Sampling Of Earth Formations Patents (Class 175/58)
  • Patent number: 11905829
    Abstract: An integrated logging instrument for coring and sampling includes a downhole main body and a ground system. The downhole main body is connected with the ground system through a long cable. The downhole main body includes a coring and sampling mechanism, a power mechanism and an energy storage mechanism. The coring and sampling mechanism includes a coring assembly for drilling cores and a pushing and setting assembly for downhole fixation. The power mechanism is arranged at an upper end of the coring and sampling mechanism, and includes a motor, a piston structure and a pump body. The piston structure and the pump body are respectively arranged at two output ends of the motor. The piston structure is arranged to provide suction power. The pump body is arranged to provide hydraulic power. The energy storage mechanism is arranged at a lower end of the coring and sampling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: China Oilfield Services Limited, China National Offshore Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Tao Lu, Yongren Feng, Changgui Xu, Zhibin Tian, Xiaofei Qin, Minggao Zhou, Xiaodong Chu, Tiemin Liu, Yongzeng Xue, Zanqing Wei, Lin Huang
  • Patent number: 11898436
    Abstract: A system includes a sliding sleeve, a ball landing seat, a plurality of microchips, a hydraulic piston, and a ball catcher. The sliding sleeve is installed within a tubular body having an exit groove. The ball landing seat is formed by the sliding sleeve. The plurality of microchips are housed in a microchip ring installed within the sliding sleeve. The hydraulic piston is installed within the microchip ring and triggered by reception of a ball in the ball landing seat. The ball reduces a cross sectional area of a flow path while in the ball landing seat. The hydraulic piston releases the plurality of microchips through the exit groove and into the well to gather data. The ball catcher is configured to receive and hold the ball after the plurality of microchips are released into the well. The ball catcher and the ball are made of a dissolvable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abrar Alshaikh, Bodong Li, Jianhui Xu, Guodong Zhan
  • Patent number: 11859459
    Abstract: A downhole tool, for removing a restriction in a well tubular metal structure having a wall and an inner diameter, has a tool axis and a tool body having a first part and a second part, an electrical motor arranged in the first part for rotating a rotatable shaft, and a core bit arranged in the second part and having a first end connected with the rotatable shaft and a second end having a cutting edge. The second part of the downhole tool further includes a locator for locating the rim section, the locator being rotable with the core bit until the locator locates the rim section and a threshold value is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 11846748
    Abstract: This disclosure presents a fault prediction system using a deep learning neural network, such as a convolutional neural network. The fault prediction system utilizes as input seismic data, and then derives various seismic attributes from the seismic data. In various aspects, the seismic attributes can be normalized and have importance coefficients determined. A sub-set of seismic attributes can be selected to reduce computing resources and processing time. The deep learning neural network can utilize the seismic data and seismic attributes to determine parameterized results representing fault probabilities. The fault prediction system can utilize the fault probabilities to determine fault predictions which can be represented as a predicted new seismic data, such as using a three-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan Jiang, Phil Norlund
  • Patent number: 11598739
    Abstract: Methods and systems for high fidelity electrical tomographic processes are provided for herein. Specifically, the use of a purpose-selected fluid configuration is described, used to fill the void space between mechanically fixed sensing electrodes and the target object to sense and reconstruct. In some embodiments, this fluid configuration enhances or masks changes in electrical measurements in response to certain materials known or suspected to exist within the sensed volume. In other embodiments, a plurality of fluid configurations may be employed to improve the quality of reconstruction, or resolve additional spatial dimensions. Exemplary applications in medicine and manufacturing are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: PENNY PRECISION LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Wade Penny, Gregory Arthur Passa
  • Patent number: 11530589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool for removing a restriction in a well tubular metal structure having a wall and an inner diameter, the restriction partly blocking the inner diameter, creating an opening defined at least partly by a rim section of the restriction, the downhole tool having a tool axis and comprising a tool body having a first part and a second part, an electrical motor arranged in the first part for rotating a rotatable shaft, a core bit arranged in the second part and having a first end connected with the rotatable shaft and a second end having a cutting edge, wherein the second part of the downhole tool further comprises a locator for locating the rim section, a collecting means for collecting part of the restriction to be cut out by the cutting edge, the locator and the collecting means are rotating with the core bit until the locator locates the rim section and a threshold value is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Welltec A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 11268914
    Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods for optimizing fracturing schedules located along a horizontal wellbore include obtaining drilling cuttings during a drilling operation representative of a predetermined interval of the horizontal wellbore, performing at least one analytical process on the obtained drilling cuttings to determine at least one geomechanical property of the interval of the obtained drilling cuttings for the interval, generating a formation analysis estimation for the interval from the, wherein the formation analysis estimation comprises at least one of (i) a brittleness of the formation at the interval or (ii) a minimum horizontal stress of the formation at the interval, and based on the formation analysis estimation, at least one of (i) configuring a super-stage for deployment to the interval to perform a fracturing operation or (ii) designing a fracturing schedule to be performed to frac the formation at the interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Umesh Prasad, Sergey Stolyarov, David Gadzhimirzaev, Robert Samuel Hurt, Eduardo Adrian Cazeneuve, Frank Walles, Geoffrey Cave, Said D. Sadykhov
  • Patent number: 11028658
    Abstract: A horizontal-to-vertical drilling module for a deep well includes a fixed plate (1) provided with a first guide hole having a turning section (11), a core breaking section (13) and a moving section (12); a movable plate (2) movably mounted on one side of the fixed plate and provided with a second guide hole having a turning driving section (21), a core breaking driving section (23) and a moving driving section (22), the projection of the first guide hole on the movable plate intersecting with the second guide hole; a coring module (3) positioned at the other side of the fixed plate and provided with a moving column (31) on the side facing the fixed plate; and a moving slider (4) having an open groove (41), the moving slider being installed in the first guide hole and rotatably connected to the coring module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignees: China National Offshore Oil Corporation, China Oilfield Services Limited
    Inventors: Yongren Feng, Jibin Zou, Tiemin Liu, Xingfang Wu, Xiaodong Chu, Zhibin Tian, Guoqiang Zhang, Zhongtian Hao, Guangshuai Li, Yiming Wu
  • Patent number: 10907413
    Abstract: A drill bit comprises a first and a second body received within the first body. Each of the first body and second body has a respective crown, each crown having an inner and an outer operative circumference. The outer operative circumference of the second body and the inner operative circumference of the first body can define a first volume that can receive a tubular core sample. The second body can define a break surface that breaks the tubular core sample into core pieces. The drill bit can be employed in a borehole with a reverse circulation system that pumps fluid around an outer surface of the bit, and returning fluid can carry the core pieces out of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: BLY IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Drenth, Robert Andrew Corona
  • Patent number: 10760358
    Abstract: A directional drill vice and associated methods are shown. A directional drill and associated methods are also shown. Examples of directional drill stem configurations include gripping jaws configured with a common jaw pivot. Examples of directional drill stem configurations also include a slot in a vice frame to allow lateral insertion of a drill stem segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Olander
  • Patent number: 10738536
    Abstract: A rock formation drill bit assembly with electrodes includes a drill bit including a hollow portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The hollow portion extends from a first end to a second end opposing the first end. Cutters as positioned on the first end. The cutters are configured to cut the rock formation resulting in a rock core protruding from the rock formation into the hollow portion. The rock core includes a circumferential surface. Multiple electrodes are positioned within an inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion. The multiple electrodes are configured to apply electrical discharge across multiple locations on the circumferential surface of the rock core. The electrical discharge causes the rock core to fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignees: Aramco Overseas Company B.V., Geoprober Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Fraser, Ben Bamford
  • Patent number: 10451600
    Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus, system and method for creating soil shavings. As the continuous soil shaving chain or other means of creating soil shavings penetrates the soil, soil shavings are discharged through a discharge opening for collection in a canister for analysis of the soil characteristics. In an alternative embodiment, a sensor is positioned to detect soil characteristics as the soil shavings are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: 360 Yield Center, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg A. Sauder, Tony Carbaugh, Rhett W. Schildroth
  • Patent number: 10378347
    Abstract: A coring tool including a coring bit operable to obtain a core sample of a subterranean formation from a sidewall of a wellbore extending into the subterranean formation. The coring tool also includes a storage tube, an actuator operable to move the core from the coring bit into the storage tube, and a sensor operable to generate information related to presence of the core within the storage tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: James Massey
