With Means Movable Relative To Tool Or Shaft To Control Below-ground Passage Patents (Class 175/317)
  • Patent number: 11773677
    Abstract: A wellbore tool assembly to release stuck pipe includes a tubular that includes an outer wall, an inner wall and an annular compartment defined between the outer wall and the inner wall. A quantity of acid is carried within the annular compartment of the tubular. Multiple ports are formed in the tubular. Each port fluidically connects an inner volume of the tubular with a volume outside the tubular through the annular compartment. The assembly includes a ball seat disposed within the tubular. The ball seat is configured to receive a ball dropped into the tubular. The multiple ports are configured to switch between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the multiple ports permit flow of the acid from the annular compartment to the formation. When in the closed position, the multiple ports prevent fluid flow from the annular compartment to the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ibrahim A. Al-Obaidi, Nawaf D. Otaibi, Fahad A. Alenezi
  • Patent number: 11702897
    Abstract: A bit saver assembly having an inner valve sleeve that actuates upon the weight-on-bit (WOB) of the drill bit exceeding a threshold value to overcome the countervailing force provided by a spring contained within the bit saver assembly and the internal flow pressure of the drilling fluid at the area of the inner valve sleeve. Actuation of the inner valve sleeve opens a fluid passage to the wellbore annulus resulting in a reduction of drilling fluid flow pressure and the stretch of the drill string thereby reducing WOB of the drill bit without operator assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Workover Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunther H H von Gynz-Rekowski, Russell Wayne Koenig
  • Patent number: 11668146
    Abstract: A shut-off system and control method for a rotary steerable tool that includes a body having an inner chamber, a piston gallery extending between the inner chamber and a piston port, and an exhaust gallery extending between the inner chamber and an exhaust port. A spool in the inner chamber is movable into a plurality of positions to direct and control the flow of drilling fluid to energize pistons of the rotary steerable tool. The spool includes a spool shaft. A first passage extends through the spool shaft and receives drilling fluid via a spool inlet port in the shaft from a drilling fluid inlet port of the rotary steerable tool. A shut off valve is controlled to rotate on the spool shaft to open and shut the spool inlet port to drilling fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Reme, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Hutton
  • Patent number: 11230890
    Abstract: A well drilling bit for drilling bedrocks includes a columnar bit body, and a drilling fluid flow path formed in the bit body to wash away drilled cuttings from a bottomhole and/or a periphery of the bit body. The flow path is provided with a venturi mechanism including a venturi tube having a reduced-diameter portion where a cross sectional area is reduced and capable of generating a decompression region around a tip of the bit body, the decompression region being more decompressed than a surrounding by the Venturi effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, INPEX DRILLING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemi Naganawa, Noriyoshi Tuchiya, Kuniaki Shimada
  • Patent number: 10934783
    Abstract: An example drill bit includes a body that is connectable to a drill string. The body has a base configured to face downhole within a wellbore and a perimeter configured to face a wall of the wellbore. The body includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The first nozzle corresponds to a first channel that exits the body through the perimeter and the second nozzle corresponds to a second channel that exits the body through the base. The example drill bit also includes a bit cutter on the base of the body and a valve within the body. The valve is configured to move within the body to block either the first channel or the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmad A. Amoudi, Ossama R. Sehsah
  • Patent number: 9885222
    Abstract: A stage tool apparatus and components for same are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the stage tool apparatus is part of tubular string or casing positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Top-Co Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory James Alexander Andrigo
  • Patent number: 9593539
    Abstract: Downhole tools are provided with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material is provided over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Suresh G. Patel, Chaitanya K. Vempati, Steven R. Radford, Timothy K. Marvel, Bruce Stauffer, George I. Butler
  • Patent number: 9534461
