With Above-ground Means For Handling Drilling Fluid Or Cutting Patents (Class 175/207)
  • Patent number: 11970917
    Abstract: Methods and systems for removing drilling fluid from wet drill cuttings are described. According to some embodiments, the method comprises: at a pressure above atmospheric pressure: using an internal combustion engine, combusting an air-fuel mixture comprising air and a hydrocarbon-based fuel, thereby producing a combustion exhaust at a first temperature; providing the combustion exhaust to the wet drill cuttings to contact and directly heat the wet drill cuttings by convection so that at least some fluid is evaporated therefrom and at least some dry solid drill cuttings remain, the evaporated fluid comprising drilling fluid and water; condensing at least a portion of the evaporated fluid to produce condensed drilling fluid, water and non-condensable inert gas; and separately recovering the condensed drilling fluid, the water and the dry solid drill cuttings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: ELAVO ENERGY SOLUTIONS LTD.
    Inventor: Barry McIntyre
  • Patent number: 11933145
    Abstract: A wastewater container, or fluid capture tank, for capturing fluid from a flare is provided, along with methods for making and using the fluid capture tank. The fluid capture tank includes an open top tank to hold fluid for disposal, and a flare chute mounted to one end of the open top tank. The flare chute includes three panels, including a bottom panel mounted to a left wall panel and a right wall panel, wherein the three panels direct fluid from a line into the open top tank. A refractory lining is disposed on an inner surface of at least one of the three panels facing the line, wherein the refractory lining protects the inner surface from heat as hydrocarbons in the fluid are burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nayef S. Al-Shammari, Ahmad N. Al-Duaij, Khalid A. Al-Saleem, Abdulrahman G. Al-Harthi, Saleh F. Al-Harthi, Haitham A. Elgizooli
  • Patent number: 11920411
    Abstract: A drive unit of a top drive system includes a drive stem having a plurality of ports from an exterior thereof to an interior thereof. A plurality of sliding coupling members is disposed in the ports. A coupling collar encircles the drive stem and has actuation surfaces and recessed surfaces on an interior thereof, wherein the recessed surfaces align with the ports when the coupling collar is in a first position, and the actuation surfaces align with the ports when the coupling collar is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Henke, Michael Kratzert, Thomas Veit, Kevin Wood
  • Patent number: 11862355
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of removing a radioactive structure from a nuclear power plant. The method includes flattening at least a portion of an outer surface of a drilling portion of a wall of a nuclear reactor vessel when the portion of the outer surface is uneven, wherein the radioactive structure is buried in the wall and the drilling portion is adjacent to the radioactive structure, installing a drilling device in the flattened drilling portion and performing a drilling operation, extracting the radioactive structure from the wall, and cutting the extracted radioactive structure and storing pieces of the cut radioactive structure in a shielding container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kwanseong Jeong, Seung-Kook Park, Inhye Hahm, Jae Hyun Ha, Sang Bum Hong, Bum Kyoung Seo
  • Patent number: 11441288
    Abstract: A method for installing a pile, in particular a monopile for a wind turbine, in a soil, comprising the method steps: —driving the pile into the soil using a vibration device; and—compacting soil material surrounding a lateral surface of the pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: INNOGY SE
    Inventors: Volker Herwig, Benjamin Matlock
  • Patent number: 11220873
    Abstract: A method may include: heating a drilling waste comprising water, oil, and solid particulate; vaporizing at least a portion of the water and oil from the drilling waste to form a vaporized fluid, wherein the step of vaporization is performed at a pressure less than about 101.325 kPa; and condensing the at least a portion of the water and oil to form a recovered fluid emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh C. Kapila, Casey T. Lesar, Mukesh Kapila
  • Patent number: 10995582
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure generally relate to fluid placement tools. A fluid placement tool includes a connecting section at a proximal end of the fluid placement tool for coupling the fluid placement tool to a conveyance. The fluid placement tool also includes an actuating section coupled to the connecting section, wherein the actuating section comprises a first check valve and a piston, wherein the first check valve is positioned to allow fluid flow through the actuating section and into engagement with the piston. The fluid placement tool also includes a fluid containment section, wherein the fluid containment section comprises a fluid reservoir and a second check valve, wherein the fluid reservoir is disposed between the first check valve and the second check valve, wherein the second check valve is position to only allow flow out of the fluid containment section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alexander Petrie, Michael John Houston, David Eugene Colburn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10167676
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identification of malfunctioning of a drill bit during drilling of hydrocarbon wells. The method includes measuring the penetration rate of the drill bit, measuring the drilling length, measuring the drilling mud concentration of at least one alkene gas species, measuring the torque at the drill bit, then analyzing the microscopic structure of the drilling cuttings on the basis of the values assumed by these measurements and on the basis of the observations of this microscopic structure. Finally the method generates an alert signal and returns the drill bit to the surface. The method facilitates a system for the early identification of drill bit malfunction due to wear, both in the case of fatigue and in the case of wrong initial choice of the type of drill bit with respect to the lithology of the rocks to be drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: GEOLOG S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Calleri
