Means Other Than Tool Structure To Induce Fluent Flow Patents (Class 175/324)
  • Patent number: 11933126
    Abstract: A ball dropping tool includes an outer and inner body, side bore, ball and an actuator. The outer body has an axial bore extending between a first and second end of the outer body and forming a flow path. The inner body forms a bypass passage extending between a first and second end of the inner body. The side bore is defined by the inner body and is disposed at an angle relative to the axial bore of the outer body. The bypass passage is disposed in a portion of the flow path and is in communication with the side bore. The ball is disposed within the side bore. The actuator, disposed within the outer body, is movable between a retaining position wherein the ball is retained within the side bore and a release position wherein the ball is released from the side bore and into the bypass passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: James Edward Atkins, James Andrew Blair Henderson
  • Patent number: 11873689
    Abstract: An integrated piling tool with continuous drilling and circulation pouring includes a power connector, a circulation device, a drill assembly, a bottom clearing and a pouring mechanism. The circulation device includes a circulating drill barrel and a spiral piece, and it achieves cuttings removal continuously; the two ends of the circulating drill barrel are connected with the power connector and the drill assembly, respectively. The drill assembly includes a drill body, a connecting sleeve B, transmission parts, a drill tool holder and drilling teeth, and the drill assembly accomplish rock breaking and rotary excavation. The clearing mechanism includes a linkage and clearing blades to remove cuttings at bottom hole. The pouring mechanism includes pouring channels and control parts to achieve continuous concrete pouring. The invention provides a new integrated piling tool with continuous drilling and circulation pouring, which improves the efficiency of piling, circulation and pouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Southwest Petroleum University
    Inventors: Jialin Tian, Lei Tang, Yan Li, Chunyu Xing
  • Patent number: 11846181
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the frequency or amplitude of vibrations during drilling of a well. A system for generating mechanical vibrations may generate a control signal to cause two plates to impact one another with a first frequency or amplitude. The frequency or amplitude may be selected to steer the direction of drilling. In addition, a second control signal may be generated to cause the two plates to impact with a second frequency or amplitude to steer the direction of drilling, such as when the wellbore has deviated from the target path of a well plan. The control signals may be associated with one or more geological formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Helmerich & Payne Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Benson
  • Patent number: 11578593
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing controlled vibrations within a borehole. In one example, the system includes a movement mechanism and a controller. The movement mechanism is configured to enable translational movement of a first surface relative to a second surface to allow the first surface to impact the second surface to produce a plurality of beats. The frequency and amplitude of the beats may be selectively controlled by suppressing or dampening the beats. The controller is configured to selectively control an amplitude or frequency of the beats to encode information therein, where the amplitude of a beat may be selectively controlled by dampening or suppressing the impact of the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Helmerich & Payne Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Todd W. Benson
  • Patent number: 11142973
    Abstract: A propulsion tool for delivering a tubing into a subterranean well for performing a downhole operation includes a tool housing, the tool housing being a tubular shaped member. A connector system is operable to secure the propulsion tool to the tubing. A jet assembly extends from an internal cavity of the tool housing to an outside of the tool housing and is oriented in an uphole direction. A jet inner flow path is located within the tool housing. The jet inner flow path is oriented to selectively direct a flow of fluid from the tubing in a direction towards the jet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Ali Radi Ssafwany, Samih Alsyed
  • Patent number: 10731419
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool may comprise at least one cavity formed in a face thereof. At least one retractable pad residing in the at least one cavity may be coupled to a piston located at least partially within the at least one cavity. Additionally, a valve may be positioned within the earth-boring tool and configured to regulate flow of an incompressible fluid in contact with the piston through an opening of a reservoir. A cartridge may comprise a barrel wall defining a first bore, and a piston comprising at least one retractable pad positioned at least partially within the first bore. The barrel wall and the piston may define a first reservoir within the first bore, and a valve may be positioned and configured to regulate flow through an opening to the first reservoir. Related methods and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Marcus Oesterberg
  • Patent number: 10415208
