Plural Stacked Rings Patents (Class 277/342)
  • Patent number: 11879302
    Abstract: An extrusion preventing device for incorporation into a sealing element of a well tool device includes a wire wound with a plurality of turns to form a torus-shaped coiled spring. Each turn of the torus-shaped coiled spring is canted. A method for manufacturing a sealing element for a well tool device includes providing a mould shaped as the sealing element; inserting an extrusion preventing device including a wire wound with a plurality of turns to form a torus-shaped coiled spring into the mould; filling molten elastomeric material into the mould, thereby incorporating the torus-shaped coiled spring into the molten elastomeric material; curing the elastomeric material; and retrieving the sealing element from the mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Interwell Norway AS
    Inventors: Anders Glad, Thomas Hiorth
  • Patent number: 11821283
    Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a liner hanger in a borehole. A port free hydraulic unibody system including an outer structure having a tubing hanger portion and a packer portion mounted about a mandrel may be constructed so as to avoid the creation of leak paths. A seal system may be employed between the mandrel and the surrounding outer structure to ensure sealing engagement therebetween. The mandrel has a port free section on the downhole side of the seal system, and this port free section is maintained during, for example, actuation of the tubing hanger portion so as to prevent formation of leak paths. An actuator may be located along the mandrel and may be configured to initiate actuation of hanger slips mounted along the tubing hanger portion. An anti-preset mechanism positioned along the mandrel works in cooperation with the actuator to prevent premature actuation of the hanger slips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Underbrink, Farhan Ahmed Omer, Susan Wu
  • Patent number: 11814932
    Abstract: A method of attenuating annular pressure buildup within a wellbore. The method includes accessing a wellbore, with the wellbore having an annulus disposed between first and second strings of casing. The method also includes placing a column of cement around the second string of casing generally below the first string of casing. The method further includes pumping a fluid mixture into the annulus, forming a fluid column. The fluid mixture comprises a carrier fluid, and a plurality of compressible particles dispersed in the carrier fluid. Each of the compressible particles is fabricated to partially collapse in response to thermal expansion of the fluid mixture. The method also includes placing a wellhead over the wellbore, thereby forming a trapped annulus in the wellbore. The method additionally includes at least partially sealing the annular region along at least one depth above the column of cement to inhibit vertical migration of the compressible particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Spencer A. White, Thomas A. Petersen, Elizabeth L. Templeton-Barrett, Sabine C. Zeilinger, Catalin D. Ivan, Peter A. Gordon, Christian S. Mayer
  • Patent number: 11795778
    Abstract: Example systems, apparatus, and methods are described for providing continuous backup rings that are swaged into closed gland seal grooves to reduce extrusion of elastomeric sealing elements in packers. In an example embodiment, the closed gland sealing system includes a mandrel body having a cylindrical outer surface. A seal mandrel portion of the mandrel body is defined by an annular recess in the mandrel body that extends radially around the substantially cylindrical outer surface to form a closed gland groove. A sealing element is positioned in the closed gland groove and extends radially around the seal mandrel portion. Further, a continuous backup ring is positioned in contact with the sealing element in the closed gland groove that also extends radially around the seal mandrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Gano, Stephen Michael Greci
  • Patent number: 11585178
    Abstract: A tool is provided for expanding the casing at one or more locations for arresting surface casing vent flow in an abandoned well. A setting tool is run into the bore having an expansion element supported thereon. The setting tool imparts a large axial force to radially expand the expansion element for plastically deforming the casing. A single use, pleated ring crushable expansion element can be actuated and left downhole. The pleated ring tool can be pre-charged with a highly viscous fluid, semi solid for transport, but plastic under load. A multi-use expansion element can be actuated, released, moved and actuated again at successive locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Winterhawk Well Abandonment Ltd.
