Above Ground Apparatus Patents (Class 166/75.11)
  • Publication number: 20090095483
    Abstract: Installation for enhanced oil recovery comprising in succession: a polymer storage hopper, a grinding device and a pressurized injection pump. The grinding device has a chamber for grinding and draining the dispersed polymer comprising a rotor and a stator, and on all or part of the periphery of the chamber, a ring fed by a secondary water circuit. The ring communicates with the chamber for spraying of pressurised water on the blades of the stator. A method implementing the installation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: S.P.C.M. SA
    Inventors: Rene PICH, Philippe Jeronimo
  • Patent number: 7513307
    Abstract: A system and method to inject a combined aqueous or hydrocarbon-based liquid stream and a liquid carbon dioxide stream into a subterranean formation via a well using a single high-pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Team CO2 Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Randal L. Decker
  • Publication number: 20090078404
    Abstract: A tubing hanger apparatus includes a tubing hanger with a plurality of segments thereon that engage an annular groove of a tubing head thus preventing the tubing hanger from sliding down a well. The internal diameter wellhead bore is consistent from the master valve downward to the production casing. The tubing hanger has a plurality of annular seals which are expandable after insertion into the tubing head. A plurality of lock screws both expand the seals as well as prevent any further movement of the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger apparatus is situated below a master valve. Thus, coiled tubing or jointed tubing can be run down the well and landed below the master valve. The tubing hanger contains a back pressure valve, thus the master valve can be opened without releasing the formation pressure within the live well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas W. Schepp
  • Patent number: 7506685
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing oil or natural gas from the ground. In one example, the method may include reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate driver gas, and injecting the driver gas into the oil well. The reforming operation may include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming reaction fuel and water sources, with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into driver gas. In one example, the amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction to proceed. The driver gas may be used to help extract oil from the ground and especially oil from depleted oil wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Pioneer Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zubrin, Mark H. Berggren
  • Patent number: 7461700
    Abstract: A C-plate assembly for use in a cable-guided fishing assembly is disclosed. The disclosed invention provides a C-plate assembly in which a closure member is slidable from an open position, which allows a wellbore tubular or other item to be positioned in the cut-out section of the C-plate base, to a closed position, which closes the opening to the cut-out section and thereby prevents the wellbore tubular or other item from being unintentionally knocked free from the cut-out section during a fishing operation. The closure member is locked in place in the closed position by inserting the ends of a movable handle extending off of one side of the C-plate base into openings in the C-plate base. The ends of the movable handle are spring loaded to allow for the ends to be pulled out of the openings in the C-plate base such that the closure member can be “unlocked” and moved from a closed position to an open position during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: National Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventors: Jimmy G. Livingston, Jr., Jay K. Motley, Filiberto Garcia, C. Steven Isaacks, Noe Tony Cordova, James R. Streater, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080296011
    Abstract: A cam assisted centrifugal brake or clutch system provides increased mechanical advantage to improve the output torque relative to prior art devices such as leading brake shoes. The brake or clutch engagement is cammed radially outwardly to engage a brake housing in one direction and guided to a disengaged position in the other direction. Centrifugal forces retain the brake in the disengaged position. Embodiments of the present invention are applied as a backspin braking system that is incorporated into a drive head for a progressing cavity pump drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: OIL LIFT TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Vern A Hult
  • Publication number: 20080277121
    Abstract: A portable well treating fluid mixing system includes: a supply tank having an inlet receiving pneumatically conveyed dry treating material; a cyclone separator having an inlet coupled to the supply tank and receiving dust laden air from the supply tank, and having a first outlet venting clean air and having a second outlet venting solids; a collection container having a first inlet coupled to the cyclone separator second outlet and receiving solids from the cyclone separator and having an outlet; and, a pump having an inlet coupled to the collection container outlet and a pump outlet coupled to the supply tank. In operation, the system continuously conveys dust from the collection container back into the supply tank to maintain the separator in proper operating condition and minimizes venting of dust during the transfer of material to the supply tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Phillippi, Calvin Stegemoeller
  • Patent number: 7448456
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Shahin, Karsten Heidecke
  • Publication number: 20080251253
    Abstract: A method of cementing an off bottom liner including the steps of establishing a first flow blockage in the liner at a location down-hole of a cementing valve located in the side wall of the liner, opening the cementing valve which exposes openings in the sidewall of the liner, pumping cement down the liner and out through the openings in the sidewall of the liner, establishing a second flow blockage up-hole of the cementing valve, closing the cementing valve, opening the second flow blockage to establish fluid communication through the second flow blockage, and opening the first flow blockage to establish fluid communication through the first flow blockage. The steps of opening the first and second flow blockages are achieved by increasing the pressure in the liner above the blockages. In this way, it is possible to cement an off bottom liner and regain fluid communication to the wellbore below the liner without the need for any drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Lumbye
