Side Entry Patents (Class 166/242.5)
  • Patent number: 10443325
    Abstract: Method and system for pipe conveyed logging (PCL) operations in which the drillpipe conveys a logging tool. The method and system coordinate operation of a wireline winch and drilling rig control systems to synchronize their operation, and/or the method and system attenuate the pull force applied to an upper end of the cable and transmit the attenuated force toward a lower end of the cable to reduce the risks of premature cable release and cable damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shunfeng Zheng, Vishwanathan Parmeshwar
  • Patent number: 9745846
    Abstract: Integrated penetrator and proximity sensor probe assemblies are provided for monitoring a position of a rotating target within a subsea rotating device such as subsea motors and pumps. The integrated penetrator and proximity sensor probe assemblies are configured to communicate information related to the position of the rotating target through a wall of the device housing, and can be inserted through an opening in the wall of the device housing and mounted to the wall of the device to position a proximity sensor tip assembly adjacent the rotating target. The proximity sensor probe assemblies are pressure-compensated and configured to withstand subsea pressures and conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lam Arthur Campbell, Dan Tho Lu, Svein Arild Haugen, Jens Abrahamsen
  • Patent number: 9470072
    Abstract: A Y-tool for use in a wellbore includes: a stem having a bore formed therethrough, a port formed through a wall thereof, and a coupling formed at each end thereof; a branch fastened to the stem and having a passage formed therethrough in fluid communication with the stem port and a coupling formed at an end thereof; and a gasket sealing an interface of the stem port and branch passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ESP COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert P. Fielder, III, Lance I. Fielder
  • Patent number: 9045954
    Abstract: An injection module is used for lateral insertion and bending of a coiled tubing via a side opening in a well. The module is structured for connection to the side opening. The module includes injection equipment for coiled tubing operations. The distinctive characteristic of the injection module is that it also includes an insertion device connected to the injection equipment wherein the insertion device is structured in a manner allowing it to fit within the side opening in the well. A first end portion of the insertion device includes a bending head with a bending path, wherein the bending head is structured in a manner allowing it to directionally deviate the coiled tubing upon conducting the coiled tubing along the bending path. The insertion device is provided with a guide conduit extending from a second end portion of the insertion device and onwards to the bending head for allowing the coiled tubing to be conducted into the bending head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Quality Intervention AS
    Inventor: Bjarne Kåre Langeteig
  • Patent number: 8727022
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of supporting a multilateral window or casing joint from pressurized collapse. In one embodiment, a casing joint assembly is disclosed and includes a casing joint having a pre-milled window defined therein, a sleeve arranged at least partially about the casing joint and configured to cover the pre-milled window, and one or more reinforcing members arranged about the casing joint and interposing the casing joint and the sleeve. The one or more reinforcing members are configured to provide radial support to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: William Wallace Dancer
  • Publication number: 20140008130
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a casing exit include a casing section having a generally cylindrical outer sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end. The outer sleeve may define an outer window extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A generally cylindrical inner sleeve may be received within the outer sleeve and may define an inner window. The inner sleeve may be moveable between a first position in which the inner window is misaligned with the outer window and the inner sleeve substantially closes the outer window, and a second position in which the inner window is aligned with the outer window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Wallace Dancer, Stacey Blaine Donovan
  • Patent number: 8505621
    Abstract: Assemblies can be disposed in a subterranean bore. An assembly can include a recessed portion in an inner wall and another recessed portion in an outer wall. The recessed portions can each be configured to have a cross-sectional thickness that is less than at least another part of the assembly. The assembly can provide a seal between an inner region defined by the assembly and an environment exterior to the assembly prior to a window being created in the recessed portion in the outer wall through which a branch wellbore can be formed. The recessed portion in the inner wall can guide a cutting tool toward the recessed portion in the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Alexander Telfer, Dan Parnell Saurer
  • Patent number: 8403039
    Abstract: A system and method for accessing an annulus within a wellhead assembly while the annulus is pressurized. The system includes a tubular body with an attached valve assembly and adapter. The adapter to the wellhead assembly with a sealed annular fitting. The body houses a selectively extendable plunger assembly rotatable by an attached motor. A bit or milling device is provided on the end of the plunger assembly, so that selectively extending the plunger assembly through the valve assembly and adapter contacts the bit against the wellhead assembly. An opening is formed through the wellhead assembly with the rotating bit allowing access to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Howell, David Daniel Comeaux, Richard Porteous, Mariusz Karp
  • Patent number: 8291973