    Abstract: A controller for operating a downhole tool includes a tubular body; a seat disposed in the body for receiving first and second pump-down plugs, at least a portion of one of the seat and the plugs being radially displaceable to pass through or allow passage of the other at a first threshold pressure differential; a catcher located below the seat for receiving the plugs after passing through the seat; a toggle linked to the seat to alternate between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to seating of the plugs; and a control mandrel for engaging a piston of the downhole tool and linked to the toggle: to be longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position when the toggle is unlocked, and to be prevented from movement from the first position to the second position when the toggle is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Jake Xu, Albert C. Odell, II
  • Patent number: 9151120
    Abstract: Downhole cutting tools such as blade mills comprise a body having an upper end for connection with a rotating component of a drill string and a guide member disposed at lower end. The guide member can comprise a shape that is reciprocal to an engagement member disposed on an object within the well that is to be cut by the cutting mill. In certain embodiments, the guide member comprises a portion that is spherically shaped or an apex formed by two angled cutting elements. The cutting tools can also include one or more blades having cutting elements disposed thereon in a stepped arrangement. In one such embodiment, the cutting elements are disposed to cover one or more steps profiled on a lower end of the blade to lessen wear of the blade caused by the cutting of the object by the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Calvin J. Stowe, II
  • Patent number: 9140073
    Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling a wellbore and that can be used for fracturing the subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore. Included on the bit body is a packer for sealing against the wellbore wall during fracturing. A chamber in the drill bit houses a valve assembly for selectively diverting fluid between use in drilling and for use in fracturing. The fluid is delivered through a drill string that attaches to an upper end of the bit. The valve assembly can be shuttled between drilling and fracturing configurations by selectively adjusting an amount and/or pressure of the fluid flowing in the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Shaohua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150129318
    Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed, comprising: a drill bit head having a cutting face with one or more fixed cutting elements; a flow passage extending through the drill bit head to the cutting face; a flow interrupter within the drill bit head and positioned to interrupt flow of fluid through the flow passage; and a power section connected to drive the flow interrupter and cause, in operation, variable flow of fluid through the flow passage. A method of drilling is also disclosed comprising: flowing fluid through a flow passage extending through a drill bit head to a cutting face of the drill bit head, the cutting face having one or more fixed cutting elements; and driving a flow interrupter within the drill bit head with a power section to interrupt the flow of fluid through the flow passage and cause variable flow of fluid through the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Laurier E. Comeau, Geir Hareland, Jeff Janzen, John Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20150114724
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus can include a sonde housing that is elongated along a central longitudinal axis. The sonde housing has a length that extends along the central longitudinal axis from a proximal end of the sonde housing to a distal end of the sonde housing. The proximal end of the sonde housing is adapted for connection to a drill string and the distal end of the sonde housing includes a distal end face. The sonde housing further defines first and second sonde-housing fluid-delivery passages. The first and second sonde-housing fluid-delivery passages extend fluidly separately from one another throughout substantially an entire length of the sonde housing. The drilling apparatus can also include a rotary cutting tool that mounts to the distal end of the sonde housing. The rotary cutting tool can further define distinct first and second cutting-tool fluid-delivery passages. The first sonde-housing fluid-delivery passage can be in fluid communication with the first cutting-tool fluid-delivery passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Randy R. Runquist, Keith A. Hoelting
  • Patent number: 8997871
    Abstract: A dual drill string valve includes an actuator including a piston disposed in a housing. The housing is configured to couple at its ends to an end of a nested dual drill string segment. An upper internal conduit is mounted in the housing proximate one longitudinal end thereof. A lower internal conduit is mounted in the housing proximate the other longitudinal end thereof. The piston is slidably, sealingly engaged between the upper and lower inner conduits and defines a fluid flow passage therethrough. The upper inner conduit, the piston and the lower inner conduit define another flow passage between respective exterior surfaces thereof and an interior of the housing such that application of fluid pressure to the external flow passage causes movement of the piston away from the upper inner conduit. A rotary valve is coupled to the actuator whereby longitudinal movement thereof rotates the rotary valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Reelwell, A.S.