  • Patent number: 7377335
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the movement of drilling equipment between topographically adjacent drilling locations comprises positioning a transportable planar surface over the adjacent drilling locations between which it is desired to move the equipment. Ports or other access areas extending through the planar surface to the drilling locations below are provided. The equipment to be moved is placed on top of the planar surface and is provided on its bottom with a low-drag surface which can slide across the planar surface. The equipment can be moved from one desired drilling location to another by sliding it between locations on top of the planar surface. When all of the drilling is completed, the equipment can be struck for transport and the planar surface disassembled and moved to a new drilling area. Various methods to move the equipment could be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Bruce Jones, Robert Markle
  • Publication number: 20080118382
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus comprising a hydraulic cylinder assembly, a load connected to the cylinder, a reversible hydraulic pump assembly, a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid, first and second conduits for hydraulic fluid, and a control system. The hydraulic cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder sealed by an upper head and a lower head and carrying a piston which divides the hydraulic cylinder assembly into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The load is connected to the piston and urges it toward the lower head. The first conduit for hydraulic fluid connects the reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly. The second conduit for hydraulic fluid connects the reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Michael C. Ramsey, Michael L. Finley
  • Publication number: 20080066911
    Abstract: A mechanism for pressurized delivery of material into a well without exposure to a high pressure pump. The mechanism may include material delivery equipment that is coupled to the high pressure pump or other pressure inducing equipment through a material carrier that intersects a fluid line from the pump. The material carrier may include chambers that are reciprocated or rotated between positions that are isolated from the fluid line and in communication with the fluid line. While isolated from the fluid line, the chambers may be filled with oilfield material which may then be delivered to the fluid line when positioned in communication therewith. In this manner, a supply of the oilfield material may be retained in a substantially isolated state relative to the pump and components thereof which may be susceptible to damage from exposure to the oilfield material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Rajesh Luharuka, Rod Shampine, Joe Hubenschmidt, Philippe Gambier, Brian Ochoa, Thomas Allan, Michael D. Parris, Jean-Louis Pessin, Edward Leugemors, Alejandro J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 7343968
    Abstract: A coupling seal assembly is described for directing a pressurized abrasive fluid between a non-rotating conduit member and a rotating second conduit member. The seal assembly includes a first ceramic floating seal member secured to the non-rotating conduit member and a second ceramic seal member secured to the rotating conduit member. Enhanced service life of the seal assembly under high pressures and high rotary speeds is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Deublin Company
    Inventor: Zbigniew Kubala
  • Patent number: 7341100
    Abstract: An inline well fluid separator is movable for pigging operations. The separator assembly has a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port. A separation unit is carried within the housing. The separation unit has an operational position in alignment with the ports to cause well fluid to flow through the separation unit. The separation unit will move to a storage position within the housing outside of the flow path to enable a pipeline pig to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Jarle Michaelsen, Lars-Petter Sollie
  • Patent number: 7293607
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead equipment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a specialized automated “pinning” system that secures the work platform at the desired height. Additionally, the present invention utilizes one or more support cylinders to position and support the work platform in the horizontal position over the wellhead equipment. The automated positioning and pinning system of the present invention is a unique system that significantly reduces the time required to position the work platform of a mobile workover rig in the operating position, as well as significantly reduces the risk of injury to rig personnel assisting in the positioning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: National-Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Lambert, James C. Garrett, Kenneth L. Cambern, Joel M. Ferland, Jay D. Furnish, Donald W. Johnson, Michael R. Zemanek, James R. Cirone, Calvin Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20070227723
    Abstract: A diverter for containing and reducing the velocity of the particulate discharge from a well bore being subjected to the process of “cavitation.” The diverter has a generally conical hollow containment shell and an internal diverter assembly with replaceable wear parts wherein the flow is directed into a spiral path along the inner surface of the containment shell. The path of flow is such that the flow velocity is dissipated without impeding or obstructing the flow of particulates. Water can be injected into the flow to help prevent fine particulates from becoming airborne.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: James P. Keith
  • Publication number: 20070221382
