With Electrical Means Patents (Class 166/65.1)
  • Patent number: 9000940
    Abstract: An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Kenneth J. Theimer
  • Patent number: 8997891
    Abstract: An earth boring apparatus includes a drill rod, a source for a drill fluid, and a voltage source. The drill rod has a hollow rod casing provided for throughflow of the drill fluid, and a conductor located within the rod casing, with the voltage source being connected with the conductor and the rod casing. The voltage source is so connected as to prevent the electric conductor to act as anode in the event the drill fluid establishes an electrically conductive connection between the rod casing and the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Schauerte
  • Publication number: 20150090452
    Abstract: An assembly with a shock inducing tool and shock sensitive components. The assembly includes a shock mitigator that is constructed in a manner that allows a communication line to stretch across an interface of the mitigator between a housing for the components and the shock inducing tool. So, for example, where the tool is a perforating gun, power and/or communication with the tool need not be sacrificed for in exchange for safeguarding electronic components of the housing with the mitigator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Fahira Sangare, John E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8994549
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for facilitating oilfield operations utilizing auditory data. In one embodiment, the present invention generates one or more auditory mapping structures whereby oilfield data may be mapped to sounds. The present invention provides at least one computer generated selection tool through which the user may select one or more portions of displayed oilfield data for auditory enhancement. Once the user has indicated an area of interest using the selection tool, the present invention may identify the oilfield data displayed within the outlined area of interest, identify auditory data associated with the displayed oilfield data utilizing one or more auditory mapping structures, and emit at least a portion of the identified auditory data to enhance the user's understanding of the displayed oilfield data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos F. P. Rocha, Flavio Ivan Da Silva
  • Publication number: 20150083399
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the health of a downhole electrical system including a umbilical cable that connects a downhole electric tool to a power source or controller includes delivering electric signals, such as voltage pulses, to the downhole electric tool, which may be an electric submersible pump. The signals are delivered via the cable from a signal generator and are partially reflected by impedance mismatches in the cable or at other points in the system. Each such partially reflected signal, or response signal, is received by a controller and compared to the delivered electric signals to determine a condition of the power transmission cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Linley FRIPP, Jason DYKSTRA, Fanping BU
  • Publication number: 20150083407
    Abstract: A method for removal of fluid from a subterranean formation is provided, the method including the steps of: providing a wellbore from the surface to within the formation: providing a pump in the wellbore capable of removing fluid from the wellbore to a surface location; establishing a pump performance function as pump curves; measuring at least one variable that establishes where the pump is operating on the pump curve; determining the differential pressure across the pump from the measured variable and the digital power and the flow rate; determining the suction side pressure from the differential pressure across the pump and the vertical height of the annular fluid column of the fluid column above the pump; determining the suction side fluid level from the suction side pressure and the fluid density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Harrison STORM
  • Publication number: 20150083410
    Abstract: A system for determining the orientation of a casing string in a wellbore. The system includes a downhole tool disposed interiorly of the casing string in a known orientation relative to at least one feature of the casing string. A sensor module is operably associated with the downhole tool and is configured to obtain data relating to the orientation of the casing string. A communication module is operably associated with the sensor module. The communication module is configured to transmit information to a surface location, wherein, the information corresponds to the data obtained by the sensor module relating to the orientation of the casing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 8985972
    Abstract: An electric motor of an electric submersible pump is electrically isolated from a power conduit for diagnostic testing of the power conduit and wet connection components in place within a wellbore. The electric motor is electrically connected to the power conduit through a wet connection assembly having motor leads in electrical connection with a transfer contact and a receptacle assembly disposed on a tubing string having a supply contact electrically connected to the power conduit. Electric power flows through the power conduit, through the supply contact, through the transfer contact, and through the motor leads to the motor. The supply contact and the transfer contact are separated by a sliding sleeve that hydraulically inserts between the contacts, insulating the transfer contact and grounding the supply contact for testing. The contacts may also be separated by a relative rotation of the assemblies that grounds the supply contact for testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven K. Tetzlaff, John Bearden, Ken Bebak, William H. Milne
  • Patent number: 8988030