    Inventors: Espen Alhaug, Stein Erik Meinseth
  • Publication number: 20150083497
    Abstract: A method of hydraulically activating a mechanically operated wellbore tool in a bottom hole assembly includes: holding moveable elements of the wellbore tool in an unactivated position using a shear pin; inserting one or more drop balls into a drilling fluid; and flowing the drilling fluid with the drop balls to a flow orifice located in or below the wellbore tool. The flow orifice is at least partially plugged with the drop balls to restrict fluid flow and correspondingly increases the hydraulic pressure of the drilling fluid. The hydraulic pressure is increased to a point beyond the rating of the shear pin, thereby causing the shear pin to shear and allowing the moveable elements of the tool to move to an activated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Olivier Mageren, Khac Nguyen Che
  • Patent number: 8960334
    Abstract: A differential pressure release sub includes a sub housing having a housing bore, a piston chamber communicating with the housing bore and at least one fluid port communicating with the piston chamber. A piston having a piston bore is disposed for axial displacement in the piston chamber from a first position wherein the at least one fluid port is fluidly sealed from the piston bore to a second position wherein the at least one fluid port is disposed in fluid communication with the piston bore. A first surface having a first surface area is on the piston. A second surface having a second surface area less than the first surface area of the first surface is on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher A. Branton
  • Publication number: 20150014065
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an inner tube member of a core barrel head assembly positionable within a drill string of a drilling apparatus. The valve assembly works using two separate surfaces and a biasing element with a force. When hydrostatic pressure is present forces are created on these surfaces, these forces have a direct relationship with pressure, as an increase in pressure will increase the force and vice versa. The surface areas are designed such that the valve will maintain closed while under a predetermined fluid pressure, indicating to the driller that the inner tube has landed. When the driller relieves the fluid pressure and the pressure decreases, the force difference between the respective forces decreases until the valve opens for drilling through the force from the biasing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Paul Lambert, Patrick Salvador, Patrick Lu
  • Publication number: 20140360783
    Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer for optimizing air consumption. The down-the-hole drill hammer includes a housing, a backhead connected to the housing, and a pressure control check valve assembly mounted within the housing. The pressure control check valve assembly includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve controls a flow of working fluid through the backhead. The second check valve is mounted to the first check valve and controls a flow of working fluid through the first check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: CENTER ROCK INC.
    Inventor: Leland H. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20140353039
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an inner tube member of a core barrel head assembly positionable within a drill string of a drilling apparatus. The valve assembly works using two separate surfaces A and B and a biasing element with a force FS. When hydrostatic pressure is present forces are created on these surfaces: FA and FB. These forces have a direct relationship with pressure, as an increase in pressure will increase the force and vice versa. The surface areas are designed such that: FA>FB+FS, which will maintain the valve closed while under a predetermined fluid pressure, indicating to the driller that the inner tube has landed. When the driller relieves the fluid pressure and the pressure decreases, the force difference between FA, FB and FS decreases until FA<FB+FS, thus opening the valve for drilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Paul Lambert, Patrick Salvador, Patrick Lu
  • Patent number: 8899335
    Abstract: A downhole bypass valve comprises a tubular body including a side port and a sleeve axially movably mounted in the body and normally biased to a closed position to close the side port. An activating device is configured to be pumped or dropped into the body to engage the sleeve and permit movement of the sleeve to an open position and open the side port. A latch has a part in the body and a part in the activating device, the parts of the latch configured to engage and retain the sleeve in the open position. The activating device is further operable to disengage from and translate through the sleeve and the parts of the latch are further operable to disengage and permit the sleeve to return to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Churchill Drilling Tools Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Churchill
  • Patent number: 8893805