    Inventor: Dale Kunz
  • Patent number: 11555374
    Abstract: Backup rings for a sealing element system for a downhole bridge plug assembly may include a circumferentially-expandable backup ring body having an engaging ring surface. A beveled ring surface may extend from the engaging ring surface. An interior ring surface may extend from the beveled ring surface to the engaging ring surface. A ring opening may be formed by the beveled ring surface. A plurality of spiral ring slots may extend through the backup ring body from the engaging ring surface to the beveled ring surface. A plurality of expandable ring portions may extend between the plurality of spiral ring slots. An at least partially circumferentially-expanding ring sleeve may extend from the backup ring body. In some embodiments, an outer width or diameter of the ring sleeve may correspond to an outer width or diameter of the backup ring body. The ring sleeve may include a ring sleeve wall extending from the interior ring surface of the backup ring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher A. Branton
  • Patent number: 11459847
    Abstract: A single structure usable as a backup shoe or element retainer in a packer assembly for sealing a wellbore can be fabricated using an additive manufacturing process. The single structure can have a high-density region and a low-density region having a density that is lower than the high-density region. The low-density region can be deformable to retain a position of another component downhole in a wellbore, such as an elastomeric element useable to expand to create the packer seal within the annulus of the wellbore. The high-density region can include a ribbed-structure to reduce circumferential force applied to the single structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Pelto
  • Patent number: 11454085
    Abstract: A cased bore straddle packer has an upper unload sub sleeve with fluid ports that are selectively aligned with corresponding ports in an upper unload sub mandrel component and a lower unload sub sleeve with fluid ports that are selectively aligned with corresponding ports in a lower unload sub mandrel component to permit fluid to be selectively dumped from the straddle packer. Control of the alignment of the respective ports is effected by manipulating an auto-J ratchet machined into a multicomponent mandrel of the straddle packer. The auto-J ratchet is controlled from the surface using completion string pull and push manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: EXACTA-FRAC ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Joze John Hrupp
  • Patent number: 11105178
    Abstract: A tubular connection system comprises a slip sized to fit about an outer diameter of a tubular, one or more pipeline connectors sized to fit within a tubular housing and comprising a graphite packer and a set of slip limiting rings disposed on either the first side or the second side of the graphite packer against the graphite packer's first C-shaped ring or the second C-shaped ring, and a connector activator operatively in communication with the tubular housing and operative to compress or decompress the first graphite packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Charles, Chen Cheng, Prashant Kamdar
  • Patent number: 11002391
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high-pressure bi-directional sealing system having circumferentially extending outer support rings (1520, 1900), annular, axial seals (1600, 1800) between the outer support rings (1520, 1900) and a circumferentially extending inner support ring (1700) located between the annular, axial seals (1600, 1800). The outer support rings (1520, 1900), seals (1600, 1800), and circumferentially extending inner support ring (1700) are located within a space between an outer tube (1502) and an inner tube (1504) that is telescopically disposed within the outer tube (1502). Seals (1600) and (1800) are oriented in opposite directions. Specifically, the opening of seal (1600) is facing in a first direction and the opening of seal (1800) is facing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. This configuration enables the high-pressure bi-directional sealing system to handle pressure in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig J. Cronin, Mark W. Armitage, Dallas Conway
  • Patent number: 10837257
    Abstract: A rubber cylinder includes rigid seal rings on both ends, a packer, and a bridge. The rubber cylinder comprises a wire seal ring, a filament seal ring, and rigid seal rings. The wire seal ring abuts the filament seal ring and is disposed below the filament seal ring. The wire seal ring comprises a plurality of wires intersecting each other and a colloid bonding all the wires together. The filament seal ring comprises a plurality of high-temperature high-pressure resistant filaments intersecting each other and a colloid bonding all the filaments together. When the wire seal ring is disposed below the filament seal ring, friction between the wire seal ring and a central tube and/or a casing reduces an axial pressure transferred to the filament seal ring. Such reduction further reduces the occurrence of an extruded shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Tianding Sealing Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei Song, Xuewu Long
  • Patent number: 10662732
    Abstract: A settable downhole tool with preset metallic split rings having gaps from their leading edges to their trailing edges. The rings expand radially outward during setting by widening the gaps, adjacent rings covering the gaps, creating a substantially fluid tight metal to metal seal with the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Magnum Oil Tools International, Ltd.