    Abstract: This disclosure is drawn to methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to power control in applications over long cables. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to power control that considers the maximum power available at the end of a long cable (or from a battery) to a load over a broad range of load conditions. Some example systems may include a power supply located at the Earth's surface and a power converter coupled to the power supply via a cable having a first end coupled to the power supply and a second end coupled to the power converter. Some example power converters may be configured to measure the power being consumed by the electrical load in the well, and adjust operating parameter(s) of the electrical load based, at least in part, on the maximum power available at the second end of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon Hernandez Marti, John Parry, Dudi Rendusara
  • Publication number: 20150075769
    Abstract: A set of equipment for extracting highly viscous oil comprises a pump-compressor string with an oil-pump drive placed therewithin and an arrangement consisting of an oil pump, a perforated string section with a pump anchor, and a downhole tool, which is in the form of a cylindrical body, mounted consecutively on the mentioned string. A hermetic cavity and an annular chamber with radial channels are arranged consecutively in the mentioned body. A high-frequency elastic-oscillation source in the form of an ultrasonic converter is arranged in the hermetic cavity of the body. The hermetic cavity along the axis of the arrangement is provided with a tie bar having an internal through channel leading into the annular chamber. A distributing device in the form of a movable bushing is mounted on the external surface of the body. The downhole tool is connected by an electric cable to an above-ground electric power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: OBSCHESTVO S OGRANICHENNOI OTVETSVENNOSTJU "VIATECH"
    Inventors: Anna Vladimirovna Abramova, Maya Vladimirovna Bayazitova, Andrei Andreevich Pechkov, Yury Alekseevitch Saltykov
  • Publication number: 20150075783
    Abstract: Embodiments of a bottomhole assembly BHA for completion of a wellbore are deployed on electrically-enabled coiled tubing (CT) and permit components of the BHA to be independently electrically actuated from surface for completion of multiple zones in a single trip using a single BHA having at least two electrically-actuated variable diameter packers. One or both of the packers may be actuated to expand or retract for opening and closing off a variety of flowpaths between the BHA and the wellbore, in new wellbores, old wellbores, cased wellbores, wellbores with sleeves and in openhole wellbores. Additional components in the BHA, which may also be electrically-actuated or powered, permit perforating, locating of the BHA in the wellbore such as using casing collar locators and microseismic monitoring in real time or in memory mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Per Angman, Mark Andreychuk, Allan Petrella
  • Publication number: 20150075770
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a well tool. The well tool system includes a receiving tool disposed in a wellbore tubular. The receiving tool is configured to transition from an inactive state to an active state in response to a triggering signal. The well tool system further includes a transmitting tool at a surface and proximate to the receiving tool. The transmitting tool is configured to wirelessly transmit the triggering signal to the receiving tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zahd Kabir, Thomas Jules Frosell, Zachary Ryan Murphree
  • Patent number: 8973657
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining fluid samples in a subterranean wellbore comprises a carrier assembly configured to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore; a sampling chamber operably associated with the carrier assembly; a pressure assembly coupled to the sampling chamber and configured to pressurize a fluid sample obtained in the sampling chamber, wherein the pressure assembly is configured to contain a pressure generating agent; an activation mechanism configured to activate the pressure generating agent; and a power device operably associated with the carrier assembly and configured to provide an impulse for activating the activation mechanism, wherein the power device is not disposed on the pressure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. Miller, Cyrus A. Irani
  • Publication number: 20150060041
    Abstract: An electronic frame for use in a downhole component coupling mechanism in a segmented wired pipe system includes a first frame element including at least one retaining structure configured to retain an electronic component. The frame also includes a sealed chamber disposed in the frame element, the sealed chamber including inputs to receive input signals from communication elements and either couple the inputs together or direct the input signals to control electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephan Mueller, Ingo Roders, Robert Buda, Henning Rahn, Volker Peters, Hans Oppelaar, Rene Schulz, Detlev Benedict
  • Publication number: 20150060042
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump and pump system including additively manufactures structures and method of manufacture are disclosed. The pump system including the electric submersible pump and an electric motor configured to operate the electric submersible pump. The electric submersible pump including a housing, at least one impeller and at least one diffuser disposed within the housing in cooperative engagement. The housing, the at least one impeller, and the at least one diffuser defining an internal volume configured to receive a fluid. At least one of the at least one impeller and the at least one diffuser configured as a monolithic additively manufactured structure comprised of a metal matrix composite. Also provided is an electric submersible pump including an impeller and a diffuser, wherein at least one of the impeller and the diffuser is configured as a monolithic additively manufactured structure comprised of a tungsten carbide (WC) dispersed in a metal matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vijay Shilpiekandula, James William Sears, Yanzhe Yang, Hongqing Sun, Farshad Ghasripoor