    Abstract: Bypass valve comprising a ported housing (1) and concentrical ported sleeve (2). Ported piston (3) is slidably arranged within the sleeve. Between sleeve and piston is a control system consisting of control element (5) fixed to sleeve (2) by means of plugs (7) passing through apertures (49) and holes (68). Noses (35) protrude into recesses (34) of drive element (4). Saw teeth (31) on drive element (4) interact with teeth (29) on rotatable timing element (6). Key (27) on element (6) interacts with teeth (32) on control element (5). Lower end (70) of key is abutting against ridge (67) formed on inner surface of sleeve (2). when key (27) is engaged to teeth (32), teeth (31, 29) on elements (4, 6) are misaligned. Pressure increase results in piston (3) and drive element (4) moving downward freeing key (27) from engagement with teeth (32). Teeth (31, 29) are forced into alignment with subsequent rotation of timing element (6). In this position, ports on piston and sleeve are partially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 8893826
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a tubular body including an upper connection and a lower connection with a drill bit disposed thereon, and an axial borehole therethrough, wherein the upper connection is configured to attach to a drillstring, primary cutter blocks coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom. The drilling apparatus further includes backup cutter blocks coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom, and an activation system configured to selectively expand and collapse the primary and backup cutter blocks in response to changes in weight applied to the primary and backup cutter blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Praful C. Desai
  • Publication number: 20140326512
    Abstract: A system includes a valve assembly configured to be disposed within a downhole tool module, a valve of the valve assembly configured to regulate flow of a fluid within the downhole tool module, a pump configured to supply a hydraulic fluid to actuate the valve, and an actuator configured to drive the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Kent Harms, Albert Hoefel, Stephen Parks
  • Publication number: 20140284112
    Abstract: A mud saver valve (MSVIII), positionable at the bottom of the drill string, above the bit, which includes an elongated body portion; portion of the valve housing a compressible spring a pressure; a valve mechanism of a plunger and seat, the plunger moveable between open and closed positions within the valve by concentric actuator pistons; while in the closed position, drilling fluid cannot pass through the valve; when a combination of static and pump pressure exceeds the setting pressure of the spring, the plunger will be unseated by the concentric actuator pistons to the open position, at which time drilling fluid is allowed to through the valve; wherein when the valve is normally closed, as long as the fluid column pressure is less than the setting pressure, the valve remains closed, and allows the drill string to be disconnected and a section of pipe can be added without the fluid draining from the drill column above the bit, and thus saving fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BTI Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin CENAC, Kenneth CAILLOUET
  • Publication number: 20140251691
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a drill string that includes drilling pipe, a dump valve, a positive displacement motor and a rotary drill bit driven by the motor utilize a dump valve that does not depend upon a pressure loss to maintain the dump valve in a position which closes communication between the drilling string and the annulus between the drilling string and the well bore or casing. The dump valve includes a flow sleeve that is axially moved to close outlet passages to the annulus by the flow of fluid through the outlet passages rather than a pressure drop across the flow sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Robert W. Evans
  • Publication number: 20140246240
    Abstract: A directional drilling tool includes a housing defining a central cavity for enabling the transmission of drilling fluid through the drill string. A motor contained in the housing includes a rotor-stator assembly, and produces eccentric motion of the rotor. An inverter or shock absorbing assembly disposed along the housing upstream from the motor functions to expend and contract the central cavity in response to fluid pressure changes produced by the drilling fluid flow. A valve assembly, comprising a multi-port flow head that rotates under influence of the motor and a multi-port flow restrictor, creates a varying pattern of pressure spikes in the drilling fluid as the ports of the flow head move into and out of alignment with the ports of the flow restrictor, which in turn induces a percussive effect and axial movement in the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Troy LORENSON, Dave NICHOLSON, Petr MACEK
  • Publication number: 20140216821
    Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin J. Nikiforuk
  • Patent number: 8733474
    Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin James Nikiforuk
  • Patent number: 8727040
    Abstract: Method and drill string valve assembly for closing a conduit through which a high pressure fluid flows. The drill string valve assembly includes first, second and third portions forming an elongated housing having an inside cavity; and a drill string valve provided inside the cavity, to extend from the first portion to the third portion. The second portion has an extension that fits inside a groove of the third portion and prevents the second portion to linearly move relative to the third portion and also allows the second portion to rotate relative to the third portion, and the second portion has a distal region provided with a thread configured to engage a corresponding thread of the first portion such that a rotation of the second portion relative to the third portion determines a tight connection between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hydril USA Distribution LLC
