Cooling Fluid Or Grease Supplied To Seals Patents (Class 166/84.2)
  • Patent number: 11268331
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to top caps for gear rod rotators and polished clamps. Disclosed top caps include an elongated top cap body extending along a central vertical axis, the top cap body including a top face, a bottom face, and an exterior perimeter surface defining an outer perimeter of the top cap body, and a polished rod opening extending along the central vertical axis of the top cap body, the polished rod opening defining an interior circumferential surface of the top cap body and configured to receive a polished rod. Additionally, disclosed top caps include a nesting region along the top face, the nesting region configured to receive at least a portion of the polished rod clamp, and a mounting rim on the bottom face and extending outwardly from the bottom face along a longitudinal axis of the top cap body, the mounting rim including a mounting rim outer diameter, a mounting rim inner diameter, and a mounting rim bottom face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: NORRIS RODS, INC.
    Inventors: Pablo E. Barajas Cortes, Wanru Casey, Ramamurthy Narasimhan, Jack Lynn Wallace, Juan Felipe Correa Pugliese
  • Patent number: 11136848
    Abstract: A removable cooling mandrel assembly for a rotating control device for use in a drilling system. The present disclosure provides an outer swivel housing enclosing an elongate passage and connected to the uppermost end of an upper housing of the rotating control device. An inner swivel mandrel is mounted in the elongate passage of the outer swivel housing for rotation relative to the outer swivel housing and may be connected to an RCD mandrel of the rotating control device to which the outer swivel housing is connected. A tubular cooling mandrel extends from the inner swivel mandrel out of the outer swivel housing to reduce operating temperatures thereby increasing bearing performance and life and seal life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: NTDrill Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Leuchtenberg, Ricardo Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10053943
    Abstract: An annular seal having a sealing member and method for use is provided for sealing an item of oilfield equipment. The annular seal has an inner diameter for receiving the item of oilfield equipment and a frame. The seal member is contiguous with the frame. The annular seal is configured for durability, in that it resists wear, inversion, increases lubricity, enables tightness, and/or otherwise generally increases endurance, toughness, and/or permanence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Don M. Hannegan, James W. Chambers, Melvin T. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9567817
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for increasing the longevity of an RCD at a wellbore, including a bearing assembly configured for operating in the RCD. The bearing assembly is configured for reducing pressure proximate the bearing assembly including reducing pressure in a radial seal. Top and bottom seals are mounted against a wear sleeve adjacent to an inner member housed within the bearing assembly. The wear sleeve is configured to be sealed by the top seal and the bottom seal as the inner member rotates in the RCD. A pressure reduction system mounted with the RCD is configured to apply pressure via a wellbore pressure between the top seal and the bottom seal, which is lower relative to a pressure above the top seal, and which is higher relative to a pressure below the bottom seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 9410404
    Abstract: A pumping system for the simultaneous extraction of fluids and maintenance of a well. The pumping system includes a hollow production tubing secured at the surface and extending down into a well, and a flexible hollow tubing also secured to a surface structure and extending downward into the production tubing. A pump assembly connected to a lower end of the flexible tubing includes an upper section through which well maintenance fluids may be pumped, and a lower section that includes a mechanical pump. An impermeable barrier separates the upper and lower sections of the pump assembly. Holes formed on the upper and lower sections of the pumping assembly allow for the simultaneous maintenance of well and extraction of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AVANTUB, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: William Anthony Hammond Bravo
  • Patent number: 8844652
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Sokol, Danny W. Wagoner, Thomas F. Bailey, Aristeo Rios, III, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 8800663
    Abstract: A leadscrew has first and second housing portions—which slide telescopically together. A shaft having an externally threaded portion screws into a complimentary internal threaded portion in the first housing portion, the shaft extending out of the second housing portion at a point where a fluid tight seal is provided_between the shaft and the other of the housings and allows rotation during a screwing action. The second housing includes a flanged end to which a ROV drive bucket is bolted. The shaft has a squared end so that it can be rotated relative to the bucket by the ROV. O-rings provide fluid tight seals between the two housing portions, between the flanged end and bucket, and between the shaft and bucket. A deep sea version incorporating oil bath the pressure of which is equalised to that of the surrounding sea so that O-rings do not have to withstand large pressure differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Vector International Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Long
  • Patent number: 8727023
