Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130206393 | ECONOMICAL CONSTRUCTION OF WELL SCREENS - A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206396 | PISTON TRACTOR SYSTEM FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN WELLS - A piston tractor system can include at least two piston assemblies which sealingly engage a wellbore, and a pump which transfers fluid between an annulus isolated between the piston assemblies, and another annulus. A method of operating a piston tractor system can include sealingly engaging at least two piston assemblies with a wellbore, grippingly engaging one piston assembly with the wellbore, and then pumping a fluid from an annulus formed between the piston assemblies, while the other piston assembly is secured to a tubular string, thereby biasing the tubular string to displace through the first piston assembly. A method of advancing a tubular string through a wellbore can include sealingly engaging piston assemblies with the wellbore, each of the piston assemblies including a gripping device which selectively grips the wellbore, and one piston assembly including another gripping device which selectively grips the tubular string. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206406 | ECONOMICAL CONSTRUCTION OF WELL SCREENS - A well screen for use in a subterranean well can include a loose filter media, a sandstone, a square weave mesh material, a foam, and/or a nonmetal mesh material. A method of installing a well screen in a subterranean well can include dispersing a material in a filter media of the well screen, after the well screen has been installed in the well, thereby permitting a fluid to flow through the filter media. A method of constructing a well screen can include positioning a loose filter media in an annular space between a base pipe and a shroud, so that the filter media filters fluid which flows through a wall of the base pipe. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206417 | DEBRIS ANTI-COMPACTION SYSTEM FOR BALL VALVES - A wellbore ball valve includes a ball-type valve closure having an interior, central bore. A lower ball carrying assembly defines a first annular, sealing seat surface in contact with and adapted to seal with the exterior of the valve closure. The first seat surface defines a first through hole. An upper assembly defines a second annular seat surface in contact with the exterior of the valve closure. The second seat surface defines a second through hole. The second through hole is shaped differently from the first through hole in that it at least partially overlaps with the central bore while the first through hole is sealed from the central bore. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209164 | ALIGNED ANGLED WELL TOOL WELD JOINT - A well tool can include multiple sections, one section having a mating weld surface formed thereon, and another section having another mating weld surface formed thereon. Engagement between the mating weld surfaces can prevent lateral displacement of the well tool sections relative to each other. The mating weld surfaces are welded to each other. A method of constructing a well tool can include engaging a mating weld surface on a section of the well tool with another mating weld surface on another section of the well tool, an interface between the mating weld surfaces being inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the well tool extending through the sections, and welding the mating weld surfaces to each other along the interface. | 08-15-2013 |
20130210683 | Method for Drilling Using a Drilling and Completion Fluid Comprising a Phosphate Based Blend - A method for for drilling through a producing zone in a subterranean formation or for completing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, using a drill-in and completion fluid comprising a blend of a phosphate brine and water. | 08-15-2013 |
20130210685 | Consolidating Spacer Fluids and Methods of Use - Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus. | 08-15-2013 |
20130213142 | PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL FLOW METER INCLUDING A CONSTRICTION DEVICE THAT CAN CREATE MULTIPLE AREAS OF CONSTRICTION - A pressure differential flow meter for determining the flow rate of a fluid comprises a constriction device, wherein the constriction device is capable of creating at least a first area of constriction and a second area of constriction having cross-sectional areas that are different, wherein the constriction device automatically moves from the first area of constriction to the second area of constriction when the pressure differential increases above or falls below a predetermined range, and wherein the pressure differential is based on the fluid velocity of the fluid flowing in the flow meter. A method of determining the flow rate of a fluid using the pressure differential flow meter comprises flowing the fluid through the flow meter. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213642 | Consolidating Spacer Fluids and Methods of Use - Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213643 | Consolidating Spacer Fluids and Methods of Use - Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213645 | Downhole Formation Testing and Sampling Apparatus Having a Deployment Packer - A downhole formation testing and sampling apparatus. The apparatus includes an expandable packer having a radially contracted running configuration and a radially expanded deployed configuration. At least one elongated sealing pad is operably associated with the expandable packer such that operating the expandable packer from the running configuration to the deployed configuration establishes a hydraulic connection between the at least one elongated sealing pad and the formation. The at least one elongated sealing pad has at least one opening establishing fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the apparatus. In addition, the at least one elongated sealing pad has an outer surface operable to seal a region along a surface of the formation to establish the hydraulic connection therewith. The at least one elongated sealing pad further has at least one recess operable to establish fluid flow from the formation to the at least one opening. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213647 | Surface Wellbore Operating Equipment Utilizing MEMS Sensors - A method comprising mixing a wellbore servicing composition comprising Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in surface wellbore operating equipment at the surface of a wellsite. An interrogator retrieves data regarding a parameter sensed by the MEMS sensor. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213656 | Aqueous-Based Insulating Fluids and Related Methods - Aqueous-based insulating fluids that have greater stability at high temperatures with lower thermal conductivity may be used, for example, in applications requiring an insulating fluid such as pipeline and subterranean applications. For example, a method may include providing an aqueous-based insulating fluid in an annulus between a riser column and an outer casing disposed thereabout, the riser column connecting a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation to a floating surface rig; and flowing a fluid through the riser column and the wellbore. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213666 | OPERATION OF MULTIPLE INTERCONNECTED HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A system for use with a well can include multiple hydraulic actuators in the well, each of the actuators being connected to a common hydraulic line, and multiple pressure control devices, each pressure control device preventing flow from the hydraulic line to a respective one of the actuators unless a pressure differential across the pressure control device exceeds a predetermined level. A method of controlling operation of multiple hydraulic actuators in a well can include applying pressure to at least one of the actuators, thereby increasing pressure in a common hydraulic line connected to each of the actuators, preventing communication of the increased pressure in the common hydraulic line to additional actuators, and permitting flow from the common hydraulic line to each of the actuators, in response to a pressure differential across the pressure control devices exceeding a predetermined level. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213667 | Well Flow Control with Multi-Stage Restriction - A well screen assembly includes a tubular base pipe. The base pipe has a sidewall aperture that communicates fluid between an interior central bore of the base pipe and an exterior of the base pipe. A filtration screen is around the base pipe. The filtration screen defines a lateral fluid passage along a axial length of the well screen assembly. A flow control device is coupled to the base pipe and the filtration screen. The flow control devices includes a ring sealing the lateral fluid passage from the central bore. An elongate restrictor passage is in the ring, oriented longitudinally. The elongate restrictor passage is configured to communicate fluid between the lateral fluid passage and the central bore. The restrictor passage includes an internal, square edged orifice defined by a fixed, annular protrusion. The annular protrusion extends inwardly from an interior surface of the restrictor passage. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213668 | WELL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH QUICK CONNECTORS AND SHOCK MITIGATING CAPABILITIES - A method can include interconnecting a well tool in a well tool assembly with a shock mitigating connection, the interconnecting being performed without threading, and positioning the well tool assembly in a wellbore. A well perforating assembly can include at least two perforating devices, a detonation train extending through the perforating devices, and a shock absorber positioned between the perforating devices. A method of assembling a perforating assembly can include, prior to installing the perforating assembly in a wellbore, pushing one perforating device connector into another perforating device connector without threading the connectors together, thereby: a) preventing disconnection of the connectors and b) making a connection in a detonation train. A well system can include a perforating assembly including multiple perforating guns and multiple shock absorbers. Each shock absorber may be interconnected between at least two of the perforating guns. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213673 | DECOUPLING A REMOTE ACTUATOR OF A WELL TOOL - A well tool with a housing has an actuator sleeve in the housing. The actuator sleeve has an internal shifting tool engaging profile. An actuator is in the housing. The actuator is responsive to a remote signal to move the actuator sleeve from a first position to a second position. A dog is in the housing, supported to couple the actuator sleeve to the actuator when the actuator sleeve is in the first position and unsupported to allow the actuator sleeve to uncouple from the actuator when the actuator sleeve is in the second position. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213713 | DIRECTIONAL DRILLING SYSTEMS - A directional drilling system for use in drilling a wellbore can include a bit deflection assembly with a bit axis deflection mechanism which applies a deflecting force to a shaft connected to a drill bit. The deflecting force may deflect the shaft, without being reacted between the deflection mechanism and the drill bit. The deflecting force may deflect the shaft between the drill bit and a radial bearing which maintains the shaft centered in the bit deflection assembly. The deflection mechanism may both angularly deflect and laterally displace the bit axis in the deflection mechanism. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217266 | METHOD OF FORMING CONNECTOR WITH ISOLATED CONDUCTIVE PATHS - An apparatus includes a pair of connectors, two or more conductive paths formed in each connector in the pair of connectors, and a shroud encompassing at least a portion of the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is substantially more flexible than the second connector, and each connector in the pair of connectors includes a bulkhead. Each of the two or more conductive paths in each connector in the pair of connectors is electrically isolated from all other conductive elements in the pair of connectors. The shroud is located between the bulkheads and disposed about the pair of connectors when the pair of connectors are coupled together electrically. | 08-22-2013 |
20130219715 | METHOD OF FORMING CONNECTOR WITH ISOLATED CONDUCTIVE PATHS - An apparatus includes a pair of connectors, two or more conductive paths formed in each connector in the pair of connectors, and a shroud encompassing at least a portion of the pair of connectors. The pair of connectors includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is substantially more flexible than the second connector, and each connector in the pair of connectors includes a bulkhead. Each of the two or more conductive paths in each connector in the pair of connectors is electrically isolated from all other conductive elements in the pair of connectors. The shroud is located between the bulkheads and disposed about the pair of connectors when the pair of connectors are coupled together electrically. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220633 | Downhole Fluid Flow Control System and Method Having a Fluidic Module with a Flow Control Turbine - A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluidic module having a turbine chamber. A flow control turbine is rotatably disposed within the turbine chamber. The flow control turbine is operable to provide fluid discriminating flow resistance such that a pressure drop for a desired production fluid passing through the fluidic module is less than a pressure drop for an undesired production fluid passing through the fluidic module. For example, the flow control turbine is operable generate a greater pressure drop in water produced therethrough as compared to oil produced therethrough due to differences in the density, viscosity or other property of the produced fluid. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220640 | Flow Control Devices on Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore and providing flow control through the downhole completion assembly. One downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second sealing structure arranged axially adjacent the first sealing structure and also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flow control device arranged between the first and second sealing structures and configured to provide a flow path for fluids to communicate between a surrounding subterranean formation and an interior of the downhole completion system. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220641 | Expandable Conical Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore. One downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure having opposing first and second ends and being arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore, the first sealing structure being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a second sealing structure having opposing first and second ends and being arranged proximate the first sealing structure within the wellbore, the second sealing structure also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein, when in their respective expanded configurations, the first and second sealing structures are frustoconical in shape and the first end of the second sealing structure is at least partially nested within the second end of the first sealing structure. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220642 | Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore. One downhole completion system includes a sealing structure movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein, when in the contracted configuration, the sealing structure is able to axially traverse production tubing extended within a wellbore, a conveyance device coupled to the sealing structure and configured to transport the sealing structure through the production tubing and to an open hole section of the wellbore, and a deployment device operably connected to the sealing structure and configured to radially expand the sealing structure from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration when the sealing structure is arranged in the open hole section. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220643 | Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore. The system may include a sealing structure movable between contracted and expanded configurations, a truss structure also movable between contracted and expanded configurations, wherein, when in their respective contracted configurations, the sealing and truss structures are each able to axially traverse production tubing extended within a wellbore, a conveyance device operably coupled to the sealing and truss structures and configured to transport the sealing and truss structures in their respective contracted configurations through the production tubing and to an open hole section of the wellbore, and a deployment device operably connected to the sealing and truss structures and configured to radially expand the sealing and truss structures from their respective contracted configurations to their respective expanded configurations. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220644 | Enhanced Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore and filtering fluids passing therethrough. One system includes a sealing structure arranged within the open hole section and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the sealing structure having one or more perforations defined therein, and a filter device arranged about the sealing structure so as to radially overlap the one or more perforations, the filter device being configured to screen fluids passing through the one or more perforations. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224061 | High Density Powdered Material Liner - A method of making an explosive charge liner comprises introducing powdered material into a basin defined by a die block, where a punch is shaped to interact with the basin, excluding the powdered material from a central portion of the basin, pressing the punch into the powdered material in the basin to form the explosive charge liner, and removing the explosive charge liner from the die block. The explosive charge liner comprises an aperture in an apex area of the explosive charge liner corresponding to the central portion when removed from the die block. | 08-29-2013 |
20130277109 | Surface Safe Explosive Tool - An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure. | 10-24-2013 |
20140087976 | Method of Drilling Boreholes With Invert Emulsion Drilling Fluids Having Enhanced Rheology - An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology effected with addition of a fatty dimer diamine additive in the presence of little or no lime. The drilling fluids of the present invention exhibit similar yield points and gel strengths at temperatures ranging from about 40° F. to about 375° F. or higher and at pressures ranging from about 0 psi to about 13500 psi. | 03-27-2014 |
20140131042 | Methods for Generating Highly Conductive Channels in Propped Fractures - Methods of forming conductive channels in a subterranean formation including providing a subterranean formation having a threshold fracture gradient; introducing a fracturing fluid at a rate above the threshold fracture gradient so as to enhance or create at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; introducing a proppant slurry into the at least one fracture at a rate above the threshold fracture gradient so as to propagate the at least one fracture and deposit the proppant slurry therein; wherein the proppant slurry comprises a base fluid and proppant particulates; injecting a substantially proppant-free resilient viscous fluid into the proppant slurry deposited in the at least one fracture at a rate below the threshold fracture gradient so as to generate a continuous channel within the proppant slurry; setting the proppant slurry; and removing the substantially proppant-free resilient viscous fluid from the at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. | 05-15-2014 |
20140216730 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING SEISMIC PULSES TO MAP SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURES - The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated, after cessation of fracturing and establishment of fracture networks, by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. In one method, attachment site particles are positioned within the formation during fracturing and additional reactive particles are later introduced. The reactive particles attach to the attachment sites and, upon a triggering event, react to produce micro-seismic events. The waves generated by the micro-seismic events are used to provide mapping of the effective fracture space. Additionally, time-lapse mapping is provided with use of “species” of attachment sites and reactive particles. | 08-07-2014 |
20140310940 | METHODS OF APPLYING A PROTECTIVE BARRIER TO THE LINER OF AN EXPLOSIVE CHARGE - According to an embodiment, a method of protecting at least a liner of an explosive charge from an environment comprises: applying a material onto or adjacent to the liner of the explosive charge, wherein prior to the step of applying, the liner is capable of being exposed to the environment, and wherein the material is capable of providing a protective barrier to at least the liner against the environment. | 10-23-2014 |