    Abstract: A variable offset joint is provided for downhole tools, including a first downhole member, a second downhole member, and at least one intermediate element pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member. The variable offset joint further includes a coupler member adapted to maintain a predetermined lateral offset between the first and second downhole members. The coupler member further includes a zone of weakness adapted to fracture when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold. In one example, a plurality of intermediate elements are each pivotally coupled to the first and second downhole members. In another example, the coupler member extends between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements. In another example, adjusting a length of the coupler member selectively adjusts the predetermined lateral offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Johnson, Phillip Paul Hnatiuk
  • Patent number: 8181700
    Abstract: The method of displacing fluids in the annulus between pressurized casing strings inside an active oil or gas well by providing a controlled turndown insert and guides then inserting and retrieving a flexible hose without it folding or buckling while being pushed or pulled through a wellhead system orifice with relatively sharp edges at the annulus opening where the hose must make a 90 degree turn from horizontal to vertical within a short radius without cutting, crimping or tearing the hose then seating and holding the hose while fluids are injected, all the while providing protection against well blow out or other pressure problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 8162054
    Abstract: One apparatus for releasing a chemical in a well bore includes a casing collar configured to couple to a casing string. A chemical container is disposed within the casing collar, and the casing collar is configured to release the chemical from the chemical reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Gary P. Funkhouser, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8136601
    Abstract: A device for increasing the production flow in a production tubing, where the production tubing has at least one inlet or port for adding a fluid medium, adds the fluid medium through the at least one inlet or port at an angle ? between 90 and 0 degrees with a longitudinal axis of the production tubing. The device further has elements that provide a rotation of the added fluid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Technology Company
    Inventors: Magnar Tveiten, David Hutchinson, Egil Josefsen, Kristian Harestad
  • Patent number: 8069920
    Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Knight Information Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gerald J. Cronley, Timothy T. Torrez
  • Publication number: 20110240282
    Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. An assembly can include a recessed portion in an inner wall and another recessed portion in an outer wall. The recessed portions can each be configured to have a cross-sectional thickness that is less than at least another part of the assembly. The assembly can provide a seal between an inner region defined by the assembly and an environment exterior to the assembly prior to a window being created in the recessed portion in the outer wall through which a branch wellbore can be formed. The recessed portion in the inner wall can guide a cutting tool toward the recessed portion in the outer wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Stuart Alexander Telfer, Dan Parnell Saurer
  • Patent number: 7950467
    Abstract: This invention describes a conveyor tube for use in installing or replacing a well tool in a producing well, wherein the well tool is fed into the conveyor tube which at least runs between a valve tree and at least one receiving unit in the well, and wherein the conveyor tube is installed on the outside of and in fluid communication with a production tube in the well. A method for using same is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Ziebel Group
    Inventor: Henning Hansen
  • Patent number: 7861787
    Abstract: A wellbore tubular including: an inner tubular wall; an opening through the inner tubular wall; an outer tubular wall positioned about the inner tubular, the outer tubular wall including an opening therethrough; a chamber between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall; and a chemical treatment material in the chamber and positioned between the opening of the inner tubular wall and the opening of the outer tubular wall. The wellbore tubular may be used in downhole fluid treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Absolute Completion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Thane Geoffrey Russell
  • Patent number: 7841413
    Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a body having flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sub and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit, and a brace which reduces and/or eliminates the transfer of forces from the chicksan line to the valve and inlet of the side entry sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mako Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry P. Robichaux, Ron Robichaux, Kenneth G. Caillouet
  • Patent number: 7793731
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a wireline on a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a main body having first and second entry ports, and wherein the first entry port is configured to receive the wireline. A bearing nut is operatively attached to the main body. A mandrel is partially disposed within the bearing nut, and wherein the mandrel is capable of rotating. A sleeve, disposed within a receptacle bore, is also included. The sleeve may have an inner conical surface. A method of performing wireline work is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7621331
    Abstract: A fluid communication nipple including a tubular mandrel having an interior surface defining an internal bore and a passageway extending substantially lengthwise along a portion of the mandrel. The passageway is defined by an exterior wall section and an interior wall section, wherein the interior wall section extends outward from the interior surface into the bore. When it is desired to establish fluid communication through the passageway between the exterior and interior of the nipple an opening is formed through the internal wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Mescall, Iain Caulfield, Russell A. Johnston, David E. McCalvin
  • Patent number: 7600582