  • Patent number: 9976352
    Abstract: A rock formation drill bit assembly with electrodes includes a drill bit including a hollow portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The hollow portion extends from a first end to a second end opposing the first end. Cutters as positioned on the first end. The cutters are configured to cut the rock formation resulting in a rock core protruding from the rock formation into the hollow portion. The rock core includes a circumferential surface. Multiple electrodes are positioned within an inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion. The multiple electrodes are configured to apply electrical discharge across multiple locations on the circumferential surface of the rock core. The electrical discharge causes the rock core to fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Fraser, Ben Bamford
  • Patent number: 9816337
    Abstract: A core catcher includes a housing having an inner wall that defines an axial bore through the housing. A retention member is disposed within the housing and is coupled to a first hinge tab that defines a first hinge barrel with the inner wall of the housing. A first closure member has a slot that is engaged with the first hinge tab and a pivot edge that is at least partially disposed within the first hinge barrel. In an open position, the first closure member is disposed in an annulus between a sleeve that is slidably disposed within the housing and the housing. In a closed position the first closure member is disposed at least partially across the axial bore of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Jiri Zastresek, Rick Mecham
  • Patent number: 9518463
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced capture and recovery of core samples from unconsolidated or friable formations are provided using drilling fluids that permit increased overpressures to preserve the ability to cut core samples and to strengthen the core samples obtained. Drilling fluids used during capture and recovery of core samples may comprise a solid particulate loss prevention material having a size range from about 150 microns to about 1,000 microns. The solid particulate loss prevention material prevents fracture initiation and propagation in the subterranean formation to allow the use of higher overpressures than would otherwise be possible. Thus, by circulating drilling fluid in the borehole while drilling a core sample, higher overpressures may be achieved, which have been found to be beneficial during core capture and recovery by maintaining core integrity and avoiding core loss. In this way, core sample integrity is improved, yielding more accurate representations of the subsurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: James H. Hedges, David H. Beardmore
  • Publication number: 20150107906
    Abstract: An earth drilling apparatus is disclosed herein. The earth drilling apparatus includes an exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes an inner barrel positionable within the exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a drill bit releasibly engaged with the exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a liner for retaining samples of earth and positionable within the inner barrel. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a shoe releasibly engaged with the inner barrel at a mounting location to selectively retain the liner in place. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a wiper mountable on the inner barrel at the mounting location when the shoe is removed. The wiper is operable to wipe the liner as the liner is removed from the inner barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: CAMERON WALDNER
  • Patent number: 8991520
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprises determining a cation exchange capacity of a sample of a shale, determining a swelling characteristic of the shale using the cation exchange capacity in an equation comprising a term of the form: Az % salt=x(cation exchange capacity)y where Az % salt is a final swelling volume of the shale in the presence of an aqueous fluid having a salt concentration of z %, and x and y are empirical constants, determining a composition of a wellbore servicing fluid based on the determined swelling characteristic, and drilling the wellbore using the wellbore servicing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep D. Kulkarni, Shadaab S. Maghrabi, Kushabhau D. Teke, Dhanashree Gajanan Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20150068809
    Abstract: A coring tool may comprise a core bit, and the core bit may comprise at least one cutting structure extending from adjacent an inner bore of the core bit to an outer gage of the core bit. A drill plug may be configured to close the inner bore of the core bit, and the drill plug may comprise at least one cutting structure. An indexing device may be disposed between the drill plug and the core bit. The indexing device may be configured to maintain a predetermined angular relationship between the core bit and the drill plug. The at least one cutting structure of the core bit and the at least one cutting structure of the drill plug may form a substantially continuous cutting structure at the predetermined angular relationship. Related methods of drilling with a coring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. Adams
  • Patent number: 8944184
