With Above-ground Means For Preparing Or Separating Drilling Fluid Constituents Patents (Class 175/206)
  • Patent number: 11623882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for clarifying water by means treatment of the colloidal structures contained in a liquid and/or a sludge supplied in a continuous flow at a flow rate of QEB=VEB/hour. The flow is sprayed into a chamber under overpressure conditions in relation to atmospheric pressure, said chamber having a volume v<VEB/20, and air being injected simultaneously therein at a flow rate d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Orege
    Inventors: Patrice Capeau, Michel Lopez, Pascal Gendrot
  • Patent number: 11585167
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating recovery of lubrication beads is provided. The apparatus includes a hydrocyclone, for separating drilling fluid into a high density stream and a low density stream containing a major portion of the lubrication beads; a receiving pump, for pumping drilling fluid to the hydrocyclone; a discharge pump, for pumping the high density stream from the lower end of the hydrocyclone to further processing; and a hose for flowing the low density stream from the upper end of the hydrocyclone to the cleaned fluid handling system. A method for integrating the apparatus for facilitating recovery of lubrication beads from a drilling fluid into a solids control apparatus includes positioning an end of a first hose to receive the drilling fluid; arranging an end of a second hose in communication with the first shaker's filter screen; and setting an end of a third hose to empty into the cleaned fluid handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SOLID FLUIDS & TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Terry W. Hoskins
  • Patent number: 11549930
    Abstract: A system for measuring mechanical properties of rock cuttings includes a vibration platform with an upper surface configured to vibrate a plurality of rock cuttings thereon. A sensor system is operatively connected to the vibration platform to monitor the rock cuttings vibrating on the upper surface of the vibration platform. A calculation module is operatively connected to the vibration platform and the sensor system to calculate mechanical properties of the rock cuttings based on applied vibrational force frequency of the vibration platform and measurements of the rock cuttings from the sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Syed Muhummad Farrukh Hamza
  • Patent number: 11547964
    Abstract: An air intake system may include an engine air cleaner having a dust valve. The intake system may be configured for arrangement on the engine. The dust valve may also be operable to open or close based on operating characteristics of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Philip C. Spengler, Jeffrey R. Ries, Jon T. Immel, Javier A. Rodríguez
  • Patent number: 11214765
    Abstract: An enriched trichome pellet product including either a hop derived lupulin component or a cannabis derived trichome component, and the associated cryogenic and mechanical method for the efficient production of the pellet product. The pellet is produced at low temperatures, which aids in pellet production eliminating degradation of the hop lupulin having a high alpha acid and essential oils content that is especially suited for use in the brewing of beer and hop flavored beverages, and aids in eliminating degradation of the cannabis trichome having aromatic oils, and terpenoids and terpenes as well as therapeutic and psychoactive cannabinoids including THC, CBG, and CBD that is especially suited for use in cannabis component or “cannabinoid” enriched products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: YAKIMA CHIEF HOPS, INC
    Inventors: Karl P. Vanevenhoven, Benjamin T. Grogan, Nicholas S. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 10927622
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a pre-treatment source generates pre-treated oilfield fluid from oilfield fluid, prior to injection into an inverting filter centrifuge system. The pre-treatment source increases an efficiency of separating solids from the injected oilfield fluid. An inverting filter centrifuge coupled to the pre-treatment source generates filtered oilfield fluid from the pre-treated oilfield fluid. Post-treatment may be applied to the filtered oilfield fluid. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Katerina V. Newman, Timothy N. Harvey
  • Patent number: 10695696
    Abstract: A system for processing solid and liquid waste includes a first shale shaker, a second shale shaker, a submersible pump, a centrifugal pump, a first collection tank, a second collection tank, a mud cleaner assembly, a variable frequency drive (VFD) centrifugal solid-liquid separator, and a water clarifying assembly. The first shale shaker is in fluid communication with the second shale shaker through the submersible pump. The second shale shaker is in fluid communication with the centrifugal pump through the first collection tank. The centrifugal pump is in fluid communication with the mud cleaner assembly. The mud cleaner assembly is in fluid communication with the VFD centrifugal solid-liquid separator through the water clarifying assembly. Resultantly, the system discharges a flow of usable water through the VFD centrifugal solid-liquid separator as an initial load of solid and liquid waste is inputted into the first shale shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Clean Slurry Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Lynn Sorteberg
  • Patent number: 10633941