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an apparatus for cutting a pile. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a shaft module including a cylindrical shaft including a first cavity configured to receive the pile. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a cutting module coupled to the shaft module, the cutting module including a second cavity configured to receive the pile, clamps configured to clamp onto the pile, and a saw configured to cut the pile. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a drilling module coupled to the cutting module, the drilling module including blades to burrow into an earth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Nabil Mimouni Organization
    Inventors: Nabil Mimouni, Ronnie Wayne Wills, II
  • Patent number: 10301883
    Abstract: A bit jet enhancement tool comprises two or more separate flow paths, and each of the flow paths has multiple hollow chambers connected in series; each of the hollow chambers comprises a first constricted chamber with a fluid entry, a first expansion chamber located adjacent to the lower end of the first constricted chamber, a second constricted chamber with the upper end connected to the lower end of the first expansion chamber; a separate second expansion chamber connected to the lower ends of a plurality of the second constricted chambers; and a single port located adjacent to the lower end of the second expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: COIL SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Kletzel
  • Patent number: 9869140
    Abstract: A technique facilitates directional drilling of boreholes. A steerable system has a plurality of actuator pistons slidably mounted in a mechanical structure. The mechanical structure comprises a radially inward portion containing ports to deliver a portion of drilling mud to the plurality of actuator pistons. The mechanical structure also has a radially outward portion positioned to define a main flow passage extending longitudinally through the steerable system between the radially inward portion and the radially outward portion of the mechanical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Guy James Rushton
  • Patent number: 9605781
    Abstract: A threaded tubular connection includes a female threaded portion at a first tubular component end and a male threaded portion at a second tubular component end, the female threaded portion including a female thread, at least one female sealing surface on its inner peripheral surface, and at least one female axial abutment surface, the male threaded portion including a male thread, at least one male sealing surface on its outer peripheral surface, at least one axial abutment surface, and a lip disposed between the sealing surface and an axial abutment surface located at a free end of the threaded portion distant from the thread, the male thread being made up into the female thread such that at least one male axial abutment surface is in contact with at least one female axial abutment surface, at least one male sealing surface being in interference contact with at least one corresponding female sealing surface, the portion of the lip between the sealing surface and the axial abutment surface being radially dist
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE, NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sylvain Beigneux, Daly Daly, Bertrand Maillon, Claire Patureau, Eric Verger, Michihiko Iwamoto, Keiichi Nakamura, Masaaki Sugino, Suguru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9022146
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation is disclosed, which apparatus, according to one embodiment, may include a drill string configured to be conveyed into a wellbore, wherein an annulus is formed between the drill string and a wellbore wall, a first flow device configured to circulate a first fluid from an annulus to a bore of the drill string, and a second flow device positioned downhole of the first flow device, the second flow device configured to circulate a second fluid from the bore of the drill string to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sven Krueger, Volker Krueger, Jens-Uwe Bruns, Karsten Fuhst, Joerg Breitenfeld
  • Patent number: 8904703
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Harrison Schindler
  • Publication number: 20140238746
    Abstract: Actuation mechanisms for downhole assemblies in earth-boring applications may comprise a housing comprising an internal bore defining a flow path through the housing. An actuation member may be supported within the housing. A movable sleeve may be located within the internal bore and may be movable between a first position and a second position responsive to changes in flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow path. The movable sleeve may be biased toward the first position. The actuation member may be in an initial, pre-actuation position when the movable sleeve is initially located in the first position. The actuation member may be movable to a subsequent, pre-actuation position when the movable sleeve is located in the second position. The actuation member may be released from the actuation mechanism when the movable sleeve is returned to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Steven R. Radford
  • Patent number: 8813872
    Abstract: A drilling fluid delivery system for drilling boreholes with a drill bit, includes a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit. The system also includes a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit. Furthermore, the system includes a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits. When the cutting transfer system is in use, it receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit and separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings. The first stream is returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream is directed to the secondary flow circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre-Jérôme Acquaviva
  • Publication number: 20140182943