    Abstract: An instrument housing for a drill string, comprising: a cylindrical housing having a cavity for receiving an instrument assembly such as a transmitter sonde; an elongated side load opening disposed parallel with and toward one end of the cavity and formed through a side of the cylindrical housing into the cavity. The side load opening is substantially shorter than the length of the instrument assembly; and an elongated side load door assembly is configured to fit within the side load opening, to enclose and secure the instrument assembly within the cylindrical housing such that the instrument is protected from loss or damage due to loss or damage to the side load door during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Texas HDD, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald (Riff) F. Wright, Jr., David G. Bullock
  • Patent number: 7584795
    Abstract: A sealed branch wellbore transition joint. A method of completing a well having intersecting wellbores includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in a wellbore; diverting an assembly from the wellbore into another wellbore; and swelling a sealing material on the assembly, so that a seal is formed between the assembly and the diverter. A completion system for a well having intersecting wellbores includes a diverter positioned in a wellbore, an assembly extending laterally across the wellbore, and a sealing material on the assembly. The sealing material is swollen so that a seal is formed between the assembly and the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Hepburn, Frode Berge, Karl Demong
  • Patent number: 7533732
    Abstract: A borehole entry apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual entry apparatus for use in borehole entry applications, such as slick line and/or wireline (electric wireline) applications. Exemplary embodiments of this invention enable first and second borehole entry apparatuses, such as slick line and wireline tool assemblies, to be simultaneously coupled to a well head. Use of the invention tends to advantageously save rig time and thus reduce the cost of slick line and wireline operations, in particular on a deep-water offshore drilling rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Dwayne Boyd
  • Patent number: 7451810
    Abstract: A kickover tool is disclosed for installing and retrieving a well flow control device from a side pocket mandrel in a wellbore. The kickover tool includes a spring-loaded key which has an outer circumferential surface having a predetermined machined pattern formed therein. Each side pocket mandrel in the tubing string contains a profile having a predetermined machined pattern. The spring-loaded key will engage the side pocket mandrel with a profile matching the pattern on the outer circumferential surface of the spring-loaded key. When that engagement occurs, the articulated arm of the kickover tool is permitted to be deployed to insert a well flow control device in the side pocket of the side pocket mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Elijah D. Jackson, Michael S. Lane, Tyson Messick, Kenneth C. Burnett, III
  • Patent number: 7392850
    Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first sub configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second sub configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second sub contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7377316
    Abstract: An apparatus for lowering wireline into a well. The apparatus comprises a sleeve having a first and second end, wherein the first end contains a first plurality of wedges and the second end contains a second plurality of wedges. The apparatus further includes an upper mandrel having a third plurality of wedges that are configured to engage the first plurality of wedges and a first cap configured to engage the upper mandrel, wherein the first cap contains a first and second passage, and wherein the first passage is configured to receive the wireline. The apparatus further comprises a lower mandrel having a fourth plurality of wedges that engage with the second plurality of wedges, and a second cap configured to engage the lower mandrel, wherein the second cap contains an opening that has the lower mandrel disposed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7350577
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for injecting a compressible fluid at a controlled flow rate into a geological formation at multiple zones of interest. In one aspect, the invention provides a tubing string with a pocket and a nozzle at each isolated zone. The nozzle permits a predetermined, controlled flow rate to be maintained at higher annulus to tubing pressure ratios. In another aspect, the present invention assures that the fluid is supplied uniformly to a long horizontal wellbore by providing controlled injection at multiple locations that are distributed throughout the length of the wellbore. In another aspect, the invention ensures that saturated steam is injected into a formation in a predetermined proportion of water and vapor by providing a plurality of apertures between a tubing wall and a pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Howard, Jackie C. Sims, Dudley L. Robinson, Ronald W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7316276
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring torque on a rig. The apparatus comprises a central body having a central passage, and a first plurality of splines formed within the central passage and a second plurality of splines formed on a bottom sub, and wherein the first plurality of splines and the second plurality of splines cooperate to engage and transfer the torque applied to the central body. A third plurality of splines may be formed within the central passage, and a fourth plurality of splines formed on a top sub may be included that cooperates to engage and transfer the torque applied to the cental body with the third plurality of splines. In one of the preferred embodiments, the top sub is connected to a top drive of a rig. The apparatus may further comprise a first threaded cap engaging that contains an opening in communication with the central passage. A wireline is disposed within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7264060
    Abstract: A side entry sub for use with a drill string, where the side entry sub receives a wireline within its inner diameter. The present invention includes a device capable of severing the wireline proximate to the side entry sub. The present invention can further include a capturing device to grapple the severed portion of the wireline to prevent it from being dropped within the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Philip Wills
  • Patent number: 7261155
