Processes Patents (Class 175/57)
- Treating spent or used fluid above ground (Class 175/66)
- Boring by fluid erosion (Class 175/67)
- Anti-agglomeration treatment of gaseous drilling fluid (Class 175/68)
- Combined liquid and gaseous fluid (Class 175/69)
- Plural distinguishable liquids (Class 175/70)
- Gaseous fluid or under gas pressure (Class 175/71)
- Prevention of lost circulation or caving (Class 175/72)
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Patent number: 9291001Abstract: An apparatus that includes one or more machined high-angle sockets and method for fabricating such sockets. The apparatus includes a body, one or more blades extending outwardly from the body, and one or more high-angle nozzles machined into a portion of the blade. The body includes a bit face at one end and a plenum formed therein communicably coupled to an opening formed at an opposing end. Each blade includes a leading section, a trailing section, a face section extending from one end of the leading section to an end of the trailing section, and an inner section extending from an opposing end of the leading section to an opposing end of the trailing section. Each nozzle includes a nozzle socket cavity and a second hole intersecting with the nozzle socket cavity and extending to the plenum, which collectively form a passage extending from the plenum to the bit face.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., L.P.Inventor: Varel International Ind., L.P.
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Patent number: 9284786Abstract: A downhole cutting tool for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a tool body having a tool axis and a direction of rotation about the tool axis; at least two blades attached to the tool body, the at least two blades having a leading face facing the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, a trailing face facing away from the direction of rotation of the tool body about the tool axis, and a formation facing surface extending between the leading face and the trailing face; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades, each cutting element having a radial distance from the tool axis; wherein at least one blade, at its formation facing surface, comprises, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the tool axis intermediate the radial distances from the tool axis of the radially adjacent cuttType: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Kjell Haugvaldstad
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Patent number: 9284785Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a borehole in an earthen formation may include a bit body having a bit axis and a direction of rotation about the bit axis; at least two blades extending azimuthally from the bit body; and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on the at least two blades; the plurality of cutting elements forming a cutting profile in a rotated profile view, each cutting element having a radial distance from the bit axis. At least one blade, at its formation facing surface, may include, between two radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade, a raised depth of cut feature for each cutting element on the other of the at least two blades that are at radial distances from the bit axis intermediate the radial distances from the bit axis of the radially adjacent cutting elements on the at least one blade.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Kjell Haugvaldstad
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Patent number: 9267333Abstract: A rotary drag bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a bit body having a face extending from a centerline to a gage. A plurality of blades may be disposed on the face, and may generally extend radially outwardly toward the gage. The bit may further include a plurality of discrete impregnated cutting posts, each of which may extend outwardly from an associated blade. Each discrete impregnated cutting post angles generally toward a front edge of the associated blade and generally toward the intended direction of rotation of the bit. The rotary drag bit may further include a plurality of matrix pockets disposed on the blades. The discrete impregnated cutting posts may be housed within corresponding matrix pockets.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Michael L. Doster
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Patent number: 9267344Abstract: A dual drill string actuator includes a piston disposed in a housing. The housing is configured to sealingly couple at its longitudinal 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 together define an internal fluid flow passage therethrough. The upper inner conduit, the piston and the lower inner conduit also define an external 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Reelwell A.S.Inventors: Espen Alhaug, Stein Erik Meinseth
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Patent number: 9255448Abstract: An articulated reaming tool is provided in casing or liner drilling on or through the tubular wall with the articulation occurring from within the tubular. Outer limit travel stops are contemplated to optionally be used to retain the elements or blades to the tubular. In the case of liner drilling the drill string has an exterior protrusion to engage the movable components that ream and extend them to increase the clearance for the tubular as the tubular advances when more hole is made.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Marcus Oesterberg, Steve Rosenblatt