    Abstract: Monitoring drill cuttings suspended within a drilling fluid with one or more cuttings detection devices as the drill cuttings traverse one or more shaker screens of a shaker. Drill cuttings data of the drill cuttings is then generated with the one or more cuttings detection devices. Analyzing and processing the drill cuttings data with one or more processors included in a data acquisition system and thereby generating processed drill cuttings data. The processed drill cuttings data is indicative of at least one of a cuttings size distribution and a density of the drill cuttings. One or more operational parameters of the shaker may then be modified based on the processed drill cuttings data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Teodorescu
  • Patent number: 10571451
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the drilling of a wellbore having a drilling fluid that circulates in the wellbore during drilling, comprises: Extracting a plurality of gaseous compounds from a sample of drilling fluid exiting the wellbore, Measuring a quantity y(i) of at least a group of compounds, each group comprises comprising at least one extracted gaseous compound, Determining, from the measured quantity y(i) and an extraction coefficient ?(i) associated to each group, the content x(i) of each group of gaseous compounds present in the sample of drilling fluid, Deriving a drilling indicator from the content x(i) of at least one group of gaseous compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GEOSERVICES EQUIPEMENTS
    Inventors: Ivan Fornasier, Ilaria De Santo, David Cook, Jacques Chedotal, Slim Hbaieb
  • Patent number: 10556194
    Abstract: A primary separation apparatus for separating natural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, natural gas, and isolation plug cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Stuart Petroleum Testers, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Hendrix
  • Patent number: 10550653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to air drilling and an apparatus, system and process for air storage for speeding up and making the air drilling process in a wellbore more efficient. The present air storage system is used to divert high pressurized air from the air compressors into an air storage tank for storage during drilling process of adding another piece of pipe to the well. In the present invention, the compressed air can be stored in the air storage system until the connection is made and the driller is ready to resume drilling. This high pressurized, large volume of stored air in the air storage system helps the compressors quickly build up enough air to resume the drilling process thus reducing the amount of drill downtime during the process of making a new pipe connection in a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: William Wesley Carnes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10494884
    Abstract: An automobile tire that is unsuitable to carry an automobile is obtained. Tire chips are formed from the obtained automobile tire. The tire chips are mixed with a quantity of wellbore carrier fluid to form a mixture. The mixture is used as loss circulation material during a wellbore drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Md Amanullah, Mohammed K. Arfaj
  • Patent number: 10337249
    Abstract: A technique for drilling oil, gas and disposal wells in the earth includes drilling a surface hole with by delivering air down one flow path in a drill string and circulating air and drill cuttings up another flow path in the drill string. Surface pipe is cemented in the surface hole and a well bore is drilled below surface pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Jason A Hatfield
  • Patent number: 10227837
    Abstract: A method transferring drill cuttings, the method comprising transferring the drill cuttings from a pressurized transference device to a pressurized container; transferring the drill cuttings from the pressurized container to a land-based pit discharging station; and discharging the drill cuttings into the land-based pit discharging station. Also, a system for transferring drill cuttings while drilling, the system comprising a pressurized transfer device; a pressurized container in fluid communication with the pressurized transfer device; a conduit disposed between the pressurized transfer device and the pressurized container; and a land-based pit discharging station in fluid communication with the pressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Trey W. Anderson, Gary E. Fout, Gordon MacMillian Logan, John Koch
  • Patent number: 10226720
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is described to facilitate separation of hydrocarbons from solid particles (29) being contaminated with hydrocarbons. The apparatus (1) includes a container (3) having a closeable inlet portion (20) for solid particles; a support body (11) in fluid communication with the closeable inlet portion (20), where the support body (11) is arranged to carry the solid particles (29) led in through the inlet portion (20), as the container is connected to an under-pressure generating device (7) to provide an under-pressure in the container (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Cubility AS
    Inventors: Jan Kristian Vasshus, Arne Malmin
  • Patent number: 10202289