    Abstract: A wireline lubricator and a connector includes a first part with a first seal portion and a first throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline, and a second part with a second seal portion and a second throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline. The first part is pivotally connected to the second part such that the connector is capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration. The second configuration and the first and second throughgoing passage are aligned. The first and second seal portion engage each other to provide a sealed wireline passage defined by the aligned first and second throughgoing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Maersk Olie Og Gas A/S
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Patent number: 8720543
    Abstract: A sealing system between a relatively rotating element and a stationary element has at least three sealing elements arranged between the rotating element and the stationary element and arranged in series between a process fluid and an environment, and a barrier fluid arrangement to provide a barrier fluid to spaces formed between the sealing elements. The barrier fluid arrangement has at least two compensator devices where under use the pressure in the process fluid is acting on one side of a piston in the compensator device and the pressure in the barrier fluid is acting on the opposite side of the piston. There is a difference between cross sectional areas of the two sides of the piston and the difference varies between the at least two compensator devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Reelwell AS
    Inventors: Morten Olav Meling, Harald Syse
  • Patent number: 8714240
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing repairs to radial seals used in a rotating control head used while drilling is disclosed. Also, a system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan, Mark F. Gravouia
  • Patent number: 8631870
    Abstract: For SAGD operations, an apparatus and method of stripping and cooling tubing is provided by a cooling chamber where tubing and associated equipment can be safely exposed to a coolant fluid before significant handling. A telescoping chamber with a work window permits cables to be detached from tubing during stripping. Coolant may be Nitrogen or similarly inert fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: 1440072 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Blake Johnson, Conrad Petrowsky, Thomas Gerard Follett
  • Patent number: 8631861
    Abstract: A packing unit is provided for use with a well having a reciprocating pump and polished rod. Packing assembly seals, a barrier fluid and a pressure transmitter cooperate with housed components to regulate the pressure on either side of a first packing sub-assembly and to pressure one side of a second packing sub-assembly. The barrier fluid is contained above the first packing sub-assembly and below the second packing sub-assembly with well fluids and accompanying pressures being contained below the first packing sub-assembly, such that, if leakage occurs, relatively clean barrier fluids are leaked instead of well fluids. The well fluids pressure and barrier fluid pressure are substantially balanced across the first packing sub-assembly. The first packing sub-assembly and second packing sub-assembly include components allowing their respective packing seals to move with, and remain sealed against, the polished rod when it deviates angularly or translationally from the initial vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Randolph A Busch
  • Publication number: 20130269927
    Abstract: A polish rod seal comprising: a post with a bottom end, top part, and circumferential flange situated between the bottom end and top part; a collar that fits over the top part of the post, the collar having one or more internal channels into which O-rings are inserted and positioned between the collar and top part of the post; and a barrel with a bottom end and two internal bushings, each of which has one or more internal channels into which O-rings are inserted. The bottom end of the barrel screws into the top part of the post. A bracket is attached to the circumferential flange and secures the collar on the top part of the post while still allowing it to flex on the post. A polish rod extends through the post, collar and barrel and is in contact with the O-rings in the internal bushings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Pete A. Woods
  • Patent number: 8522864
    Abstract: A stripper blow out preventer for oil field equipment, wherein the stripper blow out preventer can include a housing with a bore. The housing can have an open port and close port for accepting the hydraulic fluid, and a grease port for accepting grease. An annular recess of the housing can be in communication with the bore. A retainer ring can be engaged in the annular recess. A piston can be disposed in the annular recess. A seal element can be disposed in the annular recess between the retainer ring and the piston, and can have a thru bore. An insert can be engaged with the retainer ring. When the close port is pressurized, the piston can press against the seal element to form a seal against the oil field equipment. When the open port is pressurized, the piston can move to relax the seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: James Otis Miller
  • Patent number: 8505652
    Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a well drilling head housing, a bearing assembly, a first lubricant manifold and a second lubricant manifold. The well drilling head housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within the well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached to a lower end portion thereof. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearings and a bearing lubricant flow path configured for allowing bearing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The first lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to the first end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path. The second lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to a second end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hampton IP Holding Co., LLC
