Processes Patents (Class 175/57)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8307913
    Abstract: A method to control borehole fluid flow includes detecting a drilling condition and operating at least one valve in the drill string to place an exterior of the drill string in fluid communication with an interior of the drill string in response to detecting the drilling condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lee F. Dolman, Benjamin P. Jeffryes, Ashley B. Johnson, Brian Clark, John A. McCullagh
  • Publication number: 20120273275
    Abstract: A drilling unit for drilling a borehole and having an outer drill bit being rotationally driven by a primary rotary drive mechanism about a primary axis of rotation and having an outer bit cutting face disposed for drilling engagement with formation material. The outer drill bit defines an inner bit passage intersecting the outer bit cutting face. An inner drill bit is rotationally driven within the inner bit passage by a secondary rotary drive mechanism and has a secondary axis of rotation that can be the same or can be laterally offset from the primary axis of rotation. An inner bit cutting face is defined by the inner drill bit and is located within the inner bit passage. Rotation of the outer drill bit for borehole drilling causes orbital rotation of the inner drill bit about the primary axis of rotation simultaneously with rotation of the inner drill bit about the secondary axis of rotation for continuously cutting away formation material at the central region of the borehole being drilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Edwin J. Broussard, JR.
  • 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: 8297365
    Abstract: A back-off sub apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a connection connecting a rotational section and a non-rotational section. The rotational section is designed to be rotated via a ball dropped into the well under sufficient pressure to cause the rotational section to rotate relative to the non-rotational section supplying a controlled and sufficient torque to the connection to break the connection. The connection then is unthreaded by normal surface action. The disconnected or upper section of the apparatus and the drill string section associated with it can be withdrawn from the well leaving the lower portion and the drill string section associated with it in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Vortexx Research, Ltd
    Inventor: Norval Roland Dove
  • Publication number: 20120267170
    Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Langenfeld, Randy R. Runquist
  • Patent number: 8286731
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing large vertical boreholes and underground cut-off walls is disclosed. A drill rig assembly with double rotary heads drives a small diameter drill string and a much larger diameter drill string which is concentric with the smaller drill string and has a donut shaped drill bit configuration at the lower end thereof. Preferably, a steerable mud motor/drill is provided on one end of the small drill string and is guided to make as vertical a borehole as possible. In a preferred embodiment, the small inner drill is advanced to the full depth using the steerable mud motor/drill to achieve a high degree of verticality and a slight smaller casing is installed and used as a verticality guide for the much larger diameter outer drill string. In a further embodiment, the inner drill string is advanced a predetermined distance, then the outer string is advanced using the inner string as a verticality guide, these steps being repeated in alternating fashion to the final depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Arturo L. Ressi di Cervia
  • Publication number: 20120255785
    Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Philip M. Gregurek, Shantanu N. Swadi, Charles H. Dewey, Shelton W. Alsup
  • Publication number: 20120255786
    Abstract: A well bore reaming device and method are disclosed. The device includes a drill string, a bottom eccentric reamer coupled to the drill string, and a top eccentric reamer coupled to the drill string, wherein the bottom and top eccentric reamers have a prearranged spacing and orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: James D. Isenhour
  • Publication number: 20120255775
    Abstract: A system for drilling a borehole according to the present invention includes a drill rig and a control system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Flanders Electric, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Curtis Stacy, II, Antonio Garcia
  • Publication number: 20120255783
    Abstract: A rotating control device can include a rotatably mounted seal which sealingly engages a drill string, and a gripping device which grips the drill string and thereby forces the seal to rotate with the drill string. A drilling method can include positioning a drill string in a rotating control device, gripping the drill string with a gripping device of the rotating control device, and rotating the drill string, gripping engagement between the gripping device and the drill string causing a seal of the rotating control device to rotate along with the drill string. A well system can include a drill string, and a rotating control device including a seal which sealingly engages the drill string and a gripping device which grippingly engages the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Fredrick D. Curtis, Sean A. Alley
  • Publication number: 20120255784
    Abstract: In an aspect, drill bit for use in drilling a borehole is provided that includes a body including a side, face section and a passage in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ryan J. Hanford
  • Patent number: 8281879
    Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore comprises arranging a drill string and an expandable tubular in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded section extending around a remaining section of the tubular, drill string extending through the remaining section, and axially extending the expanded section by moving the remaining section downward relative to the expanded section so that the lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction, wherein the expanded section covers the wellbore wall in an upper portion of the wellbore. The drill string is operated so as to drill a lower wellbore portion, and a compound is transferred between the lower wellbore portion and a layer of the earth formation surrounding the lower wellbore portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: David Allan Elliott, Petrus Cornelis Kriesels
  • Publication number: 20120247763
    Abstract: Microbial biomass from oleaginous microbes provides a cost-efficient, biodegradable additive for use in well-related fluids. The biomass is useful as a fluid loss control agent, viscosity modifier, emulsifier, lubricant, or density modifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SOLAZYME, INC.