    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: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: David IBLINGS, Thomas F. BAILEY, Ram K. BANSAL, Adrian STEINER, Michael J. LYNCH, Simon J. HARRALL
  • Publication number: 20140116781
    Abstract: An apparatus including a stationary section having a first central fluid passage and operably connected to a drilling fluid inlet and a conduit, a rotating and reciprocating section having a second central fluid passage and operably connected to a tubular, wherein the rotating and reciprocating section reciprocates along a longitudinal axis and rotates in conjunction with the tubular and the conduit, and a third section having a third central fluid passage in fluid communication between the first and second central fluid passages, where the third section is operably disposed between the first and rotating and reciprocating sections to permit the rotating and reciprocating section to slide axially even during rotation and to permit only rotational motion at an end adjacent the stationary section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Beat Kuttel, Lemuel T. York, Faisal J. Yousef, Keith A. Hager, Randy Slocum
  • Patent number: 8662795
    Abstract: A head includes an outer cylindrical body with at least one upper inlet for fluids, at least one outlet side nozzle and at least one helical duct having a helical central line. The duct connects the upper inlet to the nozzle and imparts the fluid flowing through it a helical motion about the longitudinal axis of the outer body towards the nozzle. The helical duct is progressively tapered towards the nozzle and includes a terminal length of the duct which is radiused to the nozzle in a tapered manner, both when viewed in cross-sectional planes parallel to the longitudinal axis and tangent to the helical central line, as well as when viewed in cross-sectional planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Trevi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Cesare Saccani
  • Publication number: 20130270013
    Abstract: A flow restrictor comprising a body adapted to restrict a flow of fluid through a drill rod passage, the body having a coupling for coupling said body into the drill rod passage, said body defining an upstream fluid receiving passage, a downstream fluid egress passage, and a passage of restrictive diameter between said passages to limit the flow of fluid in the drill rod passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
  • Publication number: 20130206482
    Abstract: An ejector pump or jet pump is for use in the drilling of wells in the underground for the production of oil and gas, for example, in which it is the purpose to prevent the total fluid pressure at the bottom of the borehole from reaching a level which constitutes a risk of cracking the rock or sediment being drilled, thus resulting in leakage and circulation failure. For this purpose, the pump is placed between the drill bit and the drill string by means of standard pipe couplings and formed as an elongated cylindrical element with external, longitudinal pump elements with nozzles directed in such a way that low pressure is established externally at the drill bit. The pump is operated by the drilling fluid which is supplied in the normal way from the drill string. The pressure difference across the pump is used to draw a secondary flow of drilling fluid from the established borehole through internal bores in the pump casing to the ordinary nozzles in the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Tomax AS
    Inventor: Nils Reimers
  • Publication number: 20130153296
    Abstract: Systems and methods to inhibit packoff during drilling assembly removal from a wellbore, utilizing a drilling assembly that includes a transition region between a first section having a first cross-sectional area and a second section having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area. The transition region includes a fluidizing assembly configured to partially fluidize a portion of the cuttings bed that is proximal to the transition region, and/or be in fluid communication with a flow control assembly configured to control flow rate of a fluidizing stream from the fluidizing assembly and to the portion of cuttings bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Chinar R. Aphale, Pietro Valsecchi, Jon M. Wallace, Fuping Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130087389
    Abstract: The present invention regards a method to be used when performing drilling in a well bore, comprising: positioning a dual bore drill pipe with a tool at on one end into a well bore, thereby forming an outer annulus between the well bore wall and the pipe and two inner bores within the pipe, dividing the outer annulus into two different sections along the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe, at least at one location close to the tool, providing a first fluid in the outer annuls and providing a second fluid within the drill pipe and around the tool, and a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: REELWELL AS
    Inventors: Ove Hole, Harald Syse
  • Patent number: 8408336
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole drill string assembly comprises a bore there through to receive drilling fluid. A turbine may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid. At least one flow guide may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid wherein the flow guide acts to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid across the turbine. The flow guide may be adjusted by an actuator. Adjustments to the flow guide may be controlled by a downhole telemetry system, a processing unit, a control loop, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments the turbine may comprise rotatable turbine blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Paula Turner, Christopher Durrand, Jonathan Marshall