  • Patent number: 10145189
    Abstract: A device for a flushing head (3) of a rock drilling machine (1), which includes a machine housing (3) and, inside a cylinder (18), a to and fro moveable percussive piston (17) arranged to exert percussive action against a shank adapter (15), wherein the shank adapter has symmetry axis (19) and a flushing medium channel (22,23) for co-operation with a flushing medium chamber (24) in the flushing head (3) surrounding the shank adapter (15), said flushing head (3) being provided with a connection unit (7) for the connection to a flushing hose (10). The flushing head (3) and the machine housing (2) exhibit co-operating fastening means and fastening elements (6) in line with a force direction of tensile forces (F) being exerted by the flushing medium hose (10) on the connection unit (7) for movability of the flushing head (3) in respect of the machine housing (2) in directions perpendicular to said symmetry axis (19). The device also concerns a rock drilling machine including such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Epiroc Rock Drills Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Per Jonsson
  • Patent number: 10041223
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for tackling the repelling of hammering during pipe pile driving. The technical scheme of the present invention includes: when repelling of hammering occurs in the process of piling through a sand layer, drill holes downwardly around and/or inside the pipe pile, and jet high-pressure water to the sand layer below to cut and disturb the sand layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventors: Wenhua Chen, Haifeng Qi, Jing Hou, Zhenqiang Jiang, Caiyun Huan, Bo Jin
  • Patent number: 9925691
    Abstract: A drill bit includes a pointed head and a bit shaft. A dust suction passage is formed in the bit shaft. A hole with an opening is formed in the pointed head or in a portion of the bit shaft, the portion being near a distal end of the bit shaft. The bit shaft includes a first portion, the first portion including a core and a rib. The core extends in an axial direction, and is thinner than the pointed head. The rib protrudes radially outward from a side surface of the core, and extends over an entire length of the first portion. The dust suction passage extends through the core in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA MIYANAGA
    Inventor: Masaaki Miyanaga
  • Patent number: 9896905
    Abstract: A well system for producing fluids from a well that intersects a subterranean formation; where the well system includes an inflow control device for providing a continuous rate of fluid flow. The inflow control device is formed so that the pressure drop of the fluid per unit length remains substantially constant along the length of the well. The inflow control device has an inner diameter that increases at a constant rate with distance from the bottom of the well. Multiple inflow control devices are coupled together in series to form an inflow control system in the well, and wherein the inner diameter of the inflow control system uniformly increases with distance from the bottom of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 9879784
    Abstract: In an apparatus having a housing, a housing bore, and a shaft rotatably extending through the housing bore, a rotary seal assembly which includes a seal carrier retainer connected with the housing and defining a cavity surrounding the shaft, a seal carrier positioned within the cavity of the seal carrier retainer, wherein the seal carrier is capable of an amount of radial deflection and tilting both relative to the seal carrier retainer and wherein the seal carrier is retained by the seal carrier retainer so that rotation of the seal carrier relative to the seal carrier retainer is prevented, a rotary shaft seal carried by the seal carrier between the seal carrier and the shaft, and a seal carrier seal interposed between the seal carrier and the seal carrier retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kennedy J. Kirkhope, Everett Philip Hagar, Alben D'Silva
  • Patent number: 9664027
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are described for purposes of initiating a response to detection of an adverse operational condition involving a system including a drill rig and an inground tool. The response can be based on an uphole sensed parameter in combination with a downhole sensed parameter. The adverse operational condition can involve cross-bore detection, frac-out detection, excessive downhole pressure, a plugged jet indication and drill string key-holing detection. A communication system includes an inground communication link that allows bidirectional communication between a walkover detector and the drill rig via the inground tool. Monitoring of inground tool depth and/or lateral movement can be performed using techniques that approach integrated values. Bit force based auto-carving is described in the context of an automated procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Benjamin John Medeiros, Craig Caswell
  • Patent number: 9657548
    Abstract: A method of running casing in a dual gradient system includes lowering a casing into a low density fluid region and allowing the low density fluid to enter the casing; releasing a plug into the casing; supplying a high density fluid behind the plug; and lowering the casing into a high density fluid region until target depth is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Marcel Budde, Brent J. Lirette, Michael Logiudice
  • Patent number: 9506313