    Inventors: Walter Rakitsky, Sonia Sousa, Anthony G. Day
  • Publication number: 20120247835
    Abstract: In a method for drilling holes in soil or rock material, wherein a borehole is formed by a drill bit by a percussive and/or rotational movement, a casing adjoining the drill bit is introduced into the borehole and material that is removed is introduced into the annular space formed between the outer circumference of the drill rod and the inner circumference of the casing via at least one passage opening formed between the drill bit and the casing, and is discharged from the borehole, the impact energy of the drill rod is applied to the drill bit via an adapter cooperating with the drill bit and a drill rod, and that the impact energy is applied to the drill bit partially via an impact shoulder of the adapter and partially via a threaded connection between the adapter and the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Karl Böhm, Walter Karpellus
  • Publication number: 20120247834
    Abstract: A cutting element including a cutting face and a longitudinal axis passing through the cutting face. The cutting element includes at least a first portion of the cutting face that is angled at an angle of about 81 to about 89 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the cutting element. The cutting element can further include a substrate, a superabrasive an interface between the substrate and superabrasive layer. Further, the cutting face is provided with a surface roughness of 40 microinches or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: DIAMOND INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David Wayne Buxbaum, Neil Krishman
  • Publication number: 20120247836
    Abstract: An apparatus for use by an operator in forming boreholes in an underground mine passage including ribs and a roof. The apparatus includes a base and first and second booms pivotally mounted to the base for swinging toward and away from the adjacent lib. A drill is mounted to the base independent of the first and second booms. An actuator including first and second independently movable rods may be used to move the drill relative to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Henry E. Wilson, Steven E. Payne, Robert Sherwood Anderson
  • Patent number: 8272456
    Abstract: A system for drilling a well having a wellbore includes a first pipe string positioned in the wellbore with a first annulus being present between the first pipe string and the wellbore. A second pipe string, smaller in diameter than the first pipe string, is positioned within the first pipe string to form a second annulus between the first pipe string and the second pipe string. The second pipe string is configured to be attached to a drill bit. A first rotator is operably associated with the first pipe string to rotate the first pipe string in a first direction at a first speed, and a second rotator is operably associated with the second pipe string to rotate the second pipe string in a second direction at a second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Pine Trees Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
  • Publication number: 20120234603
    Abstract: A longer-lasting, lower cost, more powerful, all metal, mud motor than the presently available progressing cavity type mud motors for drilling boreholes into the earth. A mud motor apparatus possessing one single drive shaft that turns a rotary drill bit, which apparatus is attached to a drill pipe which provides high pressure mud to the mud motor, wherein the drive shaft receives at least a first portion of its rotational torque from any high pressure mud flowing through a first hydraulic chamber within the apparatus, and receives at least a second portion of its rotational torque from any high pressure mud flowing through a second hydraulic chamber within the apparatus. The mud motor apparatus possesses two hydraulic chambers, each having its own power stroke, and return stroke, and acting together in a controlled fashion, provide continuous power to a rotary drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: William Banning Vail, III
  • Publication number: 20120234600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a rock strength profile of a formation is disclosed. A tool having a testing surface is conveyed into a wellbore in the formation. The testing surface is propelled to impact the formation at a plurality of depths in the wellbore. A measurement of hardness of the formation is obtained from a rebound of the testing surface from the formation at the plurality of depths. The rock strength profile of the formation is estimated using the obtained measurements of hardness at the plurality of depths. A parameter for drilling the wellbore can be affected using the estimated rock strength profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ji Soo Lee, Terrence H. Quinn, David A. Curry, Javier A. Franquet, Christopher A. Wolfe, Michael M. Reese
  • Publication number: 20120234602
    Abstract: A method is described for installing a geothermal heat loop in the ground so that the heat loop extends downwardly and outwardly into the ground from a pit dug in the ground. The method also includes the utilization of means for extending the heat loop through a drilled bore hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Marshall L. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20120234601
