and then injecting heated water and solvent into the mobile zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CENOVUS ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: SUBODH GUPTA, SIMON GITTINS
  • Publication number: 20140216726
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled to the transmission line. The apparatus also includes a balun configured to be coupled to the transmission line adjacent the RF antenna within the wellbore. The balun comprises a body defining a liquid chamber configured to receive a quantity of dielectric liquid therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: TIM DITTMER, VERLIN A. HIBNER
  • Publication number: 20140209302
    Abstract: A packer is disclosed comprising a body with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to establish a connection with downhole equipment and wherein at least one of the first end and the second end is configured to establish a fluid flow between the downhole equipment, at least one guard drain, at least one sample drain, at least one guard drain flow line, at least one sample drain flow line configured to transport fluid flow from and to the at least one sample drain and one of the first end and the second end of the body, two swivel connections and a sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Morten Kristensen, Cosan Ayan, Pierre-Yves Corre
  • Patent number: 8789599
    Abstract: A radio frequency applicator includes a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential mode signal. The RF source is connected to a coaxial conductor that includes an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through at least one metal jumper. At least one current choke is around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Publication number: 20140202686
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises pre-heating by exposure to electromagnetic radiation from a electromagnetic radiation source, injecting through at least one injection well a solvent into the reservoir to dilute the hydrocarbons contained in the pre-conditioned portion, and producing through at least one production well a mixture of hydrocarbons and solvent. An apparatus for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises at least one radio frequency antenna configured to transmit radio frequency energy into a subterranean reservoir, a power source to provide power to the at least one radio frequency antenna, at least one injection well configured to inject a solvent from a solvent supply source into the subterranean reservoir to lower the viscosity of the hydrocarbons, and at least one production well configured to produce a mixture comprising hydrocarbons and solvent from the subterranean reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: MARK TRAUTMAN, DERIK EHRESMAN, NEIL EDMUNDS, GEORGE TAYLOR, MAURO CIMOLAI
  • Publication number: 20140196896
    Abstract: Enhanced oil recovery techniques include introduction of alkali metal silicides into subterranean reservoirs to generate hydrogen gas, heat, and alkali metal silicate solutions in situ upon contact with water. The alkali metal silicides, such as sodium silicide, are used to recover hydrocarbons, including heavier crudes where viscosity and low reservoir pressure are limiting factors. Hydrogen, which is miscible with the crude oil and can beneficiate the heavier fractions into lighter fractions naturally or with addition of catalytic materials, is generated in-situ. It. Heat is also generated at the reaction site to reduce viscosity and promote crude beneficiation. The resulting alkaline silicate solution saponifies acidic crude components to form surfactants which emulsify the crude to improve mobility toward a production well. The silicate promotes profile modification passively via consumptive reactions or actively via addition of acidic gelling agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SIGNA CHEMISTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Paul H. Krumrine, James S. Falcone, Michael Lefenfeld
  • Patent number: 8770292
    Abstract: Heatable wellbore material, e.g., cements, polymers, composites, and epoxies, and systems and methods using heatable material, which, in certain aspects, are methods for cementing casing in a wellbore with such cement, the heatable material, in some aspects, being one or a combination of electrically resistively heatable material, microwave heatable material, and/or material heatable by the application thereto of a magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Guy L. McClung, III
  • Patent number: 8763702
    Abstract: A device for dissipating heat away from a heat sensitive component includes a heat dissipation member thermally coupled to a heat sensitive component. The heat dissipation member may be formed of a composite material. In aspects, the device may be include an enclosure coupled to a conveyance device; a heat sensitive component disposed in the enclosure; and a composite heat dissipation member thermally coupled to the heat sensitive component. The composite heat dissipation member may include a metal and a non-metal. The apparatus may also include an encapsulation substantially encapsulating the heat dissipation member and the heat sensitive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Andreas Peter
  • Publication number: 20140175272
    Abstract: A disclosed remote work system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a narrowband light pulse received from the light source to a converted spectrum light pulse. The system also includes a work element coupled to the nonlinear light converter. The work element performs a work operation using the converted spectrum light pulse. A related remote work method includes generating a narrowband light pulse and conveying the narrowband light pulse to a remote location. The method also includes converting the narrowband light pulse to a converted spectrum light pulse at the remote location. The method also includes performing a sense operation or work operation at the remote location using the converted spectrum light pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. ("HESI")