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for proving the quality of a jet grouting body. Such a jet grouting body is produced by means of a drilling and grouting linkage assembly. An extraction device according to the invention for extracting a suspension from such a jet grouting body comprises: a first segment with a cavity comprising a fluid, in particular a liquid, in which a first chamber is provided, the volume of which can be modified and which is connected with an opening for extracting a specimen, and a further segment which is intended to receive the fluid from the cavity. By receiving the fluid in the further segment, the volume of the first chamber can be enlarged; furthermore the extraction device can be integrated in a drilling and grouting linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GuD Geotechnik und Dynamik GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Leiner, Fabian Kirsch, Kerstin Boerner, Kerstin Deterding, Juergen Appelius, Josef Patron, Martin Staudt, Nikolaus Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150021096
    Abstract: Methods of procuring a core sample may involve engaging an earth formation with a cutting structure of a coring bit. A core sample may be received within a receptacle connected to the coring bit, the receptacle being lined with a sponge material. A space of about 1 mm or less may be maintained between the core sample and the sponge material. Coring tools may include a coring bit comprising an inner gage and an outer gage and a sponge material positioned to at least partially surround a core sample cut by the coring bit. A radial distance between an inner surface of the sponge material and the inner gage of the coring bit may be about 1 mm or less. A distance between a center of curvature of the inner gage and a center of curvature of the outer gage may be about 0.3 mm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Christoph Wesemeier, Thomas Uhlenberg
  • Patent number: 8925650
    Abstract: A slide-type core retainer for a sample collector including a sampler tube driven into a sea floor. The slide-type core retainer includes a catcher holder detachably coupled to a tip end of the sampler tube; a catcher installed on an inner peripheral surface of a tip end of the catcher holder and configured to allow sediment introduction into the sampler tube and preventing sediment from being lost using resiliency. A control member slidably installed inside the catcher holder controls opening and closing of the catcher. The control member is coupled to the catcher before sample collection so that the catcher remains opened. The control member slides into an inner side of the catcher holder while being separated from the catcher by the resistance of the solid sediment such that the catcher is closed, when resistance is generated by solid sediment after the sampler tube is driven into the sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute
    Inventors: Dong Lim Choi, Sung Rok Cho, Won Joon Shim, Moon Koo Kim, Kwan Koog Kim
  • Patent number: 8919460
    Abstract: A coring tool having a coring mechanism for cutting cores from a borehole sidewall. The coring mechanism comprises a motor having a coring bit to cut 1.5 inch diameter, 2.5 inch long cores. Support plates fixed to the housing comprise guide slots having a longer leg and a shorter leg. Leading pins and follower pins extend from the motor into the guide slots. When the leading and follower pins are driven along the guide slots, the motor is rotated and then pushed into the formation. Drive plates positioned between the housing and the support plates comprise slots and pivot about a pin. The leading pins further extend into the drive plate slots. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the drive plates, pushing the pins along the guide slots to rotate the motor to a radial position and then urge the motor towards the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Joulin, Stephen Yeldell, Brandon Christa, James Massey
  • Publication number: 20140360784
    Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining core samples from a formation that surrounds a cased wellbore. A coring tool includes a casing cutter for cutting an opening in the casing and a coring device for obtaining a core sample from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: James C. Hunziker, James Cernosek, Marcelo F. Civarolo, Doug Mack
  • Publication number: 20140345945
    Abstract: A method for removing a core sample from a borehole includes: taking the core sample within the borehole with a sampling tool; generating a model of the core sample, the model based on data representing properties of the core sample; defining a plurality of proposed tripping schedules; applying, by a processor, the plurality of proposed tripping schedules to the model, and estimating a core parameter for each of the plurality of proposed tripping schedules; comparing the core parameter to a criteria; and selecting a suitable tripping schedule based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tobias Hoeink, Wouter Van Der Zee
  • Publication number: 20140332279
    Abstract: Implementations include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER L. DRENTH, GEORGE IONDOV, GEORGE IBRAHIM
  • Patent number: 8875809
    Abstract: Disclosed is a core drill comprising: an external pipe; a coring bit to be rotated by rotation of the external pipe to drill a coring hole and form a core having a core diameter; and an internal coring pipe (1), mounted within the external pipe, to receive a core formed by the coring bit, the internal coring pipe comprising: an internal tubular wall (2) defining a cavity (4) having a diameter substantially the same as the core diameter within which to retain a core formed by the coring bit, one or more viewing openings (8, 9, 10) being formed through the internal tubular wall; and an external tubular wall (3), in which the internal tubular wall is housed coaxially, the internal and external tubular walls being connected to each other so as to form a single-piece double-walled pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Olivier Jean-Marc Claude Mageren