    Abstract: An integrated side-entry sub with grease injection flow tubes is adapted for making up in a drill string and includes a port to receive a cable, such as a wire line. A first pedestal, mounted within a cutout of the side entry sub, provides entry for the cable into the entry port. The first pedestal receives a first flow tube, which couples to a lower connector manifold. The lower connector manifold further provides a grease injection port. A second flow tube, coupled to the lower connector manifold, runs to an upper connector manifold. The upper connector manifold further provides an grease return port, as well an the entry point for cable into the sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Varco I/P
    Inventors: Richard M. Ward, Ross E. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7213657
    Abstract: A coupler and a method for installing an instrumentation line, such as fiber optic cable, into a wellbore. The coupler places upper and lower instrumentation lines in communication with one another downhole to form a single line. The coupler comprises a landing tool and a stinger that lands on the landing tool, thereby placing the upper and the lower instrumentation lines in communication. The landing tool is run into the wellbore at the lower end of a tubular, such as production tubing. The upper instrumentation line affixes to the tubing and landing tool and extends to the surface. The lower instrumentation line affixes along the stinger. In this manner, the lower instrumentation line may be installed after expansion of a well screen or liner and may be later removed from the wellbore prior to well workover procedures without pulling the production string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gisle Vold, Mike Foster, Jesse Constantine
  • Patent number: 7131497
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to allow tools disposed upon a conduit to enter the bore of a drillstring is presented. The apparatuses and methods include the use of one or more articulated knuckle joints at ends of an entry sub. The articulated knuckle joints are capable of articulating the entry sub among various conduit entry and load carrying positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Specialty Rental Tools & Supply, LP
    Inventors: Charles M. Helms, Vernon E. Kauffman, Douglas B. Leeth, John A. Lemke, Max H. Smith
  • Patent number: 6923274
    Abstract: An apparatus for drilling one or more holes at an angle to a wellbore. The apparatus includes a tubular housing defining one or more openings. Each opening is configured to provide an exit through which a drilling assembly drills to form a hole at an angle to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes one or more deflectors. Each deflector defines a surface for guiding the drilling assembly through an opening, and each deflector is positioned inside the tubular housing such that the surface is facing the opening. The apparatus further includes an anchor having a bottom portion attached to a top portion of the tubular housing and having a top portion configured to be removably fixed to a conveyance tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Dale Rodgers, Mark C. Glaser, Doug Durst, Mike Johnson, Steve R. Delgado, Mark Ryan
  • Patent number: 6845817
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in manipulating an eccentrically located well bore device. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a main body attachable to a conveyance member; an arm hinged to the main body; a lock assembly for selectively retaining the arm in a locked position and releasing the arm from the locked position; a kick over assembly for moving the arm to kicked over position; and an adapter connected to the lift arm, the adapter connectable with a tool for latching onto the device. The kick over assembly comprises a kick member operatively connected to the arm and a biasing member having a first end connected to the arm and a second end connected to the kick member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: John Schraub
  • Patent number: 6810955
    Abstract: A side-pocket gas lift mandrel having tapered end caps threaded onto the ends of the mandrel with metal-to-metal sealing threads. The thickness of each made up thread set is the same as the thickness of the small end of each end cap, resulting in a mandrel having the same outside diameter as if the end caps were welded on, without sacrificing any inside diameter in the small ends of the end caps, compared to a welded mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian A. Roth, Roger D. Hegdahl, James H. Kritzler
  • Patent number: 6755247
    Abstract: Fluid property sensors and associated methods of calibrating sensors in a well provide enhanced well monitoring and control. In one described embodiment, an external venturi flowmeter is utilized to determine a flow rate of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In another described embodiment, a gamma ray fluid density sensor utilizes a unique combination of gamma ray sources and detectors to determine a density of fluid flowing through a tubing string. In yet another embodiment, external tubing string sensors are used to determine properties of fluid from a zone into a tubing string, independent of flow into the tubing string of fluid produced from any upstream zone. In still another embodiment, sensor systems for multiple independently produced zones are calibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Moake, Eugene Linyaev, Robert A. Moore, John P. Rogers
  • Patent number: 6732805
    Abstract: A side entry tool having a lower end portion for receiving a saver sub thereon. There is further provided a sleeve portion positioned in the lower end of the side entry tool having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the tool body; the sleeve would have undergone heat treatment to a certain rockwell hardness so that because of the smaller diameter of the sleeve, any contact of the wireline with the tool body would make contact with the hardened sleeve, which could take the contact without a groove or cut being formed in the sleeve. The sleeve would be held in place with a set screw at its lower end to prevent it from rotating. In the event the sleeve indicates wireline wear, the set screw would be loosened and the sleeve would be rotated so that the wireline would make contact with a non-affected portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Boyd's Bit Service, Inc.