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for treating salt water. In the method, a feed water is run through a skimmer unit to form de-oiled water. The de-oiled water is passed through an electrocoagulation unit to form electrocoagulated water. A precipitating agent is added to the electrocoagulated water and stirred to form a water/floc mixture. A polymeric coagulation enhancing agent is added to the water/floc mixture with mild stirring and coagulants in the mixture are permitted to settle. A partly clarified water from the mixture is drawn out from a level above the settled coagulants. The partly clarified water is run through at least one settler and coagulants are removed from the bottom of the at least one settler. A clarified salt water stream is withdrawn from the final settler. The necessary equipment can be mounted on a trailer. The trailer can be provided with a stairway and catwalk to facilitate safe inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventors: Noe Joshua Lopez, Joshua Decker
  • Patent number: 10180396
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a gas sample conveyed in a drilling fluid involves liberating the gas sample from the drilling fluid, irradiating the gas sample with infrared radiation spanning a wavelength range in the near-infrared range, detecting absorption spectra associated with irradiating the gas sample, and determining a composition of the gas sample from the absorption spectra. The gas sample includes one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane, the detected absorption spectra are associated with irradiating each of the one or more of methane, ethane, propane, and butane, and the composition includes a concentration of any one or more of the methane, ethane, propane, and butane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Parson Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Alexander DeGreeve, Sean William Lyons Unrau, Marceau Ernest van Beurden, Ryan Henricus van Beurden
  • Patent number: 10145229
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices removed from a fluid flow stream from a wellbore by a component of solids control equipment used with a drilling operation. The system can include a first MEM reader. The system can also include a second MEM reader. The first MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream and between the fluid flow output and the wellbore for detecting at least a subset of the MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The system can further include a computing device for determining an amount and types of the MEM devices removed from the fluid flow stream by the component of solids control equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton Cheramie Galliano, Mathew Dennis Rowe, Walter Varney Andrew Graves
  • Patent number: 10138692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to regulate the down-hole hydrostatic pressure in a wellbore are provided which depend on regulating the resistance to the flow of wellbore returns produced by the wellbore. The resistance may be provided by the internal gas pressure in a gas/liquid separator receiving the flow of wellbore returns, where the internal gas pressure is regulated by an adjustable back pressure valve and a gas source. Alternatively or in addition, the resistance may be provided by a pump receiving the flow of wellbore returns, where the resistance of the pump is regulated by adjusting the speed of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Boyd
  • Patent number: 10094184
    Abstract: A craneless elevatable MGS vessel and U-tube assembly can be delivered on a winch truck to a drilling site and assembled in a far shorter time and without the need of having a crane and crane operator attend to the movement and placement of the MGS vessel and attached U-tube mud lines to a mud handling system in a drilling rig. The MGS vessel of the present application can be a standard type of MGS vessel well known in the industry. By fabricating this MGS vessel with attached and moveable U-tube connectors for the mud line, the system can be moved and assembled at the drill site without crane intervention. Moreover, the ability to raise the MGS vessel, after placement in its vertical position, permits ready attachment to multiple diverse drilling rig configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Camaron M. Cox
  • Patent number: 10086316
    Abstract: Dehydrator systems having a core dehydrator and a mixing unit are described herein and methods of using the same. The core dehydrator comprises a turbulent flow mixing compartment the turbulent flow mixing compartment with plate openings having a turbulent flow transition zone where linear speed of fluid flow is reduced, a clarifying sediment chamber, where fluid flow is substantially laminar) comprising a plurality of small deflector plaques and a plurality of large deflector plaques and a flocculation pipe. In the turbulent flow transition zone, fluid flow transitions from turbulent flow to laminar flow. The mixing unit comprises a plurality of vertical flocculators. The mixing unit further comprises a rapid mixing manifold. The rapid mixing manifold contains drilling fluids and flocculant polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Q'Max Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Raza Pazan
  • Patent number: 10072481
    Abstract: Methods for modeling a tight hydrocarbon reservoir intersected by a borehole. Methods include using an estimated hydrocarbons-in-place value for the tight hydrocarbon reservoir and a gas parameter associated with drilling the borehole to create a drilling model. The model may determine an operation of a well control device associated with the borehole; or correlate the hydrocarbons-in-place value with the gas parameter for the tight hydrocarbon reservoir. Other methods include determining, during the forming of the borehole, an operation of a well control device associated with the borehole using an estimated hydrocarbons-in-place for the tight hydrocarbon reservoir and a gas parameter. The gas parameter may comprise a detected gas parameter normalized using at least one corresponding drilling parameter. Further methods include employing the model for performing operations in another borehole drilled in the same reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev Bordoloi, Namsu Park, Christopher David Ward