    Inventor: Theresa J. Williams
  • Patent number: 8353337
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing repairs to radial seals used in a rotating control head used while drilling is disclosed. Also, a system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan, Mark F. Gravouia
  • Publication number: 20110315404
    Abstract: Sealing elements have lubricating seal profiles for communicating fluid between the sealing elements and the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component while the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component rotates or moves vertically relative to the seal elements. The same fluid used for drilling may also be used for seal lubrication, such as water, drilling fluid or mud, well bore fluid or other liquid or gas. The sealing elements may be disposed with a seal housing, which may be positioned with a marine riser, or subsea without a marine riser. The seal housing may prevent rotation of the seal elements with the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component. Alternatively, the seal housing may be an RCD that allows the sealing elements to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, Frederick Thomas Tilton, Don M. Hannegan, Waybourn J. Anderson, JR., Simon J. Harrall
  • Patent number: 8066062
    Abstract: Sealing arrangement for dynamic sealing around a drill stem (16) or a coiled tubing is described, comprising an elongated, dynamic sealing unit (10) which is arranged to surround the drill stem (16), in that the sealing unit (10) comprises a number of sets with main seals (20) arranged mutually spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the sealing unit (10), where said main seals (20) comprise at least one disc-formed or ring-formed packer element (30) of an elastic material, such as an elastomeric material, arranged to surround said drill stem (16). Said main seal (20) comprises at least one inlet channel arranged to receive a friction reducing medium through or via the seal directly into the seal surface (32) of the packer element (30), against the drill stem (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Siem Wis AS
    Inventors: Per Espen Edvardsen, Tom Kjetil Askeland
  • Publication number: 20110220368
    Abstract: A wireline lubricator and a connector (10) comprising a first part (100) with a first seal portion (101) and a first throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline, and a second part (200) with a second seal portion (201) and a second throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline, wherein the first part (100) being pivotally connected to said second part (200) such that the connector (10) is capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration, the first and second throughgoing passages are aligned and wherein said first and second seal portions (101, 201) engage each other to provide a sealed wireline passage defined by the aligned first and second throughgoing passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Patent number: 7934545
    Abstract: A system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20110094731
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for supplying grease to maintain a sealed well during deployment of line, in particular braided electrical wire. The subsea grease cartridge system includes a subsea assembly; first and second grease containers filled with grease; a pump; a switch; and a restoring device to replenish grease containers. The method of operating the grease cartridge system includes: attaching first and second grease containers to the subsea assembly; applying hydraulic pressure to the first grease container; pumping the grease of the first grease container to a grease head; switching hydraulic pressure from the first grease container to the second grease container instantaneously when the first grease container becomes unable to supply grease properly; and pumping the grease of the second grease container to the grease head. The method includes replenishing containers from cartridges and switching back and forth between the filled grease containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Neil CRAWFORD
  • Patent number: 7891426
    Abstract: A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7836946
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing wear to radial seals in a rotating control device. The seals may be cooled by a thermal transfer fluid circulating through a passageway making more than one pass. Also, the differential pressure between multiple seals may be regulated and lowered, thereby increasing seal life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James W. Chambers, Don M. Hannegan, Mark F. Gravouia
  • Publication number: 20100258323
    Abstract: An embodiment of a pressure control assembly for a wireline cable disposed in a wellbore comprises a housing frame, at least a pair of sealing devices disposed in the housing, the sealing devices defining an aperture for a cable to pass therethrough and a chamber therebetween, and a lubricant recirculation system for injecting and recirculating a lubricant into the chamber, the assembly operable to lubricate the cable and seal the cable, and maintain a predetermined pressure within the housing frame while the cable is disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Vadim Protasov, Jushik Yun
  • Publication number: 20100218938
    Abstract: A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100218937