    Inventor: Harper Boyd
  • Patent number: 6644403
    Abstract: An operating well of a fluid storage reserve, includes an outer wall delimiting, with a central operating tubing of the well, an annular space in which is placed a protective sheath of an electrical link cable between a surface installation and elements arranged in the well. A device for the measurement of physical parameters includes at least one compact, removable, sealed measuring subassembly arranged in a housing in communication with the interior of the central tubing and at least one compact, sealed connecting subassembly integral with the central tubing of the well and arranged at least partially in the annular space in the vicinity of the protective sheath to be connected to the electrical link cable. The sealed measuring subassembly and the sealed connecting subassembly have plane contact surfaces, each associated with a half-transformer so as to form an inductive coupling between the measuring subassembly and the connecting subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gaz de France
    Inventors: Thierry Pichery, Christian Sirieix
  • Patent number: 6634427
    Abstract: Drill string sections are provided comprising internal passages that may be used to facilitate the electrical or hydraulic connection of multiple devices, such as sensors, arranged at spaced apart positions along the length of the drill sections. Methods of manufacturing the drill string sections are also provided, wherein the internal passages are formed by a first passage, a second passage, and a connecting passage therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Turner, Ronald E. Seppa
  • Publication number: 20030183384
    Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore, comprises a tubular member, such as a drill collar housing, in a drill string. The tubular member has at least one cavity formed on an external surface. At least one housing is adapted to be insertable and extractable in the cavity without further tool disassembly. The housing has at least one electrical device such as a battery stack disposed within. In another aspect, sensors are disposed in the housing for measuring downhole parameters of interest including, but not limited to, annulus pressure and annulus temperature. A method of replacing an electrical device in a downhole tool, comprises removing a first housing containing the electrical device from a cavity on an external surface of the downhole tool, and installing a second housing containing a second electrical device in the cavity without disassembling the tool further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Pralay K. Das, Joe Marzouk
  • Publication number: 20030136556
    Abstract: This invention provides a tubing hanger system which permits isolation of the production tubing from the electrical power cable, thereby isolating the electrical power cable from high pressures encountered in the production tubing. Further, the tubing hanger system enables pressure testing of the integrity of both the production and cable seals, without requiring disassembly of any components of the tubing hanger assembly or damaging the electrical power cable, in advance of high pressure operations. Specifically, the invention provides a tubing hanger assembly for use in a tubing head of a production well, and which provides for passage of production fluids from the production tubing mounted therebelow, through a central bore in the tubing head and through the tubing hanger assembly, while also providing isolation of the production tubing from an electrical power cable passing through the tubing hanger assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael James Cornelssen, Keith David Farquharson
  • Patent number: 6568478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to stabilize the production of oil wells. The device is used in a tubing of an oil well and it is intended to overcome the harmful effects provoked by the unstable flow of multiphase flows which are produced by some oil wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventor: Alcino Resende De Almeida
  • Publication number: 20030066649
    Abstract: A subterranean well production system utilizes a single well to perform both hydrocarbon fluid production and water dumpflooding processes. The well has a primary wellbore that is communicated with first and second subterranean zones respectively containing hydrocarbon fluid and higher pressure water. A second, lateral wellbore extends from the primary wellbore and communicates with the first zone. A remotely controllable routing system, including a valved production tubing structure extending through the primary wellbore, is operable to (1) flow hydrocarbon fluid from the first zone to the surface via the production tubing and (2) simultaneously dumpflood water from the second zone into the first zone, via the production tubing, to increase the pressure within the first zone and thereby increase the hydrocarbon fluid production rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Leo W. Koot, Michael R. Konopczynski
  • Patent number: 6543541