    Abstract: A bit breaker for loosening or tightening a drill bit on a drill string incorporating a mud motor permits rotation of the drill bit while the bit box is held stationary. The bit breaker has a lower body which is held stationary on the rig floor and an upper body which houses the drill bit and which is connected to the lower body through a rotational connection. An actuator connected between the upper and lower bodies causes the upper body to rotate relative to lower body for co-rotating the drill bit. The bit box of the mud motor is held stationary using the lower tong of a conventional make-and-break unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: PRECISION DRILLING CORPORATION
    Inventor: HAROLD GRIFFIN
  • Patent number: 8267197
    Abstract: A method for reducing temperature of a bottomhole assembly during a drilling operation is disclosed, that, in one aspect, may include: drilling a borehole using a drillstring including a bottomhole assembly by circulating a fluid through the drillstring and an annulus between the drillstring and the borehole, pausing drilling, continuing circulating the fluid through the dill string and the annulus. The method further includes diverting a portion of the fluid from the drillstring into the annulus at a selected location above the drill bit to reduce temperature of the bottomhole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins, Donald K. Trichel, Marcus Oesterberg
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120228030
    Abstract: In a dual-gradient drilling apparatus, a subsea solids processing unit includes a housing, a solids processing mechanism disposed in the housing between a drilling mud inlet and a drilling mud outlet, and a flushing mechanism configured to flush the solids processing mechanism with a flushing fluid. A subsea solids processing unit may be controlled by rotating the solids processing mechanism in a forward direction and increasing a drive torque when a measured speed of the solids processing mechanism is below a desired rotation speed. The desired rotation speed may be decreased when a measured torque exceeds a selected maximum and a rotation direction of the solids processing mechanism may be reversed when the measured speed falls below a selected minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: GE Oil & Gas Hydril USA
    Inventors: Peringandoor Raman Hariharan, Robert Arnold Judge, Dat Nguyen, Greg Bailey
  • Publication number: 20120228029
    Abstract: A method for reducing friction between interconnected outer and inner helical members of a downhole damper where the damper includes an outer damper body and an inner damper body, and where the outer and inner damper bodies are telescopically movable relative each other, the outer and inner damper bodies being biased in the extending direction, and where one of the outer and inner damper bodies are connected to a drill bit workable at a borehole face, and where the other of the outer and inner damper bodies is connected to a torque and force transmitting member, and where the outer and inner helical parts are arranged so as to retract the bit from the face when torque applied by the torque and force transmitting member exceeds a preset value, wherein the method includes letting a relative movement between the inner and outer body force lubricant to flow between the helical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Tomax AS
    Inventor: Nils Reimers
  • Patent number: 8261856
    Abstract: A computer-readable medium including program instructions for collaring a borehole. When the program instructions are executed by one or more processors of a computer system operatively associated with a drill rig, the program instructions cause the one or more processors to carry out the steps of performing a first phase collaring operation from a surface start to a point at which a drill bit reaches a dynamically determined collaring depth or a maximum collaring depth, and performing a second phase collaring operation to form a hole collar. The second phase collaring operation includes the steps of retracting the drill bit until the drill bit is above the surface, and activating a water injection system during the retracting of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Flanders Electric, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Curtis Stacy, II, Antonio Garcia
  • Patent number: 8261855
    Abstract: A system for drilling a borehole according includes a drill rig and a control system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Flanders Electric, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Curtis Stacy, II, Antonio Garcia
  • Patent number: 8262322
    Abstract: A pile adapted to be driven into the ground and having retaining formations to retain one or more geothermal conduit loops. Each conduit loop is formed by opposed longitudinal conduit sections interconnected at a lower end by an interconnecting section. The conduit loops are adapted for flow of a heat exchange fluid therein. The retaining formations retain the one or more conduit loops in close proximity to the pile through the attachment means as the pile is driven into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Alain Desmeules