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Patent number: 9203342Abstract: A method for monitoring at least one subsea electric machine supplied by a system for electric power transmission. The system has a power supply, a controller and an AC power line connecting the at least one machine with the power supply. The method includes the steps of: receiving at the controller, high speed data from at least one subsea sensor arranged between the subsea side of the AC power line and the at least one subsea electric machine, wherein the high speed data includes measurements of an electrical parameter for the at least one machine; and comparing the one or more measurements to a predetermined value. A system for electric power transmission arranged for operating at least one subsea load or electric machine is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: ABB ASInventors: Knut Rongve, Jan Wiik, Tor-Eivind Moen, Behrooz-Moghimian Hoosh
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Patent number: 9194184Abstract: A control system and method for operating a well completion system utilizing at least one computer programmed in one embodiment to automatically operate the movement of pipe from a pipe tub to the mast and into the well and/or for movement of the pipe out of the well and/or back into the pipe tub. In one embodiment, the computer is programmed and/or configured to coordinate operation of a top drive, and/or a pipe tong, and/or a pipe moving member for moving pipe into and out of a mast, and/or a pipe transfer system for moving pipe to the pipe moving member. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the at least one computer is mounted within a control van which may be positioned so that an operator within the control van can oversee operation of the well completion system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES—NORTH AMERICA SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
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Patent number: 9194224Abstract: A method for designing a drilling plan for rock cavern excavation, which defines in advance for a round to be drilled in a tunnel face at least the locations of drill holes in a predetermined coordinate system, uses the drilling plan created by means of a computer-assisted design program. The method determines pull-out of a round on the basis of the locations of the hole ends and the topography of the rock remaining after a round blast, and designs or modifies the drilling plan for a subsequent round on the basis of the thus determined pull-out.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION OYInventor: Jouko Muona
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Patent number: 9187960Abstract: Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the tools may include a formation-engaging surface comprising a gage area. In other embodiments, the tools may include a radially recessed area extending from a back edge of the formation-engaging surface. Methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Steven R. Radford, Scott Shiqiang Shu, Les T. Shale, Mark E. Morris, Mark R. Kizziar, Anton F. Zahradnik
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Patent number: 9187981Abstract: A first wireline tool embodiment includes a segmented tool body having a joint deployed between each adjacent pair of tool body sections. The joint may be configured to extend axially (causing a relative axial displacement of the adjacent tool body sections) when the wireline tool is subject to an axial load. The joint may include, for example, a compliant joint or a protractible joint. The joint may be further configured to cause a relative rotation between the adjacent tool body sections when the wireline tool is subject to axial load. A second wireline tool embodiment includes a plurality of standoff rings deployed about an outer surface of a rigid tool body. The standoff rings engage helical grooves in the outer surface of the tool body such that axial displacement of the tool body causes the standoff rings to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Murat Ocalan, Jahir Pabon
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Patent number: 9187956Abstract: A method, device, and system is described herein for pointing a rotary drill bit. A rotary bit pointing device is positioned between a proximal end of a control shaft and a universal joint. As the bottom hole assembly rotates, various portions of the rotary bit pointing device are enabled and subsequently disabled to apply a substantially constant force in a substantially constant direction to the control shaft. Such a force causes the distal end of the control shaft to point the rotary drill bit in a target direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Inventors: Richard Hutton, Jeff Rutland
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Patent number: 9175519Abstract: A method for coupling an earth pipe into the ground when utilizing an apparatus that has a drilling device including a casing part and a drilling unit inside thereof. The drilling unit includes a first drilling member for drilling a center hole and a second drilling member for reaming the center hole for the casing part. The casing part is arranged to be drawn into the hole by the first and/or second drilling member. After drilling a hole for the earth pipe and lifting up the first drilling member, a solidifying mass is led to the bottom of the hole to couple the earth pipe to the surrounding ground. The solidifying mass is brought in the casing part utilizing a flow-through assembly at a lower end of the casing part into a space between an outer surface of the casing part and the hole. Also an apparatus operating.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Oy Atlas Copco Rotex AbInventor: Kai Gylling