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a Type U blowout preventer (BOP) that includes a body generally coupled with a set of bonnets. The bore of the body differs from conventional Type U BOPs. The bore of the body is formed with a contour that allows differential engagement with a ram having ram seals at different places along the bore. Further, the coupling between the bonnet and body can optionally be different from conventional Type U BOPs. In at least one embodiment, the bonnet is coupled to the body in conjunction with a tube holding an extraction shaft with a head held to the bonnet with a retainer. The tube and extraction shaft allows the bonnet to be removed from the body without hydraulic external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: T-3 PROPERTY HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas Jahnke
  • Patent number: 9447646
    Abstract: A combination unit for vacuuming, cleaning and conditioning fluids. The unit may comprise a vacuum pump circuit and tank, a mixing tank and a centrifuge system. The invention also includes a combination tank comprising a vacuum tank partially incorporated into a mixing tank. A mixing tank may comprise a system of mixing conduits and mixing apparatuses to shear drilling fluids and additives, the mixing tank including a rounded base and a drain to cycle the fluid back through to the mixing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: MUD MAXX, LLC
    Inventor: Norman Bradley Beason
  • Patent number: 9085033
    Abstract: A drilling tool includes a tool shank disposed about a center longitudinal axis. The tool shank having a holding region structured to be chucked in the chuck of a machine tool and an active region extending from the holding region. The drilling tool further includes at least two partial cutting edges formed on an end face of the active region and running at right angles to the center longitudinal axis and form a drill main cutting edge and a clearance formed in the end face between the partial cutting edges. The clearance being recessed axially along the center longitudinal axis toward the tool shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: KENNAMETAL INC.
    Inventor: Uwe Hobohm
  • Patent number: 9010462
    Abstract: A low headroom confined space drilling system is disclosed, comprising a low headroom drilling apparatus, a drilling fluid supply system, a drilling fluid collection system, and a drilling fluid recycling apparatus for supplying a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus. A method of installing a geoexchange borehole in an interior space of a building is also disclosed, comprising installing a borehole access chamber in a floor slab of a building, positioning a low headroom floor mounted rotary drilling apparatus over the borehole access chamber, providing a pressurized drilling fluid to the drill rod string and powering a rotary downhole drilling device attached to the drill rod string to advance the borehole to a desired depth, recovering a drilling fluid and drill cuttings from the borehole, removing drill cuttings from the recovered drilling fluid using the drilling fluid recycling apparatus and returning a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fenix Energy Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Ross King
  • Patent number: 8997889
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement and a method for introducing a foundation element into a bed of a body of water comprising a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water, several ground contact elements which are arranged in an adjustable manner on the working platform for aligning the working platform on the bed of a body of water, and at least one guide pipe for receiving and guiding the drilling tool. For an improved anchoring provision is made according to the invention for the guide pipe to be supported in a longitudinally displaceable and rotatable manner on the working platform and for a guide pipe drive to be provided on the working platform for driving the guide pipe in a rotating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Michael Finkenzeller, Ulrich Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 8973677
    Abstract: A housing, mandrel and bearing assembly positionable in a wellbore includes a torque transmission member adapted to connect to a source of rotational torque (e.g. a downhole motor power output) and a tubular mandrel adapted to connect to a drill bit. A lower tubular housing is adapted to contain a lower bearing and catch sleeve assembly. The catch assembly is adapted to retain the mandrel in the lower housing if the mandrel breaks. An upper tubular housing contains an upper bearing and is adapted to connect to a housing of the downhole motor. A method of assembling the downhole housing, mandrel and bearing assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Coiled Tubing Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. LeBlanc, Carl S. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20150041220
    Abstract: A manifold directs the flow of drilling mud from a drilling rig. A longitudinal tubular body has a first end and a second end, such that the longitudinal tubular body is supported by at least two supports of a platform. The platform can support a monorail that is parallel to the longitudinal tubular body, so that it is five feet of the longitudinal tubular body. The longitudinal tubular body can have at least three side directed input ports so that the ports are adapted to receive a mud pipe for attachment. Each of the three side-directed input ports can face substantially towards and above the monorail to provide unobstructed lateral attachment of a mud pipe to the longitudinal tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Fabrication of Rig and Exploration Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: David Allen Wells, SR.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8894320
    Abstract: The apparatus and method provide for the removal of well fluids from well cuttings and a method of disposal thereof. A vibratory separator mechanically shakes the well fluids from the cuttings into a first compartment and the well cuttings fall into a second compartment. Once the well cuttings are dried, cement kiln dust (CKD) is added to neutralize any remaining well fluids on the well cuttings. The neutralized well cuttings are applied to the roadbed of a gravel or dirt road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Environmental Recovery Solutions & Rental, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Horton, Jr., Larry O. Williams