    Inventors: Derryl Schroeder, Michael Friedrichs
  • Publication number: 20140131112
    Abstract: An apparatus for keeping a down hole drilling tool vertically aligned has a tubular body having an axis, an inner bore, at least one perpendicular channel and at least one set of steering elements disposed on opposed sides of the tubular body and engaging the at least one perpendicular channel of the tubular body. The at least one perpendicular channel permits the steering elements to move perpendicularly to the axis of the tubular body and restricts movement parallel to the axis of the tubular body. The first and second steering elements are engaged such that movement of the first or second steering element toward an extended position relative to the tubular body moves the other steering element toward a retracted position relative to the tubular body. Actuators are carried by the tubular body that selectively actuate the steering elements toward the extended position to steer the down hole drilling tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20140131029
    Abstract: A system includes a valve subassembly configured to be disposed along an internal flowline exit of a first internal flowline within a downhole drilling module. The valve subassembly includes an active valve configured to regulate flow of a fluid through the internal flowline exit and a passive valve configured to be passively controlled based on a differential pressure between a first volume of the downhole drilling module and a second volume surrounding the downhole drilling module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kent David Harms, Jeremy T. Murphy, Michael J. Stucker, William E. Brennan, III, Albert Hoefel, Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop
  • Publication number: 20140020955
    Abstract: A device for limiting the flow of drilling fluid through a section of drill string includes a body with a hole in the periphery. Flow enters the device through one axial end, at least a portion of the flow exits through the other axial end. Some of the fluid flow can be diverted through the peripheral hole. A spring-biased axial piston has an approximately constant force throughout its range of travel. The piston moves axially in response to the changing fluid flow rate to ensure that a constant amount of flow exiting the axial end of the tool is achieved while diverting away excess flow through the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: General Downhole Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: David S. Cramer, Michael J. Harvey
  • Patent number: 8607896
    Abstract: A turbine drill motor capable of operation at ultra-high rotary speeds (i.e., in excess of 1000 rpm, which is very high for turbine drill motors), with a high-pressure jet-assist functionality for drilling and well service applications. The ultra-high rotary speed enables fast penetration with diamond bits, while the high-pressure jet-assist ensures adequate cooling and cuttings removal. In an exemplary embodiment, such a turbine drill motor includes a bypass channel to divert a portion of the driving fluid supply when the bit is off-bottom, to limit the no-load runaway speed of the turbine. Serial and parallel flow paths can be accommodated, and different drill bits for cutting and well-bore servicing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tempress Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Kollé, Kenneth Theimer
  • Publication number: 20130277119
    Abstract: A valve for communication of a measurement while drilling system includes a first structure having a central portion and one or more elongate portions radially extending from the central portion, and a second structure having one or more portions which substantially bound a central orifice region and one or more elongate orifice regions radially extending from the central orifice region. At least one of the first structure and the second structure is configured to be rotated about a rotation axis to produce a relative rotation between the first structure and the second structure such that a flow path through which mud can flow varies as the at least one of the first structure and the second structure rotates about the rotation axis. The central portion has a maximum inscribed circle encircling the rotation axis and having a first radius and the central orifice region has a maximum inscribed circle encircling the rotation axis and having a second radius greater than the first radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: John Preston Rogers, Stephen D. Bonner, Robert Rudolph Kirby, Eugene Linyaev
  • Patent number: 8439133
    Abstract: A down hole apparatus for generating a pulsing action includes a tubular housing a rotating first mandrel with a first cam profile and a reciprocating second mandrel with a second cam profile, which engages the first cam profile. Upon rotational movement of the first mandrel, the first cam profile exerts an axial force upon the second cam profile to initiate a pulsing action by forcing the second mandrel away from the first mandrel. Springs bias the second mandrel back toward the first mandrel, thereby completing the pulsing action and maintaining the second cam profile engaged with the first cam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Nighthawk Energy Services Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Mike Zulak, Dave Kutinsky