  • Patent number: 8403078
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Brunnert, Brent J. Lirette
  • Patent number: 8393417
    Abstract: Sleeves, stabilizers and other well tools may be formed with fluid flow paths or channels extending through one or more blades disposed on the exterior portions of such well tools. The blades and associated fluid flow paths extending therethrough may allow optimum fluid flow rates and volumes to enhance lifting of formation cuttings and downhole debris along with cleaning exterior portions of the well tool and an associated rotary drill bit. Location, configuration, orientation and/or dimensions associated with such blades and associated fluid flow paths or channels may also be modified to provide an enlarged pad or contact surface on exterior portions of one or more blades while maintaining desired fluid flow rates and volumes over exterior portions of the well tool. Such pads or contact surfaces may have optimum surface areas for contacting adjacent portions of a wellbore during directional drilling of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Earles, Barry D. Calnan, Randy C. Ivey
  • Publication number: 20120325492
    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: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: COGNIS OLEOCHEMICALS GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Fefer, Jun Liu, Heinz Mueller, Nadja Herzog, Diana Maeker
  • Patent number: 8336645
    Abstract: A rotating drill string sub redistributes wellbore drill cuttings into the drilling fluid flowstream to improve the efficiency of the drilling operation. Standoff elements are located on each side of an agitator, all configured on a relatively short section of drill pipe. The agitator comprises a plurality of alternating blades standing radially outward from and arranged helically about the axis of the sub, and grooves located between pairs of adjacent blades, each groove comprising a flow channel that is open at both ends of the agitator. The standoff elements contain abutment surfaces having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the agitator, so that the agitator is prevented from contacting the wall of the wellbore and therefore does not experience the forces that the standoff elements experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Arrival Oil Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Robson, Christopher Konschuh, Laurier Comeau, Paul Sibbald
  • Patent number: 8297375
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a jack element that is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drill bit and the jack element has an asymmetrical distal end that extends beyond a working face of the drill bit. A turbine is located within a bore formed in the drill bit and a flow valve is actuated by the turbine. The flow valve is adapted to route a drilling fluid in the bore into a porting mechanism adapted to extend the jack element farther beyond the working surface of the drill bit. The turbine is also adapted to rotate the jack element at variable speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathan Marshall
  • Patent number: 8267196
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole drill string assembly comprises a bore there through to receive drilling fluid. A turbine may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid. At least one flow guide may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid wherein the flow guide acts to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid across the turbine. The flow guide may be adjusted by an actuator. Adjustments to the flow guide may be controlled by a downhole telemetry system, a processing unit, a control loop, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments the turbine may comprise rotatable turbine blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Paula Turner, Christopher Durrand, Jonathan Marshall
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8225883
    Abstract: A downhole percussive tool is disclosed comprising an interior chamber and a piston element slidably sitting within the interior chamber forming two pressure chambers on either side. The piston element may slide back and forth within the interior chamber as drilling fluid is channeled into either pressure chamber. Input channels supply drilling fluid into the pressure chambers and exit orifices release that fluid from the same. An exhaust orifice allows additional drilling fluid to release from the interior chamber. The amount of pressure maintained in either pressure chamber may be controlled by the size of the exiting orifices and exhaust orifices. In various embodiments, the percussive tool may form a downhole jack hammer or vibrator tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathan Marshall
  • Publication number: 20120160473
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for minimizing erosion of a transmission cable extending through a downhole drilling assembly. The drilling assembly includes an elongated flow diverter having a plurality of apertures for diverting the drilling fluid from an axial flow through a transmission shaft to a radial flow through a drive shaft. Exemplary flow diverters are configured to minimize erosion of transmission cables that may be present adjacent to the flow diverters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Joachim Sihler
  • Publication number: 20120080195
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising: 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. %, to a process for preparation of a drilling composition, to uses of a 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, to a process for production of at least one of oil and gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: COGNIS OLEOCHEMICALS GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Fefer, Jun Liu, Heinz Mueller, Nadja Herzog, Diana Maeker