  • Publication number: 20150060083
    Abstract: Systems and methods for artificial lift via a downhole piezoelectric pump are disclosed herein. The methods include methods of removing a wellbore liquid from a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation and/or methods of locating the downhole piezoelectric pump within the wellbore. The systems include hydrocarbon wells that include the wellbore, a casing, the downhole piezoelectric pump, and a liquid discharge conduit and the systems may be utilized with and/or configured to perform the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Federico A. Tavarez, Randy C. Tolman
  • Patent number: 8967248
    Abstract: A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) sensor coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include operating the RF sensor at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively sense at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Eugene Parsche, Mark Trautman
  • Patent number: 8967294
    Abstract: A method and a system may be provided. The system may include: a drilling pipe that comprises an inner space; a telemetry system, arranged to (a) sense drilling information about an underground drilling process that is executed by the system, and (b) transmit the drilling information to an entity that is located outside the drilling pipe; a rechargeable battery arranged to provide power to at least one telemetry module of the telemetry system; and a controller, arranged to control a provision of power to the at least one telemetry module and to control a charging of the rechargeable battery. Wherein the at least one telemetry module, the rechargeable battery and the controller are shaped and sized to be positioned within the inner space of the drilling pipe. The battery and controller can also be mounted in the drilling collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: R&B Industrial Supply Company
    Inventors: Vladimir Rozenblit, Vadim Buryakovsky, Andre Etienne Orban, Daniel Maurice Lerner, Charles Ian McAndrew, Mariusz Thomas Zientarski
  • Publication number: 20150053400
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid are described herein. One such apparatus includes a chamber that contains the first fluid and the second fluid. The apparatus also includes a piston that is positioned within the chamber and that is movable within the chamber. The piston can move back and forth to mix the first fluid and the second fluid together. The apparatus further includes a restrictor that provides for controlled movement of the piston and thus protects the piston and other components of the apparatus during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: RONALD E. G. VAN HAL, JAGDISH SHAH, VICTORIA LEE
  • Publication number: 20150053392
    Abstract: An economical connection to the electrical conductors extending from a wellhead penetrator is disclosed allowing several forms of connection using a flexible fitting attached to the wellhead enclosing the conductors extending out of the wellhead and allowing the connection to the surface conductors. Because of the flexibility of the braided fitting attached to the tubular connector sleeve, the splice of the electrical conductors can be accomplished quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Tod D. EMERSON, Robert K. HALBERT, Jim WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8960272
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) applicator may be rotated during positioning within a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The wellbore may have at least one bend therein. The RF applicator may include a series of tubular conductors, and a respective bendable tubular dielectric coupler rotationally interlocking opposing ends of adjacent ones of the series of tubular conductors to define a tubular antenna. The RF applicator may include at least one RF feed conductor extending within the tubular antenna and connected to the series of tubular conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Wright, Murray Hann, Raymond Hewit
  • Patent number: 8960271
    Abstract: Communications cable is provided for use in downhole wells wherein the cable will be exposed to a temperature of at least 280° C., the cable including as a component thereof a composition comprising melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer and melt flowable polytetrafluoroethylene, said polytetrafluoroethylene by itself having no tensile property and being present in said composition in an amount effective to enable the component to withstand this temperature, with the high temperature exposure of the cable component being effective to thermally transform the composition in the solid state, thereby obtaining epitaxial co-crystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Jacob Lahijani
  • Publication number: 20150047854
    Abstract: A bulkhead connector assembly for assembly within a downhole tool to isolate a dry side of the downhole tool from a fluid side of the downhole tool and to allow electrical communication therebetween. The bulkhead connector assembly comprises a bulkhead comprising holes extending therethrough, wherein the bulkhead is adapted to form a fluid seal against an inside surface of the downhole tool. Terminals extend through the bulkhead, wherein an end of each terminal is in electrical communication with one of a plurality of electrical wires. Boots each extend about the end of a corresponding one of the terminals. A retaining block has holes each receiving one of the boots. A housing positioned around the retaining block is coupled to the bulkhead, thus positionally fixing the retaining block relative to the bulkhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: IMPACT SELECTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Allen Hradecky, John Hall
  • Publication number: 20150047844
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Publication number: 20150041150