  • Publication number: 20130112404
    Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to change flow through an annulus formed radially between a drill string and a wellbore, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting. A well drilling system can include a flow control device which varies flow through a drill string, and a control system which changes a pressure setpoint in response to an instruction for the flow control device to change the flow through the drill string. A method of controlling pressure in a well can include transmitting an instruction to divert flow from a drill string, and adjusting a pressure setpoint in response to the transmitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130008723
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drilling apparatus including a cutting unit defining at least one through-hole that provides fluid communication between a distal side and a proximal side of the cutting unit. The cutting unit includes a plurality of cutting elements at the distal side of the cutting unit. The cutting unit also includes a shutter for selectively opening and blocking the through-hole of the cutting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Keith Allen Hoelting, Andis Salins, Stuart Harrison
  • Publication number: 20130000923
    Abstract: A downhole circulation apparatus comprises at least one tubular body portion defining a first through-flow passage through which drilling fluid can pass along the drill string. A first sleeve is slidably mounted in the tubular body portion and is biased into a position in which the first port means is closed by a biasing means such as a spring. Second port means is formed through the tubular body portion at a location below the first port means in the drill string. The second port means may comprise a plurality of second nozzles, wherein each of the second nozzles has a diameter greater than the diameter of each of the first nozzles of the first port means. Larger nozzles enable large particle size drilling fluid to be bypassed. A second sleeve is slidably mounted inside the tubular body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SCHOELLER BLECKMANN OILFIELD EQUIPMENT AG
    Inventor: Paul Bernard Lee
  • Patent number: 8327954
    Abstract: A tubular body with an axial bore includes an upper connection attached to a drillstring and a lower connection with a drill bit disposed thereon. Primary and backup cutter blocks are coupled to the tubular body and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom. An activation system within the tubular body is configured to selectively expand and collapse the primary and backup cutter blocks in response to changes in weight applied to the primary and backup cutter blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Praful C. Desai
  • Publication number: 20120285744
    Abstract: A well drilling system includes a flow control device regulating flow from a rig pump to a drill string, the flow control device being interconnected between the pump and a standpipe manifold, and another flow control device regulating flow through a line in communication with an annulus. Flow is simultaneously permitted through the flow control devices. A method of maintaining a desired bottom hole pressure includes dividing drilling fluid flow between a line in communication with a drill string interior and a line in communication with an annulus; the flow dividing step including permitting flow through a flow control device interconnected between a pump and a standpipe manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher J. BERNARD
  • Publication number: 20120255777
    Abstract: A well system can include an accumulator in communication with a wellbore, whereby the accumulator applies pressure to the wellbore. A method of maintaining a desired pressure in a wellbore can include applying pressure to the wellbore from an accumulator in response to pressure in the wellbore being less than the desired pressure. Another well system can include a dampener in communication with a wellbore isolated from atmosphere, whereby the dampener mitigates pressure spikes in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher J. BERNARD
  • Patent number: 8251144
    Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a body defining a fluid inlet and two or more fluid outlets. A valve arrangement cycles the proportion of fluid directed from the inlet to each of the outlets. One of the outlets may be associated with a fluid pressure responsive device, such as a cleaning blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Andergauge Limited
    Inventor: Alastair Henry Walter Macfarlane
  • Publication number: 20120186875
    Abstract: A system and method for hydraulic drilling is provided. A whipstock having a bore can be sealingly engaged at a distal end of a workstring. A drilling apparatus having drill tubing and a flow through device for routing drilling fluid into the drill tubing can be connected to the end of a connection string and inserted down into the work string so that the drill tubing extends through the bore in the whipstock device. Pressurized drilling fluid can then be inserted into the annulus formed between the work string and the connection string so that the pressurized drilling fluid passes through the flow through device into the drilling tube and is discharged out the distal end of the drilling tube as a cutting jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: PETROJET CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Myles McDougall, Jeremy Nielsen, Carl Tatman