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 10605044
    Abstract: A downhole tool configured to pass through a narrowed diameter, the downhole tool having a mandrel made of a composite material. The tool has a fingered member disposed around the mandrel, a fingered bearing plate disposed around the mandrel, and also a fingered lower sleeve disposed around and coupled to the mandrel. The tool further includes a first slip and a second slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: The WellBoss Company, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke Vanlue, Luis Miguel Avila
  • Patent number: 10605020
    Abstract: A downhole tool having a mandrel, with a fingered member and a conical member being disposed around the mandrel. There is a solid-body insert positioned proximately to each of the fingered member and the first conical member. The fingered member comprises a plurality of fingers configured to move from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: The WellBoss Company, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Lloyd Davies, Duke Vanlue, Luis Miguel Avila
  • Patent number: 10364640
    Abstract: A packer is used for setting downhole in tubing subject to downhole flow at a high flow rate. The packer includes a setting element, a slip element, and a packing element. The setting element is disposed on the packer toward an uphole end and is activated hydraulically to move in a downhole direction toward a downhole end of the packer. The slip element is disposed toward the downhole end and is moveable outward toward the tubing in a first stage in response to the movement of the setting element. The packing element is disposed on the other elements and is at least partially carried by the setting element. The packing element is compressible outward toward the tubing in a second stage, after the first stage, in response to the movement of the setting element. Additionally, a choke ring or other element disposed on the packer at least downhole of the packing element can move outward toward the tubing in response to the setting movement to restrict the downhole flow in the annulus to a lower flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Rochen, Shawn J. Treadaway, Tracy M. Martin, Christopher A. Hall
  • Patent number: 10358890
    Abstract: A wellbore sealing device having an elastomeric element with complex features and associated additive manufacturing method is disclosed. The complex features can include voids such as isolated voids and undercut-like voids that cannot be reasonably produced using existing molding techniques (e.g., due physically impossible mold shapes or cost-prohibitive mold requirements). These complex features can alleviate stress and increase radial expansion of the elastomeric element in response to axial compression of the elastomeric element. Such elastomeric elements with complex features can be additively manufactured (e.g., through three dimensional printing). In some cases, the elastomeric elements can be additively manufactured directly on a tool, such as on an end plate or mandrel of a wellbore sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Zhong, Nathan J. Harder, Jack Gammill Clemens
  • Patent number: 10323477
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use in a tubular includes a mandrel, a compressible seal member disposed around the mandrel, a first piston assembly in contact with a first end of the seal member, and a second piston assembly in contact with a second end of the seal member. The first piston assembly includes a piston head, and a piston extension sealing member integrally formed with the piston head, and extending at least partially between the mandrel and the compressible seal member. The compressible seal member forms a seal with the tubular when at least one of the piston assemblies is urged toward the compressible seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Roddie R. Smith
  • Patent number: 10316614
    Abstract: An example wellbore isolation device includes a mandrel and one or more solid sealing elements disposed about the mandrel and plastically deformable to seal against an inner wall of a casing or an inner wall of a wellbore. A slip wedge is disposed about the mandrel on a first axial end of the one or more solid sealing elements, and a radial shoulder positioned on the mandrel at a second axial end of the one or more sealing elements. At least the slip wedge applies a compressive force on the one or more solid sealing elements and thereby plastically deforms the one or more solid sealing elements into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the casing or the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, John Charles Gano, Zachary Murphree, Zachary Walton
  • Patent number: 10174581
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a filler ring for use with a packer element with a packer element radial stiffness and a packer element confined circumferential stiffness is disclosed, including, a filler ring body with a filler ring body radial stiffness greater than the packer element radial stiffness and a filler ring body circumferential stiffness less than the packer element confined circumferential stiffness. In another embodiment, a method to selectively deform a packer element with a packer element radial stiffness and a packer element confined circumferential stiffness is disclosed, including providing a filler ring body with a filler ring body radial stiffness greater than the packer element radial stiffness and a filler ring body circumferential stiffness less than the packer element confined circumferential stiffness, deforming the packer in a radial direction via the filler ring body, deforming the filler ring body in an axial direction in response to deformation of the packer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Prieto, Edward Wood, John K. Wakefield, Aubrey C. Mills
  • Patent number: 10060217
