Inner Member Anchor Or Seal With Lateral Port Patents (Class 166/88.1)
  • Publication number: 20100116496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a swellable packer having a support element. A portion of the support element is substantially adjacent to the base tubular. Another portion of the support element is separated from the base tubular and a portion of the area between the support element and the base tubular is filled with the swellable material. Also disclosed herein is a sealing system including a packer as described above and a method for sealing within a wellbore using a packer as describe above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Allen, Frederick Lemme, Nitin Y. Vaidya
  • Patent number: 7699099
    Abstract: A Christmas tree is used between production tubing elevation and flow line elevation. The tree has a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the production tubing elevation and the flow line elevation and has an axial dimension configured to substantially maintain the axial dimension between the elevations. The intermediate portion has first and second shut-off valves for closing fluid communication of the axial bore. A hanger is positioned in the axial bore of the intermediate portion between the first and second shut-off valves. The hanger defines a bore and a port. The port communicates a side of the hanger with the lower end of the hanger. The coil tubing attaches to the port at the lower end of the hanger, and the port at the side of the hanger communicates with the feed line of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: B.J. Services Company, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Jeff Bolding, Thomas G. Hill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7640974
    Abstract: Spool apparatus for use in an underground well having casing, comprising a body sized for travel in the well casing, the body defining a well fluid flow duct having a downward facing entrance and a sidewardly facing exit, there being a lower connection for coupling the body to lower well pipe to pass fluid into the body via the entrance, and an upper connection for coupling the body to upper carrier structure used for raising and lowering the body in the well casing, and there being means to latch connect the body to the well casing in a position for well fluid delivery from the body via the exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Herbert W. Hoeptner, III
  • Patent number: 7604058
    Abstract: A casing mandrel for an independent screwed wellhead includes a seal bore for receiving a fixed-point packoff connected to a high-pressure mandrel of a pressure isolation tool, and a pin thread adapted for engagement with a box thread of a tubing head supported by the casing mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 7578351
    Abstract: A configurable wellhead system is used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The configurable wellhead system includes a permanent fracturing spool that is mounted to a casing head of the well and provides a high pressure seal around a top of a casing of the well. The permanent fracturing spool provides full-bore direct access to the casing without the use of a pressure isolation mandrel. A tubing head is mounted to a top of the permanent fracturing spool to complete the configurable wellhead system. A fracturing spool plug secured in a seal bore of the permanent fracturing spool permits equipment mounted above the permanent fracturing spool to be removed without killing the well or inserting a wireline casing plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7562702
    Abstract: As may be used in a positive displacement pump system, a capped stuffing box assembly includes a stuffing box mountable to a discharge tee to prevent pumped fluid from escaping collection via the discharge tee. The stuffing box is capped by a drain cup that may be releasably mounted to the stuffing box and fixedly mounted to a drive pump motor frame, the drain cap having a drain port to communicate leakage upon failure or pre-failure of the seals in the stuffing box. Upon such failure, the stuffing box may be removed from the drain cap and replaced, while alignment between the actuating rod, drive motor, pump actuator, and drain cap is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Blackhawk Environmental Co.