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Patent number: 9167103Abstract: A method for subsidizing wireless services in geo-fenced zones is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A geo-fenced zone is configured, the geo-fenced zone comprising a boundary defined by a set of fixed points in space. A subsidized pricing is configured for the wireless service when the wireless service is consumed by a mobile device within the geo-fenced zone, forming a subsidized wireless service. The mobile device is detected in the geo-fenced zone. The mobile device is provided the subsidized wireless service. A billing entry is applied to an account associated with the mobile device, wherein the billing entry charges the account a subsidized amount corresponding to a measured amount of subsidized wireless service used by the mobile device while the mobile device remains within the geo-fenced zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Franck Barillaud, Insoo Cho, Daniel M. Christiani, Mark Robert Thill, David Sun Zhang
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Patent number: 9157283Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Suresh G. Patel, Chaitanya K. Vempati, Steven R. Radford, Timothy K. Marvel, Bruce Stauffer, George I. Butler
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Patent number: 9143626Abstract: A system, and computer program product for subsidizing wireless services in geo-fenced zones are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A geo-fenced zone is configured, the geo-fenced zone comprising a boundary defined by a set of fixed points in space. A subsidized pricing is configured for the wireless service when the wireless service is consumed by a mobile device within the geo-fenced zone, forming a subsidized wireless service. The mobile device is detected in the geo-fenced zone. The mobile device is provided the subsidized wireless service. A billing entry is applied to an account associated with the mobile device, wherein the billing entry charges the account a subsidized amount corresponding to a measured amount of subsidized wireless service used by the mobile device while the mobile device remains within the geo-fenced zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Franck Barillaud, Insoo Cho, Daniel M. Christiani, Mark Robert Thill, David Sun Zhang
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Patent number: 9140080Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides single operator control for moving pipe into and out of a wellbore. A transportable control van houses the operator. A rig carrier is utilized to transport the mast. A pipe tong is mounted in the mast and is remotely operable from the control van. Rig blocks which move up and down in the mast are remotely operable from control van. A skid mounted pipe moving member moves pipe to the mast assembly and away from the mast assembly. The pipe moving member remotely is operable from the control van. A pipe tub stores pipe and a pipe tub transfer system is operable for moving pipe from the pipe tub to the pipe moving member and for moving pipe from the pipe moving member to the pipe tub.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: SUPERIOR ENERGY SERVICES—NORTH AMERICA SERVICES, INC.Inventor: Mark J. Flusche
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Patent number: 9115554Abstract: Earth-boring tools include a body and one or more replaceable cutting structures attached to the body at a face region of the body. Each replaceable cutting structure includes an attachment member and a cutting portion located to engage an earth formation. Methods of forming an earth-boring tool involve attaching one or more cutting elements to a replaceable cutting structure; positioning the replaceable cutting structure proximate a region of a body of an earth-boring tool that is susceptible to at least one of localized wear and localized impact damage; and attaching the replaceable cutting structure to the body. Methods of repairing an earth-boring tool involve bringing a replaceable cutting structure proximate at least one portion of a body of an earth-boring tool exhibiting at least one of localized wear and localized impact damage; and attaching the replaceable cutting structure to the earth-boring tool at the at least one portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Chaitanya K. Vempati, Timothy K. Marvel, Suresh G. Patel
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Patent number: 9103180Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of drilling a wellbore, which method, in one embodiment, includes the features of drilling the wellbore with a drill string that includes a bypass device having a fluid passage therethrough by supplying a fluid through the bypass device, wherein the drilling fluid circulates to the surface via an annulus between the drill string and the wellbore; defining a time period (locking time); initiating a selected drilling parameter; detecting downhole the selected drilling parameter and one of the second flow rate and a differential pressure; and activating the bypass device when the selected drilling parameter and one of the second flow rate and the differential pressure are present during the defined time period to divert a portion of the drilling fluid from the bypass device to the annuls. In one aspect, the selected drilling parameter is rotation of a member associated with the bypass device.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ingo Roders, Thorsten Regener
