| WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20150376960 | CENTRALIZER - A centralizer sub for cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: a tubular body; a centralizer disposed along an outer surface of the body and having a pair of collars and a plurality of bow springs connecting the collars; and a joint longitudinally linking the centralizer to the body. The joint has: a groove formed in and around the body outer surface, and a plurality of protrusions formed integrally with or mounted to one of the collars and extending into the groove. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150308209 | System and Method for Managed Pressure Wellbore Strengthening - Systems and methods for wellbore strengthening are disclosed. An effective way to strengthen a wellbore and prevent future fractures during drilling operations is to induce fractures having a desired fracture width profile and fracture length. Surface back pressure can be used to accurately induce such fractures. The induced fractures which are then sealed can increase fracture gradient of the wellbore thus mitigating future fractures. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308208 | Plug and Gun Apparatus and Method for Cementing and Perforating Casing - An apparatus is used in cementing and perforating casing in a borehole. A cement head disposed on the casing has first and second containers. A first plug positioned in the first container deploys from the cement head in the casing in advance of cement slurry. An assembly positioned in the second container deploys from the cement head in the casing after the cement slurry. The first plug lands on a float collar on the casing, and a breachable passage in the first plug opens and allows the cement slurry to pass into the borehole annulus. The assembly has a wiper and has one or more charges. The wiper wipes the casing as the assembly is displaced down the casing with displacing fluid. Eventually, the assembly lands at the first plug, and hydraulic pressure applied in the casing activates the one or more charges to perforate the casing. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150292323 | System and Method for Integrated Wellbore Stress, Stability and Strengthening Analyses - Systems and methods for an integrated wellbore stress, stability and strengthening analysis are disclosed. An integrated geomechanical tool can be used to analyze and evaluate stress along the length of the wellbore to identify a safe drilling mud weight window and help identify troublesome zones in the wellbore. Fracture length may then be predicted in the identified troublesome zones by using a stress tensor calculated during the stress analysis. The calculated fracture length may be used to perform a strengthening analysis. After performing strengthening analysis, mud loss may be predicted based on predicted fracture size calculated during the stress, stability and strengthening analyses. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150275592 | SWIVEL ELEVATOR - A method and apparatus for attaching tubulars to a tubular string in a well bore. The apparatus includes a drill rig elevator configured with a rotatable set of slips that grip the tubular to be added to the tubular string. As a result, the elevator can grip the tubular to pick up and position the tubular and can continue to grip the tubular as the tubular is spun to be threaded onto the tubular string in the well bore. The slips can also be moved axially to compensate for movement of the tubular toward the tubular string as the tubular threadingly attaches to the tubular string. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150243471 | Alignment Marking for Rock Sample Analysis - A method for using a Focused Ion Beam and/or Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB/SEM) for etching one or more alignment markers on a rock sample, the one or more alignment markers being etched on the rock sample using the FIB/SEM. The one or more alignment markers may further be deposited with a platinum alloy or other suitable compositions for increasing alignment marker visibility. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150226023 | DOWNHOLE TOOL AND METHOD FOR PASSING CONTROL LINE THROUGH TOOL - A method and apparatus for a downhole tool. In one embodiment, a method of deploying a tool in a wellbore is disclosed and consists of installing a tool body at an upper end of a tubular string extending from a wellbore, the body having at least one control line groove formed on its outer surface for housing at least one control line, the at least one control line housed therein; providing an assembly, the assembly strung on the at least one control line and including a compressible element with at least one ring on each end thereof; at least one ring on each end of the element; a locking ring at an upper end of the assembly. The method further includes installing the assembly over the body whereby the at least one control line is housed between the body and the assembly. | 08-13-2015 |
| 20150218938 | Hard-Mounted EM Telemetry System for MWD Tool in Bottom Hole Assembly - An MWD apparatus has a bottomhole assembly for supporting a tool string and an antenna. The tool string has a sensor and an electromagnetic telemetry device. The tool string affixes in a muleshoe and carrier sub of the assembly using a stinger and fastener. An antenna disposes in an emitter sub of the assembly. The antenna is attached to extend from the tool string so the antenna is in electrical communication with the telemetry device. Finally, the portions of the assembly are connected together, and the antenna is affixed in the uphole portion of the assembly using a conductive landing and one or more fasteners. In this way, the tool string and the antenna are held in tension inside the assembly. The MWD apparatus can be used with an air drilling assembly having an air hammer and a motor coupled downhole of the apparatus. Non-magnetic and regular drill collars can couple uphole of the apparatus, along with a jet sub. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150211319 | LOW PROFILE ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150198030 | Ultrasonic Logging Methods and Apparatus for Measuring Cement and Casing Properties Using Acoustic Echoes - A method and apparatus for measuring parameters of a borehole using an acoustic logging system. By transmitting a high frequency acoustic signal essentially perpendicular to the major axis of a borehole casing using a transducer, the high frequency acoustic signal may produce one or more acoustic echoes. By receiving and analyzing a first acoustic echo from an inner wall of the borehole casing and at least one second acoustic echo from a back wall of the borehole casing, borehole parameters such as the impedance of the casing cement and the thickness of thicker borehole casings, up to and greater than 1 inch, may be determined. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150176377 | DAMPENER LUBRICATOR FOR PLUNGER LIFT SYSTEM - A lubricator for use in a plunger lift system includes a tubular body having an outlet formed through a wall thereof and a bore therethrough. The bore is closed at an end thereof. The lubricator further includes a striker assembly disposed within the bore. The striker assembly includes a dampener housing longitudinally movable relative to the tubular body between a ready position and a stroked position and a choke plate. The choke plate: is disposed in the dampener housing, separates a bore of the housing into an upper hydraulic chamber and a lower hydraulic chamber, and has one or more orifices formed therethrough. The striker assembly further includes a dampener support rod connecting the choke plate to the tubular body. The orifices are sized to dissipate kinetic energy of a plunger striking a lower end of the dampener housing. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150144325 | VOLUME SYNCHRONIZER FOR TUBULAR HANDLING TOOLS - A control system is configured to actuate a tubular handling tool. The system includes a fluid source and a tubular handling tool having a plurality of piston cylinders and a plurality of slips configured to engage a tubular string. The system also includes a volume synchronizer having a plurality of first chambers in fluid communication with the fluid source, a plurality of second chambers in fluid communication with the piston cylinders, a piston separating each of the first and second chambers, and a rod member connected to each piston. Pressurized fluid supplied to the first chambers simultaneously moves each of the pistons to simultaneously force pressurized fluid out of the second chambers and into the piston cylinders to actuate the slips into engagement with the tubular string. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150136407 | ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE DOCKING STATION - A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150136396 | TELEMETRY OPERATED BALL RELEASE SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a ball release system for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing, a seat disposed in the housing and comprising arcuate segments arranged to form a ring, each segment radially movable between a catch position for receiving a ball and a release position, a cam disposed in the housing, longitudinally movable relative thereto, and operable to move the seat segments between the positions, an actuator operable to move the cam, and an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150136395 | TELEMETRY OPERATED CEMENTING PLUG RELEASE SYSTEM - A plug release system for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore includes: a wiper plug; a tubular housing; a latch for releasably connecting the wiper plug to the housing. The latch includes: a fastener engageable with one of the wiper plug and the housing; a lock movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock keeping the fastener engaged in the locked position; and an actuator connected to the lock and operable to at least move the lock from the locked position to the unlocked position. The plug release system further includes an electronics package disposed in the housing and in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150136393 | TELEMETRY OPERATED SETTING TOOL - A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150129229 | FRACKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A downhole tool for treating a zone adjacent a wellbore, comprising a body having at least two separable portions, the portions operable to open and close a fluid path through the tool, and at least one manipulator, like a spring-loaded finger, to establish a fluid path between an interior and exterior of the wellbore, thereby permitting a zone adjacent the wellbore to be treated. In another embodiment a method is disclosed for treating a zone of interest adjacent a wellbore. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150090497 | Directional Drilling Using Variable Bit Speed, Thrust, and Active Deflection - A downhole assembly for directionally drilling a borehole has a motor, a transmission, and a steering mechanism. The motor has a rotor driven in a stator by flow of drilling fluid therebetween. The transmission operatively couples the rotor to a drill bit for drilling the borehole. A flow control controls the flow of drilling fluid through an internal passage of the rotor. The flow control can thereby vary the drive of the rotor in a bit speed effect that preferentially cuts the wall of the borehole to achieve directional drilling. The flow control can also thereby create a differential pressure displacing the rotor along a longitudinal axis of the motor in a thrust effect. The steering mechanism responds to the displacement of the rotor and deviates a direction of the drill bit from the longitudinal axis of the motor to further achieve directional drilling. The bit speed effect, the rotor displacement, and the deviation are preferentially coordinated to coincide or at least operate together. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150090494 | RFID DEVICE FOR USE DOWNHOLE - In one embodiment, a radio-frequency identification device for use in a wellbore includes a housing made of a polymer; and an antenna disposed in the housing. The polymer may be selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, a plastic, a rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, and combinations thereof. The RFID device may also include a fill material disposed in the housing. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150083494 | USE OF DOWNHOLE ISOLATION VALVE TO SENSE ANNULUS PRESSURE - A method of drilling a wellbore includes deploying a drill string into the wellbore through a casing string disposed in the wellbore. The casing string has a pressure responsive element and a hydraulic line in communication with the element and extending along the casing string. The method further includes: drilling the wellbore into a formation by injecting drilling fluid through the drill string and rotating a drill bit of the drill sting; and while drilling the formation, monitoring a pressure of the hydraulic line to ensure control of the formation. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150068810 | Apparatus for Preventing Separation of Downhole Motor from Drillstring - A separation catch mechanism disposed above a power section of a motor prevents full separation of lower components of the motor from upper components and an attached drillstring. An extension of the mechanism has a first end coupled to the rotor and has a second end disposed in a housing member beyond a seat. An expandable shoulder, such as a washer, disposed on the second end of the extension can be expanded thereon to engage the seat should housing components separate from one another on the motor. To expand the washer after being inserted during assembly past the seat, the second end of the extension has a tapered head on which the washer is disposed. The outside diameter of the washer is expanded on the tapered head by tightening a nut against the washer. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068743 | Multi-Zone Bypass Packer Assembly for Gravel Packing Boreholes - A gravel pack assembly includes screen sections with a packer between them. A first screen section communicates an uphole annulus with the assembly's interior passage, and a second screen section communicates a downhole annulus with the interior passage. A housing of the packer has an internal bore communicating with the assembly's interior passage and has an internal bypass communicating external ports with one another. A first packer element disposed between the external ports restricts gravel passage at least from the uphole to the downhole annulus. A second packer element disposed downhole from a second of the external ports is independently actuated to isolate fluid passage between the uphole and downhole annulus. One or more transport tubes communicate slurry from the uphole annulus to the internal bypass once the uphole annulus is packed with gravel. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150060088 | Packer Having Swellable and Compressible Elements - A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150053485 | Wired or Ported Transmission Shaft and Universal Joints for Downhole Drilling Motor - A bottom hole assembly for a drill string has a mud motor and a mandrel. The motor has a rotor driven by drilling fluid flow, and the rotor defines a bore for passage of fluid flow and/or conductors. The mandrel has a bore for passage of the conductors and/or fluid flow, and rotation of the mandrel rotates a drill bit. A shaft and universal joints transfer the drive of the rotor to the mandrel. To pass the conductors from a sonde uphole of the motor to electronics disposed with the mandrel and/or to conduct fluid flow, inner beams dispose in a bore of the shaft to seal at the ends of the shaft coupled to the first and second universal joints. Each beam has an internal passage for the conductors and/or fluid flow. One of the universal joints and inner beams compensate for eccentricity in motion of the rotor, while the other second universal joint and inner beam compensate for a bend in the downhole assembly. Each of the inner beams is at least partially flexible to compensate for articulation at the universal joints. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150034326 | System and Method for Managing Heave Pressure from a Floating Rig - A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating a required amount of the fluid either into or out of the riser annulus. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below a RCD is moving while drilling. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150027732 | TOP DRIVE STAND COMPENSATOR WITH FILL UP TOOL - A compensation and fill up assembly comprises a slip assembly for engaging a tubular and a compensation assembly for supporting a weight of the tubular when engaged by the slip assembly. The compensation and fill up assembly further comprises a fluid swivel and a fill up tool coupled to the fluid swivel by a fluid shaft. The fill up tool is insertable into and rotatable with the tubular using the fluid swivel. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150027724 | Electronically-Actuated, Multi-Set Straddle Borehole Treatment Apparatus - A straddle apparatus deploys in a borehole with tubing to treat different zones of a formation. The apparatus has first and second packer elements and a flow element disposed on the apparatus. The first and second packer elements have fill ports in fluid communication with the tubing and have packer valves. These packer valves are biased to open fluid communication between the packer elements and the fill port so the packer elements can be inflated to seal off a section of the borehole when fluid pressure is applied down the tubing string. The flow unit has a flow port in fluid communication with the tubing and has a flow valve biased to close fluid communication between the flow port and the borehole. Once the elements inflate, one or more control units on the apparatus electronically activate the at packer valves to close fluid communication between the packer elements and the fill ports. Then, the one or more control units electronically activate the flow valve to open fluid communication between the flow port and the borehole so treatment can be applied to the formation zone in the isolated borehole section. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150027688 | INTERLOCKING LOW PROFILE ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A system and method is provided for a low profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. An embodiment allows a LP-RCD to be removably disposed with a LP-RCD housing by rotating a bearing assembly rotating plate. A sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly by rotating a seal retainer ring. Alternatively, a sealing element may be removably disposed with the LP-RCD bearing assembly with a seal support member threadedly attached with the LP-RCD bearing assembly. The seal support member may be locked in position with a seal locking ring removably attached with threads with the LP-RCD bearing assembly over the seal support member. Spaced apart accumulators may be disposed radially outward of the bearings in the bearing assembly to provide self lubrication to the bearings. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150007977 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CEMENTED MULTI-ZONE COMPLETIONS - A method and apparatus for determining a parameter of a production fluid in a wellbore by providing an initially blocked isolated communication path between a sensor and an aperture formed in a sleeve. The isolated communication path is subsequently unblocked to allow measurements of the parameter of the production fluid. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20140367114 | LATCH POSITION INDICATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - Latch position indicator systems remotely determine whether a latch assembly is latched or unlatched. The latch assembly may be a single latch assembly or a dual latch assembly. An oilfield device may be positioned with the latch assembly. Non-contact (position), contact (on/off and/or position) and hydraulic (flowmeter), both direct and indirect, embodiments include fluid measurement systems, an electrical switch system, a mechanical valve system, and proximity sensor systems. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140352944 | PACKOFF FOR LINER DEPLOYMENT ASSEMBLY - A packoff for hanging a liner string from a tubular string cemented in a wellbore includes: a tubular body having an outer groove and an inner groove; an inner seal assembly disposed in the inner groove; an outer seal assembly disposed in the outer groove; a cap connected to an upper end of the body for retaining the seal assemblies; a plurality dogs disposed in respective openings formed through a wall of the body; and a lock sleeve. The lock sleeve is: disposed in the body, longitudinally movable relative to the body, and has a cam profile formed in an outer surface thereof for extending the dogs. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140341501 | TIME DELAY COMPENSATION FOR OPTICAL WAVEGUIDES USING A BIDIRECTIONAL WAVELENGTH SCAN - Methods and apparatus for accurately determining wavelength by compensating a time delay using a bidirectional wavelength scan are provided. One example method generally includes introducing first wavelength-swept light into an optical waveguide according to a first sweep function having a first wavelength sweep direction; interrogating one or more optical elements, having characteristic wavelengths, with the first wavelength-swept light to produce a first set of optical signals, wherein the optical elements are disposed along the optical waveguide; introducing second wavelength-swept light into the optical waveguide according to a second sweep function having a second wavelength sweep direction, wherein the second wavelength sweep direction is opposite the first wavelength sweep direction; interrogating the optical elements with the second wavelength-swept light to produce a second set of optical signals; and determining a parameter associated with at least one of the optical elements based on the first and second sets of optical signals. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140340235 | TIME DIVISION MULTIPLEXING (TDM) AND WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING (WDM) FAST-SWEEP INTERROGATOR - Methods and apparatus for fast sweeping a spectral bandwidth in order to distinguish among signals received from effectively wavelength division multiplexed (WDMed) and time division multiplexed (TDMed) optical components on a single fiber. For some embodiments, a method for interrogating optical elements having characteristic wavelengths spanning a sweep range is provided. The method generally includes introducing a pulse of light, by an optical source, into an optical waveguide to interrogate at least a first set of optical elements having different characteristic wavelengths by performing a sweep of wavelengths over a period of the pulse, wherein the period is less than a round-trip time for light reflected from an optical element closest to the optical source to reach a receiver and processing the reflected light to determine a parameter based on the times at which signals are received. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140339411 | OPTICAL COUPLERS USED IN A DOWNHOLE SPLITTER ASSEMBLY - Techniques and apparatus are provided for downhole sensing using optical couplers in a downhole splitter assembly to split interrogating light signals into multiple optical sensing branches. Each optical branch may then be coupled to an optical sensor (e.g., a pass-through or an optical single-ended transducer (OSET)) or to another optical coupler for additional branching. The sensors may be pressure/temperature (P/T) type transducers. Some systems may exclusively use OSETs as the optical sensors. In this manner, if one of the OSETs is damaged, it does not affect light traveling to any of the other sensors, and sensing information from remaining sensors is still returned. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338917 | LANDING STRING COMPENSATOR - Apparatus and methods for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig platform are provided. In one aspect, a compensation system for use with a landing string is provided. The compensation system includes a slip joint member attachable to the landing string, the slip joint member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The compensation system further includes a first lock assembly configured to connect the upper portion of the slip joint member to a floating rig. Additionally, the compensation system includes a second lock assembly configured to connect the lower portion of the slip joint member to a riser disposed below the floating rig. In another aspect, a method for compensating a landing string due to movement of a floating rig is provided. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338289 | Fluid Sampling Flask Having Cap and Valve Assembly - A container for collecting water samples to determine dissolved gas includes a flask-type pouch with a spout. A removable cap and valve install on the spout. The valve includes an adapter that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the mouth of the spout. The valve includes a valve element, which can be a one-way, self-closing type of valve, that fits with an O-ring or other seal inside the end of the adapter. A cap of the container fits over the adapter and affixes to the spout to hold the valve on the spout. In use, the cap can be removed so that the valve element and adapter can be removed for filling the pouch. Otherwise, the cap can remain in place so filling can be performed through the valve element. A tamper-evident ring on the cap may be provided to ensure the integrity of the sample contained in the flask. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140326468 | METHOD OF USING A TOP DRIVE SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a top drive system includes a quill; a motor operable to rotate the quill; a gripper operable to engage a joint of casing; a connector bi-directionally rotationally coupled to the quill and the gripper and longitudinally coupled to the gripper; and a compensator longitudinally coupled to the quill and the connector. The compensator is operable to allow relative longitudinal movement between the connector and the quill. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140326467 | TUBULAR HANDLING TOOL - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a tubular handling tool. The tool may include a base and a ring or sleeve member. The tool may further include an actuation member configured to move or rotate the ring or sleeve member relative to the base. Additionally, the tool may include a clamp or dog member attached to the base. The clamp or dog member is configured to move between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position as the ring or sleeve member moves or rotates relative to the base. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140326454 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR WELLBORE CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION - The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140318800 | HYDROSTATIC TUBULAR LIFTING SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a tubular lifting system for lifting a wellbore tubular includes an outer tubular; an inner tubular disposed in the outer tubular; an annular chamber defined between the inner tubular and the outer tubular; and a tubular piston selectively movable in the annular chamber, wherein the wellbore tubular is connected to the tubular piston and movable thereby. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140306711 | Method and Apparatus for Detection and Quantification of Borehole Standoff - A method of quantifying borehole properties, comprising: injecting an electric current from an outer button and an inner button disposed on an equipotential pad into a subterranean formation surround by the borehole, measuring an apparent conductivity or a scaled current for each button, modeling the measurements at a sequence of standoff locations, and, using an inversion technique to determine at least one of the following borehole properties: mudcake thickness, mudcake resistivity, diameter of invasion, flushed zone resistivity and true formation resistivity. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140305636 | SENSING IN ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring one or more parameters associated with an artificial lift system for hydrocarbon production and operating the system based on the measured parameters. One embodiment of the invention provides a lubricator for a plunger lift system, which generally includes a housing, a spring disposed in the housing for absorbing an impact by a plunger, and a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the spring. One example method of operating a plunger lift system for hydrocarbon production generally includes measuring at least one parameter of a spring disposed in a lubricator of the plunger lift system and operating the plunger lift system based on the measured parameter. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140305633 | Capillary Injection Delivery System Having Tubing Anchor - A capillary injection system delivers chemical with a capillary string to a targeted area in a wellbore such as adjacent a rod pump of a reciprocating pump system. The capillary string is disposed along the production string and delivers the chemical downhole. A tubing anchor disposed on the production string anchors the production string in tension in the casing. The tubing anchor has a mandrel coupled to the production string and has a housing disposed on the mandrel. The mandrel accommodates the capillary string outside thereof and defines a guide slot for controlling relative movement of the mandrel and the housing engaged with the guide slot. The housing has a slip movable outward from the mandrel. The mandrel is in a set condition is moved axially in the guide slot, and the slip is moved outward from the mandrel against the casing. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140290946 | BIG GAP ELEMENT SEALING SYSTEM - A sealing system includes a packing element having a groove in a surface thereof. The packing element is adapted to form a double hump configuration upon compression. The sealing system may include a first ring member disposed a first end of the packing element, a second ring member is disposed at a second end of the packing element, a first seal ring is disposed laterally outward of the first ring member, and a second seal ring is disposed laterally outward of the second ring member. A first inner back-up ring is disposed laterally outward of the first seal ring. The first inner back-up ring includes slots. A first outer back-up ring is disposed adjacent the first inner back-up ring and includes slots, wherein that slots in the first outer back-up ring are offset from the slots in the first inner back-up ring. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140269144 | Direct Slurry Weight Sensor for Well Operation Mixing Process - A slurry mixing system calculates a density of a slurry using measured pressure differential and bulk velocity of the slurry. Slurry from mixing of dry blend and mix fluid enters a one or more tanks having agitators. A pump then pumps the slurry from the tank(s) to the well, and a portion of the slurry is recirculating back to a mixer. From the recirculated path, a direct slurry weight sensor measures a pressure differential of the slurry between two vertical measurement points of a known volume, and the sensor measures a velocity of the recirculated slurry. Based on these measures, the controller calculates a density of the slurry, monitors a ratio of the dry blend and the mix fluid, and adjusts the ratio based on the calculated density of the slurry if there is a discrepancy. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262526 | TUBULAR HANDLING APPARATUS - In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262352 | Cable By-Pass for Spooled Cables - A downhole tool with a swellable mantle is configured for insertion of a cable into a longitudinal slit in the mantle. An arcuate groove is formed in an outer surface of the mantle corresponding to a displacement caused by the inserted cable, so that the displacement is counteracted and the outer surface of the mantle remains smooth. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262351 | Split Foldback Rings with Anti-Hooping Band - A device and method prevent damage to an anti-extrusion device on a tool, such as a plug or a packer, prior to and during setting of the tool. Typically, the upper or outer edges of the anti-extrusion device are relatively delicate. A reinforcing band on the device's sheath strengthens or armors the upper or outer edge of the anti-extrusion device so the anti-extrusion device may be protected while running the tool into the well or casing. Longitudinal slots on the sheath allow the sheath to expand at least partially with the expansion of the sealing element, while the reinforcing band resists expansion of the distal edge of the sheath. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262349 | Weight Setting Indicator - The present invention generally relates to a weight setting indicator which is used to indicate that an applied force to a tool achieved or exceeded a predetermined amount. In one aspect, a packer actuator for use with a packer is provided. The packer actuator includes a body with a recess. The packer actuator further includes a dog assembly disposed in the recess of the body. The dog assembly is configured to set the packer when a force is applied to the packer actuator. The packer actuator also includes a setting indicator disposed in the recess adjacent an end of the dog assembly. The setting indicator is configured to move from a pre-set position to a post-set position when the force is applied to the packer actuator, wherein the setting indicator is plastically deformed in the post-set position. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262345 | THICK WALL SHOULDERED LAUNCHER - An expandable tubular system that includes a launcher section coupled to a tubular string and that houses an expansion device. A shoulder section that is formed at a transition point between the launcher section and the tubular string has a wall thickness greater than the wall thicknesses of the tubular string and the launcher section. The shoulder section has an inner diameter less than inner diameters of the launcher section and the tubular string. The shoulder section is arranged to increase the force required to begin expansion of the tubular string and increase the contact area between the inner surface of the shoulder section the expansion device when supporting the weight of the tubular string. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262332 | Shunt Tube Connections for Wellscreen Assembly - A well screen assembly has a base pipe and one or more screen sections attached to the outer surface of the base pipe. The assembly also has one or more shunt tubes attached to the base pipe via top and bottom rings. The shunt tubes can be attached to the screen sections via B-rings and may be transport tubes or packing tubes. Connections are used for securing a jumper tube to adjoining shunt tubes of adjoining screen sections of the wellscreen assembly, which may be used in open or cased holes. At a well site, the joints of the wellscreens have timed threads so that the various shunt tubes can be aligned with one another along the assembly as the joints are made up. The connections of the present disclosure allow operators to install a jumper tubes between shunt tubes at the joint without needing to tighten fasteners or assembly components. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262326 | PURGING FLUID CIRCUITS IN WELLBORE CONTROL DEVICES - The disclosure relates to purging a RCD including a bearing of contaminants with a fluid circuit, the fluid circuit having at least one housing adjacent to the RCD, a first plurality of valves within the bearing, a second plurality of valves within the housing, at least one inlet port located on the RCD, each inlet port being connected to the housing, at least one outlet port located on the RCD, each outlet port being connected to the housing, and a purge outlet in fluid communication with the fluid circuit. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262325 | Resettable Ball Seat for Hydraulically Actuating Tools - A downhole tool has a housing, mandrel, and ball seat. The housing defines a first bore, and the mandrel defines a second bore. The mandrel is disposed in the first bore of the housing and defines an annular space with the housing. The ball seat is rotatably disposed in the second bore of the mandrel and defines an interior passage with a seat profile. First and second pistons are disposed in the annular space on opposing sides of the ball seat. These first and second pistons are movable along an axis of the tool in the annular space in opposing directions and are adapted to rotate the ball seat. Additionally, first and second biasing members are disposed in the annular space and bias the first and second pistons toward one another to reset the ball seat in the absence of pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262317 | HIGH-SPEED ROD-DRIVEN DOWNHOLE PUMP - A surface drivehead drives a downhole pump by rotating a rod string at the surface. The downhole pump can be connected downhole to the rod string via a downhole latching mechanism. The surface drivehead has an assembly that can move the rod string upwards or downwards along an axis to either increase or decrease rod string tension. During rod string rotation, rod tension is monitored. If rod string tension changes during rotation, the surface drivehead can automatically compensate by moving the rod string upwards or downwards along the axis to either recapture or eliminate tension. In this way, the surface drivehead can maintain a substantially constant rod string tension to drive the downhole pump at high speeds. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262277 | DOWNHOLE TOOL FOR DEBRIS REMOVAL - A downhole tool for use in a wellbore having a tool body with a blade assembly slidably mounted thereon and movable between a retracted and an outwardly extended position. The blade assembly is biased towards the retracted position and movable with an actuating force to the extended position. The tool includes an indexer constructed and arranged to facilitate movement of the blade assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262214 | Bonded Segmented Slips - A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a slip body composed of independent segments. The segments are affixed together along their longitudinal sides by a bond, which can be composed of thermoplastic or thermoset resins, an elastomer, epoxy adhesives, bonding agent manufactured using ceramic, metallic agent, or a combination of these. The surface area over which the bonding agent is applied can be controlled for a particular implementation. Thus, more or less of the longitudinal sides of the segments can be bonded to other segments. This provides greater control of the required force to break the bond itself, which can be tailored as desired. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262213 | COUPLINGS FOR EXPANDABLE TUBULAR - An expandable tubular for use in a wellbore includes: a pin formed at a first longitudinal end of the expandable tubular; a box formed at a second longitudinal end of the expandable tubular; a tubular body connecting the pin and the box; and an elastomeric seal disposed in a groove of the box. Each of the pin and box has: a torque shoulder; and a thread. The pin has an asymmetric protrusion formed on an inner surface thereof. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262211 | CONTROLLER FOR DOWNHOLE TOOL - A controller for operating a downhole tool includes a tubular body; a seat disposed in the body for receiving first and second pump-down plugs, at least a portion of one of the seat and the plugs being radially displaceable to pass through or allow passage of the other at a first threshold pressure differential; a catcher located below the seat for receiving the plugs after passing through the seat; a toggle linked to the seat to alternate between a locked position and an unlocked position in response to seating of the plugs; and a control mandrel for engaging a piston of the downhole tool and linked to the toggle: to be longitudinally movable between a first position and a second position when the toggle is unlocked, and to be prevented from movement from the first position to the second position when the toggle is locked. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262206 | BARRIER FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A barrier assembly for use with a downhole pump includes a first tubular adapter; a second tubular adapter; a braided sleeve disposed between the first tubular adapter and the second tubular adapter, wherein the sleeve is configured to block passage of a particulate. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260732 | CEMENT DEVICE RELEASE MECHANISM - A holding device having release mechanisms for securing and releasing one or more ball, dart, and/or plug members from the holding device into a tubular string disposed in a wellbore. The release mechanisms may include a planetary gear arrangement for extending and retracting a plunger member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a bevel gear arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. The release mechanisms may include a pivotable, spring type arrangement for extending and retracting a finger support member disposed below the ball, dart, and/or plug members. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140251640 | Extended Length Packer with Timed Setting - A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251612 | CONSUMABLE DOWNHOLE PACKER OR PLUG - A packer or plug for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular mandrel made from a composite material including a pyrotechnic composition; an expandable seal disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an igniter operable to initiate combustion of the mandrel. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251609 | Assembly for Toe-to-Heel Gravel Packing and Reverse Circulating Excess Slurry - A treatment assembly treats zones of a horizontal borehole. For example, the assembly can gravel pack a zone by delivering slurry down a workstring. The slurry exits the workstring's outlet and pass to the borehole annulus of the zone through a flow port in the assembly. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel, and the fluid returns from the borehole flow through a screen back into the assembly. After gravel packing, operators remove excess slurry from the workstring by reverse circulating down the assembly to carry the excess slurry uphole through the workstring. Closures on the assembly prevent the reverse circulation from communicating through the screens to the borehole annulus. Additionally, flow valves can be used on the flow ports to selectively open and close them. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251603 | CEMENT PLUG LOCATION - The disclosure describes a system and a method for locating a cement plug within a wellbore. The system includes a signal transmitter mounted to the cement plug, a receiver at the opening to the wellbore, one clock positioned on the cement plug and in communication with the transmitter, a second clock which is synchronized to the first clock and in communication with the receiver, and a controller for triggering the transmittal of the signal. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251594 | Millable Fracture Balls Composed of Metal - A ball is used for engaging in a downhole seat and can be milled out after use. The ball has a spherical body with an outer surface. An interior of the spherical body is composed of a metallic material, such as aluminum. The spherical body has a plurality of holes formed therein. The holes extend from at least one common vertex point on the outer surface of the spherical body and extend at angles partially into the interior of the spherical body. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140245588 | ARRAY TEMPERATURE SENSING METHOD AND SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus enable monitoring conditions in a well-bore using multiple cane-based sensors. The apparatus includes an array of cane-based Bragg grating sensors located in a single conduit for use in the well-bore. For some embodiments, each sensor is located at a different linear location along the conduit allowing for increased monitoring locations along the conduit. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140241693 | MONOLITHIC MULTI-OPTICAL-WAVEGUIDE PENETRATOR OR CONNECTOR - Methods and apparatus are provided for a monolithic multi-optical-waveguide penetrator or connector. One example apparatus generally includes a plurality of large diameter optical waveguides, each having a core and a cladding, and a body having a plurality of bores with the optical waveguides disposed therein, wherein at least a portion of the cladding of each of the optical waveguides is fused with the body, such that the apparatus is a monolithic structure. Such an apparatus provides for a cost- and space-efficient technique for feedthrough of multiple optical waveguides. Also, the body may have a large outer diameter which can be shaped into features of interest, such as connection alignment or feedthrough sealing features. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241681 | MULTI-CORE OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE FOR MULTI-PARAMETER SENSING - Methods and apparatus are provided for transmitting light along multiple pathways using a multi-core optical device. One example apparatus generally includes a plurality of large diameter optical waveguides, each having a core and a cladding, and a body having a plurality of bores with the optical waveguides disposed therein, wherein at least a portion of the cladding of each of the optical waveguides is fused with the body, such that the apparatus is a monolithic structure. Such an apparatus provides for a cost- and space-efficient technique for feedthrough of multiple optical waveguides. Also, the body may have a large outer diameter which can be shaped into features of interest, such as connection alignment or feedthrough sealing features. For some embodiments, at least some of the cores may have different structural parameters (e.g., size and/or shape). | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241111 | ACOUSTIC BOREHOLE IMAGING TOOL - A logging system for producing borehole images of acoustic properties of formations penetrated by the borehole. Images of formation compressional wave and shear wave velocities are generated in real time. The system can be a LWD system with a source section that comprises a unipole, dipole, quadrupole or other acoustic source. The receiver section comprises multiple receiver stations disposed at different axial spacings from the acoustic source. The system requires that the source and receiver sections rotate synchronously as the logging tool is conveyed along the borehole. Receiver responses are measured in a plurality of azimuthal angle segments and processed as a function of rotation angle of the tool. Acoustic parameters of interest are obtained from the azimuthal receiver responses at annotated depths along the borehole and used to produce borehole images of the parameters of interest. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238698 | CAPILLARY HANGER ARRANGEMENT FOR DEPLOYING CONTROL LINE IN EXISTING WELLHEAD - To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238657 | Erosion Ports for Shunt Tubes - A gravel pack apparatus for a wellbore has a shunt tube disposed along the apparatus near a wellscreen. The shunt tube is typically composed of stainless steel and has an internal passage for conducting slurry. Along its length, the tube has flow ports for passing the conducted slurry into the wellbore. The exit ports can use erosion inserts composed of erodible material, barrier inserts having breakable barriers, flow nozzles with external sheaths or caps, erosion-resistant bushings disposed on the flow nozzles, etc. The tube can also include a tube body having the exit ports and flow nozzles integrally formed thereon. The tube body can couple end-to-end with sections of shunt tube. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140231073 | METHOD OF INCORPORATING REMOTE COMMUNICATION WITH OILFIELD TUBULAR HANDLING APPARATUS - Apparatus and corresponding method for remotely communicating with a device in a wellbore, comprising: an oilfield tubular handling apparatus ( | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140216764 | Hydraulic Set Packer with Piston to Annulus Communication - A hydraulically set packer has a mandrel with an internal bore and a port communicating the internal bore outside the mandrel. A packing element disposed on the mandrel can be compressed by a piston to engage the borehole. The piston is disposed on the mandrel on a first side of the packing element and moves against the packing element when tubing pressure is communicated into a first piston chamber via the mandrel's port. To increase the setting forces, a sleeve disposed between the packing element and the mandrel defines a space communicating an opposite side of the packing element with a second pressure chamber of the piston. During high pressure operations, high pressure on the first side of the packing element acts with high pressure on the first side of the piston, increasing the pistons movement from a high pressure region to a low pressure region. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140216150 | Lag Calculation with Caving Correction in Open Hole - A gas analyzer system that can detect atmospheric air gasses in drilling mud is used to calculate an actual lag time in a well. The calculated lag time and a theoretical lag time may be compared to estimate a caving percentage in an open hole section of the well. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140209383 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DOWNHOLE OPERATIONS - A method of controlling a downhole operation includes: deploying a work string into a wellbore, the work string comprising a deployment string and a bottomhole assembly (BHA); digitally marking a depth of the BHA; and using the digital mark to perform the downhole operation. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140209326 | METHODS AND APPARATUS RELATING TO EXPANSION TOOLS FOR TUBULAR STRINGS - An expansion tool for use in a wellbore includes an expansion surface made up of a concave portion, a convex portion and a straight section therebetween. The straight section is formed according to a formula Y=(1.26)(X)−0.13, where X is the wall thickness of a tubular and Y is the length of the straight section. The concave portion and the convex portion have an arc length extending the concave portion to a trailing edge of the tool. The concave and convex portions are radius-shaped. The arrangement of the shapes and their relation to each other reduces relatively high and low contact pressures and lessens the effects of axial bending in a tubular or a connection. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140202768 | BIDIRECTIONAL DOWNHOLE ISOLATION VALVE - An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a housing; a piston longitudinally movable relative to the housing; a flapper carried by the piston for operation between an open position and a closed position, the flapper operable to isolate an upper portion of a bore of the valve from a lower portion of the bore in the closed position; an opener connected to the housing for opening the flapper; and an abutment configured to receive the flapper in the closed position, thereby retaining the flapper in the closed position. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202767 | CONTINGENT CONTINUOUS CIRCULATION DRILLING SYSTEM - A method for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes: injecting fluid through a top drive and flow sub into a top of the tubular string and lowering the tubular string into the wellbore. The flow sub: connects the tubular string top to a quill of the top drive, is in a top injection mode, and has a closed port and an open bore. The method further includes halting injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string. The method further includes, while injection and lowering are halted: disconnecting the flow sub from the tubular string top; adding one or more tubular joints to the tubular string and connecting the flow sub to a top of the added joints. The method further includes resuming injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140199196 | BALL SEAT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A ball seat assembly includes a tubular having a bore therethrough; an entry port in fluid communication with the bore; a plurality of exit ports in fluid communication with the entry port; a ball seat disposed in the each of the plurality of exit ports, wherein the ball seat is configured to receive a ball to block fluid flow through the respective exit port; and a diverter configured to block fluid flow through the bore and direct fluid flow from the bore to the entry port. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140196954 | JETTING TOOL - A jetting tool includes a tubular housing having: couplings formed at each longitudinal end thereof, and one or more ports formed through a wall thereof and in fluid communication with an upper portion of a bore of the housing. The jetting tool further includes a valve mechanism isolating the housing bore upper portion from a lower portion thereof in a closed position and operable to an open position where the valve mechanism provides fluid communication between the housing bore portions. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140196914 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ZONAL ISOLATION - Methods and apparatus include an expandable packer having a tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a non-uniform outer surface configured to cause formation of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. A plurality of expandable packers may be connected to a tubular string to isolate multiple zones in a wellbore. A production tubular equipped with multiple expandable packers may be installed in the tubular string. The expandable packers may also include non-uniform outer surfaces configured to form undulations upon expansion. The combination of tubular string and production tubular may be used in an enhanced oil recovery application such as injecting steam into a formation to enhance production. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140196912 | SURGE IMMUNE LINER SETTING TOOL - A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a tubular mandrel having an actuation port formed through a wall thereof; a debris barrier for engaging an upper end of the tubular string; and a piston having an upper face in fluid communication with the actuation port. The setting tool further includes: an actuator sleeve extending along the mandrel and connected to the piston; a latch releasably connecting the debris barrier to the actuator sleeve and for releasably connecting the debris barrier to the tubular string; a packoff connected to the mandrel below the piston and operable to seal against an inner surface of the tubular string, thereby forming a buffer chamber between the debris barrier and the packoff; and a passage. The passage: is in fluid communication with a lower face of the piston, is formed in a wall of and along the mandrel, and bypasses the packoff. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140196910 | APPARATUS AND METHODS OF RUNNING CASING - In one embodiment, the first casing string is releasably coupled to a second casing string using a latch assembly. The second casing string is released from the conductor after the first casing string is properly positioned in the wellbore. The latch assembly is configured to release the coupling by manipulating the second casing string relative to the first casing string. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140196900 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING TUBULARS - A method of controlling fluid flow between two tubulars includes disposing a sealing member in an annular area between two tubulars, wherein the two tubulars partially overlap; moving the sealing member to a lower position where it is not in contact with one of the tubulars, thereby allowing fluid flow through the annular area; and moving the sealing member to an upper position where it is in contact with both of the tubulars, thereby preventing fluid flow through the annular area. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140182943 | CONTINUOUS FLOW DRILLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s). | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140182862 | Downhole Tool Having Setting Valve for Packing Element - A downhole tool has a mandrel with packing elements. Collars between the packing elements define ports communicating with gaps between the packing elements and the mandrels. Opposing piston housings on the mandrel can move in opposing directions to compress the packing elements against the collars. Each piston housing defines a space with the mandrel and has a second port communicating with the gap. Pistons disposed in the spaces are temporarily affixed thereto. Hydraulic pressure communicated through the mandrel's bore acts against the pistons. While affixed to the piston housings, the pistons move the piston housings toward the packing elements to compress then. When the packing elements set, continued pressure breaks shear pins affixing the pistons to the piston housings so the pistons move and eventually seal fluid communication between the second ports in the pistons and the gaps. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140182837 | PERFORMANCE OF PERMANENTLY INSTALLED TUBING CONVEYED SEISMIC ARRAYS USING PASSIVE ACOUSTIC ABSORBERS - Methods and apparatus for reducing the impact of guided (or “tube”) waves in permanently installed seismic systems are provided. By utilizing passive acoustic absorbers, the impact of tube waves may be reduced, leading to improved performance of permanently installed seismic systems that are installed onto production tubing when the well is completed. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140178155 | RISER AUXILIARY LINE JUMPER SYSTEM FOR ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A method for deploying a marine riser includes: assembling a rotating control device (RCD) spool with the marine riser; lowering the RCD spool through a rotary table of a drilling rig and into a moonpool of an offshore drilling unit; connecting a hose to an upper and lower adapter of the RCD spool in the moonpool; and lowering the RCD spool and the connected hose through the moonpool. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140166912 | Sliding Sleeve Having Contracting, Segmented Ball Seat - A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166304 | Sliding Sleeve Having Ramped, Contracting, Segmented Ball Seat - A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166303 | Sliding Sleeve Having Contracting, Ringed Ball Seat - A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166295 | ISOLATION VALVE WITH DEBRIS CONTROL AND FLOW TUBE PROTECTION - The present invention generally relates to an isolation valve with debris control. In one aspect, an isolation valve for use as part of a casing string is provided. The isolation valve includes a housing having a bore and a valve cavity. The isolation valve further includes a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member obstructs the bore of the housing and a second position in which the valve member is disposed in the valve cavity. Further, the isolation valve includes a flow tube configured to allow movement of the valve member between the first and second positions. Additionally, the isolation valve includes an engagement assembly adapted to engage the flow tube to substantially prevent debris from entering the valve cavity when the valve member is in the second position. In another aspect, a method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore is provided. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166292 | Sliding Sleeve Having Deformable Ball Seat - A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166273 | Rotating Control Device Docking Station - A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166112 | Sliding Sleeve Having Contracting, Dual Segmented Ball Seat - A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166111 | Sliding Sleeve Having Inverting Ball Seat - A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140158295 | Erosion Resistant Wellbore Screen and Associated Methods of Manufacture - A method of manufacturing or surface treating a wire wrapped screen for use in a wellbore improves the erosion resistance of the wire-wrapped screen. The wire-wrapped screen can be disposed on an axle positioned in a chamber containing a source of erosion resistant surface coating. The coating is then deposited on the exterior of the wire-wrapped screen using a deposition process, such as physical vapor deposition or thermal spraying. Alternatively, a spray system proximate the wire-wrapped screen can have a deposition nozzle to coat the exterior surface of the screen with an elastomer coating by spraying an elastomer. In additional embodiments, the wire for the wire-wrapped screen can first be treated for erosion resistance and then wound about a mandrel to form the wire-wrapped screen. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140147074 | SIDE-HOLE CANE WAVEGUIDE SENSOR - A side-hole optical cane for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The side-hole cane has a light guiding core containing a sensor and a cladding containing symmetrical side-holes extending substantially parallel to the core. The side-holes cause an asymmetric stress across the core of the sensor creating a birefringent sensor. The sensor, preferably a Bragg grating, reflects a first and second wavelength each associated with orthogonal polarization vectors, wherein the degree of separation between the two is proportional to the pressure exerted on the core. The side-hole cane structure self-compensates and is insensitive to temperature variations when used as a pressure sensor, because temperature induces an equal shift in both the first and second wavelengths. Furthermore, the magnitude of these shifts can be monitored to deduce temperature, hence providing the side-hole cane additional temperature sensing capability that is unaffected by pressure. Additionally, the side-hole cane can be used to measure a differential pressure between a first pressure ported to the side-holes and a second external pressure. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144706 | ROTATING CONTINUOUS FLOW SUB - A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by advancing the tubular string longitudinally into the wellbore; stopping drilling by holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; adding a tubular joint or stand of joints to the tubular string while injecting drilling fluid into a side port of the tubular string, rotating the tubular string, and holding the tubular string longitudinally stationary; and resuming drilling of the wellbore after adding the joint or stand. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140138094 | System and Method for Cooling a Rotating Control Device. - A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs. Using the DTTL method a deeper wellbore can be drilled with larger resulting end tubulars, such as casings and production liners, than had been capable with conventional MPD applications. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140131051 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING A TUBULAR - A method of running tubulars includes attaching a load collar to a first tubular; landing the load collar on a load support member; connecting a second tubular to the first tubular; removing the load collar from the first tubular; and lowering the first tubular and the second tubular. In one embodiment, at least one of the first tubular and the second tubular is a screen. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140128308 | NOVEL HIGH UPTAKE SULFUR SOLVENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Compositions for chemically removing sulfur deposits from reservoir formations, production tubing, flow lines, and other production equipment due to the production of sour gas and/or oil including reaction products of diamines and aldehydes at a mole ratio between about 1:1 and about 1:6, and methods for making and using same. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140128294 | CORROSION INHIBITOR SYSTEMS FOR LOW, MODERATE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE FLUIDS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - A corrosion control system is disclosed including an anionic oxygen inhibitor, a cationic acid inhibitor or dispersant, and a noxious species inhibitor or scavenger for use in a fluid in contact with a metallic surface at low temperature, moderate temperature and especially at high temperature. A drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid and a geothermal fluid including an effective amount of the corrosion control system is also disclosed as well as methods for making and using same. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140116713 | RFID Actuated Gravel Pack Valves - A device and method that, on a command from the surface, a seat in a tubular may be moved into the bore of a tubular so that a ball of the appropriate size may be caught. The seat may also be moved out of the bore on command so that a ball of the appropriate size will not be caught by the seat. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116712 | DEBURRING MILL TOOL FOR WELLBORE CLEANING - A wellbore cleaning tool for removing irregularities along the inner surface of a wellbore tubular may include a top sub, a cutting assembly, and a bottom sub. The tool is operable to remove irregularities, such as debris, burrs, and jagged edges, along the inside of the wellbore tubular, and thereby provide a clean, inner surface finish. The tool may be actuated into a retracted position, an extended position, and/or a deactivated position. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116693 | Gravel Pack Apparatus Having Actuated Valves - A device and method allows a bore valve in the washpipe and in certain instances a port valve or sliding sleeve to open or close upon command from the surface so that gravel slurry may be placed in a wellbore. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116687 | GRAPHICAL EVALUATOR FOR TUBULAR MAKEUP - A method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular includes: engaging threads of the tubulars; and rotating the first tubular relative to the second tubular, thereby making up the threaded connection. The method further includes, during makeup of the threaded connection: measuring torque applied to the connection; measuring turns of the first tubular; and detecting a shoulder position. The method further includes: displaying the measured torque and turns; overlaying a reference curve onto the display; evaluating the threaded connection by comparing the measured torque and turns to the reference curve; and graphically displaying the evaluation. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116686 | APPARATUS FOR GRIPPING A TUBULAR ON A DRILLING RIG - Methods and apparatus are provided for running tubulars into and out of a wellbore. A tubular handling system having a tubular gripping apparatus having a gripping mechanism and a sensor adapted to track movement of the gripping mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a signal to a controller when the gripping apparatus is in a position that corresponds to the gripping apparatus being engaged with the tubular | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116678 | Inwardly Swelling Seal - A device and method that allows a gravel slurry to placed in a wellbore from the toe towards the heel to reduce the pressure acting upon the heel of the wellbore during the gravel placement operation. By reducing the pressure acting upon the heel gravel slurry may be placed in longer sections of the wellbore in a single operation. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140110130 | Anchor Latch on Off For Sucker Rods - A device and method to allow a sucker rod to be disconnected at a particular point in a sucker rod string. Typically the disconnect device is located just above the barrel pump where the disconnect device is able to provide tensile and compressive strength similar to the sucker rod string thereby eliminating at least one failure mode for the sucker rod string. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140102727 | PACKER CUP FOR SEALING IN MULTIPLE WELLBORE SIZES ECCENTRICALLY - The present invention generally relates to a packer for creating a seal in an annular area. In one aspect, a packer cup for use in a wellbore is provided. The packer cup includes a base and a first seal segment having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first seal segment is attached to the base. The packer cup further includes a second seal segment that is spaced apart from the base. The second seal segment is attached to the second end of the first seal segment, wherein each seal segment is configured to move from a retracted shape to an expanded shape upon activation of the respective seal segment. In another aspect, a method for creating a seal between a tubular and a wellbore is provided. In a further aspect, a packer is provided. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140090856 | COMPENSATING BAILS - A pipe handler for assembling and deploying a string of threaded tubulars into a wellbore includes a pair of compensating bails and an elevator pivotally connected to the compensating bails. Each compensating bail includes: a first bail segment; a second bail segment; and a compensator connecting the respective first and second bail segments. Each compensator includes a load cylinder connected to the respective first bail segment and a linear actuator disposed in the respective load cylinder and operable to retract the respective second bail segment from a hoisting position to a ready position. Each second bail segment is engaged with the respective load cylinder in the hoisting position. The compensating bails are capable of supporting string weight in the hoisting position. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140090831 | Non-metallic Slips having Inserts Oriented Normal to Cone Face - A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a composite plug, has a slip body and at least one insert. The slip body has an incline at one end that interfaces with an inclined surface of a cone. As this occurs, the slip body is pushed away from the tool's mandrel against a surrounding casing wall. The insert is disposed in the slip body with the axis of the insert angled away from the cone. In particular, the insert's axis is preferably angled normal to the slip body's incline and the inclined surface of the cone. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140076579 | GAS LIFT VALVE WITH MIXED BELLOWS AND FLOATING CONSTANT VOLUME FLUID CHAMBER - A valve apparatus capable of withstanding high pressures and techniques for using this apparatus in various suitable applications are provided. The valve apparatus typically includes both an upper bellows comprising a standard, convoluted bellows and a lower bellows comprising an edge-welded bellows. The valve apparatus may also include a floating, constant volume fluid chamber that travels with the lower edge-welded bellows as the lower bellows compresses and expands in an effort to protect the lower bellows from very high internal volume fluid pressure. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076547 | MULTIPHASE FLOWMETER FOR SUBSEA APPLICATIONS - Multiphase flow measurement in extreme environments such as subsea or in-well is a difficult task for many reasons including reliability, survivability, and longevity issues; accessibility to the equipment; and complexity of the varying flow field as a function of position and time. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques and apparatus for performing subsea multiphase flow measurement by combining two technologies. One is based on infrared water-cut measurement technology which is capable of measuring water and oil concentrations in multiphase flow with up to 99.5% gas volume fractions. The second technology is based on in-well fiber-optic flow measurement capable of resolving gas and total liquid flow through the measurements of flow velocity, fluid mixture speed of sound, and absolute pressure and temperature at meter location. This hybrid system represents an approach to subsea multiphase metering that may offer advantages compared to traditional systems for some applications. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140075741 | Hydraulic Tensioning Flange Connector - Hydraulic flange connectors connect two flange components together, and hydraulic pressure applied to ports in connector holes of one of the flanges tension the flange studs and crush the gasket between the flange components. Each connector has a piston that disposes in the connector hole and can move therein when hydraulic pressure is applied through the port by a pump. A first stud connected to the piston extends beyond one open end of the hole for connection to a first nut, while a second stud connected to the piston extending beyond another open end of the to the second flange component for connection to a second nut. A retainer having seals threads in this other open end of the hole and seals between the hole and the second stud. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140069720 | TACHOMETER FOR A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A rotating control device (RCD) includes: a tubular housing having a flange formed at each end thereof; a stripper seal for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing for supporting rotation of the stripper seal relative to the housing; a retainer for connecting the stripper seal to the bearing; and a tachometer. The tachometer includes a probe connected to the retainer and including: a tilt sensor; an angular speed sensor; an angular acceleration sensor; a first wireless data coupling; and a microcontroller operable to receive measurements from the sensors and to transmit the measurements to a base using the first wireless data coupling. The tachometer further includes the base connected to the housing and including: a second wireless data coupling operable to receive the measurements; and an electronics package in communication with the second wireless data coupling and operable to relay the measurements to an offshore drilling unit. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140069647 | Cased Hole Chemical Perforator - A device and method for use is provided to provide a port in a tubular without using explosives or a mechanical apparatus. By the utilization of the chemical cutter described herein the decision on the type of completion equipment to be implemented may be delayed or modified as the well creation progresses. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140060816 | Multiple Sectioned Wire-Wrapped Screens - Operators manufacture a wellscreen by forming a wire-wrapped screen on a base pipe. Rather than stopping and restarting winding, the desired length of screen is completed along the base pipe, and then the wire screen is segmented into a plurality of screen sections as required for the various zones and details of the implementation. Operators arrange the screen sections relative to one another on the base pipe, which can have different lengths with and without perforations. On the free ends of these separate screen sections, mating split ring components fit around the free ends and the base pipes. Male edges of one split ring component mate to complementary female edges of another to form the end ring around the screen section and base pipe, and longitudinal welds made in seams along the mating edges affix the split ring components together. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140060812 | Standoff Device For Downhole Tools Using Slip Elements - A device and method for use is provided for grippingly engaging a tubular, in particular for gripping a wellbore casing. Drillable bridge plugs may use hardened buttons or other slip arrangements and materials that may be susceptible to damage when the bridge is being run into the wellbore. It may be desirable to protect the slip ring or the hardened buttons by shielding the buttons during run-in or by providing a standoff device so that the buttons may be prevented from contacting the casing until desired. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140048331 | MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING SYSTEM HAVING WELL CONTROL MODE - A method of drilling a subsea wellbore includes drilling the subsea wellbore and, while drilling the subsea wellbore: measuring a flow rate of the drilling fluid injected into a tubular string; measuring a flow rate of returns; comparing the returns flow rate to the drilling fluid flow rate to detect a kick by a formation being drilled; and exerting backpressure on the returns using a first variable choke valve. The method further includes, in response to detecting the kick: closing a blowout preventer of a subsea pressure control assembly (PCA) against the tubular string; and diverting the flow of returns from the PCA, through a choke line having a second variable choke valve, and through the first variable choke valve. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140048248 | CONTROL LINE RUNNING SYSTEM - A control line running system includes a control line storage unit and a guiding system having a guiding device and a guide rail for guiding a control line from the control line storage unit toward a well center. The system may also include a control line manipulator assembly for moving the control line toward a tubular and a control line clamp for attaching the control line to the tubular. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140034310 | MULTI-ZONE CEMENTED FRACTURING SYSTEM - A method of cementing a liner string into a wellbore includes deploying a liner string into a wellbore; pumping cement slurry into a workstring; and pumping a dart through the workstring, thereby driving the cement slurry into the liner string. The dart engages a first wiper plug and releases the first wiper plug from the workstring. The dart and engaged first wiper plug drive the cement slurry through the liner string and into an annulus formed between the liner string and the wellbore. The dart and engaged first wiper plug land onto a first fracture valve. The dart releases a first seat into the first wiper plug. The dart engages a second wiper plug connected to the first fracture valve and releases the second wiper plug from the first fracture valve. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140027129 | ANNULAR SEALING IN A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - An annular seal having a sealing member and method for use is provided for sealing an item of oilfield equipment. The annular seal has an inner diameter for receiving the item of oilfield equipment and a frame. The seal member is contiguous with the frame. The annular seal is configured for durability, in that it resists wear, inversion, increases lubricity, enables tightness, and/or otherwise generally increases endurance, toughness, and/or permanence. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140006227 | SERIALIZATION AND DATABASE METHODS FOR TUBULARS AND OILFIELD EQUIPMENT | 01-02-2014 |
