With Means For Inserting Fluid Into Well Patents (Class 166/90.1)
  • Patent number: 8919453
    Abstract: A landing ring having at least one scallop groove formed on an interior of the ring. The landing ring interfaces with a fluted mandrel casing hanger such that the scallop groove aligns between flutes of the hanger. This alignment of the scallop groove of the landing ring with the fluted mandrel casing hanger provides sufficient clearance to allow a stabbing in of a cement tube for cement injection during cement topping operations or debris clean out down hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Henry He, Kwong-Onn Chan, Gene Ambrose
  • Patent number: 8910714
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using a fluid within a subterranean formation comprising forming a fluid comprising a fluid additive, introducing the fluid to a formation, observing a temperature, and controlling a rate of fluid introduction using the observed temperature, wherein the observed temperature is lower than if no observing and controlling occurred. A method and apparatus to deliver fluid to a subterranean formation comprising a pump configured to deliver fluid to a wellbore, a flow path configured to receive fluid from the pump, a bottom hole assembly comprising a fluid outlet and a temperature sensor and configured to receive fluid from the flow path, and a controller configured to accept information from the temperature sensor and to send a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe M. J. Tardy, Douglas Pipchuk, Xiaowei Weng, Fernando Baez Manzanera
  • Patent number: 8910708
    Abstract: Systems for remedial cementing are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. One of the systems for remedial cementing embodiments comprises a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon; mixing equipment for mixing the lightweight settable composition; and pumping equipment for delivering the lightweight settable composition to a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8906242
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus is pressurized and operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The ozonated fluid is further electro chemically treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Publication number: 20140352969
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a composition including a crosslinkable ampholyte polymer or a crosslinked product of the same, methods of making and using the composition, and systems including the composition. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method can include obtaining or providing a composition including a crosslinkable ampholyte polymer. The crosslinkable ampholyte polymer can include an ethylene repeating unit including a —C(O)NH2 group, an ethylene repeating unit including a —S(O)2OR1 group, and an ethylene repeating unit comprising an —N+R23X? group. At each occurrence, R1 can be independently selected from the group consisting of —H and a counterion. At each occurrence, R2 can be independently substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl. At each occurrence, X? can be independently a counterion. The composition can also include at least one crosslinker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: HsinChen Chung, Yuntao Thomas Hu, Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Harvey Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20140352977
    Abstract: A tool for retaining an activator ring of a hanger within a wellhead assembly during a fluid pumping process includes an annular fluid pumping sub body having an end selectively coupled with a supply of fluids and a distal end selectively coupled with the hanger. An outer ring assembly circumscribes and rotates relative to the fluid pumping sub body. A retainer ring circumscribes the fluid pumping sub body and selectively abuts the activator ring. A plurality of biasing assemblies that are selectively compressible are located between the outer ring assembly and the retainer ring, so that when the fluid pumping sub body is coupled with the hanger, an axial lockdown force is maintained on the activator ring by the biasing assemblies during the fluid pumping process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Eugene Allen Borak, Jr., Gajanan B. Hegde, Andrew Browne Helvenston
  • Publication number: 20140345865
    Abstract: A system for powering wellsite surface equipment comprises at least one prime mover in communication with a fuel source for powering the prime mover and having at least one heat source, at least one pump arranged to be driven by the prime mover, the at least one pump in fluid communication with at least one wellbore and at least one fluid for use in the wellbore, and at least one auxiliary system in communication with the heat source from the at least one prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Laurent Yves Claude, Edward Leugemors, William Marshall, Rod Shampine, Philippe Gambier, Hubertus V. Thomeer
  • Patent number: 8893795
    Abstract: A wellbore chemical treating system include a storage vessel for containing a treating chemical. A chemical dispenser is in fluid communication between an outlet of the vessel and a well for selectively controlling the flow of the chemical from the vessel to the well. A liquid level sensor is disposed in the storage vessel. A controller is in signal communication with the liquid level sensor and is configured to operate the chemical dispenser. The controller is configured to adjust an operating time of the chemical dispenser based on changes in a liquid level measured by the liquid level sensor over a selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert N. Ayres
  • Publication number: 20140318762
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing apparatus into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing apparatus contains a plurality of mobilized template-assisted crystallization beads and contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with at least a portion of the template-assisted crystallization beads. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising contacting a fluid comprising scale-forming ions with a quantity of template-assisted crystallization beads in a vessel to form a treated fluid, wherein the template-assisted crystallization beds are mobile within the vessel and placing the treated fluid into a wellbore, a subterranean formation, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Kurtis FONTENELLE, Eli Allen SCHNOOR, Holly Ann Grider, Nathan Carl SCHULTHEISS, Todd Anthony STAIR