  • Patent number: 8066069
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Giroux, Gregory G. Galloway, David J. Brunnert, Patrick G. Maguire, Tuong Thanh Le, Albert C. Odell, II, David M. Haugen, Frederick T. Tilton, Brent J. Lirette, Mark Murray, Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 8011450
    Abstract: One exemplary APD Device is used with a liner drilling assembly to control wellbore pressure. The APD Device reduces a dynamic pressure loss associated with the drilling fluid returning via a wellbore annulus. Another exemplary APD Device is used to control pressure in a wellbore when deploying wellbore equipment, including running, installing and/or operating wellbore tools. The APD Device is set to reduce a dynamic pressure loss associated with a circulating fluid. The APD Device can also be configured to reduce a surge effect associated with the running of the wellbore equipment. Still another APD Device is used to control pressure in a wellbore when completing or working over a well. Exemplary completion activity can include circulating fluid other than a drilling fluid, such as a gravel slurry. The APD Device can reduce the dynamic pressure loss associated with circulation of both drilling fluid and non-drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sven Krueger, Gerald Heisig, Detlef Hahn, Volker Krueger, Peter Aronstam, Harald Grimmer, Roger Fincher, Larry Watkins
  • Patent number: 8002051
    Abstract: A connection device for forming a fluid supply to a rotating tool, in which is provided a rotary feedthrough which has a rotor and a stator, the rotor being supported in a rotating manner relative to the stator. Furthermore, a torque support is provided, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the stator and has at least one contact element. The at least one contact element can be displaced between a retracted position and a protruding position, in which the contact element is extended compared to the retracted position for the purpose of torque support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Michael Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 7984772
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox, Scott S. Dahlgren, David Lundgreen
  • Patent number: 7980332
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole centrifugal drilling fluid separator has a bore within a tubular body comprising a central axis. The bore is formed to receive drilling fluid comprising particulate matter. At least one fin rigidly fixed within the bore and at least one port formed in a wall of the tubular body. As the drilling fluid flows through the tubular body the at least one fin creates a rotary motion within the drilling fluid forcing a portion of the particulate matter away from the central axis and through the at least one port in the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe Fox, Scott S. Dahlgren, David Lundgreen
  • Patent number: 7967082
    Abstract: A tubular downhole tool string component having a sidewall with a fluid passageway formed therein between a first end and second end, and a valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the sidewall and wherein a pressure release results in a radial contraction of the portion of the sidewall. The valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway comprises a spring. Radial expansion and contraction of the portion of the sidewall varies a weight loaded to a drill bit disposed at a drilling end of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, John Bailey
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100326738
    Abstract: An element for a drill string includes at least one zone bearing on a wall of the drilled hole, the bearing zone including at least one bearing section with an external diameter greater than the diameter of the other portions of the element, and two activation zones substantially adjacent to the bearing zone and disposed upstream and downstream of the bearing zone. The activation zones include a plurality of grooves with a generally helical shape about the axis of the element. The bearing zone includes two guide sections in a shape of a convex rounded body of revolution, disposed upstream and downstream of the bearing section in a manner adjacent to the bearing section, and tangential to the bearing section and to the activation zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: VAM DRILLING FRANCE
    Inventor: Jean Boulet
  • Patent number: 7849935
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for drilling a wellbore. The wellbore is formed with a drilling tool that cuts through a formation. A pumping system removes cuttings from the drilling tool and also transports the cuttings along at least a portion of the wellbore formed behind the drilling tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ashley Johnson, Iain Cooper, Gary Oddie, Eric Lavrut, Spyro Kotsonis, Pierre-Jerome Acquaviva
  • Patent number: 7836977
    Abstract: A drilling system for use in a well bore consists of a drill string, an electrically powerable pump (8), a connector (16) for supporting the pump (8) including a through bore (32) through which fluid can flow, and a power cable (15) to provide power to the electrically powerable pump. The cuttings are pumped up through the drillpipe (3). The drill bit (4) may also be powered by the pump. Part of the cable is disposed externally to the drill string where new pipe sections are added, before passing into the drill string through a cross-over means (40) further down the drillpipe to connect to the electrically powerable pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Head
  • Patent number: 7810583