    Inventors: Mark Bertane, Michael Dominik
  • Patent number: 7549476
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a pressure containment device for use in a lubricator. The device includes a housing having a first main bore extending throughout its length a number of transversal bores intersecting the main bore. Pairs of opposing rams are located in the transversal bores to grip and seal around a cable in the main bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Hans-Paul Carlsen, Olav Inderberg
  • Publication number: 20090114397
    Abstract: A hybrid wellhead system is assembled using a plurality of threaded unions, such as spanner nuts or hammer unions, for securing respective tubular heads and a flanged connection for securing a flow control stack to a top of a tubing head spool. The tubing head spool is secured by a threaded union to an intermediate head spool. The intermediate head spool is secured by another threaded union to a wellhead. Each tubular head secures and suspends a tubular string in the well bore. The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than a conventional independent screwed wellhead, while providing a more economical alternative to a flanged, or ranged, wellhead system because it is less expensive to construct and faster to assemble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: STINGER WELLHEAD PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7500524
    Abstract: A wellhead has, instead of a conventional Christmas tree, a spool tree (34) in which a tubing hanger (54) is landed at a predetermined angular orientation. As the tubing string can be pulled without disturbing the tree, many advantages follow, including access to the production casing hanger (21) for monitoring production casing annulus pressure, and the introduction of larger tools into the well hole without breaching the integrity of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Hans Paul Hopper, Thomas G. Cassity
  • Publication number: 20090025943
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatuses for anchoring progressing cavity (PC) pumps. In one embodiment, a method of anchoring a PC pump to a string of tubulars disposed in a wellbore which includes acts of inserting the PC pump and anchor assembly into the tubular. Running the PC pump and anchor assembly through the tubular to any first longitudinal location along the tubular string. Longitudinally and rotationally coupling the PC pump and the anchor assembly to the tubular and forming a seal between the PC pump and the tubular string at the first location and performing a downhole operation in the tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Craig Willis Clark, Todd A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7469742
    Abstract: A gas well cap seal assembly adapted to seal the casing bowl of a gas well and to pressurize the annulus region between the inner surface of the well bore and the outer surface of the well casing which is filled with wet cement. The pressurized annulus aids in the prevention of forming gas bubbles and gas leakage paths in the annulus region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Lance Earl Larsen
  • Patent number: 7467663
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly with high pressure interface is provided. The wellhead assembly includes a tubing spool that connects the wellhead to a BOP and a casing hanger that is landed in the wellhead and connected thereto. The wellhead assembly further includes a gasket that is disposed between opposing ends of the tubing spool and casing hanger. A connector engages the wellhead and tubing spool forcing the opposing ends of the tubing spool and casing hanger together, which thereby applies a compressive load to the gasket, which in turn forms a fluid tight seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Reimert
  • Patent number: 7407011
    Abstract: A tubing hanger lands in a tubular outer wellhead member and supports a string of production tubing. The tubing hanger has a production passage for communicating with the interior of the production tubing and an annulus passage for communicating with a tubing annulus on the exterior of the production tubing. An access port leads from the annulus passage to an exterior portion of the body for communicating the tubing annulus with the annulus passage. A valve stem is movable along an axis of the annulus passage between a closed position, blocking the access port, and an open position, exposing the annulus port. A pressure equalizing passage extends from the annulus passage above the valve stem to the annulus passage below the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Kent
  • Patent number: 7392840
    Abstract: A method for sealing an annulus defined between an outer casing and an inner casing, the method having steps as follows: fastening a lock ring to an anchor base, wherein the lock ring comprises a threaded fastener of the lock ring to the head; positioning the lock ring and anchor base about the outer casing; fastening a limit clamp to an exterior surface of the outer casing; repositioning the lock ring and anchor base so that the anchor base is in contact with the limit clamp; fastening a head to the lock ring; providing an opening for fluid communication with the annulus through the head; positioning a plug about the inner casing and in contact with the inner casing and the head; positioning a seal fitting clamp about the inner casing and in contact with the plug; positioning a bull cap about the inner casing and in contact with the seal fitting clamp; and fastening the bull cap to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Griffith, Caleb Carroll
  • Publication number: 20080083539