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of the recovery of methane gas from a coal mine and conventional Natural Gas. More particularly, it involves an apparatus and method for economically recovering methane gas from a coal mine and transporting the methane gas to an end user or other location. The invention further provides an apparatus and method for economically recovering Natural Gas that is stranded due to high impurities that requires processing and/or Natural Gas that is not located near a pipeline. According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, such methods for recovering and transporting gas comprise (a) transferring gas from a producing well to a first subterranean capacitor and storing the gas in said capacitor and (b) transferring gas from the first subterranean capacitor to a second subterranean capacitor, a pipeline, an end user, a gas processor, or a power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher E. Schimp
  • Publication number: 20070175625
    Abstract: A polish rod clamping device, for use as part of a wellhead production pumping tree to secure a polish rod. The device includes a pressure-containing body forming a central vertical and opposed first and second side bores. A pair of clamping rams are positioned in the side bores for sliding movement therealong, each clamping ram having a front and a rear end, the front ends of the clamping rams being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the polish rod between their front ends when the clamping rams are advanced across the central bore. The front end of at least one of the clamping rams is configured with a vertical V-groove for gripping the polish rod. The invention extends to the V-groove rams themselves and to composite wellhead assemblies containing the V-groove clamping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony M. Lam
  • Patent number: 7131497
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to allow tools disposed upon a conduit to enter the bore of a drillstring is presented. The apparatuses and methods include the use of one or more articulated knuckle joints at ends of an entry sub. The articulated knuckle joints are capable of articulating the entry sub among various conduit entry and load carrying positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Specialty Rental Tools & Supply, LP
    Inventors: Charles M. Helms, Vernon E. Kauffman, Douglas B. Leeth, John A. Lemke, Max H. Smith
  • Patent number: 7128142
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining suitable displacement fluids for use in subterranean cementing operations, and methods of cementing that use such displacement fluids, are provided. Examples of apparatus include apparatus for evaluating fluids. An example of a system is a system for inverting an oleaginous-external/aqueous-internal fluid in a well bore in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Heathman, Sears T. Dealy, James H. Cantrell, Dennis W. Gray
  • Patent number: 6966106
    Abstract: The invention is a transporting apparatus for holding lengths of tubulars and transporting tubulars to a drill floor of a drill rig, wherein the transport container for tubulars has a bottom side, a two sides connected to the bottom side, and two ends connected to the bottom side and the sides, wherein there is at least two tubular supports for supporting a plurality of tubulars secured to the two sides adapted to support a row of tubulars and to act as a guide to allow the tubulars to be inserted upward or downward into the container, each support is made of at least two parallel upright members for slidingly receiving an end of a tubular and preventing horizontal movement of the tubulars perpendicular to the side and at least one connector is located on one end and a second connector is located on the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: ITREC B.V.
    Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning
  • Patent number: 6962030
    Abstract: A conventional land drilling rig is interconnected to the substructure for an oilfield pad location. The interconnected drilling rig is placed on top of matting. The matting has embedded rollers to facilitate movement of the drilling rig as a “convoy” across the mat from one wellhead to another wellhead. The buildings in the mud tank system may also be interconnected and move in a separate convoy but in tandem with the first convoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: PD International Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Orlie Conn
  • Patent number: 6926082
    Abstract: A safety sleeve used with a wireline connection where the safety sleeve comprises an elongated body with an axial aperture formed along its axis. The wireline connection connects a severed wireline and can be comprised of a fishing spear and a fishing overshot. The safety sleeve axially encompasses the wireline connection assembly with its elongated body. The bending moment required to yield said safety sleeve is greater than the maximum bending moment experienced by the combination of the safety sleeve and the wireline connection during operation. The safety sleeve can also include a collar threadedly connectable to one side of the elongated body, a window formed along the elongated body, and a raised portion formed on the inner radius of the elongated body. The invention further includes a method of using the safety sleeve in conjunction with a wireline connection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Wills, Jeremy Huthwaite
  • Patent number: 6808693
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus employing inert gases injected into the lower level of sloping underground oil-bearing formations as a driving mechanism and water injected into the upper level of the formations as a gas blocking mechanism for increasing and extending the production of oil from underground formations is described. Also described is an inert gas oil production system comprising an exhaust gas processing system, a well inert gas and water injection system, an oil production well system, and a fuel gas generator. A hydraulically operated crude oil pump is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny Arnaud, B. Franklin Beard
  • Publication number: 20040159437