  • Publication number: 20140318784
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. An embodiment provides a method of remedial cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon and is free of Portland cement; and using the lightweight settable composition in a remedial cementing method to seal one or more voids in a well bore. Also provided are pumice-containing remedial compositions and systems for remedial cementing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8869889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing a reliable, high purity source of CO2 that is used in the recovery of formation deposits, such as fossil fuels. At least a portion of the fossil fuels recovered may be directly combusted or extracted using the same process used to provide the pure source of CO2 without the need to first remove CO2, sulfur, other fossil fuels, or other impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Palmer Labs, LLC, 8 Rivers Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Palmer, Rodney John Allam, Jeremy Eron Fetvedt, David Arthur Freed, Glenn William Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8857515
    Abstract: Methods involving the use of subterranean treatment fluids comprising a silica control agent and an aqueous base fluid wherein the treatment fluid is placed into a portion of a subterranean formation and wherein the silica control agent is present in an amount of at least 75% of the saturation point in the treatment fluid. The methods include fracturing and gravel packing operations using a treatment fluid including a silica control agent present in an amount of at least 75% of the saturation point in the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie D. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8851179
    Abstract: A process and process line is provided for preparing a friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid at a central location which can be readily transported to an oil or gas well in a formation at a well site, comprising: preparing a mixture of polymer and water at the central location by shearing the polymer in the water in a high shear environment to create the friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid; pumping the friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid through a series of pumps and pipelines to the well site; and injecting the hydraulic fracturing fluid into the oil or gas well at a pressure sufficient to cause fracturing of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Encana Corporation
    Inventors: Grant Todd DeFosse, Lois Louise McCorriston
  • Publication number: 20140290956
    Abstract: A pump assembly including a plunger in communication with a pumpable media, a plurality of combustion chambers and a plurality of pistons. Each piston is associated with one of the combustion chambers. The pistons are in communication with the plunger and operatively arranged to together collectively urge the plunger in a pumping direction when the combustion chambers are triggered for displacing the pumpable media with the plunger. Also included is a method of pumping a media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Blake C. Burnette
  • Patent number: 8844615
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    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: 8839875
    Abstract: A system for sequestering CO2 gas and releasing natural gas from underground coal and/or gas shale formations using CO2 gas captured from the flue gas of a coal burning power plant, and processing it to produce cold liquid pressurized CO2, and injecting the cold liquid CO2 under pressure to create fractures within the formation and causing the CO2 to be adsorbed into the coal or gas shale and CH4 to be desorbed, released and recovered. No high volume of water, no toxic additives to the water and no sand proppants are used for hydro-fracture of the gas shale or coal bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ben M. Enis, Paul Lieberman
  • Patent number: 8833452
    Abstract: A method includes treating a first formation intersecting a wellbore, preparing a diversion fluid including an inactivated viscosifier and an inactivated thinning agent, and positioning an amount of the diversion fluid to isolate the first formation. An activator is then delivered to the diversion fluid, thereby activating the inactivated viscosifier and triggering a thinning agent activation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Don Williamson
  • Patent number: 8833456
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting seawater from a seawater source to an inland site for utilization as a drilling and/or fracturing fluid are disclosed. In an aspect, systems and methods are disclosed wherein seawater is extracted from an ocean at a coastal location and transported to an inland drilling and hydraulic fracturing site via a pipeline, thereby providing a consistent, large volume supply of seawater for use in drilling and/or hydraulic fracturing operations. Such systems and methods may eliminate usage of locally-sourced fresh water, eliminating the unsustainable burden that drilling and hydraulic fracturing places on local water tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Seawater Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brent Smith
  • Patent number: 8833474
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and releasing natural gas from underground coal and/or gas shale formations using CO2 gas captured from the flue gas of a coal burning power plant, and processing it to produce cold liquid pressurized CO2, and injecting the cold liquid CO2 under pressure to create fractures within the formation and causing the CO2 to be adsorbed into the coal or gas shale and natural gas (CH4) to be desorbed, released and recovered. A special pressure cycling process is used to enable the pressure within the formation to be increased and decreased, including allowing the liquid CO2 to change phase to a gaseous CO2, and injecting the liquid CO2 under pressure repeatedly, which causes greater expansion of the proliferation zone within the formation, and more efficiently releases CH4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Ben M. Enis, Paul Lieberman
  • Publication number: 20140246211
    Abstract: An adjustable fracturing system (10) is provided. The system includes an adjustment joint (60, 62, 64, 130, 170, 224) configured to be varied in length to facilitate coupling of a fracturing manifold (22) to a fracturing tree (20). In one embodiment, the system may also include the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Kirk P. Guidry, James D. Cavanagh, Brandon B. Shirley
  • Patent number: 8820400
    Abstract: An erosion resistant frac head with a convergence chamber, an expansion chamber and a mixing chamber provides improved resistance to erosion caused by abrasive frac fluids pumped through the frac head. A bottom leg of the erosion resistant frac head terminates in a flange and may be replaced in the field by field hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Bob McGuire
  • Publication number: 20140238665
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing stable lightweight cement slurry in a continuous manner for downhole injection comprising the steps of manufacturing a foamed gas having desired density ranging from about 2.15 to about 2.35 lb/cubic ft. and utilizing foam stabilizing nonionic surfactant. And, an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Charles D. Welker
  • Publication number: 20140238861
    Abstract: The present invention provides various systems, methods and apparatuses for recovering mining fluids, providing enhanced oil recovery and treating produced water. Plasma arc torches and electrolysis cells are used in various combinations. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, a first tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to a first end, a second tangential inlet/outlet connected to or proximate to a second end, an electrode housing connected to the first end such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle is connected to the second end such that the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis, the hollow electrode nozzle is partially disposed within the cylindrical vessel and outside the cylindrical vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 8813836
    Abstract: The disclosure provides one or more manifolds having manifold portions primarily of fluid conduit and flow components mounted to the manifold portions, such as valves and fluid fittings. The manifold is formed with a uniform bore, so that the manifold portions are the same size along the flow path of the manifold, and the valves and fluid fittings have a bore the same size of the bore of the manifold portions. The uni-bore manifold creates a less turbulent flow path and allows draining of the manifold through one or more valves coupled to an end of the manifold that otherwise can become restricted or plugged with particles entrained in fluids in the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: T-3 Property Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurabh Kajaria, Kendall Keene
  • Patent number: 8807222
    Abstract: A process is provided for reducing the pressure for injecting a solution of water-soluble polymer from a given injection pump into various oil wells in a given field as a function of the fracturation pressure for each well. Between the injection pump and each well, a respective main volumetric pump is placed. The fracturation pressure of each well is detected with a respective manometer, and the flow rate of each volumetric pump is controlled, using a brake, as a function of detected fracturation pressure of the respective well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: S.P.C.M. SA
    Inventor: Philippe Jeronimo
  • Patent number: 8807221
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting seawater from a seawater source to an inland site for utilization as a drilling and/or fracturing fluid are disclosed. In an aspect, systems and methods are disclosed wherein seawater is pumped from an ocean at a coastal location and transported to an inland drilling and hydraulic fracturing site, thereby providing a consistent, large volume supply of seawater for use in drilling and/or hydraulic fracturing operations. Such systems and methods may eliminate usage of locally-sourced fresh water, eliminating the unsustainable burden that drilling and hydraulic fracturing places on local water tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Brent Smith
  • Publication number: 20140224473
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Frank's International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, Samuel P. Hawkins, III, David L. Sipos, Keith T. Lutgring, Burney J. Latiolais, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140216717
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery, are disclosed herein. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: John Setel O'Donnell, Peter Emery von Behrens, Andras Nady, Stuart M. Heisler
  • Publication number: 20140216718
    Abstract: There is provided a frac adapter configured to couple a frac tree to a wellhead component. The frac adapter may couple the frac tree to a casing head without a tubing head, thereby enabling the well to be fractured before the tubing head is installed. As a result, the tubing head used in well production may be pressure-rated for production pressures rather than for fracing pressures. The frac adapter may be coupled to or integral with the frac tree. In addition, a union-nut coupling may be employed to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble the frac adapter from the wellhead component, such as the casing head. The union-nut coupling may further enable the components to be pressure-tested before the fracturing process is initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley Bertrand
  • Publication number: 20140209290
    Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. Such wellbore fluids may be included as a portion of a wellbore drilling assembly that includes a pump in fluid communication with a wellbore via a feed pipe; and a wellbore fluid disposed in at least one selected from the group consisting of the pump, the feed pipe, the wellbore, and any combination thereof, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles, for example, mineral particles that comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese carbonate, NixFe (x=2-3), copper oxide, and any combination thereof, the mineral particles having a median diameter between about 5 nm and about 5000 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Charles Landis, Jay Deville, Cato McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20140209312
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an ionized fluid, injecting the ionized fluid into fissures in a subterranean formation, pressurizing the ionized fluid, whereby the crystalline structure of a portion of the shale deposits located at the fissures are changed into suspended particles, whereby the depressurization of the ionized fluid forces the suspended particles out of the fissures, increasing the flow of hydrocarbons from those fissures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: MBJ Water Partners
    Inventor: Joseph G. Munisteri
  • Patent number: 8789593
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for the enhanced recovery of fluids from subterranean reservoirs using cryogenic fluids. Using the Earth's geothermal energy to warm cryogenic flood fluids injected into subterranean reservoirs, the pressure within the subterranean reservoir is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Publication number: 20140202698
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and a strength enhancer, wherein the strength enhancer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of cement kiln dust, slag, amorphous silica, a pozzolan, and any combination thereof; introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Jason Pisklak, Kyriacos Agapiou, Juan Humberto Martinez, Samuel Jason Lewis, Lance Everett Brothers, Pauline Akinyi Otieno, Peter James Boul, Matthew Grady Kellum, Ronnie Glen Morgan
  • Patent number: 8776891
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting flow interface equipment to a subsea manifold is disclosed. The connection system relates particularly to a connection apparatus adapted to land a conduit means on a subsea manifold in a first stage of the connection and to connect a conduit means of the connection apparatus to a choke body of the manifold in a second stage of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid, Alan Crawford, Paul W. White
  • Patent number: 8776881
    Abstract: A system for production of petroleum from an earth formation. The system includes: an injection assembly disposable within a first borehole for injecting a thermal source into the formation, the injection assembly including an injector extending from a distal end of the assembly; and a production assembly disposal within a second borehole for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation, the production assembly including a collector extending from a distal end of the assembly. At least one of the injector and the collector includes at least a first conduit and at least a second conduit concentric with the first conduit, the first conduit having a first distal end and the second conduit having a second distal end, the first and second distal ends located at different locations along a length of at least one of the first and second borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Barton Sponchia
  • Patent number: 8770275
    Abstract: A high-pressure casing fill-up and circulating assembly and method of use is disclosed. The fill and circulating assembly, when inserted into the uppermost portion of the casing, will allow the casing to be filled while each section of casing is added. In one configuration there can be a cup type seal that seals in the casing simply by inserting the circulator into the casing. In yet another configuration the casing circulator portion can be anchored in the casing by manipulating the setting apparatus of the circulator thus anchoring the circulator to the casing and a settable seal unit will be energized to seal between the casing and the circulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Albert A. Mullins
  • Patent number: 8770293
    Abstract: A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Giem, Philippe Gambier, Joel Rondeau, Chris Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8770277
    Abstract: A frac head is provided with a sacrificial wash ring. The sacrificial wash ring is located above a mixing chamber of the frac head. The sacrificial wash ring protects the frac head body from erosion caused by abrasive frac fluids pumped through the frac head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 8763693
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a chemical injection management system. The chemical injection management system may include an interface configured to couple the chemical injection management system to a mineral extraction system. In addition, the chemical injection management system may include an ultrasonic flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund Peter McHugh, James Eden White, Donald R. Augenstein, Matthew Mihalcin
  • Publication number: 20140174747
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus required for creating a mixture of dry proppant and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) for fracturing oil and gas formations is presented. The operation includes making a mixture of dry proppant and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) for use in a fracturing operation by supplying dry proppant that is pressurized to between 75 and 600 psia with a gas; further supplying a stream of sub-cooled LCO2 having a pressure substantially equal to that of the pressurized dry proppant; and adding dry, pressurized proppant to the stream of sub-cooled LCO2, thereby forming a mixed LCO2 and proppant fracturing slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Richard M. Kelly, Nick Joseph Degenstein, Bernard Thomas Neu
  • Patent number: 8739867
    Abstract: A remediation process that a employs improved quantitative method(s) of estimating of the volume and/or mass of contaminant in the subsurface, removal and or in situ degradation of the contamination using subsurface pulsing treatment (“SPT”) technology, and evaluation of the degree of remediation by re-applying the quantitative contaminant evaluation methods. The process uses SPT technology with the addition of a vacuum or sub-atmospheric pressure to an extraction well in order to create a push-pull effect to remove free contaminant or residual in conjunction with the pressure wave driving force created in the excitation or excitation well. The process can quantitatively measure the amount of residual contaminant, which up until now has not been possible or tractable using in situ methods, as well as measure the amount of residual that can be removed by SPT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: RemMetrik, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Panter