  • Publication number: 20140311805
    Abstract: Described herein is an inner tube for a core barrel which has a structure adapted to retain lubricant for lubricating a sampled core. In one embodiment, the internal surface of the inner tube includes a plurality of alveoli in which lubricant is retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton
    Inventors: Olivier Mageren, Aurelien Chauviere, Khac Nguyen Che
  • Patent number: 8839886
    Abstract: A drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth include a plurality of blades configured with a recessed center such that the blades cut a core therebetween. Cutting elements in the recessed center are configured to cut and remove the core. The recessed center has a first diameter at a height from the cutting elements in the recessed center and a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that the confining stress on the core is relieved prior to being cut by the cutting elements in the recessed center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Secoroc LLC
    Inventors: Mark L. Jones, Kyle E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140262527
    Abstract: A round-trip autoclave sample-extracting device for extracting a sample at a sample extraction location of a geological formation, the device includes a self-closing pressure chamber module for receiving the sample. The pressure chamber module is connected to a lifting module in order to lift the sample into the pressure chamber module in one sampling stroke. The round-trip autoclave sample-extracting device has a triggering module and a pressure regulating module, the triggering module acting on the lifting module in order to trigger the sampling stroke, and the pressure regulating module is coupled to the pressure chamber module at least on the pressure side after the sampling stroke in order to influence a pressure in the pressure chamber module. A round-trip method is proposed which includes a first trip and at least one second trip for extracting a sample while maintaining a pressure that is present at the sample extraction location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Corsyde International GMBH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Tobias Rothenwaender, David Wunsch, Erik Anders, Martin Rothfuss, Benjamin Arnold, Alexander Schulze
  • Patent number: 8800683
    Abstract: A system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with soil and sediment samplers, including direct push technology, rotary and coring systems, is disclosed. The liner is pre-scored along its length by one or more score lines formed in the exterior surface or the interior surface of the liner. After removal from the sampler, the liner can easily be opened to expose the contained sample without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects, in accordance with health and safety requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: ARCADIS Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ceri E B Copping, Lenny Coakley, Kevin Russell Porter, Todd Merrell
  • Patent number: 8794318
    Abstract: Subsurface formation evaluation comprising, for example, sealing a portion of a wall of a wellbore penetrating the formation, forming a hole through the sealed portion of the wellbore wall, injecting an injection fluid into the formation through the hole, and determining a saturation of the injection fluid in the formation by measuring a property of the formation proximate the hole while maintaining the sealed portion of the wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Harrigan, Yves Barriol, Andrei I. Davydychev, Andrew J. Carnegie, Dean M. Homan, Srinand Karuppoor, Yi-Qiao Song, Tim Hopper, Henry N. Bachman, William B. Vandermeer, Anthony L. Collins, Mark A. Fredette
  • Publication number: 20140209385
    Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store at least one of the formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes a first end that may be sealed by a first sealing mechanism, and an opposite end that may be sealed by a second sealing mechanism. The core catching tube also includes a fluid evacuation port that may be sealed downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lennox E. Reid, JR., Carsten Sonne
  • Patent number: 8770286
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephane Briquet, Kevin Zanca, Wade Evans, II
  • Publication number: 20140174828
    Abstract: Drilling systems and methods for deploying a latch mechanism upon reaching a drilling position. The drilling systems and methods permit spinning of a drill string to cause a core barrel head assembly to spin through the frictional mating of a landing shoulder of the head assembly and a landing ring of an outer tube assembly. The spinning of the drill string induces a centrifugal and/or radial force that acts on the latch mechanism to overcome the frictional retention forces acting on the latch mechanism, thereby permitting deployment of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Charles Ernest Muntz, Christopher L. Drenth, George Iondov
  • Patent number: 8757293