    Abstract: A retrievable frac mandrel and a well control stack are used to efficiently accomplish well completion, re-completion or workover. The retrievable frac mandrel is inserted in a tubing head spool of a well to be completed, re-completed or re-worked. The well control stack is mounted to a top of the tubing head spool and seals off against a top of the retrievable frac mandrel. Once well completion, re-completion or workover is completed, the frac mandrel can be retrieved from the tubing head spool without killing or plugging the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Barton E. Hickie
  • Publication number: 20080029271
    Abstract: A Christmas tree is used between production tubing elevation and flow line elevation. The tree has a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the production tubing elevation and the flow line elevation and has an axial dimension configured to substantially maintain the axial dimension between the elevations. The intermediate portion has first and second shut-off valves for closing fluid communication of the axial bore. A hanger is positioned in the axial bore of the intermediate portion between the first and second shut-off valves. The hanger defines a bore and a port. The port communicates a side of the hanger with the lower end of the hanger. The coil tubing attaches to the port at the lower end of the hanger, and the port at the side of the hanger communicates with the feed line of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL OIL TOOLS, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeff BOLDING, Thomas G. Hill
  • Patent number: 7322407
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A seal is formed between the second end portion and the tubular member. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Duhn Oil Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex E. Duhn, Robert K. Meek
  • Patent number: 7296631
    Abstract: A low-pressure wellhead system with tubular heads and mandrels secured independently using threaded unions. A casing mandrel is secured to a wellhead by a first threaded union. Likewise, a tubing head spool is secured to the casing mandrel using a threaded union. A tubing hanger is also secured to the tubing head spool using a threaded union. An adapter flange may also be secured to the tubing hanger by a threaded union. Because this low-pressure wellhead is faster and easier to assemble and provides full bore access, there is less rig downtime, thus rendering the well completion process faster and more economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7290611
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cementing casing in well bores drilled in subterranean formations, and more particularly, methods and systems for cementing casing in a well bore without surface casing or a well head are provided. A method provided herein may comprise sealing an annulus at the mouth of the well bore with a seal; pumping a cement composition into the annulus through the seal; and taking circulation fluid returns from the inner diameter of the casing. A system provided herein may comprise a seal of an annulus at the mouth of the well bore; a cement composition pump fluidly connected to the annulus through the seal; and a coupling connected to the exposed end of the casing for taking circulation fluid returns from the inner diameter of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Badalamenti, Simon Turton, Karl W. Blanchard, Ronald R. Faul, Michael G. Crowder, Henry E. Rogers, James E. Griffith
  • Patent number: 7290612
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for reverse circulation cementing a casing in an open-hole wellbore. The apparatus includes a surface pack-off device, which has a housing defined by an upper section and lower section. A load bearing plate is secured to the housing between the upper and lower sections. The load plate and lower section of the housing cooperate to prevent sloughing of the earth at the surface of the wellbore via a section of casing string. The surface pack-off device also includes a casing hanger, which couples to the casing in the wellbore. Fluid inlets allow the cement to be pumped into the wellbore in the annulus formed between the casing and wellbore sidewall. The method includes the steps of installing the surface pack-off device and operation on reverse circulation of the cement down the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Earl D. Webb
  • Patent number: 7255163
    Abstract: A convertible rotary seal has a housing for receiving a polish rod. A mandrel is rotatably mounted in the seal housing and surrounds the polish rod. A wear sleeve surrounding the mandrel engages a primary seal. A secondary seal engages the mandrel and polish rod and rotates therewith but may be converted for use as a static seal if necessary. A locking mechanism selectively secures the mandrel in a stationary orientation with respect to the seal housing. Fluid that leaks past the primary seal will be detectible through an external orifice. If a leak in the primary seal is detected via the external port, then the mandrel may be secured in a stationary orientation with respect to the housing and the secondary seal may be reconfigured to operate as a stationary seal until such time as the rotary sealing unit can be overhauled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond P. Rivard
  • Publication number: 20070158112
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a rotary fluid-sealing structure for a harsh environment which reduces the PV pressure (×velocity) that a sealing system may be exposed through the use of a rotary speed reducing planetary gear system. The system may have multiple stages with the amount of velocity reduction produced by the system being determined by the number of stages and the planetary gear ratios. Several alternatives are presented for the sealing under extreme conditions such as found in the interface between a wash-pipe and a rotary drilling string in a drilling rig.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Rodney Schapel, John W. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7237615