  • Patent number: 10012043
    Abstract: A process for recovery of solids from a drilling fluid includes the steps of passing a solids-containing drilling fluid through a grinder, grinding the solids from the drilling fluid to a desired size, pumping the ground solids and the drilling fluid to hydrocyclone such that the hydrocyclone produces an overflow and an underflow. The overflow contains low-density solids and the underflow contains high-density solids. The high-density solids are passed to a container. The solids-containing drilling fluid is shaken prior to the step of grinding so as to remove oversize solids from the drilling fluid. The ground solids are pumped to the hydrocyclone at a generally constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FSI HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Hancock, Ben Hiltl, Octavio Perez
  • Patent number: 9988557
    Abstract: A composition useful as an asphalt additive includes a plurality of substrate particles and a coating layer disposed on the particles, the coating layer including a solid elastomer. A method of producing an asphalt additive includes mixing an emulsion comprising an elastomer with a plurality of substrate particles. Another composition useful as an asphalt additive includes a plurality of substrate particles substantially coated with a first coating layer and a second coating layer, the first coating layer including a solid elastomer. An asphalt mix includes the asphalt additive composition, aggregate, and a binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Dongre Laboratory Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajendra Nidhish Dongre
  • Patent number: 9962630
    Abstract: A craneless MGS vessel and U-tube assembly can be delivered on a winch truck to a drilling site and assembled in a far shorter time and without the need of having a crane and crane operator attend to the movement and placement of the MGS vessel and attached U-tube mud lines to a mud handling system in a drilling rig. The MGS vessel of the present application can be a standard type of MGS vessel well known in the industry. By fabricating this MGS vessel with attached and moveable U-tube connectors for the mud line, the system can be moved and assembled at the drill site without crane intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Camaron M. Cox
  • Patent number: 9952603
    Abstract: A control system for optimizing the flow of fluid from a plurality of pipelines in communication with a resource field includes a sensor array detecting characteristics of the resource field, the plurality of pipelines, and the flow of fluid through the plurality of pipelines. A first manifold assembly and a second manifold assembly each selectively receives the flow of fluid from any of the plurality of pipelines. A controller is provided to be in communication with the sensor array, the first manifold assembly and the second manifold assembly. The controller selectively diverts the flow of the fluid from a first group of the plurality of pipelines to one of the first and the second manifold assemblies, and diverts a second group of the plurality of pipelines to another of the first and the second manifold assemblies, in dependence upon the characteristics being communicated to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SITEPP SISTEMAS Y TECHNOLOGIA PARA EL PETROLEO, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Francisco Morales Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9937454
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collection of particulate matter includes a plenum chamber formed in an funnel or a frustum configuration that discharges into a distribution chute assembly. The distribution chute assembly includes a number of individual chutes, each equipped with a circular collar or collar groove at the outlet which facilitates the attachment of the cylindrical dust collection sacks. The plenum chamber, distribution chute assembly, and individual dust collection sacks are carried by a frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Winfred T. Sedberry, Wesley Warren, Nitinkumar Pandurang Katke, Vishwajit Manajirao Ghatge, Rajesh Sanda, Atul Bhupal Bokane, Alexander Marks
  • Patent number: 9937442
    Abstract: A primary separation apparatus for separating natural gas from high pressure, high velocity production streams comprising a liquid dispersion of water, sand, natural gas, and isolation plug cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Stuart Petroleum Testers, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen Hendrix
  • Patent number: 9937443
    Abstract: A mobile flocculation and water treatment system includes at least one tank, preferably a series of adjoining tanks separated by weirs, and an adjacent pump house mounted on a mobile platform. At least one pump is mounted in the pump house. Fluid conduits run from the pumps to the tank. An overflow is mounted between the downstream tank and the pump house whereby fluid overflow from the tanks is directed into the pump house. The pump house provides a substantially water-tight reservoir zone to provide secondary containment. Water to be treated enters the upstream end of the tanks and is discharged from the downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Wild North Vac & Steam Ltd.