    Abstract: A coring method and apparatus is provided for extracting a core sample from a subterranean formation and/or drilling a hydrocarbon well, the coring apparatus having: a pneumatic reciprocating hammer having a first end for operatively connecting the pneumatic reciprocating hammer to a drill string, a second end having a hammer bit and a reciprocating piston for reciprocating the hammer bit; and a coring member operatively connected to the pneumatic reciprocation hammer, the coring member comprising an impact anvil and a hollow coring barrel forming an internal longitudinal chamber for accommodating the core sample, the coring barrel positioned below the impact anvil; whereby when the hammer bit strikes the impact anvil, the coring barrel is driven into the formation and the core sample is extracted into the internal longitudinal chamber of the coring barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: J. I. Livingstone Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: James I. Livingstone
  • Publication number: 20140166366
    Abstract: A coring system may be used to create a lateral section or borehole off a wellbore, and obtain a core sample therefrom. The coring system may include a coring assembly connected to a deflector assembly to enable a single-trip coring operation. The coring assembly may include a coring bit and an outer barrel for extracting a core sample. A deflector of the deflector assembly may direct the coring bit to drill a lateral section in the borehole and extract a core sample therefrom. The coring assembly and deflector may include mating surfaces to collectively retrieve the deflector assembly and coring assembly in a single trip. A collar of the coring assembly may engage against a stop surface of a shoulder or sleeve of the deflector assembly. By pulling upwardly, the engaged collar may release the anchored deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Utter, Shantanu N. Swadi, Praful C. Desai
  • Publication number: 20140166367
    Abstract: A coring system and method enable a single-trip operation for setting a deflector assembly, deploying a coring assembly and obtaining a core sample from a borehole drilled in a wellbore. The coring assembly has a barrel with a bore for collecting the core sample and has a coring bit coupled to an end portion of the barrel. The deflector system is arranged to deflect the coring bit into a side wall of the wellbore to drill the borehole therein. The deflector system includes a deflector and a collar. The collar, coupled to the deflector, restricts upward movement of the coring assembly relative to the deflector assembly. The collar may also be used as a retrieval device to engage the coring assembly and permit removal of the coring assembly and the deflector assembly as well as the core sample after the core sample has been obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Campbell, Shantanu N. Swadi, Charles Dewey, Robert Utter, Praful C. Desai
  • Patent number: 8739899
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an apparatus for taking a sample in a wellbore during drilling operations. The apparatus may include a drill bit configured to form a core and at least one retractable cutter internal to the drill bit for taking the sample from the core. The apparatus may also include equipment for analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, testing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample. The present disclosure is also related to a method for taking a core sample without interrupting drilling operations. The method includes taking a core sample using a drill bit configured to take a core sample using internal cutters. The method may also include analyzing the sample, extracting fluid from the sample, analyzing fluid from the sample, encapsulating the sample, and/or tagging the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Sunil Kumar
  • Patent number: 8739898
    Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an acid gas in a formation fluid from a subterranean formation comprises (a) lowering a coring assembly into a wellbore. The coring assembly including an outer core barrel and an inner core barrel disposed within the outer core barrel. The inner core barrel has an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, and a core sample chamber extending axially from the lower end. In addition, the method comprises (b) capturing a core sample from the subterranean formation within the sample chamber. Further, the method comprises (c) raising the coring assembly to the surface after (b). Still further the method comprises (d) contacting a formation fluid in the sample chamber with at least one detector during (c). Moreover, the method comprises (e) detecting the presence of a formation acid gas in the formation fluid with the at least one detector during (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Johnston, Debbie Kercho, Kevan Sincock, Ray Wydrinski, Ross Benthien
  • Patent number: 8689903
    Abstract: A coring apparatus is provided, which apparatus, in one exemplary embodiment, includes a rotatable member coupled to a drill bit configured to drill a core from a formation, a substantially non-rotatable member in the rotatable member configured to receive the core from the formation, and a sensor configured to provide signals relating to rotation between the rotatable member and the substantially non-rotatable member during drilling of the core from the formation, and a circuit configured to process the signals from the sensor to estimate rotation between the rotatable member and the non-rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Chris C. Beuershausen, Juan Miguel Bilen, Larry M. Hall, Thomas Uhlenberg, Jason R. Habernal
  • Patent number: 8684110