  • Patent number: 8869917
    Abstract: A downhole housing, mandrel and bearing assembly 100 includes a flex shaft 20 adapted to connect to a downhole motor power output 309 and a tubular mandrel 30 adapted to connect to a drill bit 370. A lower tubular housing 60 is adapted to contain a lower bearing assembly 90 and catch sleeve assembly 110. The catch assembly 110 is adapted to retain the mandrel 30 in the lower housing if the mandrel breaks. An upper tubular housing 70 contains an upper bearing assembly 80 and is adapted to connect to a housing 302 of the downhole motor 301. A method of assembling the downhole housing, mandrel and bearing assembly 100 is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Coiled Tubing Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall C. LeBlanc, Carl S. LeBlanc
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8844650
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a closed loop apparatus, system, process or method adapted for processing drilling mud used in a down hole well drilling process such that any undesirable particulate such as cuttings will be substantially, if not completely separated from the dirty mud while at the same time allowing the recycled drilling mud to be continuously circulated with the drilling mud. In one embodiment, the present invention includes the following components, all in fluid or mud flow communication with one another and with an adjacent drilling rig: at least one clean mud mixing tank, at least one pump system, at least one dirty mud shakers, at least one optional conveyor belt system, at least one recycled mud reclamation tank and one or more filtering centrifugal pumps or centrifuge systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Terra Tersus LLC
    Inventor: Gary Saiz
  • Patent number: 8839882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device and a drilling method for drilling inside a casing tube, wherein the drilling apparatus has a supporting frame with a fastening means for fixation with respect to the casing tube and a drilling tool, which is driven in a rotating manner via a telescopic rod by means of a drill drive arranged on the supporting frame. An emptying station for attachment to the upper end of the casing tube is provided, wherein the supporting frame of the drilling apparatus can be fastened on the emptying station. For emptying the drilling tool of drill cuttings the emptying station has an unloading means, which is adjustable for receiving the drill cuttings. The unloading means is designed for conveying the drill cuttings away from the emptying station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Michael Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 8839853
    Abstract: A drilling mud collection apparatus for containing a drill pipe connection so as to collect and drain drilling fluid, mud or the like draining from a length of tubing as it is removed from the connection at the well, in a device commonly known as a mud bucket. A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes fluid-driven linear actuators positioned to urge the pivot point of engaged enclosure components from an open position, for receiving or releasing the drill pipe connection, to a closed position for enveloping same to facilitate the collection of liquids therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: John W Angers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8794352
    Abstract: A system for recovering drilling mud in drilling an underground arcuate path around at least a portion of an obstacle has a conductor casing, a drill pipe surrounded by the conductor casing for at least a portion of an axial length of the drill pipe, a flow line connected to the conductor casing at a downhole position, and a pump coupled to the flow line placed at another downhole position. A volume of drilling mud within the underground arcuate path is pumped from the underground arcuate path to the surface and recovered for recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Halderman, Karl D. Quackenbush
  • Patent number: 8789583
    Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contaminated matrix. The method includes controlling water content of a feed material having the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuously conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity; exposing the feed material in a treatment area of the treatment cavity to microwave radiation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water content to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal desorption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; and continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Nottingham
    Inventors: John Robinson, Sam Kingman, Colin Snape, Michael Bradley, Steven Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 8783379
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device for use in wellbore drilling includes at least one pressure vessel having a fluid port at a bottom thereof for entry and discharge of a working fluid and a fluid port at a top thereof for entry and discharge of a power fluid. The pressure vessel has no physical barrier between the power fluid and the working fluid. Valves are coupled to the power fluid port for selective introduction of the power fluid into the at least one pressure vessel. Valves are coupled to the working fluid port such that the working fluid is constrained to flow in only one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Roger Sverre Stave
  • Patent number: 8783359
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method is disclosed for processing geological solids or wellbore cuttings generated by excavation or drilling under a body of water. An apparatus for processing solids in association with a riser may employ a solids processing apparatus having a central cavity that is substantially free of mechanical obstructions. The central cavity may be positioned in-line with the riser. The apparatus may be adapted for receiving solids within the central cavity and reducing the particle size of the solids by action of a cutter assembly which is positioned outside of the central cavity. The cut and processed solids may be pumped to the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Reed