    Abstract: A tubular joint elevator includes a ringed portion configured to lift a tubular joint. The elevator includes an elevating mechanism disposed adjacent to the ringed portion, and configured to elevate the tubular joint. In some embodiments, the elevator includes first, second, and third doors. The elevator includes a first locking member, and the first door includes a first locking recess. The first locking member is axially displaceable between an advanced position and a retracted position such that it is either received in or separated from the first locking recess. The third door includes a locking pin, and the first door comprises a locking hole. The third door is longitudinally displaceable between a first position and a second position such that the locking pin is either separated from, or received in, the locking hole. Methods of using the same are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stanislaw Casimir Sulima, Beat KÜTTEL, Faisal J. Yousef
  • Publication number: 20150041149
    Abstract: Downhole tools, such as MWD modules (or components), may be coupled together with a coupler (or coupling device) having a shall housing with slidable electrical connectors disposed at each end. The electrical connectors may each be supported in connector housings disposed with springs or other movable devices. In a first position, the electrical connectors may extend past the ends of the shaft housing. The slidable connector housings allow the electrical connections to he made before the sleeves connecting (or mechanically connecting) the MWD modules with the coupler are begun to be threadedly attached with the coupler. Each of the connector housings may have a key configuration on their exposed end. The shaft housing may also have key configurations on its ends. The key configurations of the connector housings and the shaft housing may he configured to mate with compatible ends of MWD modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: R. Paul Deere, Abraham Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8950503
    Abstract: A control system for use in a subterranean well comprises at least one power generation device positioned within the subterranean well, the at least one power generation device adapted to supply electrical power to at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well and at least one control line positioned in the subterranean well. The at least one control line connects each power generation device to surface and is adapted to supply a hydraulic pressure applied from surface to the at least one power generation device from which the at least one power generation device generates the electrical power to be supplied to the at least one apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Purkis
  • Publication number: 20150034320
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method for extracting oil from a near-depleted oil well. A portable natural gas, methane, or petroleum reformer is brought to a site of the oil well. A quantity of natural gas, methane, or a portion of the locally produced petroleum and a quantity of water is fed into the reformer. The natural gas, methane, or petroleum is reacted with the water in the reformer to generate a driver gas containing a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas. The driver gas is compressed to a pressure appropriate for the oil well, the driver gas is injected into the oil well, and the oil is recovered from the near-depleted oil well. In one embodiment, sulfur is first removed from the natural gas or crude petroleum. Another embodiment is a method for generating electricity without greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Robert M. Zubrin, Mark H. Berggren, Douwe Bruinsma
  • Publication number: 20150027684
    Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a pipe downhole in a well is provided. The centralizer includes a plurality of arcuate cuffs having first and second ends. The cuffs are affixed adjacent to the pipe's exterior wall, and positioned circumferentially adjacent around the pipe. The cuffs are flexible so as to be positioned in a first condition wherein the cuffs are retracted radially inward so as to be substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall. The centralizer includes a lock for maintaining the cuffs substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall until the centralizer has been transported downhole. Further, the centralizer includes an actuator for unlocking the lock so as to allow the cuffs to expand radially outward to form a loop wherein the loop has a central axis parallel to pipe's longitudinal axis. Preferably, the centralizer includes a collar causing the cuffs to all expand or retract together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: SCOTT E. JEWETT, DAVID G. DUCKWORTH
  • Publication number: 20150027685
    Abstract: A tubular section and a system including the tubular section are described. The tubular section includes a first tubular member including a threaded pin section and a second tubular member, the second tubular member including a threaded box section configured to mate with the threaded pin section. The tubular section also includes a shoulder ring disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, wherein a wall thickness of at least a portion of the shoulder ring is greater than a smallest wall thickness of the threaded pin section of the first tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Volker Peters, Detlev Benedict, Robert Buda, Stephan Mueller, Henning Rahn, Rene Schulz
  • Publication number: 20150021016
    Abstract: A device is taught for measuring and wirelessly transmitting one or more parameters during wellbore operations. The device comprises a torque sub releasably connected to a top drive at a first end and having a second end such that the torque sub rotates with the rotating top drive, one or more sensors for measuring rotational, torque and torsion parameters, a wireless power source and a signal transmitter connected to the one or more sensors for wireless transmission of data collected by the one or more sensors to a computer. Systems and methods are also provided for connecting threaded tubulars for use in a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: MCCOY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bing Deng, Murray Gerwing, Gerhard Oberforcher, Trent Michael Schatz
