Of Fluid Pressure Below Ground Patents (Class 175/25)
  • Patent number: 12723510
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques and apparatus for real-time monitoring of an electronic assembly using an optical waveguide. An example electronic assembly includes at least one component, at least one optical waveguide and a controller. The controller is configured to determine one or more operating parameters of the at least one component via the optical waveguide. The controller may trigger one or more corrective actions based on the operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2025
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mahmoud Ali, Hocine Daou, Cleverson Souza Chaves
  • Patent number: 12674372
    Abstract: A control system can include a controller that includes an interface for receipt of sensor data generated by sensors operatively coupled to a fluid flow system; memory that includes sets of tuning parameter values; and a loader that loads a selected set of the sets of tuning parameter values into the controller for issuance of control signals to a choke valve actuator for a choke valve of the fluid flow system according to the selected set of tuning parameter values and sensor data generated by one or more of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hugues Trifol, Damien Chazal
  • Patent number: 12655839
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a hydraulic fracturing pump may include a sensor configured to output a signal based on measurements of a fluid parameter relating to the hydraulic fracturing pump, where the signal has a fixed relationship to a measurement scale. The monitoring system may include a first data receiver and a second data receiver configured to derive the measurements of the fluid parameter using the measurement scale. The monitoring system may include a signal distribution device, without external power, coupled to the sensor, the first data receiver, and the second data receiver. The signal distribution device may be configured to distribute respective input signals to the first data receiver and to the second data receiver, where the respective input signals are based on the signal and have the fixed relationship to the measurement scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Harris, Reid Young
  • Patent number: 12595709
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and methods to control volume of fluids in a well system having a riser (7) extending from a well to a rig. The riser (7) has an increased diameter section (1) situated below the upper end of the riser (7) and above any slip joint (12) in the riser. The arrangement further comprises a sensor (5) to continuously measure the position of the slip joint (12). the increased diameter section (1) is coupled to an outlet (19) that is in fluid communication with a fluid return system (18), and the arrangement further comprises a return pump (2) coupled between the outlet (19) and the mud return system (18). The outlet (19) is arranged at a lower level than the mud return system (18). Level sensors (22) measure the level of liquid within the increased diameter section (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: Enhanced Drilling AS
    Inventors: Per Christian Stenshorne, Gustav Olov Skärgård
  • Patent number: 12595727
    Abstract: A system and method that include receiving drilling dynamics data simulated by a processor and drilling dynamics data collected by a sensor positioned in a drilling tool and extracting a feature map based on a combination of the drilling dynamics data simulated by the processor and the drilling dynamics data collected by the sensor positioned in the drilling tool. The system and method additionally include determining a feature zone from the feature map. The system and method further include selecting a drilling parameter for a drill string based on the feature zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2026
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Yingwei Yu, Yuelin Shen, Zhengxin Zhang, Velizar Vesselinov
  • Patent number: 12345149
    Abstract: There are described methods, systems, and techniques for performing automated drilling of a wellbore. The wellbore is drilled according to one or more drilling parameter targets associated with one or more corresponding drilling parameters. A controlling drilling parameter of the one or more drilling parameters is determined to be outside a threshold window. In response to determining that a stringer has been encountered, one or more controlled drilling parameter targets of the one or more drilling parameter targets are updated. The controlled drilling parameter targets comprise a revolutions per minute (RPM) target and weight-on-bit (WOB) target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: PASON SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Choon-Sun James Ng, Daniel John Paslawski, Aaron Eddy
  • Patent number: 12320252
    Abstract: A flow regulation system for downlink communication includes a fixed flow valve and a variable flow valve on a discharge line. A pressure sensor is located between the fixed flow valve and the variable flow valve. A sinusoidal communication flow pattern in the drilling fluid is generated by adjusting the position of the variable flow valve based on measured valve pressures from the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Milan Subotic, Scott Richard Woolston, Christopher Paul Reed, Pavel Annenkov
  • Patent number: 12312912