    Abstract: A casing mandrel for an independent screwed wellhead includes a pin thread adapted for engagement with a box thread of a well stimulation tool lockdown nut for securing the well stimulation tool against the casing mandrel top end. A well stimulation tool and a tubing head spool for use with the casing mandrel are also provided. Safety of well stimulation procedures is thereby improved and well completion time is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 7225871
    Abstract: A system for cementing a casing in an open wellbore having no surface casing, wherein an annulus is defined between the casing and the wellbore, the system having: an annular plug around the casing at the mouth of the wellbore; a cement composition pump fluidly connected to the annulus through the seal; and a coupling connected to the exposed end of the casing for taking circulation fluid returns from the inner diameter of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry E. Rogers, Earl D. Webb, Karl Blanchard
  • Patent number: 7159663
    Abstract: A hybrid wellhead system is assembled using a plurality of threaded unions, such as spanner nuts or hammer unions, for securing respective tubular heads and a flanged connection for securing a flow control stack to a top of a tubing head spool. The tubing head spool is secured by a threaded union to an intermediate head spool. The intermediate head spool is secured by another threaded union to a wellhead. Each tubular head secures and suspends a tubular string in the well bore. The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than a conventional independent screwed wellhead, while providing a more economical alternative to a flanged, or ranged, wellhead system because it is less expensive to construct and faster to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7066269
    Abstract: A casing mandrel for an independent screwed wellhead includes a pin thread adapted for engagement with a box thread of a well stimulation tool lockdown nut for securing the well stimulation tool against the casing mandrel top end. A well stimulation tool and a tubing head spool for use with the casing mandrel are also provided. Safety of well stimulation procedures is thereby improved and well completion time is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: H W C Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 7013970
    Abstract: A completion system comprises a christmas tree (10) mounted on a wellhead housing (11), a tubing hanger (12) landed in the tree or wellhead housing, the wellhead housing (11) being mounted on a casing string (100) and a tubing string (14) being suspended from the tubing hanger within the casing string; wherein, in use, the annulus defined between the tubing (14) and the casing (100) serves as a production bore. A second tubing string (98) is expanded into sealing engagement with the casing string (100) over at least a portion of their lengths. The annulus normally used to provide well service functions is thus eliminated. Well servicing is instead provided via the tubing string (14), which may be coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Graeme John Collie, David Ramsay Hutchison, Richard Kent
  • Patent number: 6966381
    Abstract: A drill-through spool body sleeve assembly comprises a test sleeve removably installed within a drill-through spool body having a bore with the terminal ends of the outer diameter of the test sleeve sealingly engaging the bore wall. The sleeve assembly also comprises a wear bushing removably installed in the bore between the bore wall and the test sleeve. The test sleeve is of sufficient thickness to pressure test the spool body outlets, ports, and valves before drilling and production. The test sleeve seals the bore from the outside of the spool body during the pressure testing. After the pressure tests are completed, the test sleeve is removed from the spool body, leaving the wear bushing in place. The wear bushing protects the bore wall, outlets, ports, and valves while allowing equipment such as drilling and wellhead equipment to pass through the spool body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Stjernstrom, Michael Matusek, David H. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6966383
    Abstract: The horizontal spool tree assembly 10 controls fluid flow through a production tubing string 18 within a well. The horizontal spool tree assembly is adapted for use with a workover string for fluid communication with the tree assembly. The spool body 12 has a central bore 14 for receiving a tubing hanger 22 therein, with a production passageway extending laterally through the spool body to a production line 36. The spool body also includes an annulus passageway extending laterally through the spool body for fluid communication between the tubing annulus 16 and the annulus line 52. The spool tree assembly has improved porting for the production line and the annulus line, and also for both workover and crossover operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Lionel J. Milberger, Morris B. Wade
  • Patent number: 6953085
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a well pressure activated pack off head comprising a hollow body formed for coaxial connection to the wellhead which provides for unobstructed passage of a data transmitting wireline therethrough. Disposed coaxially within the hollow body is a pack off rubber with a passage formed along its longitudinal axis for passage of a data transmitting wireline. Located below the pack off rubber is a piston in pressure communication with the wellbore. High pressure inside of the wellbore squeezes the piston against the pack off rubber and compresses it tightly around the wireline. A pressure seal is formed between the pack off rubber and the wireline when the pack off rubber is sufficiently compressed by the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Sidney Basil Nice