  • Patent number: 8936108
    Abstract: Downhole cutting systems, devices and methods for utilizing 10 kW or more laser energy transmitted deep into the earth with the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems and devices for the laser cutting operations within a borehole in the earth. These systems and devices can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to perform cutting operations in such boreholes deep within the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
  • Publication number: 20150013963
    Abstract: An insulating component for inclusion in a down hole drill string comprising: a first part or connected group of parts, the first part or group of parts including a first connection site (4); a second part or connected group of parts, the second part or group of parts including a second connection site (6); a first right-hand threaded connection (10) located between the first connection site and the second connection site; and a second, left-hand threaded connection (12) located between the first connection site and the second connection site, wherein the first part or group of parts is electrically insulated from the second part or group of parts through insulating material provided between the first part or group of parts and the second part or group of parts, so that the first (4) and second (6) connection sites are electrically insulated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 8931549
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods of oil and gas well logging, monitoring, and the field of electrically powering submersible devices like electrical motors in oil and gas wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 8931548
    Abstract: A modular tool for use in subterranean formations includes a first module, a second module and one or more connectors for connecting the first and second modules. In particular, the first module includes a first collar that at least partially defines an exterior of the tool and that includes a first engagement mechanism at a first end of the collar and a second engagement mechanism at a second end of the collar. The first module also includes a fluid passageway for passing drilling fluid therethrough. The second module has a similar configuration as includes similar architecture. The one or more connectors facilitate the connection of at least one flowline fluidly connected to an exterior of the tool, and an electrical pathway for transmitting power and/or data between the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ashers Partouche, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Albert Hoefel, Kent D. Harms
  • Patent number: 8931552
    Abstract: A cable and tubing suspends an electrically powered tool in a borehole and provides the tool with electrical power. The cable is disposed in the tubing, and the cable incorporates a conducting member which carries the majority of the tensile stress on the cable without the cable being secured along its length to the inside of the tubing. The cable may be capable of supplying high voltage electrical power, in which case the cable comprises a conducting member having a steel core, an outer cladding of copper, and at least one insulating layer surrounding the outer cladding of copper. The copper makes up between 20% and 40% of the total metal content of the cable, the cable being able to support at least its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: AccessESP UK Limited
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Publication number: 20150007975
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. McMillon, Robert M. Neely, Gregory T. Werkheiser
  • Patent number: 8925631
    Abstract: A technique facilitates use and installation of a large bore completion system. The technique comprises providing infrastructure during an initial completion stage and deploying a monitoring system. Based on data from the monitoring system, an intelligent completion may later be deployed as necessary to control production, injection, or other well related fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh Patel
  • Patent number: 8925627
    Abstract: A method of producing an umbilical includes providing an elongate flat metal strip, providing an elongate service carrier, encasing the service carrier in an insulation that is strain tolerant and high temperature tolerant, forming the metal strip into a tube shape around the insulated service carrier, and thereafter welding the edges of the metal strip to form a tube surrounding the insulated service carrier. The method may further comprise coiling the umbilical onto a spool. Such an umbilical may be useful for carrying fluids, power, control signals, or the like into a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Composite Technology Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Tupper, Craig Hazelton, Robert Worrall, Kimiko Kano, Matthew W. Hooker, Naseem A. Munshi
  • Publication number: 20150000892
    Abstract: A downhole-adjusting impact apparatus (DATA) mechanically coupled between opposing first and second portions of a tool string, wherein: the tool string is conveyable within a wellbore extending between a wellsite surface and a subterranean formation; the first tool string portion comprises a first electrical conductor in electrical communication with surface equipment disposed at the wellsite surface; the DATA comprises a second electrical conductor in electrical communication with the first electrical conductor; and the DATA is operable to: detect an electrical characteristic of the second electrical conductor; impart a first impact force on the second tool string portion when the electrical characteristic is detected; and impart a second impact force on the second tool string portion when the electrical characteristic is not detected, wherein the second impact force is substantially greater than the first impact force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: IMPACT SELECTOR, INC.
