Wells inventions 01/06

20060016590 - Downhole component with a pressure equalization passageway: The present invention includes a downhole component adapted for transmitting downhole data. The downhole component includes a threaded end on a downhole component. The threaded end furthermore includes an interior region, and exterior region, and a mating surface wherein a cavity is formed. A data transmission element is disposed in...

20060016591 - Apparatus and method for agitating reservoir while pumping: An apparatus for agitating production fluid in a reservoir comprises a pump having a lower pump intake and an upper pump output. A port adapter is connected to the pump output and defines a bypass port in a wall thereof. An output conduit is connected to the port adapter and...

20060016593 - Downhole measurement system and method: One aspect of the present invention is a system and method to measure a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compare the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. Another aspect...

20060016592 - Kick warning system using high frequency fluid mode in a borehole: Techniques for detecting a kick in a borehole include acquiring a set of measurements with a sonic tool in the borehole; determining borehole mud slowness from the set of measurements; and comparing the mud slowness with a selected criterion, wherein the determining the mud slowness includes determining fluid mode slowness...

20060016594 - Methods to detect formation pressure: A method of determining a formation pressure during drawdown of a formation comprises sampling fluid from a formation using a downhole tool. A fluid sample pressure is determined at two different times during the drawdown. The fluid sample pressures are analyzed using a higher-order pressure derivative with respect to time...

20060016595 - Downhole measurement system and method: One aspect of the present invention is a system and method to measure a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compare the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. Another aspect...

20060016596 - Treatment fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations: The present invention relates to subterranean treatment operations. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved treatment fluids and methods of using such improved treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of treating a subterranean formation. Another example of a...

20060016597 - Open hole expandable patch: The invention discloses a patch for placement in a wellbore and associated methods. The patch has a longitudinal member and an anchor that is radially expanded to engage the wall of the borehole to secure the patch against axial and radial movement. The anchor is set using a running tool...

20060016598 - Lightweight proppant and method of making same: A lightweight, high-strength proppant is disclosed, comprising the formation of finely dispersed ceramic precursors and sintering at low temperatures, causing the formation and retention of mesopores and micropores in pelletized ceramic. A method of manufacturing such a proppant is also disclosed, comprising the steps of manufacturing finely divided ceramic precursors...

20060016599 - Cementing methods and systems for initiating fluid flow with reduced pumping pressure: A method of initiating fluid circulation in a well bore through a casing inner diameter and an annulus outside the casing, the method having the following steps: inducing an increase in the annulus fluid pressure; flowing cement composition into the annulus at the top of the well bore; maintaining a...

20060016600 - Methods and systems for cementing wells that lack surface casing: A method for cementing a casing in an open well bore having no surface casing, wherein an annulus is defined between the casing and the well bore, the method having: sealing the annulus at the mouth of the well bore with a seal; pumping a cement composition into the annulus...

20060016601 - Foamed cement slurries, additives and methods: The present invention relates to foamed cement slurries, additives and methods. A foamed cement slurry of the invention comprises a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry, sufficient gas to form a foam and an environmentally benign foaming and stabilizing additive comprising a mixture of an ammonium salt of...

20060016602 - Foamed cement compositions, additives, and associated methods: The present invention relates to cementing operations and, more particularly, to foamed cement compositions, foaming and stabilizing additives, and associated methods. A foaming and stabilizing additive, that comprises a mixture of an alkali salt of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, wherein the alkali salt of the alkyl ether sulfate surfactant...

20060016603 - Casing reaming assembly: Apparatus and methods for drilling out from a casing string in a borehole. A reaming assembly is introduced into the borehole and fixed at a predetermined location. A drillable collar is interposed between the reaming assembly and a casing. A drilling assembly introduced into the casing and is then positioned...

20060016604 - Shoulder ring set on casing hanger trip: A wellhead housing has a bore with a support shoulder, a ramp surface extending upward and outward from the support shoulder, and a recess extending upward from the ramp. A split, resilient load ring is carried in an initial position in the recess. A retractable and axially movable latch ring...

20060016605 - Motion compensator: A motion compensator is used on a floating vessel servicing a subsea well. The motion compensator includes a first frame assembly adapted to be connected to a cable extending from a lifting structure. When connected to the cable, the first frame assembly extends longitudinally along an axis substantially parallel with...

20060016606 - Methods and apparatus for in situ generation of power for devices deployed in a tubular: A device, system, and methods of power generation in situ in a hydrocarbon well are disclosed. A power generator for deployment in a hydrocarbon well tubular may comprise a housing adapted for deployment within a hydrocarbon well tubular; a mechanical to electrical power converter disposed at least partially within the...