    Abstract: A method for controlling entry from a main bore of a casing into a lateral bore of a producing well which incorporates (i) means for surface-actuated flow control in the lateral bore (ii) a flow control means located in the casing adjacent to the lateral bore, and said method comprising the steps of: a) removing the flow control means when entry to the lateral bore is required, said flow control means having an internal passage allowing upward flow of produced fluid from the main bore and through said passage; b) mounting a locating nipple on the casing adjacent to the lateral bore; c) engaging the flow control means with the nipple to locate the flow control means in the casing; and d) providing diverter means in the casing which engages with and is orientable relative to the nipple and operates to guide entry to the lateral bore from above the nipple following removal of said flow control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Omega Completion Technology Limited
    Inventors: Mark Buyers, David Forsythe
  • Publication number: 20030010498
    Abstract: A device and method for delivering fracture fluid (e.g., erosive materials) into an oilfield wellbore while the well has wireline, coiled tubing, jointed tubing or any other apparatus encumbering the flow path of the erosive fluid that is being injected into the device. The device provides the ability to insert and remove equipment in the wellbore during fluid treatment while maintaining access to the full wellbore diameter. The invention also provides a method for delivery and positive, down-hole displacement of material (i.e., diverting material including, but not limited to buoyant ball sealers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Randy C. Tolman, Curtis Kofoed
  • Patent number: 6457530
    Abstract: A monolithic pumping tree combining a bottom connection, production blow-out preventer section, flow tee section and top connection is cast so as to provide an access port extending downwardly through the side wall of the tree from its outer surface, to connect with either the central vertical bore of the tree or its horizontal bottom surface, thereby enabling coiled tubing to be inserted either into the tubing string bore or into the annulus between the tubing and production casing strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tony M. Lam, Keith D. Farquharson, Daniel J. Riddell
  • Patent number: 6422312
    Abstract: In a multiple well completion, spaced apart production packers isolate independent production zones from one another. In each isolated production zone, a side pocket mandrel with a full opening bore has lengthwise extending side by side elongated pockets (1) for receiving a static pressure measuring instrument or tool (static pressure pocket); (2) for providing a venturi flow passageway (flow passageway pocket); and (3) for receiving a differential pressure measuring tool (differential pressure pocket). The static pressure measuring tool and the differential pressure measuring tool or instrument are commonly connected by a data coupling means to a single electrical conductor line which is strapped to the string of tubing and extends to the earth's surface for transmission of control signals and data signals between the earth's surface and the various side pocket tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignees: Retrievable Information Systems, LLC, Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Leroy C. Delatorre, James Reaux, Arthur J. Morris, Ronald E. Pringle
  • Patent number: 6419021
    Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Grant E. E. George, Stephen M. Begg
  • Patent number: 6343651
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore having a tubing includes a flow control assembly having at least one orifice and a bore capable of communicating with a bore of the tubing. The flow control assembly includes at least one valve adapted to control fluid flow through the at least one orifice to the bore. The at least one valve is adapted to be actuated between an open position, a closed position, and at least an intermediate position. A sand control assembly is coupled to the flow control assembly and includes a sand screen and a flow path defined inside the sand screen in fluid communication with the at least one orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 6338385
    Abstract: A downhole adjustable choke includes a choke body which is adapted to be lowered into a borehole. The choke body has a bore and an orifice connected to the bore. A sleeve is disposed inside the bore of the choke body. The sleeve has an orifice which is aligned with the orifice in the choke body. An actuator is coupled to move a flow plug inside the sleeve so that the flow area of the orifice in the sleeve is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventor: John Daniel Muchow
  • Publication number: 20010027879
    Abstract: A system is provided for drilling and logging of a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system comprises a drill string provided with an external recess extending in longitudinal direction of the drill string, a fluid passage for flow of drilling fluid from an upper end of the drill string to a lower end thereof, and a port providing fluid communication between the fluid passage and the recess. The system further comprises a logging tool string capable of passing through the fluid passage and from the fluid passage via the port into the recess, and a removable closure element adapted to selectively close the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Douwe Johannes Runia