    Abstract: A circulating downhole tool utilising a variable fluid pressure regulated cycle valve device that can be attached to the borehole assembly BHA of a coiled tubing and used down an offshore or onshore wellbore is disclosed. The circulating downhole tool utilising a variable fluid pressure regulated cycle valve device can be remotely operated by an operator on the surface as many times as required in either the through-flow, intermediary or circulatory modes-of-operation, by simply varying the drilling fluid flow rate and pressure being supplied from the pump located on the surface and interconnected to the coiled tubing and the BHA that will include the circulating downhole tool utilising a variable fluid pressure regulated cycle valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: Hydropulsion Limited
    Inventors: Brian Storie, Barry Reid
  • Patent number: 12276191
    Abstract: An electromagnetic reversal downhole pressure intensifier is provided, including a pressure intensifier and a drill bit. A nozzle and a bit water way are arranged on the drill bit, the pressure intensifier includes an electromagnetic valve seat, a pressurizing chamber, and a discharge flow pup joint; an electromagnetic valve is arranged in the electromagnetic valve seat, and an electromagnetic valve seat flow channel is arranged on the electromagnetic valve seat; a plunger is arranged in the pressurizing chamber, and the upper end of the plunger separates the inner chamber of the pressurizing chamber into a non-rod chamber and a rod chamber; a conveying pipe is arranged in the discharge flow pup joint, and a flow channel is formed between the conveying pipe and the discharge flow pup joint; the drill bit is connected to the discharge flow pup joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignees: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM (EAST CHINA), Qingdao Zhongshi Intelligent Drilling Techology Co. LTD
    Inventors: Hualin Liao, Yuhang He, Wenlong Niu, Jilei Niu, Huajian Wang, Yuntao Liao, Yucai Shi, Jinkai Chen
  • Patent number: 12140029
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid drill head system for boring holes in both residential and non-residential areas for geothermal energy shafts. The high pressure drill head system having a body sized for the intended borehole to be drilled and including a plurality of parts coupled together via one or more fastening methods. The plurality of parts including an outflow channel within the body, a piston, at least one high pressure flow channel disposed within the body, the high pressure flow channel disposed parallel to the outflow channel, a nozzle in fluid communication with the high pressure flow channel, the nozzle having at least one orifice configured for ejecting a fluid, and a return feed inlet disposed at the lower end of the body, the return feed inlet in fluid communication with the outflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Dig Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Lipoma
  • Patent number: 12091934
    Abstract: A pressure management device (PMD) for direct connection to a blowout preventor stack of a managed pressure drilling system, the PMD comprising a housing, one or more chokes, and a directional valve. The directional valve has a choke position and a bypass position. When the directional valve is in the choke position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to one or more of the chokes. When the directional valve is in the bypass position, the PMD operates to divert fluid entering the housing to bypass the chokes. The inlet and outlet of each choke may be controlled by a dual shutoff valve, to selectively permit and restrict fluid flow through each choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Opla Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Vitaliy Shpak, Elvin Mammadov, Hossein Khorshidian
  • Patent number: 12037865
    Abstract: This disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for coupling one or more auxiliary lines to a subsea well control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: TRANSOCEAN SEDCO FOREX VENTURES LIMITED
    Inventors: John Kozicz, Craig McCormick
  • Patent number: 11992965
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for perforating louver perforations into a pipe are contemplated. Systems, methods, and devices for transporting pipes for perforation are contemplated. Systems, methods, and devices for performing quality control inspections of such perforations contemplated. A pipe may be oriented vertically and raised over a device that punches perforations into the pipe from the inside of the pipe toward the outside of the pipe. Various supports may contact the pipe for stabilization and to facilitate the formation of perforations without removing cut away pieces from the pipe. Electronic monitoring of the features of the pipe facilitate quality control inspection during processing. In this manner, a structurally robust pipe having a series of louver perforations along the pipe may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: ROSCOE MOSS MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Oscar M. Jaime, Craig Logan
  • Patent number: 11821299
    Abstract: Methods, computing systems, and computer-readable media for interpreting drilling dynamics data are described herein. The method can include receiving drilling dynamics data simulated by a processor or collected by a sensor positioned in a drilling tool. The method can further include extracting a feature map from the drilling dynamics data, and determining that a feature zone from the feature map corresponds to a predetermined dynamic state. The feature zone can be determined using a neural network trained to associate feature zones with dynamic states. Additionally, the method can include selecting a drilling parameter for a drill string based on the feature zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Yingwei Yu, Yuelin Shen, Zhengxin Zhang, Velizar Vesselinov