    Inventors: Chad Clark Smith, Douglas Moore
  • Patent number: 9840882
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes an upper skid including a first floor supporting a first plurality of mud circulation components; a first storage structure disposed below the first floor that receives a fluid exiting the first plurality of components; and a first plurality of fasteners carried on the upper skid. The apparatus also includes a lower skid that includes a second floor supports a second plurality of mud circulation components; a second storage structure disposed below the second floor that receives a fluid exiting the second plurality of components; and a second plurality of fasteners carried on the support structure that correspond to the first plurality of fasteners to couple the upper skid over the lower skid. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper skid is selectively detachable from the lower skid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: NABORS DRILLING INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Sean M. Bailey
  • Patent number: 9770677
    Abstract: A separation system including a control unit, a first pump connected to the control unit, and a first valve in fluid communication with the first pump and connected to the control unit. Also, a first density meter in fluid communication with the first valve and connected to the control unit. The system further includes a separator in fluid communication with the density meter and connected to the control unit and a tank in fluid communication with the separator. The system also includes a second pump in fluid communication with the tank and connected to the control unit, as well as a second density meter in fluid communication with the second pump and connected to the control unit and a second valve in fluid communication with the second density meter and connected to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: HIL TECH LLC
    Inventors: Kevin William Bell, James Dwight Andrews, Jr., Christipher Shannan Barnes
  • Patent number: 9567820
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for drilling a drain hole from a well are provided. A flexible tubing used for conveying fluid to a jet bit is confined radially by a reduced-diameter tubing piece or a liner in production tubing near the diverter used to direct the flexible tubing. Concentric tubing pieces allow location of the bit in a well by measuring weight of a work string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Buckman Jet Drilling Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary D. Pearl, William G. Buckman, Sr., William C. Maurer, Thomas N. Garmon
  • Patent number: 9528335
    Abstract: Degasser assemblies, systems and methods, including an air-driven degasser assembly that includes a degasser having a drive shaft with a seal that inhibits intrusion of ambient air and an air motor having a motor shaft that drives the drive shaft. The motor shaft is distinct from or integral to the drive shaft, and the air motor is positioned to direct air leakage around the motor shaft away from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Hay Henderson, Charles Cutler Britton, Neil Patrick Schexnaider
  • Patent number: 9500052
    Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings recovered from a wellbore. Specifically, the apparatus includes an effective system for handling and washing drill cuttings at a well site to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The system successively washes hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings in organic solvent and water to remove and recover the hydrocarbon contaminates, and produce cleaned drill cuttings that may enable disposal of clean drill cuttings without further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Recover Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ross, Michael Biersteker
  • Patent number: 9441430
    Abstract: A drilling rig having continuous gas analysis can include a substructure, base, mast, pipe handler, mud pump, drilling rig power source, drawworks, cabling, rotating head, blowout preventer, drill string, and drill bit. A rig server of the drilling rig can have a rig processor and rig data storage for implementing rig operations. Piping can be in fluid communication between the blowout preventer and a gas analyzer system for real-time measurement of a concentration of gases in a drilling fluid. The gas analyzer system can include a sample chamber, means for agitating and creating a vortex, gas capturing chamber for receiving liberated fluid, gas analyzer for providing real-time gas speciation of the liberated fluid, suction pump for pulling the liberated fluid, filtration means, exhaust port, and exhaust line for flowing non-analyzed fluid to a drilling fluid storage chamber, drilling fluid conduit, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SELMAN AND ASSOCIATES, LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings, Stephen M. Bergman
  • Patent number: 9350544
    Abstract: An apparatus for encrypting data is provided. The apparatus is capable of symmetrically encrypting data and then encrypting the symmetrically encrypted data with the aid of a bit string. The bit string has a maximum entropy. Encryption of the symmetrically encrypted data is designed such that a section of the bit string is used for encryption and successive encryption operations are carried out with carrying sections of the bit string while the bit string remains unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: COMPUGROUP MEDICAL AG
    Inventors: Adrian Spalka, Jan Lehnhardt
  • Patent number: 9045841
    Abstract: In a copper electroplating apparatus having separate anolyte and catholyte portions, the concentration of anolyte components (e.g., acid or copper salt) is controlled by providing a diluent to the recirculating anolyte. The dosing of the diluent can be controlled by the user and can follow a pre-determined schedule. For example, the schedule may specify the diluent dosing parameters, so as to prevent precipitation of copper salt in the anolyte. Thus, precipitation-induced anode passivation can be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Buckalew, Jonathan Reid, John Sukamto, Zhian He, Seshasayee Varadarajan, Steven T. Mayer
  • Patent number: 8997896
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are configured to treat a drilling fluid to cause water droplets to coalesce. One or more phases are thereafter separated from the treated drilling fluid. The oil and/or solids separated from the treated drilling fluid may be added to a base fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David E. Clark, Lirio Quintero, Anuradee Witthayapanyanon, Alexander John McKellar, Martin Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20150090500
    Abstract: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; Ill) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: MICHAEL FEFER, JUN LIU, HEINZ MUELLER, NADJA HERZOG, DIANA MAEKER
  • Patent number: 8985202
    Abstract: The system includes a number of flexible fluid containment structures, or tubes, for storing fluids used in or produced during fracking. The tubes may be filled to store water prior to introduction into the well or drilling waste expunged from the well. A series of valves and pumps control the flow of fluids to and from the tubes, well, and purification equipment. A backflow preventer including a primary port, forward port, and return port supports bi-directional fluid transfer with the well. Drilling fluids are piped into the forward port and exit the primary port to the well. A flow meter may be coupled to the forward port to determine the volume of fluid flowing through the forward port to the well. Drilling waste may also return from the well via the primary port and exit the return port, which may also include a flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: P.V. Flood Control Corp.