    Abstract: A sub-sea submersible compressing apparatus having at least one compressor tank. A compressor tank is configured to receive gas from a gas/liquid separator and has an inlet for water. The compressor further comprises a pump to pump water from the compressor tank thereby drawing gas into the compressor tank from the gas/liquid separator. Valves are provided to shut off gas flow from the liquid/gas separator and to permit gas flow from the compressor tank to a predetermined location such as a recovery line for transferring the gas to the surface or other location. The gas contained within the compressor tank is compressed by allowing water to flow back into the compressor tank, thereby compressing the gas and forcing it from the compressor vessel. Two or more compressor tanks can be provided to facilitate a continuous operation by timing of the water flow to and from each of the compressor tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS, COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael S. Choi, Donald C. Elliot
  • Patent number: 6755255
    Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises an apparatus and method for producing hydrocarbons from an oil well where no production lines are in place, or where the backpressure of existing production lines is higher than the surface pressure of the oil well, preventing flow of the hydrocarbons into the production lines. The apparatus comprises a production assembly which may be mounted on either a flatbed trailer or on a liftable skid unit. The production assembly comprises a two-phase separator for separating liquid and gas phases. The production assembly further comprises a flexible flowline which is wrapped around a spooling drum. A first end of the flexible flowline receives the fluids from the two-phase separator. The second end of the flexible flowline is attached to a production facility or production line. The production assembly may further comprise pumping and compression means, liquid measurement means and gas measurement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Paul E. Wade, Ted C. Witt
  • Publication number: 20040118568
    Abstract: A well completion system includes a completion device defining a bore therein attached to a wellhead and a tool, disposed within the bore, comprising an operational element and a control receptacle in communication with the operational element. The system further includes a horizontal penetrator assembly disposed external to the completion device and comprising at least one horizontal penetrator capable of being extended into and retracted from the bore to engage the control receptacle such that the horizontal penetrator is in communication with the operational element of the tool. A method includes inserting a tool into a bore of a completion device, engaging a horizontal penetrator with a control receptacle of the tool, and operating an element of the tool via the horizontal penetrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Steedman
  • Patent number: 6732805
    Abstract: A side entry tool having a lower end portion for receiving a saver sub thereon. There is further provided a sleeve portion positioned in the lower end of the side entry tool having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the tool body; the sleeve would have undergone heat treatment to a certain rockwell hardness so that because of the smaller diameter of the sleeve, any contact of the wireline with the tool body would make contact with the hardened sleeve, which could take the contact without a groove or cut being formed in the sleeve. The sleeve would be held in place with a set screw at its lower end to prevent it from rotating. In the event the sleeve indicates wireline wear, the set screw would be loosened and the sleeve would be rotated so that the wireline would make contact with a non-affected portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Boyd's Bit Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Harper Boyd
  • Publication number: 20030141054
    Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises an apparatus and method for producing hydrocarbons from an oil well where no production lines are in place, or where the backpressure of existing production lines is higher than the surface pressure of the oil well, preventing flow of the hydrocarbons into the production lines. The apparatus comprises a production assembly which may be mounted on either a flatbed trailer or on a liftable skid unit. The production assembly comprises a two-phase separator for separating liquid and gas phases. The production assembly further comprises a flexible flowline which is wrapped around a spooling drum. A first end of the flexible flowline receives the fluids from the two-phase separator. The second end of the flexible flowline is attached to a production facility or production line. The production assembly may further comprise pumping and compression means, liquid measurement means and gas measurement means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Paul E. Wade, Ted C. Witt
  • Publication number: 20030098150
    Abstract: An improved mast arrangement for a mobile multi-function rig has a winch line extending from an upper end of the mast and a traveling block supported thereon. A trolley mountable on the mast is adapted for coupling to the traveling block. The trolley works primarily as a guide for a given load, and therefore is of a lightweight design since loads mounted to the trolley are transferred directly to the traveling block and the supporting winch line. The trolley provides the capability to readily switch between various rig operations, including manipulating coiled tubing with an injector, setting surface casing using a top drive, operating the winch and traveling block for joined pipe operations, and interchanging between top drive and joined pipe operations without removing the top drive from the mast or rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Technicoil Corporation
    Inventor: Mark T. Andreychuk
  • Patent number: 6543546
    Abstract: A pair of ram blocks are provided such that when they are actuated hydraulically to move together, they present an opening which has a series of gripping members downwardly biased. Removal of tubulars or tools from the well bore works against the bias to retract the grippers so that removal can be accomplished. However, if there is an accidental release, the bias pushes the grippers toward the tubular or tool to grip it to prevent loss into the well bore. The ram blocks can be retracted for run-in to the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Garry R. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20030047324
    Abstract: A plug is provided for use in conjunction with a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a wellhead plug includes multiple outwardly extendable lugs for engagement with corresponding multiple oppositely facing shoulders formed internally on a bore extending in a wellhead. The lugs engage the shoulders to thereby resist pressure applied to the plug in the bore from above or below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: James D. Vick