  • Patent number: 11761276
    Abstract: A drilling system includes a choke valve system in fluid communication with a wellbore via a fluid return line. The choke valve system is configured to receive a return fluid from the wellbore. The choke valve system includes a choke valve through which the return fluid flows and a valve position sensor configured to determine a position of the choke valve. The drilling system further includes a controller in signal communication with the valve position sensor. The controller is programmed to determine a flow rate of the return fluid through the fluid return line based on the determined position of the choke valve. The controller is further programmed to adjust the position of the choke valve in response to the determined flow rate of the return fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ADS Services, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Charles, Anand Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 11715001
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a computer-implemented method. The method may comprise estimating a value range of a water body parameter based on measured data for a water quality indicator of a first set of time-spatial points and measured data for the water quality indicator of a second set of time-spatial points; and determining an optimal value of the water body parameter from the estimated value range by comparing the measured data for the water quality indicator of the second set and simulated data for the water quality indicator of the second set, wherein the simulated data for the water quality indicator of the second set is obtained based on a fluid dynamic model using the measured data for the water quality indicator of the first set as an input of the fluid dynamic model and using a value in the estimated value range as a parameter of the fluid dynamic model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin Dong, Liang Liu, Zhuo Liu, Junmei Qu, Hong Zhou Sha, Wei Zhuang
  • Patent number: 11643891
    Abstract: Control of a drilling system drilling a wellbore is improved using a hydraulic model corrected for pressure losses. A surface backpressure of the outlet and a standpipe pressure of the inlet are measured with sensors in the system. An estimate of the standpipe pressure is calculated based integrating from the measured surface backpressure back to the inlet in the hydraulics model. The pressure loss increment in the hydraulics model is calculated based on a difference between the measured and estimated standpipe pressures. Meanwhile, a parameter in the drilling system is monitored during drilling so the parameter can be adjusted at least partially based on the hydraulics model corrected for the pressure loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Jose D. Brana, Andrew V. Ilin, Sayamik N. Ameen, Thomas H. Koithan
  • Patent number: 11629563
    Abstract: A system for use in the drilling of oil or gas wells in conjunction with a mud injection device, said mud injection device adapted to maintain fluid pressure control within the borehole of a well bore when operating a drillstring therethrough, the system comprising: a gas reservoir containing gas; adapted for injection to control borehole pressure; compression system fluidly connected to the gas reservoir and the borehole; a pressure regulation system operatively connected to the gas reservoir and the borehole and adapted to measure the pressure within the annulus and relay such to a computer; wherein, when a drilling operation is halted to add a new stand to the drillstring and the mud injection device is stopped, the gas is injected to maintain the borehole pressure within the annulus of the borehole at a near constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Beyond Energy Services & Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Jason Lock
  • Patent number: 11585171
    Abstract: A well system includes a drilling vessel, a concentric drillstring extending from the vessel into a subterranean wellbore disposed beneath a mudline, wherein the concentric drillstring is configured to circulate a drilling fluid from the drilling vessel into the wellbore along a first passage, and to circulate the drilling fluid from the wellbore to the drilling vessel along a second passage, and a subsea pump in fluid communication with the wellbore, wherein the subsea pump is configured to manage fluid pressure in the wellbore by controlling a height of a column of hydrostatic fluid disposed in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Kyrn Petroleum Services LLC
    Inventor: Luc DeBoer
  • Patent number: 11512542
    Abstract: In view of the problems of complex downhole conditions, low control precision of bottomhole pressure, low one-time success rate of well-killing and the like during a high-temperature and high-pressure deep well-killing operation, a well-killing operation wellbore flowing model is established according to measured data during throttled well-killing. The fluid distribution and flowing states in a wellbore annulus are analyzed in real time, and during a measured standpipe pressure deviation design, a pressure control value is calculated accurately in consideration of the effects of a pressure wave propagation speed and a back pressure application delay, and a throttle valve is automatically adjusted and automatically controlled to actuate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Qian Li, Menghan Si, Hu Yin
  • Patent number: 11408280