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Patent number: 9097065Abstract: A method of designing an earth-boring rotary drill bit includes designing a bit body and cutting elements of the drill bit such that features of the drill bit other than cutting elements engage and rub against a subterranean formation being drilled by the drill bit at depths-of-cut beyond, but close to, an intended median depth-of-cut, and such that the amount of rubbing area between such features and the formation increases at a relatively rapid rate as the depth-of-cut increases beyond the intended median depth-of-cut. Such methods may be employed to mitigate the occurrence of the “stick-slip” phenomenon during drilling. A method of fabricating a drill bit includes configuring a bit body and cutting elements in accordance with such a design. Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body and cutting elements so configured.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Thorsten Schwefe, Hatem Oueslati, Leroy W. Ledgerwood, III, Jayesh R. Jain, Danielle M. Fuselier
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Patent number: 9080407Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Bernard
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Patent number: 9068425Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, an internal chamber containing a dielectric fluid, and a flow path which alternates direction, and which provides pressure communication between the internal chamber and the flow passage. A method of controlling operation of a well tool can include actuating an actuator positioned in an internal chamber of the well tool, a dielectric fluid being disposed in the chamber, and the chamber being pressure balanced with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the well tool, and varying the actuating, based on measurements made by at least one sensor of the well tool.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Bruce E. Scott
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Patent number: 9051802Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole driving unit (11) for insertion into a well, comprising a driving unit housing (51), a hydraulic motor (23) comprising a hydraulic motor housing (93), a wheel assembly (90) comprising a stationary part (91) and a rotational part (92), the stationary part being connected with the driving unit housing and being rotatably connected with a rotational part, the wheel assembly comprising a wheel ring (99) for contacting an inner wall in the well and connected with or forming part of the rotations part. The wheel assembly further comprises the hydraulic motor (23) so that the stationary part and the rotational part constitute the hydraulic motor housing, the hydraulic motor comprising a rotatable section (84) connected with the rotational part for rotating part of the wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: WELLTEC A/SInventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
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Publication number: 20150136490Abstract: A steerable dual drilling bit having an outer reamer bit defining a central opening and having an inner core removal bit being rotatably driven by a mud motor that is supported within a tubular housing by the outer reamer bit. The dual drilling bit is capable of being threaded to the bit box of a rotary drill string or a straight or bent housing drilling system. The dual drilling mechanism is of sufficiently limited length that it is capable is being efficiently steered for directional drilling. The reamer and core removal bits are arranged to continuously cut away a formation core and to employ the core for rotational stabilization of the reamer bit during drilling.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: EDWIN J. BROUSSARD, JR.
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Publication number: 20150136491Abstract: A polished rod clamp includes a clamp housing having a central passage passing through a tapered bore. A wedge lock is arranged in the tapered bore such that a first surface of the wedge lock is in sliding engagement with a tapered surface of the tapered bore and a second surface of the wedge lock grips a rod in the central passage in a lock position. A first reciprocating piston is arranged to apply a first force to the wedge lock that effects a relative sliding motion between the wedge lock and the tapered surface in a first direction corresponding to the lock direction of the wedge lock. A second reciprocating piston is arranged to apply a second force to the wedge lock that effects a relative sliding motion between the wedge lock and the tapered surface in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Bill W. White
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Patent number: 9033066Abstract: Nozzles for drilling tools, such as rotary-type drag bits and roller cone bits, a drilling tool and drilling assembly comprising nozzles, and methods of conveying drilling fluid through a nozzle for use in drilling subterranean formations are provided. A nozzle may include a substantially cylindrical nozzle body having an axis and an inlet port with a primary passage extending therethrough, and at least one secondary passage that diverges from the primary passage at an exit port.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: David Gavia