    Inventor: Paul Vickers
  • Publication number: 20150075869
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for feeding drilling fluid additives into drilling mud. The apparatus may have an additive containment device with a top and a bottom. The bottom of the additive containment device may be connected to an outlet. The other end of the outlet may be connected to a valve. A flow nozzle may be connected to the valve so that the flow rate of the additive from the flow nozzle into the drilling mud is substantially constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Travis Quebodeaux, Jerry T. Connaughton, Kumar Ramtahal
  • Patent number: 8956543
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus has a housing including an inlet configured to receive a drilling material, a first outlet configured to direct a first portion of the drilling material onto a first separatory surface, and a second outlet configured to direct a second portion of the drilling material onto a second separatory surface. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a screen disposed within the housing and configured to separate solids from the second portion of the drilling material directed through the second outlet onto the second separatory surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian S. Carr, John Fedders
  • Patent number: 8945402
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Larry Saik
  • Patent number: 8915299
    Abstract: Apparatus (100) for use in top filling of tubulars comprising an inlet (200) for fluid communication with a top drive for providing top filling fluid, and an outlet (300) for fluid communication with a tubular. The apparatus (100) comprises a filter configuration (120), in fluid communication with the inlet (200) and the outlet (300) and configured to remove debris from a top filling fluid flow flowing from the inlet (200) to the outlet (300) during top filling of a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Churchill Drilling Tools Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Churchill
  • Publication number: 20140332282
    Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings recovered from a wellbore. Specifically, the apparatus includes an effective system for handling and washing drill cuttings at a well site to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The system successively washes hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings in organic solvent and water to remove and recover the hydrocarbon contaminates, and produce cleaned drill cuttings that may enable disposal of clean drill cuttings without further treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Stanley Ross, Michael Biersteker
  • Patent number: 8871097
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming a formate brine may include increasing the pH of a spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent; and removing at least a portion of suspended solids from the fluid. Further, a method of reclaiming a formate brine may include lowering the pH of the spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; increasing the pH of the spent formate brine fluid to initiate precipitation of materials solubilized in the fluid; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent to break down remaining water-soluble polymer; and recovering at least a portion of the formate brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Robert L. Horton, Charles Svoboda, Frank E. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140260993
    Abstract: A multi-phase separation apparatus shapes fluid flow in a flow shaping line preferably shaped to have a plurality of loops with consecutively decreasing diameters. Shaping the two-phase flow drives the heavier, denser fluids to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense fluids such as gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall, an exit port on the inner wall permits a majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a minimal amount of liquid, to be diverted to a conventional gas-liquid separator at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line. The remaining liquid flow in the flow shaping line is subsequently introduced into an adjustable phase splitter to separate different liquid components from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HAVEN TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: HAVEN TECHNOLOGY
  • Publication number: 20140262510
    Abstract: A closed loop drilling fluids circulation system includes a first drilling fluid circulation system disposed at a first subterranean drill site. The first drilling fluid circulation system includes a supply tank for holding clean drilling fluid and a solids control device configured to separate solids from used drilling fluid. In addition, the system includes a central processing facility disposed at a location remote from the first drill site and configured to receive used drilling fluid from the solids control device and supply clean drilling fluid to the supply tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Beddoes, Ulric Fournier, Jeff Hall, Allan Peats
  • Patent number: 8820438
    Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning drill cuttings recovered from a wellbore. Specifically, the apparatus includes an effective system for handling and washing drill cuttings at a well site to remove hydrocarbon contaminants. The system successively washes hydrocarbon contaminated drill cuttings in organic solvent and water to remove and recover the hydrocarbon contaminates, and produce cleaned drill cuttings that may enable disposal of clean drill cuttings without further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cutting Edge Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ross, Michael Biersteker
  • Patent number: 8813875
    Abstract: A drilling rig with continuous microwavable particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore on an offshore platform. The system uses a materials handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling controller and treatment system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: KMC Oil Tools B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Farrar, Perry Don Lyman