  • Patent number: 6823941
    Abstract: A flow diverter assembly for a tree, the flow diverter assembly having a flow diverter to divert fluids flowing through the production bore of the tree from a first portion of the production bore to the cap, and to divert the fluids back from the cap to a second portion of the production bore for recovery therefrom via an outlet, wherein the flow diverter is detachable from the cap to enable insertion of the flow diverter through the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Ian Donald
  • Patent number: 6796381
    Abstract: A well pressure control assembly includes an annular pressure containment structure useful for manipulating pipe during drilling and other well operations performed with annular pressure at the wellhead. The annular pressure containment structure includes a sealing structure involving a sealing wall and a fluid port extending through the sealing wall through with a hydrodynamic bearing fluid is injectable adjacent pipe received in the annular pressure containment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ormexla USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Maynard F. Ayler, Richard E. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20040173348
    Abstract: The invention provides a casing adapter tool which connects and seals to a casing pipe at its lower end and to production or service equipment at its upper end, and is used with well servicing equipment, such as is involved in fracturing. The casing adapter tool includes a generally tubular casing adapter body having an upper end and a lower end, and is formed with a central bore extending therethrough. The central bore provides a profile which forms a casing seal chamber at the lower end, and a barrier seal chamber located thereabove. The barrier seal chamber is formed with a profile to accommodate and seal to a first removable pressure barrier on removal of any well servicing equipment. Most preferably, the barrier seal chamber has a profile sized to provide full bore access to the casing pipe and to accommodate and seal to the first removable pressure barrier which is of a threaded, latched or snap ring type check valve or plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Nathan Kwasniewski, Keith David Farquharson, Bob McGuire, John Henry Whelan
  • Publication number: 20040159439
    Abstract: In a subsea wellhead assembly, a tubing hanger in communication with the subsea well has a hanger port extending through its side. A diverter surrounds the tubing hanger and diverts well fluid transmitted from the hanger port around a portion of the tubing hanger. The diverter transmits the well fluid to the inner surface of a wellhead member. A production port extending through a side of the wellhead member transmits the well fluid from the tubing hanger and diverter to an exterior of the wellhead member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Fenton, Robert N. Rogers, Jon E. Hed
  • Patent number: 6763891
    Abstract: The wellhead assembly has a production tree with multiple safety barriers. A tubing hanger lands and seals in the bore of the tree. The tubing hanger has a lateral production flow passage that registers with a lateral passage in the tree. A tubing annulus passage extends upward from the tubing annulus to an exterior port. A second portion of the tubing annulus passage extends upward from the exterior port into the bore above the tubing hanger seal. The external port may be used for gas injection. If so, two closure members are located in the upper portion of the tubing annulus above the seal. The upper closure member may be either a check valve or a removable plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Humphrey, Jeffrey P. Goetz, Kevin L. Ingram, Norman Brammer, Robert K. Voss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6755254
    Abstract: A horizontal spool tree assembly 10 is provided for supporting a production tubing string 22 within a well below a BOP. The spool body 12 includes a laterally extending passageway 36 which is in fluid communication with a similar laterally extending passageway 34 provided in a tubing hanger 20. The tubing hanger includes a central bore for fluid communication with the production tubing string, and a workover flow path 30 extending axially through the tubing hanger, with a workover valve 32 provided for controlling the fluid flow in the workover passageway. An annulus port 70 extends laterally through the spool body, and an annulus valve 72 controls fluid flow through the annulus port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Blake T. DeBerry
  • Publication number: 20040112604
    Abstract: The horizontal spool tree assembly 10 controls fluid flow through a production tubing string 18 within a well. The horizontal spool tree assembly is adapted for use with a workover string for fluid communication with the tree assembly. The spool body 12 has a central bore 14 for receiving a tubing hanger 22 therein, with a production passageway extending laterally through the spool body to a production line 36. The spool body also includes an annulus passageway extending laterally through the spool body for fluid communication between the tubing annulus 16 and the annulus line 52. The spool tree assembly has improved porting for the production line and the annulus line, and also for both workover and crossover operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Lionel J. Milberger, Morris B. Wade
  • Patent number: 6640902