    Abstract: Sealing arrangement for dynamic sealing around a drill stem (16) or a coiled tubing is described, comprising an elongated, dynamic sealing unit (10) which is arranged to surround the drill stem (16), in that the sealing unit (10) comprises a number of sets with main seals (20) arranged mutually spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the sealing unit (10), where said main seals (20) comprise at least one disc-formed or ring-formed packer element (30) of an elastic material, such as an elastomeric material, arranged to surround said drill stem (16). Said main seal (20) comprises at least one inlet channel arranged to receive a friction reducing medium through or via the seal directly into the seal surface (32) of the packer element (30), against the drill stem (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Per Espen Edvardsen, Tom Kjetil Askeland
  • Patent number: 7762320
    Abstract: A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7717169
    Abstract: A well drilling head comprises a well drilling head housing, a bearing assembly, a first lubricant manifold and a second lubricant manifold. The well drilling head housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within the well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached to a lower end portion thereof. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearings and a bearing lubricant flow path configured for allowing bearing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The first lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to the first end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path. The second lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to a second end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20090272521
    Abstract: The improved stuffing box (7), adapted to be mounted inside an oil well head incorporating a rotary pump drive (50), includes: a rotating tube (2) having a stationary seal (3) coupled to a drive shaft (1) of the well pump; a substantial transition (6) in diameter, with a lower section (5) of the tube being a suitable outside diameter to receive the component parts of the stuffing box such that the outside diameter thereof can be smaller than the outside diameter (4) of the tube ahead of said transition (6) in diameter; a pressurized oil supply (P) for lubricating the rotary seal packing (15) at the opposed end of the packing from the internal pressure of the well; the tube being mounted rotatively (8) on the housing (9) such that the lower section of the tube can extend into a web (10) of the stuffing box (7); wherein the stuffing box comprises: located at the bottom end (12) of the tube, an axial stop ring (13), a retaining ring (14) for a first packing (15), followed by a spring (16) mounted within jackets
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Mariano Pecorari, Pietro Pecorari
  • Publication number: 20090032243
    Abstract: A shock absorber for use with a lubricator assembly comprises a body made substantially of a polymer material. An end of the body is supportable by a cup. Upon plunger strike, the cup can travel upward in the lubricator assembly and cause the polymer body to deform and dissipate a force of impact caused by the plunger. The body can resiliently compress and expand to substantially an original form. Equalization slots on the body can enable fluid carried to the surface by a plunger to flow from the lubricator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce M. Victor
  • Publication number: 20080210437
    Abstract: A top drive system for wellbore operations, the top drive system including a main shaft having an upper shaft seal system with a raised platform for supporting the seal system, and, in one aspect, a shroud for covering a seal or seals. In one aspect, contaminants flow down from the seals since the seals are raised by the platform. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence Edward Wells, Preston R. Fox, Darrin Lynn Yenzer
  • Publication number: 20080190599
    Abstract: An improved annular seal assembly and packless stuffing box for an oil pumping unit of the type having a polished rod reciprocatingly extending therethrough and downhole to a pump located at the lower end of a borehole. The stuffing box has a main body that terminates in a tubing adaptor at the lower end thereof by which it can be mounted to the upper end of the tubing of a wellhead. The main body houses the annular seal assembly that includes a pressure set seal pack for sealingly engaging the polished rod. The polished rod reciprocatingly extends through the seal assembly and main body. The seal assembly includes paired metal annular cones which are capable of sealing under conditions present in the stuffing box. The seal assembly withstands such conditions far longer than traditional seal assemblies, thus reducing cost and downtime of the pumping unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: John Arnold
  • Publication number: 20080110613
    Abstract: Grease control head utilizing at least one ceramic insert for sealing around wireline, slick-line or braided wire while performing service operations in a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Darwin L. Holte, Joseph D. Greene
  • Patent number: 7343969
    Abstract: A secondary packing arrangement is provided for use with a well having a reciprocating pump and polished rod, and in combination with a stuffing box, the stuffing box being modified. Packing seals, a barrier fluid and a pressure transmitter cooperate with modified stuffing box components to regulate the pressure on either side of a packing seal. The barrier fluid is contained above the packing seal, with well fluids and accompanying pressures being contained below the packing seal, such that if leakage occurs, relatively clean barrier fluids are leaked instead of well fluids. The pressure across the packing seal is substantially balanced across the packing seal, or the well fluid side pressure is less than the barrier fluid side, thus reducing the occurrence of leakage and extending the life of the packing seal. Sources for the well fluids cooperating with the pressure transmitter include the well's flow line and casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Randolph A. Busch, Harrold H. Palmour