    Abstract: Certain aspects and features relate to a system and a sensor that provides real-time, downhole cutting concentration measurements. Electrical impedance measurements can be used in conjunction with a wired drill pipe to monitor the drill cuttings in the annulus under downhole conditions and along the drill string. This measurement provides direct information for optimal cuttings cleaning efficiency. In some examples, the system includes the sensor, a processing device connected to the sensor, and a non-transitory memory device including instructions that are executable by the processing device to cause the processing device to apply a transmitted signal to the sensor, receive an impedance signal from the sensor, and correlate the impedance signal with a wellbore cuttings concentration. In some examples the sensor includes multiple electrodes attachable to a drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Xiangnan Ye, Robert L. Williams
  • Patent number: 11299959
    Abstract: A pressure balanced well flow control system includes a pressure balanced variable orifice flow control having a controlled flow inlet in fluid communication with a subterranean well and a balance pressure inlet in fluid communication with an outlet end of a fluid pressure isolator. An inlet end of the fluid pressure isolator is in fluid communication with the subterranean well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Eagle PCO, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Clark, Glendell Hendrix, Alfred B. Homfeld
  • Patent number: 11286734
    Abstract: Back pressure control devices used to control fluid pressure in a wellbore require various utilities for operation, such as an air supply. Apparatus disclosed herein provide for the continued operation of one or more back pressure control devices when supply of utilities for operation of the back pressure control devices are intentionally or unintentionally interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger Suter, David Molley
  • Patent number: 11286719
    Abstract: In a drilling system, a control system coupled to a drilling rig controls a bottom hole assembly (BHA) to drill a borehole through a geological formation along a drilling path. The control system determines a present position of the BHA and calculates a toolface vector to create a convergence path from the present position of the BHA to a desired target path. The control system also receives geological information and compensates the toolface vector to account for an estimated geologic formation drift. The control system causes at least one control parameter to be modified in order to alter a drilling direction of the BHA based on the calculated toolface vector and transmits the at least one control parameter to the drilling rig to target the BHA in accordance with the calculated toolface vector. The control system iteratively performs this process until convergence with the desired target path is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: Motive Drilling Technologies, Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Teddy Chen, Sashmit Bhaduri
  • Patent number: 11203922
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and equipment for optimizing hydraulic parameters of deepwater managed pressure drilling in real time. The method comprises: acquiring overflow parameters in the current drilling process, performing preprocessing and feature extraction on the overflow parameters, and inputting the overflow parameters into trained support vector machine identification models for overflow judgment. If overflow occurs at the current drilling depth, reducing an opening of a throttle valve and increasing a displacement of a submarine pump, measuring a wellhead back pressure and calculating a bottom hole pressure, and judging whether overflow continues is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignees: China University of Petroleum (East China), Zhanjiang Branch of CNOOC (China) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Baojiang Sun, Zhiyuan Wang, Shujie Liu, Yonghai Gao, Baitao Fan, Hao Li, Shen Guan, Haikang He, Bangtang Yin, Xiaohui Sun, Xuerui Wang
  • Patent number: 11118421
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for sealing Rotating Control Devices (RCD) may include one or more guides that track the diameter of a pipe and pre-expands an RCD seal when larger diameter pipes or portions of pipes are approaching the seal. The RCD seal may reduce the stress between sealing faces and the larger pipe diameter, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a damaged or blown seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Krzysztof Karol Machocki
  • Patent number: 11021918
    Abstract: A well drilling system is provided that includes a choke manifold and a controller. The choke manifold includes at least one choke valve. The choke valve is actuable between fully open and closed choke positions. The choke valve has a Cv value for each choke position. The controller is in communication with the choke valve and a non-transitory memory storing instructions. The instructions relate Cv values to choke positions for the choke valve. The instructions when executed cause the controller to: a) determine a difference in pressure (?P); b) input or determine a density value; c) input or determine a Q value; d) determine a first Cv value using the ?P, the density value, and the Q value; and e) actuate the choke valve to a first choke position associated with the first Cv value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ADS SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Anand Parthasarathy, Scott Charles
  • Patent number: 10947787
    Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. An electromagnetic activation system may be disposed at least partially within the bore of the body. A valve may be disposed within the bore of the body and coupled to the electromagnetic activation system. The valve may include a mobile element and a static element. The mobile element may be coupled to the electromagnetic activation system and move from a first position where the mobile element obstructs fluid flow through the valve to a second position where the mobile element permits fluid flow through the valve. A cutter block may be movably coupled to the body and move radially-outward as the mobile element moves from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan E. Fuller, Jonathan D. Marshall, Jordan D. Englund, Jacques Orban, R. Craig Boswell
  • Patent number: 10890041
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managed pressure cementing and/or completions operations in subterranean well bores are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: placing a tubular string into a well bore, wherein an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner wall of the well bore define an annulus in a closed pressure loop and in communication with a choke valve; pumping a fluid into the annulus; and while pumping the fluid, determining a setpoint for the choke valve corresponding to a setpoint for a bottomhole pressure in the annulus, determine an actual bottomhole pressure in the annulus using data from a downhole sensor in the annulus, determining if the actual bottomhole pressure is greater than, less than, or equal to the setpoint, and if the actual bottomhole pressure is greater or less than the setpoint, manipulating the choke valve using a controller to decrease or increase the bottomhole pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Ravi, James Randolph Lovorn, Krishna Babu Yerubandi
  • Patent number: 10878145
    Abstract: A method for generating a BHA design and component selection by creating a plurality of BHA configurations. A cost function, representative of each respective BHA configuration, is determined. Each cost function includes drilling process metrics. A final BHA configuration of the plurality of BHA configurations is selected having an optimal cost function value. The optimal cost function value may be defined as a cost function value that is less than cost function values of other respective cost functions for the plurality of BHA configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Venkata Madhukanth Vadali, Xingyong Song, Yiming Zhao
  • Patent number: 10794130
    Abstract: A continuous circulation system and an connection assembly for establishing a threaded fluid seal to a side port of a continuous circulating sub, according an embodiment, is disclosed, having independently rotatable and movable first and second first engagement mechanisms. The first engagement mechanism may include first and second wrenches for engaging a pressure tap, checking pressure, removing and reinstalling a safety plug. The second engagement mechanism may include an adapter pipe for creating a threaded seal with the side port thereby allowing reliable high-pressure flow. The connection assembly automates the steps of checking pressure within the sub between the radial valve and safety plug, removing the safety plug, screwing the threaded adapter pipe into the side port, providing a flow path for drilling fluid, disengaging the threaded adapter pipe, replacing the safety plug and returning the continuous circulation sub to its original operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Rachel Lynn Johnson, Alain J. Belanger, Aurelio Bottino, Gianmaria Leccacorvi, Michael Don Lewis
  • Patent number: 10669779
    Abstract: Creating pressure pulses for pulse telemetry for MWD tools using direct drive. Example embodiments include activating an electric motor of the MWD tool, and thereby turning a motor shaft. Rotating the motor shaft may cause turning of a threaded shaft. Turning the threaded shaft may cause a ball screw nut to translate along the threaded shaft. Translating the ball screw nut may cause translating a piston rod within a cylinder housing. Translating the piston rod may cause movement of the poppet coupled to the piston rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: STANDARD DIRECTIONAL SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Desmond Anderson, Salvador Berberov
  • Patent number: 10648259
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for controlled delivery of unknown fluids that safely and efficiently removes entrained gas from unknown fluids in the wellbore and/or marine riser. A control system automatically controls one or more choke manifold(s), and optionally the flow rate of one or more mud pump(s), to maximize the safe flow rate of returning unknown fluids to one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) without overloading. The control system may receive the state of the one or more instrumented mud-gas separator(s) to manipulate the choke manifold(s), and optionally the one or more mud pump(s) to maximize the safe flow rate of return fluids and expedite the removal of gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SAFEKICK AMERICAS LLC
    Inventor: Helio Mauricio Ribeiro dos Santos
  • Patent number: 10577912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of for measuring the characteristics and volume of drill cuttings. The system comprises at least one camera operably connected to a processor for recording characteristics of drill cutting particles wherein said processor is configured to perform particle detection, extract features of said particles, or both. The processor is typically configured to initiate, interrupt or inhibit an automated activity based on the particle characteristics. The method comprises acquiring visual data from at least one camera, performing particle detection using said data, extracting feature data of any detected particles, alerting an operator and/or initiating, interrupting, or inhibiting automated activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Helmerich & Payne Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Peter A. Torrione