  • Patent number: 8256534
    Abstract: A system for optimizing a rate-of-penetration of a drill string includes a plurality of sensors in operable communication with the drill string; and a controller in operable communication with the plurality of sensors. The controller is connectable to a drill string motivator and capable of outputting a signal to the drill string motivator for optimizing the rate-of-penetration of the drill string, and the signal is configured to provide at least one of weight on bit, an amount of speed to rotate the drill string, an amount of torque to be applied to the drill string, and an amount of mudflow to the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Chakradhar R. Byreddy, Dmitriy Dashevskiy, John D. Macpherson, Nimish Tambe
  • Publication number: 20120217067
    Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation comprises (a) providing a drilling system including a drillstring having a longitudinal axis, a bottom-hole assembly coupled to a lower end of the drillstring, and a drill bit coupled to a lower end of the bottom-hole assembly. In addition, the method comprises (b) rotating the drill bit at a rotational speed. Further, the method comprises (c) applying weight-on-bit to the drill bit and advancing the drill bit through the formation to form the borehole. Still further, the method comprises (d) pumping a drilling fluid down the drillstring to the drill bit. The drilling fluid has a flow rate down the drillstring. Moreover, the method comprises (e) oscillating the rotational speed of the drill bit during (c). The method also comprises (f) generating non-steady state conditions in the borehole during (e).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Mebane, III, Frederick Ray Florence
  • Publication number: 20120217066
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus, a system, and a method to secure a link in a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to removably secure at least a portion of the link therein, in which the carrier is configured to have a first end of the link accessible outside of the carrier. Further, the system includes a tool having a link ear and suspended within the drilling rig, the link ear configured to attach a first end of the link thereupon, and a carrier configured to removably secure at least a portion of the link, in which the first end of the link is accessible to attach to the link ear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Logan Essex Smith, Jeremy Richard Angelle, Robert Thibodeaux, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120211280
    Abstract: A downhole reaming system includes a tubular body having a drill bit disposed on a distal end thereof, and a central bore therethrough, wherein the tubular body is attached to a drillstring, an expandable reamer having cutter blocks coupled thereto and configured to selectively expand radially therefrom, a near-bit reamer disposed proximate the drill bit, the near-bit reamer having cutter blocks coupled thereto and configured to expand therefrom, and a measurement sub configured to measure at least one characteristic of an interior wall of an enlarged wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Dewey, Simon Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120211281
    Abstract: A low headroom confined space drilling system is disclosed, comprising a low headroom drilling apparatus, a drilling fluid supply system, a drilling fluid collection system, and a drilling fluid recycling apparatus for supplying a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus. A method of installing a geoexchange borehole in an interior space of a building is also disclosed, comprising installing a borehole access chamber in a floor slab of a building, positioning a low headroom floor mounted rotary drilling apparatus over the borehole access chamber, providing a pressurized drilling fluid to the drill rod string and powering a rotary downhole drilling device attached to the drill rod string to advance the borehole to a desired depth, recovering a drilling fluid and drill cuttings from the borehole, removing drill cuttings from the recovered drilling fluid using the drilling fluid recycling apparatus and returning a recycled drilling fluid to the drilling apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Ross KING
  • Patent number: 8245797
    Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a bit body having a face on which two different types of cutters are disposed, the first type being cutting elements suitable for drilling at least one subterranean formation and the second type suitable for drilling through at least one elastomeric component of a casing string, as well as a casing shoe and cement. Methods of drilling with an earth-boring tool include engaging and drilling an elastomeric component using at least one abrasive cutting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad T. Jurica, Scott F. Donald, Adam R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120205157
    Abstract: Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven R. Radford, Khoi Q. Trinh, Li Li
  • Publication number: 20120205158