  • Patent number: 8763696
    Abstract: Formation testing which may involve circulating mud in a pipe string from a mud pit through a port in the pipe string to a downhole diverter sub, wherein the pipe string is suspended in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, operating a downhole pump to pump formation fluid from the formation, wherein the formation fluid comprises gas, and mixing the pumped formation fluid with circulated mud such that a proportion of the pumped formation gas in the circulated mud is maintained below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Sylvain Bedouet, Karre Otto Eriksen
  • Publication number: 20140151061
    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; III) 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: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Fefer, Jun Liu, Heinz Mueller, Nadja Herzog, Diana Maeker
  • Publication number: 20140144708
    Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular drilling system, the system comprising a first module comprising a first work surface; and a second module comprising a second work surface; wherein the first module is disposed above the second module. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a modular drilling system, the system comprising a first module; and a second module; wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises oilfield process equipment disposed on the module around a center point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joe Sherwood, Thomas Geehan
  • Patent number: 8720545
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Iblings, Thomas F. Bailey, Ram K. Bansal, Adrian Steiner, Michael Lynch, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20140124267
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus (1) provides continuous rotation, and in some embodiments also vertical translation of the drill bit, such that weight can be kept on the bit and drilling can continue uninterrupted during connections. The connection is made in a pressure chamber formed by seals (2, 4) and spacers (15, 16). An upper snubber (5) grips the drill string above the joint and a lower snubber (6) grips it below the joint. The top drive is decoupled as the snubbers take over drill string drive, and apply a differential torque so that the connection is made. This achieves continuous rotation during the connection, and by use of an extension sub (18) drilling is also continuous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Laurence John Ayling
  • Patent number: 8668028
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water comprising at least one rotary drill drive, whereby a drill rod running inside the foundation element can be set into rotation by means of the rotary drill drive. The invention is characterized, among other things, in that a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water is provided, whereby on the working platform at least one holding means for securing the foundation element in a rotationally fixed manner on the working platform is arranged and in that at least one mounting part for placement onto the foundation element is provided, whereby the mounting part has a clamping means for securing the mounting part on the foundation element, and the rotary drill drive is arranged on the mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Michael Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 8662170
    Abstract: A cuttings transfer system including a separator configured to separate cuttings from a slurry and a transfer line configured to receive the cuttings from the separator. The system further including a valve in fluid communication with the transfer line and the separator, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of the cuttings from the separator to the transfer line, and an air transfer device coupled to the transfer line that is configured to supply a flow of air through the transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20140048258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising an organic phase having at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon, at least one ester, water or aqueous phase, and at least one additive. The present invention additionally relates to the use and preparation of the drilling composition, to a drilling system, to a process for making a borehole, to a process for conveying cuttings, to a process for treating a drill head, and to a process for production of oil and/or gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: EMERY OLEOCHEMICALS GMBH
    Inventors: Heinz Muller, Nadja Herzog, Diana Maker
  • Patent number: 8651201
    Abstract: A combined cuttings stream inlet and air stream outlet apparatus, for placement within the inspection hatch of a conventional drill cuttings box, is disclosed. The combined cuttings stream inlet and air stream outlet apparatus has a central cuttings stream inlet conduit, disposed within a larger air stream outlet conduit. The air stream outlet conduit is sized to closely engage the diameter of the inspection hatch when inserted into the hatch opening. The annulus between the two conduits forms a flow area for air to exit the cuttings box. In use, the combined apparatus is easily inserted into the hatch opening of the cuttings box, preferably with a gasket between the apparatus and the hatch opening, and is held in place by the cuttings/air stream. When the cuttings box is full, the apparatus is simply pulled out and inserted into an empty cuttings box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Environmental Drilling Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Hollier
  • Patent number: 8641895