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes an elongated base pipe and a expandable element disposed on the base pipe and radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration. The expandable element includes a first lattice structure that includes a first plurality of connecting members; a second plurality of connecting members movable relative to the first plurality of connecting members to allow the expandable element to radially expand from the first configuration to the second configuration; and a plurality of cells, each of the cells being defined between at least two connecting members. Each of the connecting members from the at least two connecting members is from the first plurality of connecting members or from the second plurality of connecting members. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the first lattice structure is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary Ryan Murphree, Michael Linley Fripp, Thomas Jules Frosell, John Charles Gano, Xiaoguang Allan Zhong
  • Patent number: 10030652
    Abstract: A pump jack has a horse head, a sucker rod connected to the horse head, and a downhole pump connected to the sucker rod. The downhole pump has a reciprocating plunger, a multi-segment barrel, a plurality of sand couplings, and a plurality of wiper couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Shane Sims, Michael Chad McNeely
  • Patent number: 9874069
    Abstract: A seal assembly and an apparatus including the same are provided. The seal assembly may include a seal member with axially opposing sides and one or two back-up rings for substantially supporting at least one side of the seal member. The seal member may be made of elastomer and have an axially extending base with one or two flange portions and a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the base. The back-up ring may be made of a plastic material and a portion of the back-up ring may abut a radially outer surface of the flange portion of the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaei Ito, Hitoshi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9234403
    Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a wave seal packer including a wave portion having a wave form shape in an un-expanded condition. The wave portion configured to radially encircle a tubular with alternating and interconnected uphole and downhole portions. The packer having a substantially uniform internal radius in the un-expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Ines Rex, Detlev Benedict
  • Patent number: 9074439
    Abstract: A composite member for a downhole tool that includes a resilient portion; and a deformable portion having at least one groove formed therein, wherein the groove is formed in a spiral pattern, wherein the resilient portion and the deformable portion are made of a first material, and wherein a second material is bonded to the deformable portion and at least partially fills into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: National Boss Hog Energy Services LLC
    Inventor: Duke VanLue
  • Patent number: 8870187
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a downhole tool having a movable member (11) which moves relative to a housing, the sealing apparatus comprising: at least one sealing member having (10A) a first position in which the sealing member is spaced from the movable member and a second position in which the sealing member (10B) is in contact with the movable member (IB) to provide a sealing barrier; and switching means for switching the sealing member between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Murray
  • Patent number: 8820747
    Abstract: A seal assembly, method for sealing a seal assembly and a modular seal unit for a rotating control device for use in an offshore environment. The modular seal unit includes a first outer housing, a first seal housing lockable within the first outer housing, and a first sealing element disposed on a lower end of the first seal housing. The first sealing element includes a throughbore configured to receive a drill pipe, and a sealing surface configured to seal against the drill pipe. The modular seal unit also includes a first connector configured to couple the first seal housing to the first outer housing, and a second connector configured to couple the first seal housing to one selected from a second outer housing of a second modular seal unit or a running tool adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Zubia, Trung Leduc, Huward Paul Fontenot, Jr., Robert James Costo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8814432
    Abstract: A seal-bearing assembly to be inserted into the seal cavity of a mechanical device to provide a seal and a bearing surface to eliminate whip in a rotating and/or reciprocal cylindrical member. The seal-bearing assembly is particularly well suited for use in a reciprocal pump and between the steam lance and fixed steam tube in a sootblower. The assembly includes at least a pair of outer substantially rigid cylindrical bearings having an inner bore to be positioned over the cylindrical member and at least one complimentary flexible textile packing ring disposed between the two outer bearing members. In assemblies including an additional bearing, it is surrounded by at least one flexible packing on each side. The inner bore of the bearing members provide a bearing surface for eliminating whip of the moving elements in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Seal-Ryt Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne A. Thoma, Mark R. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8567492
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Max White
  • Publication number: 20130112398
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Max White
  • Patent number: 8381809
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Max White
  • Patent number: 8276678
    Abstract: A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventors: William Stephen Burnett, Michael Adam Reid
  • Patent number: 8167033
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Max White
  • Patent number: 8141880