  • Publication number: 20020070030
    Abstract: A wellhead 10 for use with subterranean wells includes an improved tubing hanger 16 including an improved electric power cable pack-off port 20 that permits positioning an electric submersible pump (“ESP”) power cable 40 through the port 20 in the tubing hanger. The improved wellhead permits installation of packing 34 and compression rings 30, 32 within the power cable port 20 to create a vapor-tight pressure seal around the outer cable jacket 41. The seal may be rated at pressures of at least 750 psia. The wellhead 10 comprises a wellhead body 12 for supporting a tubing hanger 16, the tubing hanger including a tubing port 22 and a power cable port 20 for passing electrical power from an electrical power source 72 through the power cable port to the electric motor M. The wellhead 10 also includes a cable seal 34 within the power cable port, a lower packing seat 66, and a packing gland 24 selectively moveable with respect to the seat for compressing the cable seal 34 to form a pneumatic seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Leslie Dean Smith, Charles Robert Milton, Timothy Lewis Clifton, Robert Daniel Winegar
  • Publication number: 20020046844
    Abstract: A pressure maintenance assembly for a domestic water well system. The assembly comprises a pressure maintenance valve having an inlet side and an outlet side, a pressure tank in fluidic communication with the outlet side, and a calibrated bypass. When the valve is closed, the calibrated bypass provides fluidic communication between the inlet side and the outlet side. The size of the calibrated bypass and the pressure tank are adapted and constructed to permit a flow rate between the inlet side and the outlet side that will fill the pressure tank in a time interval less than twice the time required to pump a volume of water that will dissipate heat generated by the pump when it is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard Duggan, Robert Lombari, David van Houten
  • Patent number: 6357524
    Abstract: A system for powering components on an oil drilling or production platform utilizing a relatively inert fuel, the system including a first plurality of tanks which contain carbon dioxide in the liquid phase; a second plurality of tanks for receiving the carbon dioxide under pressure in the liquid phase and flowing the carbon dioxide into the second plurality of tanks into a high pressure gaseous phase. There is further included a third low pressure tank which would receive the high pressure carbon dioxide from the second plurality of tanks into the tank under a substantially low pressure within the third tank. The third tank would be equipped with a means for flowing the carbon dioxide into a component such as a pump or engine so that the carbon dioxide serves as a fuel for driving the component and allowing the component to undertake a particular task on the rig floor such as the testing of lubricators grease units or an engine for driving certain functions of the rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Ray Boyd
  • Publication number: 20020029878
    Abstract: A lubricator assembly for a well head of a gas-producing well includes an elongated rigid tubular body having upper and lower ends and a cylindrical interior chamber open at the lower end for receiving a leading end of a gas lift plunger at the well head, a removable end cap attached at the upper end of the tubular body, and an elongated polyurethane body having a cylindrical configuration and characteristics of a coil spring in that the polyurethane body can be resiliently compressed along its longitudinal axis and will spring back to substantially its original form. The polyurethane body is disposed in the tubular body between the removable end cap and the lower end of the tubular body such that upon arrival of the plunger at the tubular body the polyurethane body will be impacted by the force of the plunger and absorb the impact force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce M. Victor
  • Publication number: 20010052413
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL), including the use of a prior art hydrophobic adsorption system including a continuous loop of adsorptive material, with a weighted pulley on the free end of the loop to allow for the loop to be placed within a well being deeper than it is wide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: RAJ MAHADEVAIAH
  • Patent number: 6269879
    Abstract: A side entry tool having a lower end portion for receiving a saver sub thereon. There is further provided a sleeve portion positioned in the lower end of the side entry tool having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the tool body; the sleeve would have undergone heat treatment to a certain rockwell hardness so that because of the smaller diameter of the sleeve, any contact of the wireline with the tool body would make contact with the hardened sleeve, which could take the contact without a groove or cut being formed in the sleeve. The sleeve would be held in place with a set screw at its lower end to prevent it from rotating. In the event the sleeve indicates wireline wear, the set screw would be loosened and the sleeve would be rotated so that the wireline would make contact with a non-affected portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Harper Boyd
  • Patent number: 6247537
    Abstract: High pressure fluid seals for sealing against a bit guide in wellhead and a method of using the seals are described. The high pressure fluid seals are primarily intended for use with a blowout preventer protector. The high pressure fluid seals are elastomeric material bonded to an end of a mandrel for insertion into the wellhead. The end of the mandrel includes an annular ridge that protrudes into the elastomeric seal to inhibit the seal from being extruded away from the bore when the elastomeric seal is seated against the bit guide and the bore is subjected to elevated fluid pressures. The advantage is a high pressure fluid seal that ensures packoff against a bit guide even if the bit guide is worn but still serviceable. A further advantage is a more secure seal that improves safety and enables the use of higher pressures during well stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas