With Means For Inserting Fluid Into Well Patents (Class 166/90.1)
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Publication number: 20120205126Abstract: Water is removed from a natural gas well by the use of nitrogen, which is produced by a non-cryogenic unit at the site of the well. A cylindrical casing is positioned over the well. A tubing, disposed within the casing, is aligned over the well bore. Nitrogen is selectively introduced into either the space between the tubing and the casing, or into the tubing, so as to displace water from within the tubing or the casing, respectively. The water is directed to a storage tank at the site of the well. Nitrogen is purged from the lines, and the well is ready to resume production.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: GENERON IGS, INC.Inventors: Daniel Chenoweth, John Font
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Publication number: 20120205127Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively displacing water from a hydraulically continuous water zone in a porous geological formation. The target zone to be displaced is defined by a hydrodynamically maintained pressure differential, which has been shown to be capable of confining an expanding injected gas zone. One or more gas injection wells and water production wells are located within the zone. During pressurized gas injection within the zone, the gas displaces water downward within the confined zone such that water is selectively produced from the target zone and the injected gas zone is confined within the hydraulically continuous water zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Simon Gittins, Harbir Chhina, Katherine Stavropoulos, Xiaohuan Liu, Alvin Winestock
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Publication number: 20120199353Abstract: A device is provided for delivering and distributing injection fluids into a subsurface formation from a horizontal wellbore. The device includes one or more steam pups having an outer sleeve and an inner sliding sleeve in concentric relationship. One or more sets of nozzles are arranged on the outer sleeve. A means is provided for actuating movement of the inner sliding sleeve within the outer sleeve, to at least partially cover one or more sets of nozzles on the outer sleeve. A method is also provided for delivering injection fluids into a subsurface formation from a horizontal wellbore. First, one or more steam pups are introduced into the horizontal well, said steam pups having an outer sleeve and an inner sliding sleeve with one or more sets of nozzles arranged on the outer sleeve. Next the inner sliding sleeve is moved inside the outer sleeve to at least partially cover one or more sets of nozzles on the outer sleeve. Finally, injection fluid is injected through the steam pup nozzles into formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Brent Daniel Fermaniuk, Brian Kenneth Klimack, Jesse Klimack
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Patent number: 8225856Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
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Publication number: 20120181046Abstract: The disclosure provides an adjustable modular skid system with a plurality of skid modules to support oil field fluid components, such as manifolds, mixing blocks, collection blocks, fracturing pumps, piping and connections, and other devices used to transport water, sand slurries, gas, oil, or other fluids in oil field applications. The skid system has vibration adjusting features. The skid modules can be coupled together through piping and relevant connections at the well site. If appropriate, the skid modules can be supported on pilings or other foundational supports. The system can be assembled remotely, started and tested, partially disassembled into the skid modules, and then installed at the well site with minimal additional effort by generally providing lines and connections between the modules. Excessive vibrations in the system can be reduced by adjusting an overall stiffness of the system to change a natural frequency of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: T-3 PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Saurabh KAJARIA, Kendall KEENE
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Publication number: 20120181014Abstract: A system for servicing a wellbore, comprising a water source, a first water stream from the water source comprising undissolved solids, dissolved organics and undissolved organics, the first water stream being introduced into a mobile electrocoagulation unit, a second water stream comprising coalesced undissolved solids, coalesced undissolved organics and dissolved organics, the second water stream being emitted from the electrocoagulation unit and introduced into a mobile separation unit, a third water stream comprising dissolved organics, the third water stream being emitted from the separation unit, an ozone stream emitted from a mobile ozone generator and added to the third water stream comprising dissolved organics to form an ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics, the ozonated water stream comprising dissolved organics being introduced into a mobile ultraviolet irradiation unit, a fourth water stream substantially free of undissolved solids, facilely-oxidizable organics and active microorgaType: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Rory DAUSSIN, Diptabhas SARKAR, Phillip C. HARRIS
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Publication number: 20120168164Abstract: In one aspect, an injection apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed wherein the apparatus includes a tubular housing and a shield housing disposed outside the tubular housing, the shield housing including a chamber in fluid communication with the tubular housing. The apparatus further includes a piston disposed within the shield housing, the piston coupled to a biasing member, wherein movement of the piston controls fluid communication between the chamber and the wellbore, and wherein the movement of the piston is caused by a pressure change of a fluid within the tubular housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Kai Sun, Jesse J. Constantine, JR.
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Publication number: 20120160496Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Philippe M.J. Tardy, Douglas Pipchuk, Xiaowei Weng, Fernando Baez Manzanera
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Publication number: 20120152532Abstract: A system and a method for the artificial pneumatic production of oil and gas which is self-supplied is provided. The well's originating gas separates in a skid of separation of oil and after gas is rectified, gas is injected again into the well; the gas injection is made to a pressure enough to lift the oil-gas mixture inside the well. The excess of gas is exhausted toward the closer processing station.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: ENX COMPRESSORS SA de C.V.Inventor: OSCAR VAZQUEZ SENTIES
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Publication number: 20120145388Abstract: This invention consists of a method to enable methane recovery from hydrate reservoirs. The invention, in particular, relates to a Saltwater Hydrate Extraction Process (SHEP) in which high salinity water is injected into a hydrate reservoir into a lower horizontal well to promote and control gas production by hydrate decomposition to an upper deviated production well.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: MGM Energy Corp.Inventors: Gary Bunio, Ian Donald Gates, Jacky Wang
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Publication number: 20120138316Abstract: There is disclosed a system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a mechanism for recovering oil and/or gas from an under-ground formation, the oil and/or gas comprising natural gas; a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the natural gas from the recovered oil and/or gas into an enhanced oil recovery solvent formulation; and a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the enhanced oil recovery solvent formulation into the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Andreas Nicholas Matzakos
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Publication number: 20120125611Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation comprising hydrocarbons; a production facility at a topside of the well; a water production facility connected to the production facility; wherein the water production facility produces water by removing some multivalent ions, then removing some monovalent ions, and then adding back some monovalent ions, and then injects the water into the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Shell Internationalale Research MaatschappijInventors: Subhash Chandra Bose Ayirala, Robert Wing-Yu Chin, Andreas Nicholas Matzakos, Ernesto Uehara-Nagamine
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Publication number: 20120125605Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced oil recovery from a subterranean formation are provided. An exemplary includes separating fluid produced from the subterranean formation into a first fluid stream that includes an aqueous stream containing multivalent ions. At least a portion of the multivalent ions in the first fluid are removed to form a second fluid stream and the second fluid stream is injected into the subterranean formation. The first fluid stream and the second fluid stream have substantially the same interfacial tension with a hydrocarbon and substantially the same kinematic viscosity, and the second fluid stream has a total concentration of ions greater than about 100,000 ppm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Thomas W. Willingham, Robin Gupta, Mauro Lo Cascio, Peter Griffin Smith, JR., Jung-gi Jane Shyeh
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Publication number: 20120125604Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing oil recovery from a subterranean formation comprising at least a first region and a second region are provided. An exemplary method includes creating an injection stream by adding a salt to a water stream to increase a concentration of an ion and injecting the injection stream into the subterranean formation through a first injection well in the first region of the subterranean formation. Fluid is produced from the subterranean formation and separated to generate an aqueous stream comprising at least a portion of the ion. The salt is added to the aqueous stream to adjust the concentration of the ion in the aqueous stream to a desired level. The aqueous stream is injected into the subterranean formation through a second injection well in the second region of the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Thomas W. Willingham, Robin Gupta, Mauro Lo Cascio, Peter Griffin Smith, JR.
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Publication number: 20120125603Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Thomas W. Willingham, Robin Gupta, Mauro Lo Cascio, Peter Griffin Smith, JR., Jung-gi Jane Shyeh, Robert D. Kaminsky
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Publication number: 20120125615Abstract: A method of transmitting a fluid into an oil well bore provides a frame supporting a vessel, the vessel having an interior, upper and lower end portions, a conically shaped side wall, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the vessel. A viscous polymeric material is added to the vessel interior. A discharge pipe having a vertical section is placed below the vessel, the discharge pipe being in communication with the outlet. A positive displacement pump is contained within the discharge pipe. The pump transmits fluid from the outlet into the discharge pipe downstream of the vertical pipe section or pump. The fluid is selectively transmitted to either the vessel interior (for recirculating) or into the well. Air is added to the discharge flow line downstream of the pump. In one embodiment, the vessel contains a flexible bladder or bag that holds the material to be pumped.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Danny NESS, Robert BARTLETT
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Publication number: 20120118566Abstract: Methods and systems of fracturing subterranean formations to are provided comprising pumping metacritical phase natural gas into a subterranean formation to create or extend one or more fissures in the formation. Methods and systems may further comprise maintaining or increasing pressure of the metacritical phase natural gas in the formation by pumping more metacritical phase natural gas into the fissures to hold the fissures open. Methods and systems may further comprise delivering a proppant into the subterranean formation. Disclosed methods and systems may be used to extract hydrocarbons from subterranean formations without the use of liquids.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: Expansion Energy, LLCInventor: David Vandor
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Publication number: 20120118586Abstract: There are provided a carbon dioxide storage apparatus and a carbon dioxide storage method which, through direct injection of carbon dioxide into an underground brine aquifer, can store carbon dioxide efficiently in the brine aquifer. A filter formed of, for example, grindstone is provided at a tip portion of an injection well. A pumping apparatus pumps carbon dioxide stored in a carbon dioxide tank. The pumping apparatus feeds carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide tank into the injection well by means of a pump. In the pumping apparatus, carbon dioxide is held within a predetermined pressure range and a predetermined temperature range. Carbon dioxide is fed through the injection well, and is injected into a brine aquifer. Carbon dioxide injected into the brine aquifer assumes the form of microbubbles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: TOKYO GAS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiromichi Kameyama, Susumu Nishio, Ziqiu Xue, Toshifumi Matsuoka
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Patent number: 8176986Abstract: Retrieving a down hole tool at a lower end of a string of casing can be performed with drill pipe during a casing-while-drilling operation. The operator suspends the casing on a landing sub landed in a drilling rig floor opening. A string of drill pipe is lowered into the casing while the casing is suspended for engaging and retrieving the down hole tool. A spillage preventer in the landing sub prevents spillage of drilling fluid as the drill pipe is being retrieved. When circulation is desired, the operator secures a circulation tool to an upper end of the drill pipe, then lowers the drill pipe and the circulation tool to close off an upper end of an inner annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. A connection between the circulation tool and the landing sub allows the operator to reciprocate the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Tesco CorporationInventors: Tommy M. Warren, Preston T. Honeycutt, Michael Brouse
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Publication number: 20120111569Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for delivering a mixture of well treatment chemicals into a well are disclosed. A chemical distribution device includes mixing manifold that receives well treatment chemicals and solvent that are to be mixed. A siphon is positioned within the mixing manifold to control the fluid level. The mixture is not delivered from the chemical distribution device until the fluid level of the mixture is above a crest of the siphon. The mixture is delivered in a batch to the well via a flowline until the fluid level of the mixture is below the inlet of the siphon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Gabriel Prukop
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Patent number: 8167046Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to communicate with a zone below a subsurface safety valve (104, 204) independent of the position of a closure member (106) of the safety valve are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods include deploying a subsurface safety valve (104, 204) to a profile located within a string of production tubing. The subsurface safety valve (104, 204) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (150,152; 250,252) and includes a bypass pathway (144, 244) to inject various fluids to a zone below.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Thomas G. Hill, Jr., Jeffrey L. Bolding, David Randolph Smith
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Patent number: 8167049Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) LimitedInventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
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Patent number: 8157003Abstract: An environmentally and economically more efficient petroleum production/refining/utilization system for managing carbon emissions at all stages of the petroleum lifecycle is provided. The system of the current invention integrates the release of carbon from refined low value, high polluting petroleum products such that those sources of carbon may be utilized in a manner beneficial to the efficiency and environmental footprint of the overall petroleum processing lifecycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Stillwater Energy Group, LLCInventors: David J. Hackett, Marshall A. Bell
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Publication number: 20120085079Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods for producing power from coalbed methane (CBM) with decreased CO2 emissions. For example, a method of producing power according to an exemplary embodiment includes converting a feedstock from a hydrocarbon source into a gas mixture comprising CO2 and H2. The gas mixture is injected into a coalbed to cause CBM to desorb from the coal and CO2 to adsorb onto the coal. The hydrocarbon source is separate from the coalbed, i.e., does not exchange hydrocarbons with the hydrocarbon source. A gas mixture is produced from the coalbed, wherein the produced gas mixture includes H2 and CH4. The gas mixture may be combusted to generate power, while releasing lower amounts of CO2 than would be released from the combustion of pure CH4.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
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Publication number: 20120085540Abstract: Method and apparatus for downhole injecting one or more treatment fluids, and especially for providing one or more seals in an annular space between a well tubular and the surrounding formation or between pipes of a wellbore system, said method comprising the steps of loading the or each treatment fluid separately into one or more fluid containers (2,3) arranged in a injection tool (1), each container comprising container walls surrounding the fluid in the fluid container, and an outlet opening, lowering the injection tool body into the wellbore or the well tubular to a predetermined position, pumping the fluids from each fluid container into the wellbore or the well tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
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Patent number: 8151885Abstract: A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising an inlet space, a central space adjacent and in fluid communication with the inlet space along a central axis, a dome space adjacent and in fluid communication with the central space along the central axis, and a plurality of channels adjacent to and in fluid communication with the dome space, wherein the plurality of channels are radially spaced about the central axis, and wherein a channel axis of the at least one of the plurality of channels is incident the central axis by less than ninety degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Brad R. Bull, Ivan L. Blanco, Kenneth G. Neal
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Patent number: 8146665Abstract: A wellbore services manifold trailer comprising a blender connector configured to couple to a blender, a boost pump coupled to the blender connector, a high-pressure pump suction connector coupled to the boost pump and configured to couple to a high-pressure pump, a high-pressure pump discharge connector configured to couple to the high-pressure pump, and a wellhead connector configured to couple to a wellhead is disclosed. A wellbore servicing method comprises receiving a fluid at a first pressure, increasing the pressure of the fluid to a second pressure greater than the first pressure, feeding the fluid to a high-pressure pump at the second pressure, receiving the fluid from the high-pressure pump at a third pressure greater than the second pressure, and feeding the fluid to a wellhead at the third pressure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Neal
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Publication number: 20120073799Abstract: An apparatus for distributing CO2 with an advanced function of adjusting the pressure and temperature of CO2 for geologic injection includes a manifold including a plurality of branching pipes to receive carbon dioxide for geologic injection from a plurality of storage tanks, a distribution chamber having an inlet communicating with the manifold and an outlet connected to an injection pipe extending to an underground tubular well, so that the carbon dioxide, which has been received through the manifold, is supplied through the injection pipe, a temperature adjusting part to adjust the temperature of the carbon dioxide introduced into the distribution chamber, and a flow rate and hydraulic pressure adjusting part to adjust a flow rate and a hydraulic pressure of the carbon dioxide injected into an underground through the distribution chamber. The temperature and pressure conditions of CO2 on geologic injection are controlled through a user interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Korea Institute for Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)Inventors: Tae-Hee KIM, Ki-Sung SUNG, Jeong-Chan KIM
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Publication number: 20120073820Abstract: A fluid injection sub for a well creates eduction to draw well fluid into a mixing chamber and discharge the well fluid mixed with an injection fluid pumped down a string of tubing to the sub. The injection sub has a well fluid intake passage leading from an exterior of the housing to the mixing chamber. The injection sub also has a mixed fluid discharge passage extending from the mixing chamber to the exterior of the housing for discharging the mixed fluid exterior of the housing. A nozzle at the lower end of the mixing chamber discharges the injection fluid into the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Rite Increaser, LLCInventor: E. Edward Rankin
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Publication number: 20120073818Abstract: A method of transmitting a fluid into an oil well bore provides a frame supporting a vessel, the vessel having an interior, upper and lower end portions, a conically shaped side wall, and an outlet for discharging the fluid from the vessel. A viscous polymeric material is added to the vessel interior. A discharge pipe having a vertical section is placed below the vessel, the discharge pipe being in communication with the outlet. A positive displacement pump is contained within the discharge pipe. The pump transmits fluid from the outlet into the discharge pipe downstream of the vertical pipe section or pump. The fluid is selectively transmitted to either the vessel interior (for recirculating) or into the well. Air is added to the discharge flow line downstream of the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventor: Danny Ness
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Patent number: 8141642Abstract: A fill-up and circulation tool includes a mandrel; a packer assembly is disposed around the mandrel; and a valve assembly connected to the mandrel, wherein the valve assembly is configured to selectively control fluid flow into the tool and out of the tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Delaney Michael Olstad, Russell W. Thompson, Russell Lee Morgan, Jim Hollingsworth, Doyle Frederic Boutwell, Jr., Michael Hayes, Martin Liess, John D. Hooker, II
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Publication number: 20120055675Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively delivering a fluid to a targeted area through the use of vortices that are experiencing Taylor-Couette flow. Rotation of the outer surface of a body of the apparatus causes fluid within the annular area between a wellbore and the outer surface to form opposing vortices, which can then be used to selectively deliver the fluid to the targeted area, such as areas of low permeability of a reservoir, in order to improve flow characteristics of a producing area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
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Publication number: 20120055674Abstract: Detecting and correcting unintended fluid flow between subterranean zones. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods that include: injecting a first fluid into a subterranean zone, the injecting by way of a first borehole; making a reading indicative of surface deformation; identifying, based on the surface deformation reading, a flow path for a second fluid out of the subterranean zone; drilling a second borehole that intersects the flow path; and placing a sealing compound into the flow path by way of the second borehole, the sealing compound reduces the flow of the second fluid through the flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald E. SWEATMAN, Glenn R. McCOLPIN, Eric J. DAVIS, Scott D. MARSIC
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Patent number: 8122948Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) LimitedInventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
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Patent number: 8122949Abstract: A tapered sleeve and fracturing head system for introducing fracturing fluid to a wellbore, while protecting a conveyance string from the erosive effects of the fracturing fluid is disclosed. A tapered sleeve has a top portion and a tapered downhole portion. The sleeve is fit to a main bore of a fracturing head by an upset at the top portion of the sleeve that engages a shoulder of the fracturing head. The sleeve intercepts, deflects and redirects introduced fracturing fluids downhole, preventing direct impingement of the fracturing fluid against the conveyance string. The main bore of the fracturing head may also be tapered at an angle substantial parallel to and along the length of the taper of the sleeve, to further improve the fluid dynamics of the fracturing fluid and further reduce the erosive effects of the fracturing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Isolation Equipment Services Inc.Inventor: Bruce (Boris) P. Cherewyk
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Patent number: 8122961Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for discharging a plurality of fluids downhole. In one aspect, the apparatus may include a first chamber and a second chamber separated by movable barrier, wherein draining the fluid from the first chamber causes the barrier to move and allow an actuating member to drain the second fluid from the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Freeman L. Hill, Randall L. Evans
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Publication number: 20120043084Abstract: A system includes first and second wells. The first well has a first tube that extends from a first well head to a first end disposed within a coal seam. The second well is disposed at a distance from the first well and includes a second tube that extends from a second well head to a second end disposed within the coal seam. A pump is coupled to the first well and is configured to supply the first tube with pressurized fluid that includes nutrients for methanogenesis. At least a portion of the pressurized fluid introduced into the first tube of the first well is received within the second tube of the second well by way of the coal seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: NEXT FUEL, INC.Inventors: Song JIN, Robert H. CRAIG
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Publication number: 20120037363Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation including a well above the formation; a mechanism to inject an enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation, the enhanced oil recovery formulation including dimethyl ether; and a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Michael Alvin Curole
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Patent number: 8113279Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for injecting a tracer within a groundwater observation well, which is capable of sequentially performing a tracer test by depth by injecting the tracer to a predetermined depth within the groundwater observation well. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for instantaneously injecting a tracer to a groundwater well, whereby opening and closing of a container receiving the tracer is controlled by using a pneumatic cylinder and the tracer on the ground is supplied to the container, so that the tracer is repeatedly carried and injected to a specific depth in a well.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral ResourcesInventors: Bong Joo Lee, Yong Cheol Kim, Yong Je Kim
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Patent number: 8113275Abstract: A multipart frac head with removable components permits the frac head to be refurbished in the field. A bottom leg and inlet ports of the multipart frac head can be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.Inventors: Bob McGuire, Danny Lee Artherholt
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Patent number: 8113288Abstract: The system and method are utilized to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and field produced salt water to optimize production from an oil or gas well. The invention is suitable for use with a well that utilizes gas-lift as artificial lift. The equipment is designed to regulate the flow of injection gas into the production tubing to optimize production of the well.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventors: David Bachtell, Charles Bachtell, Mike Bachtell
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Publication number: 20120024603Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for a pipe string of a geological drill hole, with a pipe string element and a fluid supply line which is arranged outside the pipe string element, extends along the pipe string element and is connected to a fluid injection device on the pipe string element, by means of which a fluid supplied through the fluid supply line can be introduced into an inner space of the pipe string element. The invention furthermore relates to a pipe string of a geological drill hole, in particular of a geothermal drill hole, a method for operating a geological drilling machine and a method for producing a pipe string for a geological drill hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: Bernhard Prevedel
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Patent number: 8104536Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Mark Dean Looney, Robert Steven Lestz, Kirk Hollis, Craig Taylor, Scott Kinkead, Marcus Wigand
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Patent number: 8100175Abstract: Fracturing heads with one or more replaceable wear-resistant inserts have annular sealing elements for inhibiting fracturing fluids from circulating between the inserts and a main body of the fracturing head. Worn inserts and degraded sealing elements are easily replaced to refurbish the fracturing head without replacing or rebuilding the main body. Service life of the main body is therefore significantly prolonged. In one embodiment, an entire flow path through the main body is lined with wear-resistant replaceable inserts to further prolong the service life of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
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Publication number: 20120006550Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Rod Shampine, Paul Dwyer, Ronnie Stover, Mike Lloyd, Jean-Louis Pessin, Edward Leugemors, Larry D. Welch, Joe Hubenschmidt, Philippe Gambier, William Troy Huey, Tom Allan
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Patent number: 8091630Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Cameron Systems (Ireland) LimitedInventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
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Publication number: 20120001429Abstract: Novel carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy generation systems, i.e., carbon plume geothermal (CPG) systems, and methods are provided. With the novel systems and methods described herein, geothermal energy can now be provided at lower temperatures and at locations other than hot, dry rock formations, without negatively impacting the surrounding area through use of large-scale hydrofracturing. Use of a carbon dioxide-based geothermal system further provides a means for sequestering and storing excess carbon dioxide, rather than having it released to the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Martin O. Saar, Jimmy Bryan Randolph, Thomas H. Kuehn
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Publication number: 20110315370Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: STINGER WELLHEAD PROTECTION, INC.Inventor: Bob McGuire
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Publication number: 20110308798Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a first well above the formation; the first well comprises a mechanism to inject a miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation; the first well comprises a first tubular and a second tubular, the first tubular threadingly engaged with the second tubular; a thread compound disposed on at least one of a thread of the first tubular and a thread of the second tubular; the thread compound comprises an additive adapted to swell when exposed to the miscible enhanced oil recovery formulationType: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventor: Jemei Chang
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Publication number: 20110297399Abstract: A device that allows gradually regulation, i.e., non-destructively controlling the flow of injected polymer flooding enhanced oil recovery fluids at each point of injection, using: at least one conduit providing a variable length flow path combined with the centrifugal and other retarding or decelerative forces accessible to a formation engineer by configuring and otherwise arranging the spatial orientation and relative position of each section of such conduit, so as to achieve a never before attained degree of non-damaging flow control density within a compact space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventor: Steven Peter Dyck