    Abstract: There is provided a high pressure sealing apparatus including: a top adapter including a packing receiving recess having an inverted V-shaped section; a bottom adapter including a packing supporting wall having an inverted V-shaped section; packing members each having an inverted V-shaped section, and interposed between the top adapter and the bottom adapter; and backup rings each having an inverted V-shaped section, and alternately overlapped with the packing members. The packing members are made of hard synthetic resin. A deformation allowing gap is formed on at least two facing walls of a top wall or a bottom wall of the packing member, and a bottom wall of the top adapter, a top wall and a bottom wall of the backup ring, or a top wall of the bottom adapter to be closed owing to compaction force in an axial direction X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Shigeo Ando, Masao Ando, Toyoroku Ando
  • Patent number: 8104769
    Abstract: A liquid and gas tight bi-directional metal frustro-conical seal is energized by compression between planar, annular faces causing its inner and outer diameters to sealingly engage opposing cylindrical surfaces of inner and outer metal pipes. The contact forces between the concentric sealing surfaces are high in order to locally deform the softer metal and eliminate leakage paths. The sealing ring is backed-up by a similar ring that is reduced in cross-sectional width, such that when compressed the ring does not engage the inner and outer cylindrical surfaces. The second ring is nested with and directly below the sealing ring, and equally axially compressed when the joint is assembled. When the pipe joints are disassembled, the second ring serves to restore the seal ring to its original, deeper frustro-conical shape, allowing the pipe joints to be easily separated for reuse of the piping in a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Seal Science & Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Horace P. Halling
  • Publication number: 20110061857
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Max White
  • Publication number: 20110037231
    Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a downhole tool having a movable member (11) which moves relative to a housing, the sealing apparatus comprising: at least one sealing member having (10A) a first position in which the sealing member is spaced from the movable member and a second position in which the sealing member (10B) is in contact with the movable member (IB) to provide a sealing barrier; and switching means for switching the sealing member between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Caledyne Limited
    Inventor: Mark Murray
  • Patent number: 7819184
    Abstract: A logging plug is disclosed having an internal sealing mechanism therein which provides a high degree of sealing integrity between the bore of the plug and a coiled tubing or other means of suspending wellbore equipment running therethrough. The sealing mechanism utilizes a combination of low friction, elastomerically-energized cap seals and ring seals to ensure that the sealing surfaces adapt continuously to the changing profile of the coiled tubing to provide a true dynamic seal around the coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Sachdeva, Marc McCorry, Andrew S. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20100122820
    Abstract: An expandable tubular includes a tubular body and a sealing arrangement disposed on an external surface of the tubular body. The sealing arrangement includes a plurality of seals having a corrugation. A method of manufacturing a sealing arrangement for an expandable tubular includes arranging a plurality of seals about the circumference of an expandable tubular and forming corrugations in the plurality of seals such that the effective length of the plurality of seals is at least 5 percent greater than the circumference of the expandable tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Holland
  • Patent number: 7597328
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a reciprocating shaft includes a body having a bore and a shaft adapted to move reciprocally within the body between an extended position extending from the body and a retracted position retracted within the body. The shaft has a first seal travel area which is in contact with a first seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The shaft has a second seal travel area which is in contact with a second seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The first seal travel area and the second seal travel area are axially spaced separate and distinct areas on the shaft. Damage to the exposed portion of the first seal travel area leading to a failure of the first circumferential seal, does not lead to failure of the second circumferential seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Dean Foote, Clayton Delbridge, Scott Delbridge
  • Patent number: 7487848
    Abstract: A multi-seal sealing assembly with multiple seals so that when one seal wears out another can be moved into sealing position; and a top drive system for wellbore operations with such a sealing assembly; the sealing assembly in one aspect having a seal carrier movable to move at least one secondary seal into sealing position when a primary seal has worn out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Wells, Svein Stubstad, Howard Ervin, James D. Brugman, Paul Conover
  • Patent number: 7445047
    Abstract: An improved seal assembly for use in sliding sleeve valves. The seal assembly incorporates a number of annular, chevron-shaped seal elements that are in a stacked configuration and preferably formed of a thermoplastic material to provide a fluid seal between the outer housing and the inner sleeve member of the sliding sleeve valve. In addition, the seal assembly preferably includes a pair of annular metallic seal members that have a C-ring cross-section (a “C-seal”). On opposite axial sides of each metallic C-seal are a C-seal support ring and an end adapter that are shaped and sized to assist the metallic C-seals to be axially compressed and uncompressed to resiliently seal against both the inner sleeve member and the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Alfredo Gomez
  • Patent number: 7434617