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering oil from oil-containing sorbents, such as drill cuttings obtained from drilling with an oil-based mud. The method includes peptizing the substrate with an acid reagent and direct thermal desorption with combustion effluent gases at high temperature under turbulent mixing conditions. Another method disclosed includes upgrading the oil in the substrate to improve one or more of the properties of the recovered oil relative to the oil in the substrate, such as, lower aromatics content, lower sulfur content, lower functional group content, higher saturates, higher viscosity, higher viscosity index, and any combination thereof. The apparatus provides for efficient recovery of oil from the substrate with a short residence time, high throughput, low residual oil content in the treated solids and/or high percentage of oil recovery. The apparatus may be transported to a remote location for on-site treatment of drill cuttings or other oil-containing solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Racional Energy & Environment Company
    Inventor: Ramon Perez-Cordova
  • Patent number: 8613329
    Abstract: A traveling cuttings distributor (TCD) system that is capable of horizontal and vertical positioning for use in vacuuming, auguring or pumping drill cuttings from a drill rig shaker screen trough, drying/minimizing the cuttings and depositing by gravity cuttings while under vacuum into individual cuttings boxes as it moves from one cuttings box to the next or to a bulk system, a cuttings injection system or other cuttings processing system, the system including a vacuum tank having a filter system therein and a large silencer or exhaust system separated by a blower system capable of producing a high vacuum on an opening in the vacuum tank for engaging an opening in a cuttings box or other cuttings processing equipment. The TCD system is capable of being operated without the need for skilled service personnel, while further improving drilling performance, providing reduced environmentally friendly waste material and volumes, recovers expensive drilling mud, thus, reducing the cost of cuttings waste disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8607894
    Abstract: A system for offshore disposal of drill cuttings including a cleaning system for treating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants; a transport system for moving the drill cuttings; a slurrification system for making a slurry of the treated drill cuttings; and a cuttings re-injection system for injecting the slurry into a well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Nick McDonald, Andrew John Murray, Gordon M. Logan, Dan Knapper
  • Patent number: 8602128
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of drilling cuttings are described. Complex permittivity is measured of rock cutting samples obtained during drilling operations. The origin of the cuttings is known by flow rate analysis in the drilling system. Various means can be used for rock cutting dielectric measurement. For example, the dielectric measurement can be made by matching the unknown permittivity of the medium to be analyzed to the permittivity of known liquid mixtures by successive saturation and looking for a “zero-contrast” measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Patrice Ligneul, Valerie Judith Anderson, Tianhua Zhang, Gerald Henry Meeten, Andrew Clarke, Mohammed Badri
  • Patent number: 8590639
    Abstract: An articulated pre-skimmer mount for a pre-skimmer associated with a drill bit feed unit comprises a feed mounting arm mounted to the drill bit feed unit. A first end is configured for attachment to the drill feed unit and a second end includes a cylindrical mounting shaft and an axial positioning plate. An intermediate arm has a first end comprising a cylindrical sleeve mounted thereto. The cylindrical sleeve has an inner cylindrical opening configured for sliding engagement with the cylindrical mounting shaft and a mating plate configured for locking, face-to-face engagement with the axial positioning plate. A second end comprises a pre-skimmer mounting assembly configured for attachment to the pre-skimmer, wherein an axial positioning plate and a mating plate are operable to disengage, for rotation of the intermediate arm about an axis of the feed mounting arm for alignment of the pre-skimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC
    Inventor: Stuart A. Connell
  • Patent number: 8556001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and related apparatus for determining the presence and/or quantity of H2S in the drilling debris of a subsoil layer comprising the following working steps: recovering the drilling debris of a layer; degassing the drilling debris from the previous recovery step, and separating a gaseous phase from said debris; clearing the gas released in the step of degassing, and conveying towards an H2S detector; determining the possible presence and/or quantity of H2S in the gaseous phase from the steps of degassing and clearing by means of a suitable means of detection; possible repetition of the previous phases at two layers, at least of the subsoil at different levels of depth in relation to the surface, with consequent determination of a distribution profile of H2S in the subsoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Geolog S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Calleri
  • Patent number: 8550187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus for working the ground comprising a drill drive for driving a drill string in a rotating manner and a rotary feedthrough for passing a construction material from a construction material hose into the interior of the drill string, whereby the rotary feedthrough has a first line connection for the construction material hose and a second line connection, rotatable relative to the first line connection, for the drill string. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the rotary feedthrough to have a rotary device for actively rotating the second line connection relative to the first line connection. The invention also relates to a method for working the ground, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of a drilling apparatus according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Bauer