  • Publication number: 20120181044
    Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin James Nikiforuk
  • Patent number: 8210266
    Abstract: A drill pipe having a tubular body through which is provided a main bore, a side port provided in an exterior surface of the body, a side bore extending through the body from the main bore to the side port, and a valve member which is movable between a closed position in which fluid flow through the side bore is substantially prevented and an open position in which fluid flow through the side bore is permitted, wherein the movement of the valve member between the closed position and the open position comprises translational movement, and the valve member is located at least predominantly within the side bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Managed Pressure Operations PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Rae Younger, Alex MacGregor, Adrien Bouillet, Christian Leuchtenberg
  • Patent number: 8201643
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling longitudinal and radial drilling in a wellbore is described. The system and method enable an operator to perforate the casing of a wellbore with an under-reamer at the end of a drill string and, without removing the drill string from the wellbore, initiate and complete lateral jetting of the wellbore into the surrounding formation. The system utilizes a perforation tool having a ball seat, which upon seating a drop ball in the ball seat enables the perforation tool to move from a closed position to an open position thereby allowing access to the formation using a jetting tool. Prior to seating the drop ball, an under-reaming operation may be performed using a hydraulic pressure activated under-reaming tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Semjet Well Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Soby, Dale Joseph
  • Patent number: 8074746
    Abstract: A tool for crushing coke includes a casing which in the operational state is connected to a drill rod and on or in which is arranged at least one cutting nozzle and one drill nozzle for drilling coke and at least one valve for controlling a direction of flow of water flowing through the drill rod and the casing through the cutting nozzle and the drill nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ruhrpumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Paul, Maciej Barcikowski, Dirk Heidemann, Mathias Ozimek
  • Patent number: 8074745
    Abstract: A tool for crushing coke includes a casing which in the operational state is connected to a drill rod and on or in which is arranged at least one cutting nozzle and one drill nozzle for drilling coke and at least one valve for controlling a direction of flow of water flowing through the drill rod and the casing through the cutting nozzle and the drill nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ruhrpumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Paul, Maciej Barcikowski, Dirk Heidemann, Mathias Ozimek
  • Publication number: 20110259639
    Abstract: What is claimed is a downhole tool string component comprising a generator. The generator may comprise a toroidal stator comprising an interior channel formed between inward extending stator poles. A coil of wire is disposed within the interior channel, and a plurality of magnets are rotatably disposed proximate each pole. A downhole tool string component comprises a bore to receive a flow of drilling fluid comprising a central passage and at least one peripheral passage. A compliant member is disposed within the bore and forms an internal diameter of the central passage, and at least one opening. The at least one opening comprises an internal area within the compliant member to divert the flow of drilling fluid into the at least one peripheral passage. The compliant member comprises a compliant property allowing the internal area of the at least one opening to change thus changing the amount of diverted drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott S. Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 8011457
    Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprises a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The shank is adapted for connection to a drill string. The drill string comprising a fluid passage at least partially disposed within the body. A hammer assembly is movably disposed within the fluid passage along it central axis, the hammer assembly comprises a proximal end stabilized by a centralized upper bearing and a distal end stabilized by centralized a lower bearing. The distal end protrudes out of the working face and the hammer assembly comprises a carrier between the upper and lower bearings. Wherein, under normal drilling operations the carrier is adapted to resist a fluid pressure within the fluid passageway such that the fluid pressure will further extend the distal end of the hammer assembly from the working face by pushing on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, John Bailey, Scott Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 7958952
    Abstract: The system and device described relates to flow pulsing for use in down-hole drilling rate of penetration (ROP) enhancement and measurement while drilling (MWD) using a pulse drilling device (PDD) with a fast acting valve in conjunction with a pilot valve to produce high pressure, high amplitude, low duration pressure pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Teledrill Inc.
    Inventors: David John Kusko, Gabor Vecseri, Daniel Maurice Lerner