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Patent number: 9033067Abstract: A vibrational tool and method is disclosed, which may be utilized to assist in lowering a drill string into a wellbore. In one embodiment, a reciprocating member and a symmetrical rotating member are mounted within a vibrational tool housing. The reciprocating member is urged in one embodiment by a spring assembly toward the rotating member whereby engagement surfaces on the reciprocating member and rotating member encounter each other. As the rotating member rotates, variable surfaces on the engagement surface cause the reciprocating member to reciprocate as the variable surfaces follow or cam with respect to each other during rotation. The resistance to rotation by engagement surfaces and spring assembly, and mass of the rotating member, result in vibrational forces, when drilling fluid flows through the vibration tool housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: CNPC USA Corp.Inventor: Marvin A Gregory
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Publication number: 20150129311Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include a drive system coupled to a drill bit by a drive sub for drilling a wellbore, wherein the drive system has an associated bend for directional drilling of the wellbore, and a reamer driven by the drive sub, wherein the reamer reams a ledge formed at a transition from a larger diameter wellbore to a smaller diameter of the wellbore during directional drilling of the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Thorsten Regener, Jan Lukas Herlitzius
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Publication number: 20150129308Abstract: A system and method of fabricating a percussion tool that includes one or more coatings applied onto a piston, casing, and/or flow tube. The percussion tool includes a piston positioned in sliding contact within a casing. The piston includes an inner wall and an outer wall, where the inner wall defines a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The outer wall is positioned in close fitting relationship with an internal surface of the casing. One or more coatings are disposed on at least one of the casing's internal surface and/or the piston's outer wall. A flow tube may be placed through the passageway such that an outer wall of the flow tube is in a close fitting relationship with the piston's inner wall. One or more coatings can be disposed on at least one of the piston's inner wall and/or the flow tube's outer wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., L.P.Inventors: David Harrington, Xiaobin Lu
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Publication number: 20150129309Abstract: A stabilizer for use in a wellbore string, comprising: an elongate body having an upper end for connection to the wellbore string and a lower end for connection to a wellbore string, a long axis between the ends and an outer surface; and a first cutting ring mounted on the elongate body and exposed on the outer surface with an annular outer surface of the first cutting ring encircling the elongate body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventor: Charles Abernethy ANDERSON
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Publication number: 20150129310Abstract: For drill bit cutter indexing, a housing is disposed in a drill bit. An indexing cog is in physical communication with a cutter and interlocks with the housing in a first index position of a plurality of index positions in response to a first compressive load applied to the cutter. A motivator disengages the indexing cog from the housing and positions the indexing cog to interlock with the housing at an initial second index position in response to a removal of the compressive load from the cutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: US Synthetic CorporationInventor: Cole Newman
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Publication number: 20150122549Abstract: A hydraulic tool includes a rotor rotatably disposed within a stator. At least an inner portion of the stator and/or at least an outer portion of the rotor is configured to be installed in a drill string in either of two inverted orientations along a longitudinal axis of the hydraulic tool. The rotor is configured to rotate within the stator in either of the two orientations. A method includes disposing a rotor within a cavity defined by a stator, passing a fluid through the stator to rotate the rotor, and reversing the stator or the rotor. A drilling system includes a fluid source, a hydraulic tool, a drive shaft operatively associated with the rotor of the hydraulic tool, and a drill bit operatively associated with the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Carsten Hohl, Carsten Voss
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Patent number: 9022146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sven Krueger, Volker Krueger, Jens-Uwe Bruns, Karsten Fuhst, Joerg Breitenfeld
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Publication number: 20150114718Abstract: A drillable debris barrier tool is positioned under a stage tool to protect tools therebelow from contamination with debris from the stage tool, as it is drilled out. The debris barrier tool includes features that facilitate drill up of stage tool debris and reduce the size of debris generated from removal of the barrier tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Resource Completion Systems Inc.Inventors: John Hughes, James Wilburn Schmidt
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Publication number: 20150114717Abstract: An improved walking drilling rig is disclosed. The walking drilling rig includes a preassembled substructure that includes a first skid beam disposed parallel and spaced apart from a second skid beam. A plurality of crossbeams couple the first skid beam to the second skid beam, and a plurality of extendable legs are supported by the first and second skid beams. An elevateable drill floor is coupled to the plurality of extendable legs and includes a rotary table disposed between a pair of lateral platforms. Each lateral platform has a retracted position and an extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: INDEPENDENCE CONTRACT DRILLING, INC.Inventors: Fred Fortson, David Brown