    Abstract: A wellhead system for petroleum producing wells comprises a “stack-down” casing hanger configuration. In this stack-down system, the hanger for each successively smaller diameter casing string is landed or “nested” within the hanger for the next larger casing string. This approach allows the pack-off for each casing hanger to be retrieved independently, thus allowing fluid communication to be established with any of the casing annuli after all of the casing strings and hangers have been installed. Thus the pressure in each annulus may be monitored while the well is in production mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Baten, Harold B. Skeels, David MacFarlane, Russell E. McBeth, Randy J. Wester, Marcus A. Smedley
  • Publication number: 20030196792
    Abstract: In an integral production pumping tree, the bottom connection, blow-out preventer, flow tee and top connection are positioned to one side, with the vertical rod bore off-center. Up to three vertical ports are provided in the other side of the tree, for providing access to the production casing bore for an electric heating string, an instrumentation string and a small diameter injection tubing string. The ports accommodate sealed connection assemblies, from which the strings extend. The upper portion of the other side of the tree is cut away to create space for introducing the connecting assemblies. The tubing hanger is provided with matching bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: STREAM-FLO INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Riddell, Kwong-Onn Chan
  • Patent number: 6612371
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing sleeve which is disposed in a lateral fluid conduit that extends at least partially through a tubing hanger and a surrounding spool and which is slideable between a retracted position for running and retrieval of the tubing hanger and an extended position for sealing across the interface between the tubing hanger and the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin J. McIntosh, Roberto L. Quoiani
  • Patent number: 6604579
    Abstract: An injection probe assembly is disclosed for injecting material into subsurface formations for making geotechnical improvements. The probe assembly includes a sheath having an upper end for attaching to a mating tool string and a lower end for receiving a solid drive point. The sheath has a reduced diameter injection area which includes an interior space enclosed by a tubular sidewall, a valve seat, and a plurality of injection ports extending through the sidewall through which materials can be injected laterally. A check valve spool is arranged for sliding movement within the interior space for preventing back-flow of material into the interior space. The spool is seated on the valve seat and covers the injection ports in a first position, and is unseated from the valve seat with the injection ports uncovered in a second position. The spool is responsive to pressure changes of the injected materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Kejr, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike B. Carlin
  • Patent number: 6588502
    Abstract: A well pressure activated pack off head comprising a hollow body formed for coaxial connection to the wellhead which provides for unobstructed passage of a data transmitting wireline therethrough. Disposed coaxially within the hollow body is a pack off rubber with a passage formed along its longitudinal axis for passage of a data transmitting wireline. Located below the pack off rubber is a piston in pressure communication with the wellbore. High pressure inside of the wellbore squeezes the piston against the pack off rubber and compresses it tightly around the wireline. A pressure seal is formed between the pack off rubber and the wireline when the pack off rubber is sufficiently compressed by the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, Incorporated
    Inventor: Sidney Basil Nice
  • Patent number: 6581691
    Abstract: A landing adapter is used to softly land a tubing hanger in the bore of a production tree. The landing adapter makes initial contact so that the tubing hanger does not have to absorb the harsh impact. The landing adapter has a hydraulic sleeve that strokes axially relative to the tubing hanger. Initially, the sleeve is extended and locked when it is run into the well so that the landing adapter can be hard-landed in the bore. When the sleeve lands in the bore, the impact is absorbed by a landing adapter buffer, not by the tubing hanger. After the hanger with the landing adapter has landed in the bore, hydraulic fluid is bled off so that the tubing hanger gradually descends axially relative to the sleeve and the tree to the retracted position. The landing adapter buffer remains in the tree after the tubing hanger is landed in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Jennings, Norman Brammer
  • Patent number: 6557629
    Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool for use with a wellhead assembly from which a tubing string is suspended comprises a tubular mandrel which includes an axial passage that extends therethrough and lower end that is adapted to engage the tubing string, a pumping head which is connected over the wellhead assembly and which includes an internal chamber that is in fluid communication with the axial passage and a port that extends through the pumping head to the chamber, and an actuator which is connected over the pumping head for moving the mandrel axially through the pumping head and into engagement with the tubing string. When the mandrel is engaged with the tubing string, fluid may be communicated through the port, the chamber and the mandrel and into the tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Wong, Roy W. Benefield, George E. Guthrie, Christopher P. Egan
  • Patent number: 6520263