    Inventor: Jason Allen Hradecky
  • Publication number: 20140374088
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power at the surface and in a wellbore may include a downhole tool conveyed into the wellbore and a battery bank conveyed by the downhole tool. The battery bank may include a plurality of battery cells, wherein at least two cells of the plurality of battery cells have substantially different power responses to a change in an ambient temperature at the downhole tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Kruspe
  • Publication number: 20140367120
    Abstract: A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas KRUSPE, Joachim F. OPPELT
  • Patent number: 8910716
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a tubular is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a retrievable communication device configured to be conveyed to a selected location in the tubular downhole. The apparatus also includes a control node configured to communicate with the retrievable communication device at the selected location, a flow control device coupled to and controlled by the control node and a sensor coupled to the control node, wherein the sensor and flow control device are downhole of the control node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Newton, Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8905137
    Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi Zhang, Jun Chen, Mingshe Wang, Xuanguo Liu, Ping Tang, Meng He, Jiangyang Wang, Tao Chen, Wei Xie, Zhongcai Liang, Yinchun Liu, Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 8905147
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: at least a first material, wherein the first material: (A) is a metal or a metal alloy; and (B) is capable of at least partially dissolving when an electrically conductive path exists between the first material and a second material and at least a portion of the first and second materials are in contact with an electrolyte, wherein the second material: (i) is a metal or metal alloy; and (ii) has a greater anodic index than the first material. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: contacting or allowing the wellbore isolation device to come in contact with an electrolyte; and allowing at least a portion of the first material to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fripp, Syed Hamid, Pete Dagenais
  • Publication number: 20140352941
    Abstract: A wired pipe system includes a wired pipe segment having a first end and a second end, a first coupler in the first end and a second coupler in the second end and a transmission line disposed in the wired pipe segment between the first and second ends. The transmission line includes a transmission cable that includes an inner conductor and an insulating material disposed about the inner conductor as well as a a wire channel surrounding the insulating material and the inner conductor for at least a portion of a length of the transmission cable. The wire channel and the insulating material are mated together by at least one mating feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephan Mueller, Volker Peters, Ingo Roders, Robert Buda, Rene Schulz, Henning Rahn
  • Publication number: 20140352981
    Abstract: A wellbore tool comprising a power supply, an electrical load, a receiving unit configured to passively receive a triggering signal, and a switching system electrically coupled to the power supply, the receiving unit, and the electrical load, wherein the switching system is configured to selectively transition from an inactive state to an active state in response to the triggering signal, from the active state to the active state in response to the triggering signal, or combinations thereof, wherein in the inactive state a circuit is incomplete and any route of electrical current flow between the power supply and the electrical load is disallowed, and wherein in the active state the circuit is complete and at least one route of electrical current flow between the power supply and the electrical load is allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Linley FRIPP, Donald KYLE, Archibald Linley FRIPP, Zachary William WALTON, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140352942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier (1) to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole, comprising a tubular part (6) for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, said tubular part having a longitudinal axis, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face, each end of the expandable sleeve being fastened to the tubular part by means of a connection part (12), an annual barrier space (13) between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve, an aperture in the tubular part or the connection part for letting fluid into the space in order to expand the sleeve, and a self-actuated device (14) arranged in the aperture having an open and a closed position. Furthermore the invention relates to a downhole system comprising a plurality of annular barriers according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallunbaek, Paul Hazel
  • Publication number: 20140352953
    Abstract: A downhole pump assembly for pumping production fluid to a surface of a well. The downhole pump assembly includes a fluid pump that is operable to pump the production fluid to the surface. An optical computing device having at least one integrated computational element and at least one detector. The at least one integrated computational element is configured to optically interact with the production fluid proximate the fluid pump and is configured to generate optically interacted light. The at least one detector is arranged to receive the optically interacted light and to generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the production fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Li Gao, Andrew Kurkjian, Christopher Michael Jones
  • Publication number: 20140338976
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Wei Jake XU, Albert C. ODELL, II, Simon J. HARRALL, Thomas M. REDLINGER, Christopher M. VREELAND, Andrew ANTOINE, David J. BRUNNERT, Tommy L. LAIRD, Michael J. MOODY, Frederick T. TILTON