| 20130333873 | TOOLS AND METHODS FOR HANGING AND/OR EXPANDING LINER STRINGS - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130327575 | EARTH REMOVAL MEMBER WITH FEATURES FOR FACILITATING DRILL-THROUGH - An earth removal member for drilling a wellbore with casing or liner includes a tubular body and a head. The head is fastened to or formed with an end of the body, has a face and a side, is made from a high strength material, and has a port formed through the face. The earth removal member further includes a blade. The blade is formed on the head, extends from the side and along the face, and is made from the high strength material. The earth removal member further includes cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle adapter. The nozzle adapter has a port formed therethrough, is longitudinally and rotationally coupled to the head, and is made from a drillable material. The earth removal member further includes a nozzle disposed in the adapter port and fastened to the nozzle adapter. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130327532 | Remote Operation of Cementing Head - Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a cementing head. Remotely operating a cementing head ( | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130319767 | TELEMETRY OPERATED CIRCULATION SUB - A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string extending into the wellbore from surface and rotating a drill bit of the drill string. The drill string further includes a circulation sub having a port closed during drilling. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to the surface via an annulus formed between an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes after drilling at least a portion of the wellbore: halting drilling; sending a wireless instruction signal from the surface to a downhole portion of the drill string by articulating the drill string, acoustic signal, or mud pulse, thereby opening the port; and injecting drilling fluid through the drill string and into the annulus via the open port. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319691 | EXPANDABLE LINER HANGER AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention generally relates to an expandable liner hanger capable of being expanded into a surrounding casing. In one aspect, an expandable tubular system is provided. The system includes an expandable tubular. The system further includes an expansion swage for expanding the expandable tubular, wherein the expansion swage is deformable from a compliant configuration to a smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. Additionally, the system includes a restriction member disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable tubular, wherein expansion of the expandable tubular in the location of the restriction member deforms the expansion swage from the compliant configuration to the smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a liner hanger using a cone is provided. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319679 | DOWNHOLE DEPLOYMENT VALVES - Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member, such as a flapper, that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319664 | Inflow Control Device Having Externally Configurable Flow Ports - A completion joint | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130312833 | GAS LIFT VALVE WITH BALL-ORIFICE CLOSING MECHANISM AND FULLY COMPRESSIBLE DUAL EDGE-WELDED BELLOWS - A valve for performing gas lift operations is provided that incorporates two edge-welded bellows and a ball-orifice closing mechanism. The gas lift valve incorporates features enabling enhanced compression of one of the bellows, beyond an initial closure point of the valve. For example, a stem with the sealing ball is divided into two components, wherein one of the stem components is configured to continue moving in relation to the other stem component with the ball, which is fixed in position when the ball seals the orifice and initially closes the valve. This continued movement allows one of the bellows to be fully compressed in the ultimately closed valve position, thereby protecting the bellows from high pressures and potential failure that could occur to bellows in a partially compressed state. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130306327 | Retrievable Bridge Plug - A bridge plug can be deployed downhole and retrieved using a retrieval tool disposed on jointed or coiled tubing or on another bridge plug. Internally, the bridge plug has a sleeve that is movable on a stem of the plug's tailpiece. When in a first position, the sleeve prevents fluid communication through ports in the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool can be used to clear debris from the plug during retrieval. When the retrieval tool engages the sleeve in the plug, pulling up on the tool moves the sleeve to an intermediate position in which fluid pressure is equalized across the plug. Further pulling up on the tool locks the sleeve in a further position on the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool will pass directly to the stem's ports. Movement of the sleeve by the retrieval tool also releases the engaged slips and packing element on the bridge plug's mandrel. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130299183 | Failsafe Hydrostatic Vent - An automatic vent valve and method for use is provided equalizing the pressure in at least two lines. A housing has a first piston that compresses a bias device when the second pressure source supplies sufficient pressure. Upon a sufficient reduction in pressure the first piston releases a second internally held coaxial piston to allow fluid to flow from a first pressure source towards a second pressure source, thereby equalizing the pressure between the two pressure sources. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130277052 | Swellable Packer In Hookup Nipple - A screening assembly with a swellable packer incorporated onto the exterior of the screen that swells in the presence of water or hydrocarbons. The swellable packer swells at a rate that allows the gravel pack operation to proceed without hindering the gravel pack operation but then swells to seal the annular region around the exterior of a blank tubular at the upper end of the screen. By running in a swellable packer with the screen assembly at least one additional trip into the wellbore may be eliminated. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130259647 | WIPER ASSEMBLY FOR A PUMP - A wiper assembly may be used to prevent wellbore debris from entering an operating region of a pump. The wiper assembly may include a housing, a wiper member, a backing member, and a biasing member. The biasing member may bias the backing member into engagement with the wiper member, and thereby bias the wiper member into engagement with a tapered surface of the housing. The wiper member may include a corresponding tapered surface, which thereby forces the wiper member radially inward into engagement with an operating member of the pump. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130255940 | MANIPULATION OF MULTI-COMPONENT GEOPHONE DATA TO IDENTIFY DOWNHOLE CONDITIONS - Methods and apparatus for using multi-component geophones and/or multi-component geophone arrays to measure flow-induced acoustic energy produced in wellbores are provided. With the use of the multi-component geophones, the measured acoustic energy may be resolved into its directional components. The computed directional energy components may be mathematically compared to numerically highlight ambient flow conditions (e.g., leaks in casing or other conduit, points of fluid entry/exit/restrictions between the casing and the formation). The use of an array of multi-component geophones allows for the use of geophone move-out curves to further identify acoustic energy source locations. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130245953 | WELLBORE REAL-TIME MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF FRACTURE CONTRIBUTION - Methods and apparatus are provided for calculating production of each of a plurality of fractured intervals (or fractures) and monitoring changes in the fracture contribution with time. Such real-time monitoring and analysis may be performed by combining temperature distribution (and pressure) measurements, a real-time surface multiphase flow measurement, and an inflow model for each fractured interval (or fracture). In this manner, the industry may be able to understand the behavior of fractures and, in turn, optimize the number of stages (i.e., fractured intervals), the number of fractures, and the spacing between fractures and stages. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130236152 | OPTICAL TRANSDUCER WITH INTEGRATED FEEDTHROUGH - An optical transducer is provided. A “measuring” portion of the transducer may be exposed to a high pressure and fluids when the optical transducer is deployed (e.g., in a wellbore or other industrial setting). The transducer may include an optical waveguide with a first portion that forms a first seal that isolates an “instrumentation” portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. The transducer may also include a second seal with a “stack” of material elements that contact a second portion of the optical waveguide to also isolate the instrumentation portion of the transducer from exposure to the high pressure and fluids to which the measuring portion may be exposed. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130233557 | BOTTOMHOLE ASSEMBLY FOR CAPILLARY INJECTION SYSTEM - A method of treating production fluid in a wellbore includes deploying a capillary string into the wellbore. The capillary string has a plurality of injection valves. The method further includes pumping treatment fluid through the capillary string and into the wellbore. The injection valves have a cumulative set pressure greater than or equal to a hydrostatic pressure of the treatment fluid. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130233548 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPLETING A WELLBORE - An expandable tubular assembly includes an expander for expanding a tubular. The expander may be hydraulically actuated. A bore obstruction object may be received in a receptacle sleeve that is a modular component of the expandable tubular assembly. In this respect, the expandable tubular assembly may be quickly fitted with a receptacle sleeve designed to receive selected type of bore obstruction object. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130233547 | SUBSEA CASING DRILLING SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a casing bit drive assembly may be used with a casing drilling system. The casing bit drive assembly may include one or more of the following: a retrievable drilling motor; a decoupled casing sub; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing bit; a releasable coupling between the motor and casing; a cement diverter; and a casing bit. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130228381 | Wired or Ported Universal Joint for Downhole Drilling Motor - A bottom hole assembly for a drill string has a mud motor and a mandrel. The motor has a rotor and a stator, and the rotor defines a bore for passage of conductors. The mandrel has a bore for passage of the conductors and for drilling fluid, and rotation of the mandrel rotates a drill bit. A shaft and universal joints covert orbital motion at the rotor to rotational motion at the mandrel. To pass the conductors from a sonde uphole of the motor to electronics disposed with the mandrel, an inner beam disposes in a bore of the shaft. This inner beam has an internal passage for the conductors, and seal caps dispose on each end of the inner beam to seal inside the universal joints. The inner beam and seal caps prevent drilling fluid passing from the motor and around the shaft from communicating in the shaft's bore. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130228344 | APPARATUS AND METHODS OF RUNNING AN EXPANDABLE LINER - An apparatus for carrying and releasing a liner downhole includes a tubular body; a latching member attached to the tubular body for coupling with the liner; and a release sleeve disposed between the tubular body and the latching member, wherein the release sleeve is axially movable relative to the tubular body to allow the latching member to disengage from the liner. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130228342 | Apparatus and Methods for Restricting Flow in a Bore - Apparatus ( | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130223809 | OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLY - An optical waveguide feedthrough assembly passes at least one optical waveguide through a bulk head, a sensor wall, or other feedthrough member. The optical waveguide feedthrough assembly comprises a cane-based optical waveguide that forms a glass plug sealingly disposed in a feedthrough housing. For some embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered surface biased against a seal seat formed in the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include an annular gold gasket member disposed between the tapered surface and the seal seat. The feedthrough assembly can further include a backup seal. The backup seal comprises an elastomeric annular member disposed between the glass plug and the housing. The backup seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130206386 | System for Drilling a Borehole - A rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched and unlatched with a docking station housing for use and removal, respectively. The system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with an active seal. A first sensor and a second sensor can be used to detect temperature, pressure and density of the supplied fluid at different locations and this data can be compared using a central processing unit (CPU). Also, a sensor can be used to detect the revolutions per minute of a rotating seal of the rotating control device and fluid can be provided to the rotating control device responsive to the detected revolutions per minute. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130206245 | Device and Method For Use In Controlling Fluid Flow - A flow control device comprises a housing, a flow restriction member, and a flow control ring defining a flow control port which is configured to receive the flow restriction member. The flow control ring is configured so as to be sealingly mounted onto a base pipe. The flow restriction member is at least partially inserted into the flow control port so as to at least partially define a predetermined flow restriction through the flow control ring. The housing is sealingly mounted on the flow control ring. The flow control device may be mounted on a base pipe. The flow control device may be used for controlling fluid flow, in particular, though not exclusively in oil and/or gas wells. A flow control system and method are also disclosed | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130199794 | Gas Lift System Having Expandable Velocity String - A velocity string deploys in production tubing of a gas well (or a gassy oil well) to help lift fluid toward the surface. The velocity string reduces flow area in the production tubing so that a critical flow velocity can be reached to lift liquid. Overtime, the reservoir pressure and resulting gas flow may decrease such that less liquid is produced toward the surface. At such a stage, operators then expand the velocity string to further decrease the flow area in the production tubing, which can produce the needed critical flow velocity to allow produced liquid to be lifted toward the surface. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130195685 | SELF-CLEANING DISC VALVE FOR PISTON PUMP - Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a disc-valve design with a self-cleaning feature. The self-cleaning feature may be integrated into the valve, for example, by removing a “cut-out” portion between sealing surfaces of ports. These cut-out portions may create vortices that might clean debris from the sealing surfaces. The cut-outs may also provide a place for debris to collect-keeping it away from the sealing surfaces. In addition, or as an alternative to cut-outs, some other type of mechanism, such as sealing members designed to disturb flow to sweep away debris near a sealing surface or helical grooves (rifling) formed in the ports, may also be used to promote self-cleaning. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130192896 | Method for colling a rotating control device - A system and method for reducing repairs to radial seals used in a rotating control head used while drilling is disclosed. Also, a system and method to detect leaks in the rotating control head and a latching system to latch the rotating control head to a housing is disclosed. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130192846 | Resettable Ball Seat - A device to allow a single ball size to actuate at least two downhole tools. Typically when a large number of ball actuated devices are run in a single well the total number of devices is limited by the increasing size of the balls required to actuate each sequential device. By having a mechanism that allows at least two tools to be actuated by each ball size the total number of ball actuated devices may be at least doubled. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130189042 | Adjustable Die - A slip on nut and reverse cut die is provided for dressing the threads of a wellhead or other item. A nut is provided that may be slipped onto a threaded section, past any damaged threads, without engaging the threads of the threaded section. Once positioned on a threaded section the nut may be tightened as desired. When removing the nut the reverse edges of the nut may repair or even cut new threads into the threaded section. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130180306 | COMPLIANT EXPANSION SWAGE - The present invention generally relates to a swage assembly that is movable from a compliant configuration having a first shape to a substantially non-compliant configuration having a second shape. In one aspect, an expansion swage for expanding a wellbore tubular is provided. The expansion swage includes a body and a solid cone disposed on the body. The expansion swage further includes a deformable cone disposed on the body, wherein the solid cone is made from a first material and the deformable cone is made from a second material and wherein the deformable cone is movable relative to the body when the expansion swage is in a compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130180094 | ISOLATING TUBING - An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130148190 | WAVELENGTH SWEEP CONTROL - Methods and apparatus for the active control of a wavelength-swept light source used to interrogate optical elements having characteristic wavelengths distributed across a wavelength range are provided. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146757 | MULTI-CHANNEL INFRARED OPTICAL PHASE FRACTION METER - Methods and apparatus for measuring a phase fraction of a flow stream are disclosed. An infrared phase fraction meter includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared radiation that includes first and second wavelength bands. The first wavelength band substantially transmits through first and second phases of the flow stream and is substantially absorbed by a third phase. In contrast, the second wavelength band is substantially absorbed by the second phase relative to the first and third phases. One or more detectors simultaneously detect attenuation of the first and second wavelength bands upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream, and a phase fraction of the second phase is determined based on the attenuation. As an example, the first, second and third phases are gas, water and oil, respectively, produced from a well. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146311 | Selective Set Module for Multi String Packers - In order to overcome the need to completely disassemble a dual or even possibly a multiple string packer on the rig floor and avoid the delays and potential for failure that such a rebuild entails, a dual string packer may be provided with a crossover module located such that fluid communication may be provided from any tubular bore to the internal shifting chamber without completely disassembling the dual string packer. an indexing cassette may be attached to the through tubing mandrels at or near the bottom or lower end of the dual string packer. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130133949 | EXTENDABLE CUTTING TOOLS FOR USE IN A WELLBORE - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130133898 | CAPILLARY HANGER ARRANGEMENT FOR DEPLOYING CONTROL LINE IN EXISTING WELLHEAD - To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130126187 | Entry Tube System - An entry tube system allows fluid to enter a chamber and flow to one or more shunt tubes connected to a downhole end of the entry tube. The fluid can enter the chamber about all or substantially all of the circumference of an inner mandrel disposed within the entry tube, and flow through the chamber to be directed into the shunt tubes. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130123394 | Swellable Material Using Soy Spent Flakes - A hybrid swellable material employs an oleophilic elastomer as a matrix admixed with an organic material derived from soy that is water swellable in brine, as well as fresh water. Various downhole tools may be made using this hybrid swellable material. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118806 | System and Method for Managing Heave Pressure from a Floating Rig - A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating a required amount of the fluid either into or out of the riser annulus. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below a RCD is moving while drilling. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118752 | MANAGED PRESSURE CEMENTING - A method of cementing a tubular string in a wellbore includes: deploying the tubular string into the wellbore; pumping cement slurry into the tubular string; launching a cementing plug after pumping the cement slurry; propelling the cementing plug through the tubular string, thereby pumping the cement slurry through the tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore; and controlling flow of fluid displaced from the wellbore by the cement slurry to control pressure of the annulus. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118749 | Rotating Control System and Method for Providing a Differential Pressure - A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs. Using the DTTL method a deeper wellbore can be drilled with larger resulting end tubulars, such as casings and production liners, than had been capable with conventional MPD applications. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118726 | Gravel Pack Crossover Tool with Low Drag Force - A gravel pack assembly has a longitudinal body that disposes in a borehole. A wellscreen and other components can connect to the body to complete the assembly. One or more packoff seals or bushings disposed in the body's inner passage can engage a smooth external surface of a crossover tool when disposed therein. This sealing prevents passage of sand and fluids between the tool and the assembly's inner passage. Moreover, the smooth external surface makes the tool less likely of becoming stuck in the inner passage. The packoff seals or bushings can be fixed or activated by movement to engage the smooth external surface of the crossover tool. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130112399 | Erosion Resistant Flow Nozzle for Downhole Tool - An erosion resistant nozzle is brazed to the surface of a tubular, such as a shunt tube of a wellscreen apparatus, for use in a wellbore. The nozzle is elongated and defines an aperture for communicating exiting flow from the tubular's port. The lead end of the nozzle disposed downstream of the exiting flow can be lengthened to prevent erosion to the tubular. The lead endwall of the nozzle's aperture can be angled relative to the nozzle's length and can be rounded. The nozzle can be composed of an erosion resistant material or can be composed of a conventional material having an erosion resistant coating or plating thereon. Being elongated with a low height, the nozzle can have a low profile on the tubular, and the aperture's elongating can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the flow area through the nozzle. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130105678 | Neutron Logging Tool with Multiple Detectors | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130105178 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING THE CONNECTION OF TUBULARS USING A TOP DRIVE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130098528 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING EXCESS FIBER LENGTH (EFL) IN ARMORED CABLE - Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and corresponding apparatus for making armored cables with optical fibers contained therein. The techniques may be utilized to control an amount of excess fiber length (EFL) in the armored cables. The techniques may also allow introduction of optical fibers directly into a welding process without using an inner tube in the final armored cable. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130096834 | Resolution Matched Nonlinear Resolution Enhancement of Well Logs - A technique for processing well logs performs a nonlinear resolution enhancement of raw well logs. The nonlinear enhancement procedure uses a modified Van Cittert nonlinear enhancement technique that avoids instabilities that can arise using Van Cittert techniques. The nonlinear enhancement can provide resolution matched results at a predetermined resolution. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096038 | ENHANCED OILFIELD SWELLABLE ELASTOMERS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Swellable elastomeric compositions including an elastomer, a covalent crosslinking system and an ionic crosslinking system, where the composition have improved rate of swelling in water, brines and aqueous solutions, swellability, and/or physical properties of the compositions | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092399 | TOOLS AND METHODS FOR HANGING AND/OR EXPANDING LINER STRINGS - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092383 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUBSEA WELL INTERVENTION AND SUBSEA WELLHEAD RETRIEVAL - The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for subsea well intervention operations, including retrieval of a wellhead from a subsea well. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a subsea well is provided. The method comprising the step of positioning a tool proximate a subsea wellhead. The tool has at least one grip member and the tool is attached to a downhole assembly. The method also comprising the step of clamping the tool to the subsea wellhead by moving the at least one grip member into engagement with a profile on the subsea wellhead. The method further comprising the step of applying an upward force to the tool thereby enhancing the grip between the grip member and the profile on the subsea wellhead. Additionally, the method comprising the step of performing the operation in the subsea well by utilizing the downhole assembly. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092372 | APPARATUS AND METHODS OF FLOW TESTING FORMATION ZONES - A method of flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore includes lowering a tool string into the wellbore. The tool string includes an inflatable packer or plug and an electric pump. The method further includes operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a first zone from one or more other zones; monitoring flow from the first zone; deflating the packer or plug; moving the tool string in the wellbore; and operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a second zone from one or more other zones; and monitoring flow from the second zone. The zones are monitored in one trip. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130087343 | Dual Flow Gas Lift Valve - A gas lift system has mandrels deploying downhole and has gas lift valves deploying on the mandrels. In general, the mandrel can have an interior and can have at least one port communicating outside the mandrel. To achieve higher gas injection while maintaining component sizes in desirable ranges, the gas lift valve of the present disclosure has multiple injection outlets, and a common opening pressure can control the opening of each of the injection outlets in the valve. The valve can open in two places, allowing gas to flow through the nose of the valve as well as through a ported latch at the top of the valve. In this way, that valve can offer larger injection capabilities while keeping a suitable outside diameter. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130082202 | BALL VALVE FLOAT EQUIPMENT - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a ball valve assembly for use during a cementing operation. In one aspect, a ball valve is provided. The ball valve includes a housing. The ball valve further includes a spherical body disposed within the housing. Additionally, the ball valve includes an actuating member movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the actuating member causes the spherical body to rotate within the housing. In another aspect, a method of using a ball valve in a cementing operation is provided. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130075111 | VALVE FOR VELOCITY STRINGS - The present invention generally relates to a valve assembly for use with a velocity string. The valve assembly is used during the snub-in operation and the snub-out operation of the velocity string. In one aspect, a valve for a velocity string is provided. The valve includes a body having a bore. The valve further includes a flapper member disposed in the body, wherein the flapper member includes a flapper that is movable between an opened position in which fluid flow is allowed to move through the bore in a first direction and a second direction, and a closed position in which fluid flow through the bore is blocked in the second direction. The valve further includes a sleeve member attached to the body by a releasable connection, wherein the sleeve member is configured to hold the flapper member in the opened position. The sleeve member is movable through the bore of the body upon release of the releasable connection. In another aspect, a method of using a valve attached to a bottom of a velocity string is provided. In a further aspect, a valve assembly for use with a velocity string is provided. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130062066 | Multi-Zone Screened Fracturing System - A multi-zone formation treatment assembly has sections disposed on a tubular structure in a borehole. An isolation element disposed on the tubular structure that isolates a borehole annulus around the section from the other sections, and a flow valve disposed on the tubular structure is selectively operable between opened and closed conditions permitting and preventing fluid communication between the through-bore and the borehole annulus. A screen disposed on the tubular structure communicates with the borehole annulus, and a closure disposed on the tubular structure at least prevents fluid communication from the through-bore to the screen. A workstring of the assembly can be manipulated in the tubular structure relative to each section in the same trip to: open the flow valve, position in the through-bore relative to the open flow valve, deliver the treatment from an outlet to the section through the open flow valve, and close the flow valve. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130058193 | Apparatus and Method for Measuring the Acoustic Impedance of Wellbore Fluids - An ultrasonic scanner tool employs a transducer that excites a target plate at a known distance from the transducer. One side of the target plate forms a chamber that in operation is filled with wellbore fluid. On the other side of the target plate, a chamber is formed containing a vacuum or a fluid with a significantly lower acoustic impedance than the wellbore fluid and the target plate, allowing an improved measurement of the acoustic impedance of the wellbore fluid. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056222 | Multiple Control Line Assembly for Downhole Equipment - Concentric control lines have an outer line disposed about one or more inner lines. Encapsulated together, the lines only require one penetration through the wellhead to extend downhole. At the wellhead, the lines communicate with an operating system, which can provide hydraulics, electric power, signals, or the like for downhole components. Beyond the wellhead, the concentric lines extend along the tubing to a manifold. The outer line sealably terminates at the manifold's inlet, while the inner conduit passes out an outlet with a sealed fitting to connect to a downhole component. A downhole line couples to an outlet of the manifold and communicates internally with the outer conduit terminated at the manifold's inlet. This downhole line can then extend to the same downhole component or some different component. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130043043 | High Flow Rate Multi Array Stimulation System - A system of sliding valves wherein the inserts of multiple sliding valves may be shifted to an open position using a single shifting ball. Each individual sliding valve has a movable insert that, depending upon the position of the insert within the sliding valve, may either block, permit fluid to radially flow between the interior and exterior of the sliding valve at a first rate, or permit fluid to radially flow between the interior and exterior of the sliding valve at some different second rate. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130043042 | Multiple Shift Sliding Sleeve - A system of sliding valves wherein the inserts of multiple sliding valves may be shifted to an open position using a single shifting ball. Each individual sliding valve has a movable insert that, depending upon the position of the insert within the sliding valve, may either block or permit fluid to radially flow between the interior and exterior of the sliding valve. The insert has a profile about the interior of the movable insert allowing a shifting tool to connect to and move the insert so that fluid may be prevented from entering the interior portion of the sliding sleeve. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130039780 | Reciprocating Rod Pump for Sandy Fluids - A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger movably disposed therein. The gap between the barrel and plunger has first and second seals. The barrel and plunger each have a one-way valve restricting fluid passage out of it. A filter or screen is disposed on the plunger between the first and second seals. In a downstroke, fluid and particulate in the barrel transfers into the plunger. In an upstroke, fluid and particulate in the plunger lifts uphole. At the same time, a volume in the barrel fills with fluid and particulate. During either stroke, the first seal prevents particulate uphole of the plunger from passing into the gap. The filter or screen, however, prevents at least some particulate (i.e., most or larger particulate) inside the plunger from passing out of the plunger with fluid flowing into the gap between the first and second seals. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130032226 | Gas Lift Valve Having Edge-Welded Bellows and Captive Sliding Seal - A gas lift apparatus has a gas lift valve that disposes in a mandrel. A housing of the valve has a chamber, and a seat disposes between the inlet and outlet. A piston movably disposed in the housing has one end exposed to the chamber. A distal end can selectively seal with the seat to close the valve. A first edge-welded bellows disposed on the piston separates the inlet and chamber pressures and can fully compress to a stacked height when the distal end of the piston seals with the seat. A dynamic seal can be achieved at closing by using a captive sliding seal between the piston's distal end and the seat. A second edge-welded bellows can also be disposed on the piston, and the two bellows can operate in tandem. Oil filing the interiors and the passage can move from one bellows to the other to transfer the pressure differential between the inlet and the chamber pressures. The second bellows fully compresses to a stacked height and stops opening of the valve. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130014953 | Multi-Zone Screened Frac System - A multi-zone screened frac system combines screens with integrated check valves, frac valves, and optional shunt tubes for slurry dehydration. The system can also include fiber optic technology. In particular, the system uses sliding sleeves and flow devices for each section. The sliding sleeves open with dropped balls or a service tool, and the flow devices have screens and act as check valves. Dehydration tubes can also be used. The system does not require a crossover tool, and in some implementations, the system does not even require a complete service tool. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130009366 | Low Profile Rotating Control Device - A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130008652 | Gravel Pack and Sand Disposal Device - An apparatus and method allow gravel pack slurry to be placed in a borehole annulus from the toe towards the heel to reduce the pressure acting upon the heel of the borehole during the gravel placement operation. By reducing the pressure on the heel, the gravel pack slurry may be placed in longer sections of the borehole in a single operation. Additionally, excess slurry in the inner string can be disposed in the borehole annulus around the shoe track of the apparatus, and fluid returns can flow up the apparatus through a bypass. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130000899 | One Trip Toe-to-Heel Gravel Pack and Liner Cementing Assembly - A gravel packing assembly gravel packs a horizontal borehole. Operators wash down the borehole using an inner string in a first position by flowing fluid from the inner string through the apparatus' toe. Operators then gravel pack by moving the inner string to one or more flow ports between a screen and the toe. Slurry flows into the borehole from the flow ports, and returns from the borehole flow through the screen. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel. In another condition, operators can move the inner string to a second flow port so slurry can flow into the borehole through a shunt extending from the second flow port. When gravel packing is done, operators move the inner string to a port collar in a liner of the assembly to cement the liner in the borehole. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130000890 | Multiple Sectioned Wire-Wrapped Screens - Operators manufacture a wellscreen by forming a wire-wrapped screen on a base pipe. Rather than stopping and restarting winding, the desired length of screen is completed along the base pipe, and then the wire screen is segmented into a plurality of screen sections as required for the various zones and details of the implementation. Operators arrange the screen sections relative to one another on the base pipe, which can have different lengths with and without perforations. On the free ends of these separate screen sections, mating split ring components fit around the free ends and the base pipes. Male edges of one split ring component mate to complementary female edges of another to form the end ring around the screen section and base pipe, and longitudinal welds made in seams along the mating edges affix the split ring components together. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20120318496 | Subsea Internal Riser Rotating Control Head Seal Assembly - An RCD is used to provide a system and method for sealing a marine riser having a rotatable tubular. A bypass internal channel or external line may be used to allow fluid to bypass the RCD seal. An RCD holding member seal could be a mechanically extrudable seal or a hydraulically expanded seal to seal the RCD with the riser. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120305265 | Cluster Opening Sleeves for Wellbore - A downhole sleeve has an insert movable in the sleeve's bore from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball dropped in the bore engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. In the closed condition, the insert prevents communication between the bore and the sleeve's port, while the insert in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and port. Keys of a seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the insert open. After opening, the keys retract so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to an isolation sleeve of an assembly. Insets or buttons disposed in the sleeve's port temporarily maintain fluid pressure in the sleeve's bore so that a cluster of sleeves can be opened before treatment fluid dislodges the button to treat the surrounding formation through the open port. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120298356 | Dual-Purpose Steam Injection and Production Tool - A dual-purpose tool can be used for steam injection and production in a wellbore. A mandrel deploys in the wellbore to communicate steam in a steam injection operation and to communicate production fluid from the wellbore during production operations. A distributor on the mandrel has nozzles for injecting steam into the wellbore and has production valves for producing fluids from the wellbore. A screen can be used to screen production fluids as they are produced through the production valves. The nozzles can also allows produced fluids to flow into the mandrel, or backflow valves can be used to restrict flow of produced fluids through the nozzles while permitting the flow of steam out of the nozzles. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120253677 | Lag Calculation with Caving Correction in Open Hole - A gas analyzer system that can detect atmospheric air gasses in drilling mud is used to calculate an actual lag time in a well. The calculated lag time and a theoretical lag time may be compared to estimate a caving percentage in an open hole section of the well. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120237380 | Downhole Backspin Retarder for Progressive Cavity Pump - A backspin retarder for a progressive cavity pump deploys on the drive string uphole from a pump unit. The backspin retarder has a shaft that connects to portions of the drive string. An impeller disposes on the shaft and can move axially and radially. In an unengaged condition, the impeller and shaft can rotate relative to one another so the drive string can rotate in a drive direction without impediment from the impeller. In an engaged condition, the impeller rotates with the shaft in a backspin direction. In this way, vanes on the impeller can retard the backspin of the shaft and drive string by attempting to force the lifted fluid column flowing downhole past the impeller back uphole. The retarder can use a pin and slot arrangement or an arrangement of engageable teeth to engage the impeller to the rotation of the shaft. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234599 | Measuring Gas Losses at a Rig Surface Circulation System - A technique for improving the capability of measuring gas losses at the rig surface area uses a predetermined quantity of a preselected gas injected into the drilling fluid used in the drilling rig, which is then detected and compared to measure the gas loss. Various embodiments may use special-purpose gases. Other embodiments may use air or components of air, such as nitrogen or oxygen, as the gas to be detected and measured. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234088 | Cylindrical Shaped Snorkel Interface on Evaluation Probe - A snorkel and pad for use with a formation testing tool is formed with a cylindrical geometry at the interface where the snorkel and pad contacts the inner surface of a borehole. The cylindrical geometry reduces or eliminates gaps that a flat interface surface would leave between the snorkel and the inner surface of the borehole, reducing the possibility that a surrounding pad could extrude through the gap. The snorkel is prevented from rotating during operation, ensuring the correct orientation of the cylindrical geometry interface surface relative to the inner surface of the borehole. The snorkel may be used as part of a formation testing system. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120204977 | Self-Boosting, Non-Elastomeric Resilient Seal for Check Valve - A check valve for gas lift applications can be attached externally to a side pocket mandrel or can be a gas lift valve used in the mandrel. The valve has a seat with a non-elastomeric element and a metal element. A biasing element resiliently biases the non-elastomeric element to provide resiliency to the seal produced. A metal dart moves in the bore relative to the seat and allows or prevents flow through the valve body. When exposed to a first differential pressure, the dart engages the non-elastomeric element resiliently biased by the biasing element. When exposed to a greater differential pressure, the dart engages the metal element, which can be part of the valve in the bore. In one arrangement, the non-elastomeric element can be a thermoplatistic component with a metal spring energized seal as the biasing element. Alternatively, the non-elastomeric element can be the jacket of metal spring energized seal with a coil spring as the biasing element. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120160500 | METHODS FOR USING NON-VOLATILE PHOSPHORUS HYDROCARBON GELLING AGENTS - New fluids are disclosed for use in servicing subterranean formations containing oil and gas. In particular, an improved chemical gelling additive for hydrocarbon based fracturing fluids is disclosed having reduce, negligible or no volatile phosphorus at temperatures below about 250° C. | 06-28-2012 |