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a downhole assembly includes a motor that is operatively coupled to a transmission, wherein the transmission is operatively coupled to an upper shaft disposed within a housing. The upper shaft is supported by a first radial bearing assembly disposed within the housing. A thrust bearing assembly including a ball bearing disposed between two races is provided. The upper shaft extends through and is supported by the first radial bearing. A distal end of the upper shaft has a first set of mating splines disposed thereon. A lower shaft supported by a second radial bearing assembly is disposed within the housing, wherein the lower shaft has a second set of mating splines disposed thereon. The second set of mating splines are adapted to mate with the first set of mating splines and the lower shaft is telescopically extendable from the upper shaft. A catch is machined on an internal surface of the lower shaft to limit the extent of travel of the lower shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew J. Barnes, Aaron T. Kirk, Christopher J. Rayha
  • Publication number: 20120199366
    Abstract: An actuator or valve for use in a well comprising: an obstructing member, such as a piston, moveable between: a first position and a second position; and a retaining member, such as a ball, moveable between: a retaining position which retains the obstructing member in the first position; and, a release position which does not retain the obstructing member in the first position and/or allows or causes the obstructing member to move to the second position; wherein the retaining member is adapted to move in use, from one of the retaining position and release position to the other of the retaining position and release position, at least in part, by centrifugal forces caused by rotation of the actuator/valve. Thus at least some control of the actuation of the actuator/valve may be afforded by rotation thereof. In preferred embodiments some control is also afforded by fluid flow contacting the actuator/valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Keith Gaskin, George Clark, Darren Chapman
  • Publication number: 20120199363
    Abstract: A downhole tool including a cam housing disposed in a central bore of a sub; a cam piston having a cam track disposed in the cam housing; a rotary piston having a rotary value and an auxiliary track disposed in the cam housing; a guide pin extending through the cam housing into the cam track; and a position pin extending through a cam flange into the auxiliary track. Also, a method of actuating a downhole tool, the method including disposing the downhole tool in a wellbore, wherein the downhole tool comprises a cam piston and a rotary piston; providing a flow of fluid through a central bore of the downhole tool at a working flow rate; changing the flow of fluid through the central bore of the downhole tool to a trigger range, thereby rotating a rotary valve of the rotary piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jianbing Hu
  • Publication number: 20120199396
    Abstract: A drill rig 10 comprises a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. Drill tower 12 is in the form of a rectangular box frame 18 and is of fixed length. Rotation head 14 provides torque to a drill string used for drilling a hole and is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. Drill rig traverse system 20 provides pull back and pull down force to the rotation head 14 enabling the rotation head 14 to traverse along drill tower 12 and controlling contact force between the drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. Traverse system 20 comprises the combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 which provides both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 which provides pull back only. A winch 60 of winch pull back system 24 is supported on the tower 12. Both hydraulic ram traverse system 22 and winch pull back system 24 can traverse the rotation head for the full length of the tower 12 when simultaneously applying pull back to the rotation head 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Warren STRANGE
  • Publication number: 20120199398
    Abstract: A completion system comprises tubular components coupled together to form a completion string. In-flow control devices are provided to permit selective fluid communication between an internal bore of the completion string and the annulus. A reaming tool is provided at a leading end of the completion string and the reaming tool is run into the borehole with the completion string. The reaming tool comprises a fluid-powered drive unit, a reaming body and a reaming nose. In use, the completion string is located in the borehole and fluid is directed to the reaming tool to facilitate reaming of the borehole. A second tubular in the form of a washpipe may extend through an internal bore of the completion string for providing fluid to the reaming tool. The reaming tool is operable at a fluid pressure below a pressure which would activate the in-flow control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Lance S. Davis, Edward D. Scott, Mark W. Presslie
  • Publication number: 20120199395
    Abstract: Cutting elements for cutting tools comprise a pre-formed fracture plane disposed in at least one surface of the cutting elements. The pre-formed fracture plane can comprise a groove cut into one of the surfaces of the cutting element, or the pre-formed fracture plane can be formed by using a laser or other heat concentrating source to weaken a portion of one of the surfaces of the cutting element so that the cutting element will break along the pre-formed fracture plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