  • Patent number: 8739869
    Abstract: Methods for enhanced oil recovery from a subterranean formation including adding a first salt to a first aqueous stream to form a first injection stream with an increased concentration of a first ion. A second salt is added to a second aqueous stream to form a second injection stream with an increased concentration of a second ion. The second injection stream is of different composition than the first injection stream and the first injection stream and the second injection stream have substantially the same interfacial tension with a hydrocarbon and substantially the same kinematic viscosity. The first injection stream is injected into the formation at a first time and the second injection stream is injected into the formation at a second time. The first injection stream and second injection stream contact at least some overlapping portion of the formation. Oil is recovered from the overlapping portion of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Thomas W Willingham, Robin Gupta, Mauro Lo Cascio, Peter Griffin Smith, Jr., Jung-gi Jane Shyeh, Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 8733459
    Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery process that is integrated with a synthesis gas generation process, such as gasification or reforming, involving capture and recycle of a sour carbon dioxide stream for EOR use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Wallace
  • Patent number: 8733442
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting seawater from a seawater source to an inland site for utilization as a drilling and/or fracturing fluid are disclosed. In an aspect, systems and methods are disclosed wherein seawater is extracted from an ocean at a coastal location and transported to an inland drilling and hydraulic fracturing site via a railway-based transportation system, thereby providing a consistent, large volume supply of seawater for use in drilling and/or hydraulic fracturing operations. Such systems and methods may eliminate usage of locally-sourced fresh water, eliminating the unsustainable burden that drilling and hydraulic fracturing places on local water tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Seawater Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brent Smith
  • Patent number: 8727004
    Abstract: Methods relating to servicing fluids that comprise gelled liquefied petroleum gas or servicing fluids that comprise a conventional gelled hydrocarbon fluid with liquefied petroleum gas are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise providing a LPG servicing fluid comprising LPG and a gelling agent; pressurizing the LPG servicing fluid with one or more high-pressure pumps; introducing proppant particulates into at least a portion of the LPG servicing fluid using one or more high pressure pumps; and introducing the LPG servicing fluid comprising proppant particulates into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one or more fractures therein. In one embodiment, a gelling agent may be metered into the LPG on-the-fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad R. Bull, David M. Stribling, Calvin L. Stegemoeller, Leonard R. Case, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 8721898
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Publication number: 20140124203
    Abstract: Superheated steam from a generator (10) proximate a well (14) is delivered through an output pipe (12) that communicates through a dual entry wellhead (17) with downhole steam piping (18) extending into the well (14). Steam is delivered at approximately 50 PSIG over the frictional and other losses encountered from the surface to the steam piping outlet (19). Oil is extracted through production tubing (20) passing through wellhead (17). Production tubing (20) and steam delivery piping (18) are secured in parallel relationship by clamps (46). The production tubing (20) communicates with a lift pump, and the steam piping (18) is terminated generally at a midpoint of the production tubing (20), several feet above the lift pump. A thermocouple (43) is placed approximately two feet below the end of the steam piping (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Richard B. Graibus, Jimmy L. Turner, Charles T. McCullough, Dennis K. Williams
  • Patent number: 8714271
    Abstract: A FAC tool for use in a well comprising a well casing. The FAC tool comprises a top drive connection for coupling the tool to a top drive; a push plate; a telescoping section coupling the push plate to the top drive connection; a packer cup configured to seal an annular space between the FAC tool and the well casing when the packer cup is energized; a packer element system comprising at least one packer moveable between a locked position in which the at least one packer is not energized, and an energized position, the packer element system being configured to seal the annular space between the FAC tool and the well casing when in the energized position; and a slip system comprising at least one slip, the slip system configured to lock the packer element in the energized position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Julius Lehr, Malcolm Gray-Stephens, Gareth D. Sonnier, David H. Harris
  • Patent number: 8689879
    Abstract: The method for subsea well intervention includes creating a lubricator section within the production tubing of the well. The lubricator section can then be flushed of hydrocarbons facilitating further well intervention from the open water. An intervention device that facilitates flushing production tubing that has equipment, such as electric submersible pumps, is deployed in the wellhead, for example in the valve tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Jean-Luc Monnac, Christopher Taor
  • Patent number: 8689876
    Abstract: A fracturing system for a well, in which a stream of LPG, a mixture of propane and butane, is injected into the well at frac pressure. Proppant is supplied into the LPG stream, and carried by the LPG mix into the formation. Inert gas such as nitrogen is used for purging system components of LPG, and to help protect against risk of explosion. Nitrogen may also be added to the LPG mix during a frac of shale gas or coal gas formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GASFRAC Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight N. Loree, Shaun T. Mesher