    Abstract: A drilling system comprising a pipe comprising a first end and a second end; a drill bit near a first end of the pipe, adapted to drill a hole in a formation; a pipe rotator near a second end of the pipe adapted to rotate the pipe; and a pump connected to the pipe between the first end and the second end, the pump adapted to transport a fluid from the first end of the pipe to the second end of the pipe, the pump comprising a first portion adapted to rotate with the pipe and a second portion adapted to remain stationary relative to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael Ruggier, Robert Nicholas Worrall
  • Patent number: 7806203
    Abstract: An APD Device provides a pressure differential in a wellbore to control dynamic pressure loss while drilling fluid is continuously circulated in the wellbore. A continuous circulation system circulates fluid both during drilling of the wellbore and when the drilling is stopped. Operating the APD Device allows wellbore pressure control during continuous circulation without substantially changing density of the fluid. The APD Device can maintain wellbore pressure below the combined pressure caused by weight of the fluid and pressure losses created due to circulation of the fluid in the wellbore, maintain the wellbore at or near a balanced pressure condition, maintain the wellbore at an underbalanced condition, reduce the swab effect in the wellbore, and/or reduce the surge effect in the wellbore. A flow restriction device that creates a backpressure in the wellbore annulus provides surface control of wellbore pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sven Krueger, Volker Krueger, Peter Aronstam, Harald Grimmer, Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20100230171
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tunneling apparatus including a drill head having a main body and a drive stem rotatably mounted within the main body. The main body defines a vacuum passage offset from the drive stem that extends through the main body from a proximal end to a distal end of the main body. The tunneling apparatus also includes an axial bearing structure for transferring axial load between the drive stem and the main body of the drill head. The axial bearing structure is proximally offset from the distal end of the main body of the drill head. The tunneling apparatus further includes a first radial bearing structure for transferring radial load between the drive stem and the main body of the drill head. The first radial bearing structure is positioned between the axial bearing structure and the distal end of the main body of the drill head and is distally offset from the axial bearing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Stuart Harrison, Andis Normunos Salins, Matthew Arlen Mills, Matthew Stephen Vos, Tod Jason Michael, Robert Hoch Shuman, V
  • Publication number: 20100200302
    Abstract: Provided is an excavation tool for efficiently taking waste rocks produced during excavation into the inner peripheral side of a casing pipe and discharging the waste rocks to the outside. An excavation tool (10) includes a casing shoe (11), a casing pipe (15), a rod (60), a device (40), and an excavation bit (20). A discharge flute (46) for discharging the waste rocks is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the device (40). The excavation bit (20) has a head portion (22) and a skirt portion (23). The device (40) can be inserted into the inner periphery of the skirt portion (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Yoneo Hiwasa, Masaya Hisada, Kazuyoshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7762353
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a fluid passageway formed between a first and second end. A valve mechanism is disposed within the fluid passageway adapted to substantially cyclically build-up and release pressure within the fluid passageway such that a pressure build-up results in radial expansion of at least a portion of the fluid passageway and wherein a pressure release results in a contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway. The valve mechanism disposed within the fluid passageway comprises a spring. Expansion and contraction of the portion of the fluid passageway varies a weight loaded to a drill bit disposed at a drilling end of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, John Bailey
  • Patent number: 7730975
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit has a jack element with a distal end extending beyond a working face. A porting mechanism within the bore comprises first and second discs contacting along a flat interface. The first disc is attached to a turbine which is adapted to rotate the first disc with respect to the second disc. The discs comprise a first set of ports adapted to align and misalign with each other as the first disc rotates. The first set of ports is adapted to route a drilling fluid to extend the jack element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Scott Dahlgren, Jonathan Marshall
  • Publication number: 20100116552
    Abstract: A drilling fluid delivery system for use in drilling boreholes with a drill bit, the system comprising: a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit; a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit; and a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits which, in use, receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit, separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings, the first stream being returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream being directed to the secondary flow circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER
    Inventor: Pierre-Jérôme Acquaviva
  • Patent number: RE42877
    Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent J. Lirette, David J. Brunnert