  • Publication number: 20120199397
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a pressure transition zone in a borehole is disclosed. A parameter indicative of formation fluid pressure at a plurality of borehole depths is measured. A global trend of the parameter is determined over a first depth interval and a local trend of the parameter is determined over a second depth interval. A relation is determined between the global trend and the local trend, and the pressure transition zone is determined from the determined relation between the determined global trend and the determined local trend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stefan Wessling, XiaoWei Wang, Anne Bartetzko, Jianyong Pei
  • Patent number: 8235144
    Abstract: An expansion and sensing tool (50) comprising a tool body, cutter blocks and sensors which permit simultaneous underreaming and measurement of the diameter of a wellbore (40) drilled by an oil and gas rig (10). Radially extendable cutter blocks (62) incorporating positional sensors (80) contained on the block or within the body measure the position of the cutter block relative to the tool, and a vibration sensor (76) measures vibration and underreaming wellbore dimensions in real-time. Receivers, sensors and microprocessors deliver a desired wellbore depth both simultaneously comparing and correlating measured vibration data and optimizing underreaming parameters. The tool may be optionally configured with a caliper or a stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Wajid Rasheed
  • Patent number: 8230947
    Abstract: A method for selecting a drilling motor for rotating a drill bit relative to a drill string made up of casing accounts for a tendency for the casing to elongate as the internal pressure increases. The increase in pressure in the casing string increases the weight on the drill bit, the amount of which may be calculated based on the size and type of the string of casing. The ratio of bit torque over the weight on the bit may be assumed to be a constant number based on empirical measurements or a theoretical model. The increase in the weight on the drill bit can be expressed in terms of the bit torque versus the casing pressure, which is a linear slope. This linear slope may be compared to the delivery torque of candidate motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Tesco Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy M. Warren
  • Publication number: 20120186879
    Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations comprising a bit body having a bit axis and a bit face. In addition, the drill bit comprises a primary blade extending radially along the bit face, the primary blade including a cutter-supporting surface that defines a blade profile in rotated profile view extending from the bit axis to an outer radius of the bit body. The blade profile is continuously contoured and includes a plurality of concave regions. Further, the drill bit comprises a plurality of cutter elements mounted to the cutter-supporting surface of the primary blade. Each cutter element on the primary blade has a forward-facing cutting face with a cutting edge adapted to penetrate and shear the earthen formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Bala Durairajan, Carl M. Hoffmaster, Rolando Descarpontriez Arteaga
  • Publication number: 20120186877
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising: providing a drilling fluid, completion fluid, or workover fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a nonionic cellulose ether polymer having hydroxyethyl groups and being further substituted with one or more hydrophobic substituents, and placing the drilling fluid, completion fluid, or workover fluid in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan G. Ezell
  • Publication number: 20120186876
    Abstract: An abrasive drill bit includes: a hollow tubular body having a rotation axis and being configured to be rotated by a drill about the rotation axis; and a plurality of teeth disposed around the periphery of a distal end of the tubular body and extending distally from the tubular body, each of the plurality of teeth supporting a drilling abrasive, wherein the distal extension of the teeth relative to each other varies cyclically along the periphery of the distal end of the tubular portion such that when the drill bit is rotated about the rotation axis and advanced along the rotation axis into a surface of a drilled material, at least one distal-most tooth maintains contact with the surface and at least one least distally extending tooth does not contact the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Dale LANGHART
  • 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: 20120186880
    Abstract: An invert emulsion wellbore fluid may include an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50; and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein an average diameter of the non-oleaginous internal phase ranges from 0.5 to 5 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Arvind D. Patel, Steve Young, Jim Bruton