    Inventors: Etienne M. Samson, John L. Maida
  • Publication number: 20140166281
    Abstract: Systems and methods generate steam in hydrocarbon recovery operations and may further enable emulsion separation and product upgrading. The methods rely on indirect boiling of water by contact with a thermal transfer liquid heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Examples of the liquid include oils, recovered hydrocarbons, liquid metals and brine. Heating of the liquid may utilize circulation of the liquid across or through a furnace, heat exchangers, or a gas-liquid contactor supplied with hot gas. Further, a solvent for bitumen introduced into the water may also vaporize upon contact with the thermal transfer liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. LARKIN, Peter N. SLATER, Christopher R. COPELAND, Richard D. SADOK
  • Publication number: 20140151028
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon resource recovery system for a laterally extending wellbore in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an electrically conductive well pipe extending within the laterally extending wellbore. The hydrocarbon resource recovery system may further include an RF transmission line coupled to the RF source and extending alongside in parallel with an exterior of the electrically conductive well pipe within the laterally extending wellbore. The RF transmission line may be coupled to the electrically conductive well pipe to define an RF antenna for heating the hydrocarbon resources within the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Parsche
  • Patent number: 8739866
    Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen and/or extra-heavy oil from an underground deposit is provided. The energy for producing the steam and for the electric heating is generated in situ, for which purpose part of the extracted bitumen and/or extra-heavy oil is burned in an industrial turbine with a downstream generator coupled to the turbine. The industrial turbine may be a gas turbine or a steam turbine. In particular the industrial turbine with downstream generator is assigned a waste heat recovery steam generator which serves for generating the steam and accordingly takes the form of a boiler. Through intermediate storage of the bitumen and/or ultra-heavy oil produced it is possible to implement a self-contained closed circuit which operates autonomously, independently of any external energy supply, using approx. 20% of the extracted bitumen and/or extra-heavy oil for the purposes of extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Huber, Bernd Wacker
  • Patent number: 8739874
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some embodiments generally relate to systems, methods, and/or processes for treating fluid produced from the subsurface formation. Some methods include providing heat to a first section of the hydrocarbon containing formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation; allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to heat a portion of the first section to mobilize formation fluid; and producing formation fluid from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ernesto Rafael Fonseca Ocampos, John Michael Karanikas, Duncan Charles MacDonald, Ernest E. Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8739875
    Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool or cold water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Heat On-The-Fly, LLC
    Inventor: Ransom Mark Hefley
  • Publication number: 20140144626
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus produce steam and, more particularly, utilize untreated feedwater as a source for steam used in steam assisted gravity drainage. Superheated steam, produced from treated feedwater in a boiler, is used to vaporize untreated feedwater that would otherwise foul a boiler. Contaminants in the untreated water can them be removed as solids or concentrated brine. The vaporization process occurs in stages to allow for the use of a higher fraction of untreated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: Scott MACADAM
  • Patent number: 8733437
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a method for recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir is provided. The method includes drilling an injector well to be in communication with a reservoir having one or more production wells in communication with the reservoir, installing casing in the injector well, cementing the casing, perforating the casing, positioning a downhole steam generator in the casing, flowing fuel, oxidant and water to the downhole steam generator to intermittently produce a combustion product and/or a vaporization product in the reservoir, flowing injectants to the reservoir, and producing hydrocarbons through the one or more production wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: World Energy Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Myron I. Kuhlman, Marvin J. Schneider, Norman W. Hein, Jr., Anthony Gus Castrogiovanni, Allen R. Harrison, Sharon Mayes
  • Publication number: 20140138093
    Abstract: A subsea hydrocarbon cooling and heat transfer system is provided. The system includes one or more subsea hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers arranged in heat exchange communication between a hydrocarbon process fluid and a cooling medium fluid, a cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system connected to the hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers, and a subsea cooling unit for cooling the cooling medium fluid. After passing through one of said heat exchangers, a heated cooling medium can act as a heat transfer fluid to re-heat another hydrocarbon process fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: RICHARD JOHN MOORE
  • Publication number: 20140138094
    Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, Thomas F. Bailey, Melvin T. Jacobs, Nicky A. White
  • Patent number: 8726998