    Abstract: A sidewall coring apparatus for obtaining a plurality of formation cores from a sidewall of a wellbore includes a core catching tube configured to be sealed downhole and to store the plurality of formation cores therein. The core catching tubes includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve concentric with the inner sleeve. The inner and outer sleeves include corresponding slots configured to align in response to relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves, and when aligned the slots of the inner and outer sleeves allow evacuation of fluid from the core catching tube as each of the plurality of formation cores is inserted into the core catching tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lennox E. Reid, Jr., Carsten Sonne
  • Publication number: 20140076634
    Abstract: A coring method includes disposing a coring tool in a borehole adjacent a subterranean formation to be sampled. The method further includes determining a property of the formation and selecting a coring tool operational mode based on the property of the formation. The method also includes obtaining a sample from the formation using the coring tool operational mode. A type of coring shaft also may be selected based on the property of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Moon, Vincent Jeffrey Pisio, Steven E. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8668029
    Abstract: A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Able, Thomas J. Oothoudt
  • Patent number: 8662204
    Abstract: A core barrel restraint adapted to prevent inadvertent dropping of a core barrel assembly during retrieval of a core sample can include a cup adapted to fit over an overshot and a brace adapted to be coupled to a core barrel assembly. A cable can connect the cup and brace and prevent the core barrel from falling if the overshot latch mechanism holding the core barrel assembly and overshot together fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Longyear TM, Inc.
    Inventors: Emil Kolev, Nathan Kaesler
  • Publication number: 20140027182
    Abstract: A coring assembly comprises a shoe and a tubular body having a first end coupled to the shoe. An inner sleeve is releasably coupled to the shoe and has a first end disposed within the shoe and a second end that is slidably engaged with the tubular body. A middle sleeve is slidably engaged with the tubular body and releasably coupled to the shoe. At least a portion of the middle sleeve is disposed within an annulus defined by the inner sleeve and the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Bobby Talma WILSON
  • Patent number: 8622128
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described relating to monitoring particulates downhole at in-situ conditions. Solid particles being carried in the fluid as the fluid is produced from the reservoir formation are monitored. The downhole solid particle monitoring can include measuring the quantity (e.g., volume fraction, weight fraction, or the like) of solid particles, measuring the distribution of sizes of the solid particles, and/or measuring the shape of the particles. The solid particles can be monitored using one or more of sensors such as optical spectrometers, acoustic sensors, video cameras, and erosion probes. A sanding prediction is generated based at least in part on the monitoring of the solid particles, and the sanding prediction is then used to design a completion, lift system, and surface facilities for the wellbore and/or select operating conditions so as to control sanding during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Peter S Hegeman
  • Patent number: 8616275
    Abstract: This application is directed to a probe used for measuring groundwater characteristics such as temperature and conductivity, and for collecting a groundwater sample. The probe also has a shielding device that allows the probe to be driven into a hard underwater surface without damaging the probe. A deployment rig for accurately placing the probe into the underwater surface is also disclosed. The application is further directed to a method for placing a probe and measuring groundwater characteristics. An external screen membrane used with the probe allows accurate groundwater characteristic measurement by filtering particulate matter. The probe and external screen membrane allow for in situ measurement and monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald J. Paulsen, David B. Chadwick, Gregory Jon Groves, Christopher Smith
  • Patent number: 8579049
    Abstract: A drill string assembly is required that has the capability of operating in well bores that range in hole size from seven to eight inches in diameter. The assembly is used to obtain a large core sample size that is equal to three and one-half inches in diameter and up to ninety feet in length in a single core run. This assembly will be operated with a drill string (i.e. drill pipe) that is capable of being used on standard drilling rigs, which may be used to handle API style drill pipe to conduct coring/drilling operations. The coring tool is comprised of an inner barrel for receiving the core sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Corpro Technologies Canada Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Kinsella
  • Publication number: 20130270011
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a formation including collecting and analyzing a formation sample, drilling operation data, and wellbore pressure measurement, estimating a reservoir and completion quality, and performing an oil field service in a region of the formation comprising the quality. In some embodiments, the formation sample is a solid collected from the drilling operation or includes cuttings or a core sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: RIDVAN AKKURT, ROMAIN CHARLES ANDRE PRIOUL, ANDREW E. POMERANTZ