    Abstract: A cup tool for use with a high-pressure mandrel of a wellhead isolation tool has a three-part packoff assembly that slides over a cup tool tube from an unset position to a set position. The three-part pack off assembly includes an elastomeric cup, a rigid alignment ring located above the elastomeric cup and an elastomeric packoff element located above the rigid alignment ring. The rigid alignment ring helps ensure that the elastomeric cup remains correctly aligned in a casing or tubing that is not straight, is out of round or is washed, and helps ensure that the elastomeric packoff achieves a high-pressure seal in the set position, even under adverse downhole conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 7401788
    Abstract: A seal for use in temperature and pressure extremes is disclosed. It features springs internal to the sealing members and the ability to seal against pressure differentials from opposed directions. A spacer ring prevents contact from oppositely oriented seal components and at the same time prevents spring and seal collapse under extreme loading conditions. The seal assembly is self-centering in a downhole seal bore and can be used on tools delivered on wireline, where the insertion forces available are at a minimum. The seal can withstand pressure differentials in excess of 13,500 PSI and temperatures above 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald D. Williams, Edward Wayne Welch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7373973
    Abstract: A bridge plug having a segmented backup shoe, and at least one split cone extrusion limiter, the extrusion limiter comprising a two part conical retainer positioned between packer elements and the segmented backup shoe to block packer element extrusion though spaces between backup shoe segments. In one embodiment, two split cone extrusion limiters are used together and positioned so that each split cone extrusion limiter covers gaps in the other extrusion limiter and together the two split cone extrusion limiters block packer element extrusion though gaps between backup shoe segments regardless of their orientation relative to the segmented backup shoe. In one embodiment, a solid retaining ring is positioned between a split retaining cone extrusion limiter and a packer element and resists extrusion of packer elements into spaces in the split cone extrusion limiter or limiters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Smith, Donny Winslow, Mike Sutton, Tracy Martin
  • Patent number: 7363981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a tool for use in a wellbore is provided. The seal is configured to be disposed in a tool comprising a ported sliding sleeve and a ported housing. The tool may be actuable between a closed and an open position. The seal is configured so that one side of the seal acts as a flow restrictor to protect the other side of the seal from damage during actuation of the tool under pressurized conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Coon, Khai Tran, Antonio Flores, Charles Wintill
  • Patent number: 7360590
    Abstract: A packer element for use in forming a fluid pressure barrier within a wellbore. The packer element uses a thermoplastic component to accomplish the seal against the interior diameter of a surrounding tubular and an energizing component that is preferably formed of elastomeric material. The thermoplastic component of the packer element provides a sealing surface and defines an energizing chamber within. An energizing chamber is defined within the thermoplastic component and contains energizing elements that, when axially compressed, will urge the sealing surface of the thermoplastic component into sealing engagement with the surrounding tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward Kossa, Rafael Ramirez, Richard P. Rubbo
  • Patent number: 7270875
    Abstract: A gland packing characterized in that a water swelling mineral is stuck or impregnated into a surface or an inner part of a gland packing base material. The water swelling mineral is preferably water swelling mica. This gland packing substantially eliminates seizing and can exhibit an excellent sealing property even if the amount of leakage of an internal fluid or injected fluid for lubrication on a sliding surface is lessened as compared with a conventional example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Valqua Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ishida, Kazumasa Takiteru
  • Patent number: 7134491
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for remedying minute seal leaks in downhole tools and equipment. The various embodiments of the present invention utilize pressure activated liquid sealants stored in local reservoirs to remedy such leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harjit Kohli, Hebah Ahmed, Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 7011312
    Abstract: To provide a novel gland packing and a sealing apparatus comprising this, wherein the gland packing displays high and stable sealability for a stem and an inner wall surface of a stuffing box even for uses further requesting the movability (rotation and reciprocating movement), and further, gives excellent effects, such as decrease of moving resistance of a stem, shape stability, adaptability to a corroded and worn-out stem and stuffing box, function for receiving shafts, easiness of equipment, simplification of sealing structure, and compactness of a sealing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nippon Valqua Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ishida
  • Patent number: 6886832
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid jetting system generally includes a fluid cylinder pump, a drive assembly, a pressurized liquid supply and an applicator gun. The drive assembly includes a diesel or electric powered motor which drives a rotatable drive shaft. The drive shaft drives a triple plunger which are reciprocally driven. The plungers communicate fluid from the supply to the gun to selectively jet water from the gun at a pressure of approximately 50,000 psi and 10.0 gallons per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: NLB Corp.
    Inventor: Jamie A. Forrest