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Patent number: 9016378Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co. Ltd.Inventors: Mi Zhang, Jun Chen, Mingshe Wang, Xuanguo Liu, Ping Tang, Meng He, Jiangyang Wang, Tao Chen, Wei Xie, Zhongcai Liang, Yinchun Liu, Guang Chen
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Patent number: 9019118Abstract: A drilling control system monitors and compares drilling and completion operation sensor values and autonomously acts in response to conditions such as a kick or surge. Sensors in various combinations may monitor return fluid flow rate, fluid inflow rate, wellhead bore pressure, temperature of returning fluid, torque, rate of penetration and string weight change. The control system has corresponding control logic to monitor, warn and act based on the sensor inputs. The actions may include the warning of support personnel, closing an annular blowout preventer, shearing drill pipe using a ram shear, pumping heavier fluid down choke and kill lines, disconnecting the riser or various other actions.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Hydril USA Manufacturing LLCInventors: Eric L. Milne, Joseph P. Ebenezer
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Publication number: 20150107904Abstract: Systems and methods for producing forced axial vibration of a drillstring. Systems include a cam housing positioned above a drill bit in a drillstring, a rotatable cam positioned internal of the cam housing, the rotatable cam having at least one cam surface exhibiting reciprocating axial movement upon rotation of the rotatable cam, and a non-rotatable cam follower positioned internal surface of the cam housing and having at least one cam follower surface engaging the cam surface. The cam follower transfers the reciprocating axial movement to the drill bit. The rotatable cam is rotated by a fluid-powered positive displacement power section positioned above and mechanically attached to the rotatable cam in the drillstring to effect the rotation of the rotatable cam, and thus effect the reciprocating axial movement of the drill bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: LAGUNA OIL TOOLS, LLCInventor: SCOTT KERSTETTER
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Publication number: 20150107905Abstract: A hydraulic borehole mining system controlled and operated above-ground includes a high-pressure cutting nozzle that is delivered to an underground resource body through a relatively small diameter borehole. A series of water and air fluid streams at various pressures are delivered to the resource body, and the target resource is disaggregated and/or fluidized and conveyed back to surface via the hydraulic borehole mining pipe which serves as the conveyor of the system. The mining pipe is used to transport a high-pressure stream of combined air and water fluids that have been directed and aligned into laminar flow to a focused water jet cutting head. The central bore of the mining pipe brings the slurrified resource to the surface. The mining pipe transports the slurry via hydraulic airlift, fluid eduction or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Colin B. Kinley, Andrew Mac Ewen
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Patent number: 9010462Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Fenix Energy Solutions Ltd.Inventor: Thomas Ross King
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Patent number: 9010461Abstract: A managed bulk drilling system that employs a guide wire for ranging and crosswell telemetry. Some system embodiments include multiple drilling assemblies operating in the vicinity of a reference well that contains an electrical cable. The electrical cable is coupled to a surface control system. The control system uses the electrical cable as part of an antenna to receive uplink signals from the drilling assemblies and to broadcast down-link signals to the drilling assemblies. The uplink signals can include position data and the downlink signals can include individual steering commands to adjust the trajectories of each drilling assembly. The cable can also generate a guidance field for the drilling assemblies to detect and follow.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard T. Hay
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Patent number: 9004195Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore is disclosed. An inner string and an outer string are conveyed downhole. The inner string is attached to the outer string at a first location and the wellbore is formed. The inner stringy is attached to the outer string at a second location us hole of the first location and an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore is cemented without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Thorsten Regener, Ingo Roders, Carl C. Clemmensen, Sascha Schwartze, Trond R. Skar, Tore Sorheim, Morten Eidem, Gaute Grindhaug