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus, in particular an internal tree cap, for use in a wellhead having a central bore and first and second retaining means, such as a shoulder and a groove, within the bore of the wellhead. The retaining apparatus has a housing for location within the bore of the wellhead. A first engagement assembly is provided for engaging with the first retaining means in the bore of the wellhead to thereby retain the housing within the bore of the wellhead. A second engagement assembly for engaging with the second retaining means in the bore of the wellhead is also provided. The apparatus further comprises a preload assembly operable when the housing is located within the bore of the wellhead to apply a preload to the housing between the first and second retaining means. A method for retaining an assembly within a wellhead bore, in which a preload is applied between the first and second retaining means, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: David R. June
  • Patent number: 6520259
    Abstract: The present invention presents an improved method and apparatus for liquid entrainment by a two-phase flow system. The present invention provides an apparatus that recovers liquids by entrainment without experiencing deadhead conditions, choking or dry recovery due to fluctuations in the elevation of the liquid level. The apparatus provides self-regulated two-phase recovery of gas and liquid by construction design, thus eliminating the need for manual adjustments or electronically controlled devices. The enhanced venturi effects of the present invention enhance liquid lift while maintaining the gas recovery point above the liquid at all times to eliminate deadhead conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jeremy Mathew Rasmussen, James R. Burns, David Lawrence Schroder, Daniel William Oberle
  • Publication number: 20020189813
    Abstract: A flow completion system for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore, the flow completion system comprising a tubing spool which includes a central bore that extends axially therethrough and a production outlet which communicates with the central bore; a tubing hanger which is supported in the central bore and which includes a production bore that extends axially therethrough and a production passageway that communicates between the production bore and the production outlet, the tubing hanger supporting a tubing string which extends into the well bore and defines a tubing annulus surrounding the tubing string; a first closure member which is positioned in the production bore above the production passageway; a first annular seal which is positioned between the tubing hanger and the central bore above the production passageway; wherein the first closure member and the first seal comprise a first pressure-containing barrier between the well bore and a surrounding environment; a second closure member which
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher D. Bartlett, Christopher E. Cunningham, Richard D. Kent, Nicholas Gatherar, David Harrold
  • Publication number: 20020185280
    Abstract: A gate valve for a component which includes an elongated body and a flow passage extending generally longitudinally through the body, the flow passage including a generally lateral first branch connected to a generally longitudinal second branch. The gate valve comprises a gate which is moveable generally longitudinally across the first branch between an open position in which a hole in the gate is aligned with the first branch and a closed position in which the hole is offset from the first branch; a conduit which extends through the body from the gate; an actuating mechanism positioned in the conduit for moving the gate from a first position to a second position; and a return biasing mechanism for moving the gate from the second position to the first position; wherein one of the first and second positions corresponds to the open position of the gate and the other position corresponds to the closed position of the gate; and wherein the conduit extends generally longitudinally through the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher E. Cunningham, Christopher D. Bartlett, Thomas L. Hergarden, Philip S. Hernandez, Michael E. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20020134548
    Abstract: A monolithic pumping tree combining a bottom connection, production blow-out preventer section, flow tee section and top connection is cast so as to provide an access port extending downwardly through the side wall of the tree from its outer surface, to connect with either the central vertical bore of the tree or its horizontal bottom surface, thereby enabling coiled tubing to be inserted either into the tubing string bore or into the annulus between the tubing and production casing strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Tony M. Lam, Keith D. Farquharson, Daniel J. Riddell
  • Publication number: 20020117298
    Abstract: A wellhead insolation tool for use with a wellhead assembly from which a tubing string is suspended comprises a tubular mandrel which includes an axial passage that extends therethrough and lower end that is adapted to engage the tubing string, a pumping head which is connected over the wellhead assembly and which includes an internal chamber that is in fluid communication with the axial passage and a port that extends through the pumping head to the chamber, and an actuator which is connected over the pumping head for moving the mandrel axially through the pumping head and into engagement with the tubing string. When the mandrel is engaged with the tubing string, fluid may be communicated through the port, the chamber and the mandrel and into the tubing string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Henry Wong, Roy W. Benefield, George E. Guthrie, Christopher P. Egan