    Abstract: A BOP heating method includes operating a coiled tubing unit (CTU) using hydraulic fluid. The fluid is supplied from the CTU to an exchange tube and returned from the exchange tube to the CTU. The method includes transmitting heat from the fluid to an inner plate. Heat is transmitted from the inner plate to a BOP on which the inner plate is temporarily mounted. A BOP heating system includes a CTU configured to use hydraulic fluid, a supply tube configured to supply fluid from the CTU to an exchange tube, and a return tube configured to return fluid from the exchange tube to the CTU. A BOP heat exchange unit includes an outer plate and an inner plate, an exchange tube between the outer plate and the inner plate, and a heat spreading material between the exchange tube and the inner plate. The exchange unit lacks any electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jim Colquhoun, Sam Robb
  • Patent number: 8726986
    Abstract: A method for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a laterally extending wellbore therein may include supplying radio frequency (RF) power at a settable frequency from an RF radiator positioned within the laterally extending wellbore to heat the hydrocarbon resource and start formation of a steam bubble adjacent the laterally extending wellbore while sensing an impedance matching value of the RF radiator. The method may also include lowering the settable frequency at least one time based upon the sensed impedance matching value as the steam bubble grows. The frequency may rise after the steam bubble is formed and induction heating operation occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Publication number: 20140131044
    Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna positioned within the wellbore. The RF antenna may include a superconductive material. The device may include an RF source configured to supply RF power to the RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis E. Parsche
  • Publication number: 20140131028
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an apparatus to efficiently provide a means to heat liquid in the oil and gas fields, specifically fracking operations. The apparatus described herein provides reservoir heaters connected via reservoir transfer tubes and a heat source, located at the bottom of the apparatus, which thoroughly heats liquid as the liquid travels from the bottom of the apparatus to the top of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Shane D. Wood, Denton L. Buss
  • Publication number: 20140131032
    Abstract: A method is for producing hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having therein an injector well and a producer well adjacent the injector well. The method may include conductively heating the subterranean formation by causing a current flow between the injector and producer wells, RF heating the subterranean formation after conductive heating by supplying RF power from at least the injector well, and producing the hydrocarbon resources from the producer well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tim W. Dittmer
  • Patent number: 8720545
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Iblings, Thomas F. Bailey, Ram K. Bansal, Adrian Steiner, Michael Lynch, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20140124204
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for low emission (in-situ) heavy oil production, using a compound heat medium, comprising products of combustion of a fuel mixture with an oxidant and a moderator, mixed with steam generated from direct contact of hot combustion products with water, under pressure. The compound heat medium, comprising mainly CO2 and steam, is injected at pressure into a hydrocarbon reservoir, where steam condenses out of the compound heat medium releasing heat to the reservoir. The condensate is produced with the hydrocarbon as a hydrocarbon/water mixture or emulsion. Non-condensable gases, primarily CO2, from the compound heat medium may remain in the reservoir through void replacement, leakage to adjacent geological strata. Beneficially, any CO2 produced is recovered at pressure, for use in other processes, or for disposal by sequestration. Produced water is recovered and recycled as a moderator and steam generating medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Orion Projects Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. O'CONNOR, Cameron HARDY
  • Publication number: 20140124162
    Abstract: A mobile heat dispersion system for preventing liquid conduits from freezing in cold environments, such as on frac pads, including a self-contained heating system formed of a forced air heater operatively connected to a fabric heat duct system and a heat entrapment cage enclosing both the liquid conduit to be protected and the fabric heat duct system, and a process for use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew B. Leavitt
  • Patent number: 8708046
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recovering and using geothermal energy. Such methods include at least partially vaporizing a working fluid by passing it through a flow loop that at least partially extends into a heated subterranean zone and employing the vaporized working fluid to power a turbine. At least a portion of the flow loop can comprise a depleted or partially depleted hydrocarbon well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Carl T. Montgomery, Daniel R. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20140110109
    Abstract: Systems and methods generate steam from produced water by passing the produced water through first and second steam generators coupled together. The first steam generator produces wet steam in which a liquid effluent with impurities of the produced water passes to the second steam generator. The second steam generator combusts fuel and oxidant in direct contact with the liquid effluent. The first and second steam generators limit fouling and waste while providing a combined steam output that may include combustion products from only the second steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Conocophillips Company
    Inventors: Edward G. LATIMER, Michelle R. FIEDLER
  • Publication number: 20140110103