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Publication number: 20150096807Abstract: A flow control valve for use with a downhole motor includes a housing with at least one port and a sleeve with at least one opening. The sleeve is movable within the housing to align and offset the ports and openings. A first biasing member associated with a first portion of the sleeve and a second biasing member associated with a second portion of the sleeve bias the sleeve in a first direction, while pressure applied to the sleeve due to fluid flow moves the sleeve in an opposing second direction. Movement of the sleeve in the second direction compresses the first and second biasing members, disengages the first portion of the sleeve from the first biasing member, and aligns the openings with the ports to permit transmission of the pressure through the openings and ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: Bico Drilling Tools, Inc.Inventor: Nathan Strilchuk
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Patent number: 8997899Abstract: A cutting element includes a modified gilmoid having two planes defining a plurality of cutting edges thereon, and a first support extending from a central area of a first of the two planes and a second support extending from a central area of a second of the two planes. The supports are sized and positioned such that when the cutting element is resting against a planar surface such that one of the plurality of cutting edges and the first support are in contact with the planar surface the first plane forms an acute angle with the planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Calvin J. Stowe, II
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Patent number: 8997894Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for the transmission and delivery of high power laser energy deep into the earth and for the suppression of associated nonlinear phenomena. Systems, devices and methods for the laser drilling of a borehole in the earth. These systems can deliver high power laser energy down a deep borehole, while maintaining the high power to advance such boreholes deep into the earth and at highly efficient advancement rates.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Foro Energy, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Zediker, Charles C. Rinzler, Brian O. Faircloth, Yeshaya Koblick, Joel F. Moxley
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Patent number: 8997891Abstract: An earth boring apparatus includes a drill rod, a source for a drill fluid, and a voltage source. The drill rod has a hollow rod casing provided for throughflow of the drill fluid, and a conductor located within the rod casing, with the voltage source being connected with the conductor and the rod casing. The voltage source is so connected as to prevent the electric conductor to act as anode in the event the drill fluid establishes an electrically conductive connection between the rod casing and the conductor.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Thomas Schauerte
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Patent number: 8997893Abstract: A drill rig (10) comprises a tower (12) and a drill head (14) that is able to travel linearly up and down the tower (12). The drill head (14) provides torque to a drill string (16) attached to the drill head (14) ad thus to a drill bit (18) coupled to a distal end of the drill string (16). The drill head (14) is traversed along the tower (12) by a plurality of rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) (hereinafter referred to in general as “rams 22”). The rams (22) provided hold back and pull down for the drill bit (18) via the drill head (14). The rams (22) are selectively operable to enable the hold back and pull down applied to the drill bit to be selectively varied. Thus for example a first of the rams (22a) is selected to operate when drilling to a first depth, then the rams (22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a second greater depth; and finally all three rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a third greater depth.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Strada Design LimitedInventor: Warren Strange
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Patent number: 8997892Abstract: A drill rig 10 has a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. The rotation head 14 is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. A 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 a drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. The system 20 is formed as a combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 providing both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 providing pull back only. 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Strada Design LimitedInventor: Warren Strange
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Publication number: 20150090500Abstract: 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; Ill) 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: MICHAEL FEFER, JUN LIU, HEINZ MUELLER, NADJA HERZOG, DIANA MAEKER
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Publication number: 20150090499Abstract: The mining vehicle has a carriage, driving equipment for moving the carriage, at least one mining work device, an electric motor for supplying power to the mining work device, a connection for supplying electric power to the electric motor from an electrical network of the mine, and an energy source. The electric motor has at least a primary stator winding and a secondary stator winding galvanically isolated from each other. When the mining vehicle is connected to the electrical network of the mine via the primary stator winding, the electric motor is arranged, at least for a period of time, to supply power to the at least one mining work device and, at least for a period of the time, to supply power via the secondary stator winding for charging the energy source. A method for energy supply of a mining vehicle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Mikko KOUVO, Samuli KOUHIA