  • Patent number: 7040394
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for sealing a tubular string. In one aspect, a drilling system is provided. The drilling system includes a rotating control head for sealing the tubular string while permitting axial movement of the string relative to the rotating control head. The drilling system also includes an actuating fluid for actuating the rotating control head and maintaining a pressure differential between a fluid pressure in the rotating control head and a wellbore pressure. Additionally, the drilling system includes a cooling medium for passing through the rotating control head. In another aspect, a rotating control head is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for sealing a tubular in a rotating control head is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Bailey, James Chambers, Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 6968894
    Abstract: A coiled tubing injector apparatus for use in inserting coiled tubing into a well, temporarily suspending the coiled tubing, and removing the coiled tubing from the well is described. The apparatus includes a base with a pair of spaced-apart carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The base is part of a frame positioned above a wellhead. The carriages each have a gripper chain drive system rotatably mounted thereon and movable therewith. An actuation and linkage system allows the carriages to move toward and away from one another in a lateral or transverse direction with respect to the superstructure and the base. Thus, the gripper chain systems comprises gripper chains that can be engaged or disengaged from the coiled tubing extending through the apparatus. A wetting fluid basin is positioned below the gripper chains, and support guides engage the coiled tubing below the gripper chains to prevent buckling of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Austbo, Randy S. Rosine, Robert E. Domann, Kenneth C. Parks
  • Patent number: 6520253
    Abstract: A rotatable head assembly wherein there is an outer housing that carries a cartridge assembly that permits rotational movement. The cartridge assembly made up of a cartridge housing and cartridge body that is rotatable within the cartridge housing. Static seals are used to provide fluid seals between the radially outer surface of the cartridge housing and the outer housing. Fluid passages within the cartridge housing carry lubricating fluid from the static seals to dynamic seals that allow the cartridge body to rotate easily within the cartridge housing. Fluid passages are also provided within the cartridge housing for carrying spent fluid out through the cartridge housing. There may be multiple fluid inlets and outlets within the cartridge housing without requiring a multiplicity of stepped increases in the diameter of the cartridge housing and the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Douglas Calder
  • Patent number: 6510900
    Abstract: A seal assembly for dual string coil tubing injection into a subterranean well includes a seal plate having first and second bores with annular seals for providing a high-pressure fluid seal around first and second coil tubing strings inserted through the respective bores. The seal plate is adapted to be connected directly to a wellhead, or a lubricator if a downhole tool is connected to either one, or both of the first and second coil tubing strings. The seal assembly further includes passages for supplying lubricant to the first and second annular seals to lubricate the respective seals while the respective first and second coil tubing strings are injected into and extracted from the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Publication number: 20010047885
    Abstract: A rotatable head assembly wherein there is an outer housing that carries a cartridge assembly that permits rotational movement. The cartridge assembly made up of a cartridge housing and cartridge body that is rotatable within the cartridge housing. Static seals are used to provide fluid seals between the radially outer surface of the cartridge housing and the outer housing. Fluid passages within the cartridge housing carry lubricating fluid from the static seals to dynamic seals that allow the cartridge body to rotate easily within the cartridge housing. Fluid passages are also provided within the cartridge housing for carrying spent fluid out through the cartridge housing. There may be multiple fluid inlets and outlets within the cartridge housing without requiring a multiplicity of stepped increases in the diameter of the cartridge housing and the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ian Douglas Calder
  • Patent number: 6167959
    Abstract: Stuffing boxes for use with reciprocating or rotating pump rods for downhole pumps include a lower housing adapted to be mounted on a wellhead and provided with internal bores for receiving the pump rod and a packing housing engaged with the lower housing and including a central bore for receiving a packing assembly and a packing gland. The packing gland may include an annular flange for supporting circumferentially spaced bolts engageable with cooperating bores in the packing housing to adjust compression on the packing and to provide for rotatably indexing the gland to minimize uneven wear. An axially slidable bushing mounted in the packing housing or lower housing is engageable with the opposite end of the packing assembly and is provided with a transverse annular shoulder engaged by a bias spring for exerting compression forces on the packing assembly. The bushing includes a transverse end face exposed to pressure fluid to also urge the bushing into engagement with the packing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Auto Pax Products, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Grey Bassinger, Joseph L. Dalton, III