  • Patent number: 10508535
    Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling a well along a path substantially along a bedding direction of a selected subsurface formation having at least one substantially vertical fracture therein. A direction of the at least one substantially vertical fracture is determined with respect to a direction of the prior to drilling therethrough. A direction of the path is adjusted so that the well will intersect the at least one substantially vertical fracture substantially perpendicularly to the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter T. Wu
  • Patent number: 10487642
    Abstract: A method for directional drilling a subterranean borehole includes transforming surface sensor measurements from time domain sensor data to frequency domain sensor data. A rotary drilling parameter may be changed when a parameter of the frequency domain sensor data reaches a threshold or is within a predetermined range of values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marc Haci, Arturo Quezada, Maurice Ringer
  • Patent number: 10473816
    Abstract: A calibration quality associated with a well-drilling apparatus can be determined. A projected value and a calculated value based upon a data set corresponding to a time interval section of a rig state of the well-drilling apparatus can be determined. A difference can be calculated between the projected value and the calculated value. A quality indicator can be applied to the difference, and a calibration quality based upon the application of the quality indicator can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: James P Belaskie, Jonathan Dunlop, Jose Luis Sanchez, Richard John Harmer, Maurice Ringer, CuiLi Yang
  • Patent number: 10378331
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for monitoring the integrity of a subsea pipeline network to transport the production fluid from a subsurface wellhead to surface facilities. More specifically, the described methods and systems are for monitoring the integrity of a riser pipe network and can include installing one or more inclinometers to the buoyancy tank and/or vertical riser structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventor: Vincent Alliot
  • Patent number: 10378333
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using pressure signals to assess effectiveness of a diverter in a stimulation wellbore are disclosed. A pressure signal in an observation wellbore in the subsurface formation may be assessed using a pressure sensor in direct fluid communication with a fluid in the observation wellbore. The fluid in the observation wellbore may be in direct fluid communication with a fracture emanating from the observation wellbore. The pressure signal may include a pressure change that is induced by a fracture being formed from a stimulation wellbore in the subsurface formation. The pressure signal may be a pressure-induced poromechanic signal. The slope in the pressure signal before and after the diverter are provided into the stimulation wellbore may be assessed to determine the effectiveness of the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Reveal Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Dawson, Günther Kampfer, Lukas Mosser
  • Patent number: 10329860
    Abstract: A method of drilling a subsea wellbore includes drilling the subsea wellbore and, while drilling the subsea wellbore: measuring a flow rate of the drilling fluid injected into a tubular string; measuring a flow rate of returns; comparing the returns flow rate to the drilling fluid flow rate to detect a kick by a formation being drilled; and exerting backpressure on the returns using a first variable choke valve. The method further includes, in response to detecting the kick: closing a blowout preventer of a subsea pressure control assembly (PCA) against the tubular string; and diverting the flow of returns from the PCA, through a choke line having a second variable choke valve, and through the first variable choke valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Said Boutalbi, Michael Brian Grayson
  • Patent number: 10280732
    Abstract: A method including obtaining input attribute values and a target risk attribute value associated with a first borehole segment. The method also includes training a prediction model for the target risk attribute using the input attribute values and the target risk attribute value. The method also includes acquiring subsequent input attribute values. The method also includes using the trained prediction model and the subsequent input attribute values to predict a target risk attribute value for a second borehole segment. The method also includes storing or displaying information based on the predicted target risk attribute value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Serkan Dursun, Robello Samuel, Aniket
  • Patent number: 10253585
    Abstract: A managed pressure drilling (“MPD”) manifold is adapted to receive drilling mud from a wellbore during oil and gas drilling operations. The MPD manifold includes one or more drilling chokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: TECH ENERGY PRODUCTS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Barton Hickie
  • Patent number: 10240414