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the recovery of hydrocarbon deposit includes the step of sensing a material property of an underground volume. A three-dimensional map identifying the spatial variation in the sensed material property of the underground volume is generated. Propagating electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in the volume based on the map. The propagating electromagnetic radiation transmission is varied in at least one of frequency, polarization, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, mode, and phase in response to the variation in the material property of a region within the volume to which the propagating electromagnetic radiation is directed. Accordingly, the volume is heated in a spatially varying manner to heat material in the volume and thereby induce the flow of hydrocarbon deposits from the volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8701773
    Abstract: Solar energy is collected and used for various industrial processes, such as oilfield applications, e.g. generating steam that is injected downhole, enabling enhanced oil recovery. Solar energy is indirectly collected using a heat transfer fluid in a solar collector, delivering heat to a heat exchanger that in turn delivers heat into oilfield feedwater, producing hotter water or steam. Solar energy is directly collected by directly generating steam with solar collectors, and then injecting the steam downhole. Solar energy is collected to preheat water that is then fed into fuel-fired steam generators that in turn produce steam for downhole injection. Solar energy is collected to produce electricity via a Rankine cycle turbine generator, and rejected heat warms feedwater for fuel-fired steam generators. Solar energy is collected (directly or indirectly) to deliver heat to a heater-treater, with optional fuel-fired additional heat generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: GlassPoint Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Stuart M. Heisler, David Bruce Jackson
  • Patent number: 8701771
    Abstract: A downhole heated fluid generation system includes an air subsystem having at least one of an air compressor and an air flow control valve; a fuel subsystem having at least one of a fuel compressor and a fuel flow control valve; a treatment fluid subsystem having a fluid pump; a combustor fluidly coupled to at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem, and operable to provide a heated fluid into a wellbore; and a controller operable to receive an input representing a heated fluid parameter; determine a virtual heated fluid generation rate based at least partially on the heated fluid parameter; and control at least one of the air subsystem, the fuel subsystem, or the treatment fluid subsystem by the virtual heated fluid generation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 8701772
    Abstract: A downhole heated fluid generation system includes: a compressor-valve assembly having a compressor and a valve, the assembly operable to compress and regulate a fluid used in generating a heated treatment fluid; a combustor fluidly coupled to the compressor-valve assembly, the combustor operable to provide the heated treatment fluid into a wellbore; and a controller communicably coupled to the compressor-valve assembly, the controller operable to: determine an input indicative of a desired position of the valve; determine a value indicative of an actual position of the valve; determine a desired operating condition of the compressor based, at least in part, on the input indicative of the desired position of the valve and the value indicative of an actual position of the valve; and adjust an operating parameter of the compressor based on the desired operating pressure to compress a fluid flowing through the compressor and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 8701760
    Abstract: A method for using RF energy to facilitate the production of oil from formations separated from the RF energy source by a rock stratum comprises operating an antenna to transmit RF energy into a hydrocarbon formation, the hydrocarbon formation comprised of a first hydrocarbon portion above and adjacent to the antenna, a second hydrocarbon portion above the first hydrocarbon portion, and a rock stratum between the first hydrocarbon portion and the second hydrocarbon portion. The operation of the antenna heats water in the hydrocarbon formation to produce steam in the hydrocarbon formation, and the steam heats hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon formation and fractures the rock stratum to produce fissures in the rock stratum. The heated hydrocarbons in the second hydrocarbon portion flows into the first hydrocarbon portion through the fissures in the rock stratum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 8699227
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transfer of heat energy in a well logging tool, where a variable heat flow from a chamber for electronics via a thermovalve is transmitted into a heat sink consisting of cooled metal, thereby establishing an approximately constant temperature in the chamber for electronics. The device comprises an electronics modular unit and a heat sink modular unit, which modular units are connected via an intermediate section, where a heat-regulating thermovalve provides heat conduction between a conical piston and a conical piston seat, for transferring heat energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Norwegian Well Solutions AS
    Inventor: Thomas Hovik
  • Patent number: 8678081
    Abstract: A downhole tool such as a bridge or frac plug includes a combination anvil and coupler that forms both the anvil or bottom stop on a mandrel, and a coupler to attach a burn device. One or more members, including a packer ring, can be disposed on the mandrel and movable with respect to the central mandrel along a longitudinal axis of the central mandrel. The combination anvil and coupler includes an upper attachment section attached to the mandrel, an upper surface against which the members are compressed, and a lower attachment section attached to a burn device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall W. Nish