    Abstract: A method for regulating a downhole fluid flow rate, in at least some embodiments, comprises partitioning a fluid circulation system into a sequence of segments, the sequence including a pump segment at one end and a drill bit segment at another end; obtaining a desired pressure for the drill bit segment; determining, for each of the segments in the sequence except for the drill bit segment, a desired pressure based at least in part on the desired pressure for a preceding segment in the sequence; determining a pump setting based on the desired pressure for the pump segment; and applying the pump setting to a pump used to move drilling fluid through the fluid circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Xingyong Song, Jason D. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 10227836
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wellbore strengthening are disclosed. An effective way to strengthen a wellbore and prevent future fractures during drilling operations is to induce fractures having a desired fracture width profile and fracture length. Surface back pressure can be used to accurately induce such fractures. The induced fractures which are then sealed can increase fracture gradient of the wellbore thus mitigating future fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Mojtaba Karimi, Don Hannegan, Mojtaba P. Shahri, Ovunc Mutlu
  • Patent number: 10190375
    Abstract: A connection device for connecting a secondary drilling fluids circuit to a drilling element includes a radial aperture. A central body has a first connection portion forming a sealed connection to the secondary circuit. A second connection portion forms a sealed connection to the radial aperture and an intake duct conducts drilling fluids. A clamping system connects the connection device to the drilling element. One opening device is adapted to selectively open and close the radial aperture by acting upon a valve assembly. One coupling device connects the opening device to the valve assembly. The opening device selectively opens and closes the radial aperture by acting upon an obstructor of the valve assembly through rotary movement. The coupling device couples to a clamping element in the obstructor to transfer the rotary movement of the opening device to the obstructor to selectively and securely open and close the radial aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: DRILLMEC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Calderoni
  • Patent number: 10184305
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for improving the accuracy of bottom hole pressure control. One example embodiment includes a torque and drag model that calculates the elasticity of the drill string, which is included in a managed pressure drilling control system. The addition of the torque and drag calculations provide more accurate surge/swab effect calculations based on pipe movement corrected for elasticity effects. The results of these calculations will be used in a real-time hydraulics model to determine a setpoint pressure which will be utilized by a MPD choke system. Further, the real-time torque and drag models are calibrated to actual hole conditions in real-time using survey, temperature, pressure and downhole tool data to calculate friction factors in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Enery Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Randolph Lovorn, Robello Samuel, Emad Bakri Yassin Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 10174563
    Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed. The drill bit includes a bit body and a plurality of blades on the bit body. A cutting element is located on one of the plurality of blades and is communicatively coupled to a depth of cut controller (DOCC) located on the one of the plurality of blades. The DOCC is coupled to the cutting element such that the DOCC moves in response to an external force on the cutting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gerard Thomas
  • Patent number: 9995097
    Abstract: Killing a well by diverting flow in a drilling fluid circulation system to maintain kill mud pressure in a discharge piping during the well kill operation. It is determined that a target pressure of the kill mud in the discharge piping is not satisfied by a pressure of the kill mud discharged by a pump into the discharge piping. In response, a pressure of the kill mud is adjusted by at least partially opening a pressure control device to release kill mud into a bypass piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Suzan Davis, Cody Neal Butler
  • Patent number: 9988866
    Abstract: A choke valve assembly, system, and method can be used with a drill string in a wellbore to aid in controlling the bottom hole pressure during drilling of the wellbore. The choke valve assembly can have a primary choke and one or more supplemental chokes, where these choke valves each have a controllable range relative to the flow and pressure of drilling fluid passing through the assembly. A control unit can automatically actuate the primary choke and one or more supplemental chokes in order to both maintain the choke valves within their controllable ranges and concurrently maintain a consistent boom hole pressure in the connected wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Nancy Suzan Cotten, Eric Miller, Charles Michael Pool
  • Patent number: 9919249
    Abstract: A method and system to recycle water for hydro-excavation includes a vacuum hose to remove a slurry of solids and liquid from hydro-excavation at a site. A debris tank is in fluid communication with the vacuum hose and is used to collect the slurry. The system also includes a filter drum, where a portion of the filter drum is configured to rotate through the slurry to filter the liquids from the solids, where dewatered solids are returned to the site for compaction. In addition, an outlet is in fluid communication with a central portion of the filter drum to return filtered water for use in hydro-excavation at the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Don M. Buckner