20060016607 - Arctic platform method: A method of supporting a double hull platform section above the surface of the earth for the exploration of oil, gas, or hydrate reserves comprising lowering a platform to a distance above the surface of the earth, engaging a first set of supports with the surface of the earth, drilling...

20060011338 - Method for releasing cables from an attached well tool and apparatus for excercising the method: In a method for releasing cables (2) from an attached well tool, where the cutting and the time for cutting can be decided from the surface above the well, and where a cable cutter (6) is arranged between the main part of a cable and a well tool, said cubic...

20060011339 - Tubing string rotator: A tubing string rotator for rotating a tubing string in a well having a downhole pump. The tubing string rotator includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion. At least the second portion of the housing is adapted to be operatively connected to the end of a...

20060011340 - Tubular expansion apparatus and method: Tools for expanding downhole tubulars into each other or in open hole are disclosed. One embodiment uses a movable cone biased by Bellville washers to move longitudinally against such bias and allow collets to move radially in or out to a predetermined maximum diameter. A release system allows collet retraction...

20060011341 - Method for stimulating a petroleum well: The addition of one or more stimulants to a petroleum well in order to enhance the production of the well. If the well is suffering from asphaltene or paraffin build up, the well may be heated either chemically or with steam prior to introduction of the stimulant. Additionally, a solvent...

20060011342 - Fluid loss control additives for use in fracturing subterranean formations: The present invention relates to subterranean fracturing operations, and more particularly to fracturing fluids that include an improved fluid loss control additive, and methods of using such fracturing fluids in fracturing subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of fracturing a subterranean formation....

20060011343 - Well kill additive, well kill treatment fluid made therefrom, and method of killing a well: For well kill treatment to prevent the intrusion of formation fluids into the wellbore while the well is open, a well kill additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, filter aid, and optionally, a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method...

20060011344 - Coiled tubing conveyed milling: Milling in casing that is over 4½ inches is done with coiled tubing that is anchored against torque reaction. An improved debris catcher is part of the bottom hole assembly to capture cuttings from the milling. A thruster can be used to maintain weight on the mill during the milling....

20060011345 - Method and apparatus for downhole artificial lift system protection: A fluid conditioning system designed to be installed between the well perforation and the intake of a pump used to effect artificial lift is used to filter and chemically treat production fluids. The fluid conditioning system is an apparatus that provides scale inhibitors and/or other chemical treatments into the production...

20060011346 - Downhole magnetic retrieval tool: A tool 10 for suspending in a well retrieves various metal debris from the well, and includes an elongate tool body 12 within a plurality of circumferentially shaped slots 14. Each slot having a radially outward portion with a circumferential width less than a circumferential width of a radially inward...

20060011347 - Inner riser adjustable hanger and seal assembly: An inner riser adjustable hanger and seal assembly are provided for applying tension to a casing string secured at a lower end within a well and supported at an upper end by a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing has a locking member on an inner surface thereof. A tensioning mechanism...

20060011348 - Drilling and producing deep water subsea wells: Subsea wells are drilled and completed with an offshore floating platform in a manner that allows simultaneous work on more than one well. A first well is drilled and casing. Then a tubing hanger is run through a drilling riser and landed in the wellhead housing. Then, with the same...

20060011349 - Method of increasing gas well production: A method of increasing the production of a formation gas from a well bore penetrating a gas producing formation wherein the formation gas has a water content that results in the formation of condensate water from the formation gas as the formation gas passes up the well bore to the...

20060011353 - Apparatus and methods for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, the apparatus comprising a supporting member connectable to said top drive characterized in that it further comprises an internal tool for engaging said tubular and an external clamping device for engaging said tubular....

20060011350 - Apparatus, system and method for positioning and stabbing well tubulars: An operational system and method and improved apparatus for positioning and stabbing well tubulars wherein: the grasping members of the apparatus can be folded and unfolded; the boom assembly can be pivoted to a downward clearance position; a plurality of stabbing apparatuses can be placed and used in a stacked...

20060011351 - Automated system for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover and well-servicing rig: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead...

20060011352 - Safety lock for elevators: An elevator having a safety lock is provided to prevent the inadvertent release of a tubular. In one embodiment, the elevator includes a body for supporting the tubular and a locking apparatus activatable by an upset portion of the tubular, the safety locking apparatus adapted to prevent the tubular handling...

20060011354 - Surge reduction bypass valve: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing surge pressure while running casing into a wellbore. The apparatus includes a running string for running casing having a diverter tool therein. The diverter tool has one or more bypass ports between its upper and lower end which are normally closed. In operation,...

20060005962 - Pipe running tool: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by...

20060005963 - Downhole plug: Downhole plug, especially designed for closing an annular conduit in an oil or gas well, under high pressure and temperature. It has two radially expandable ring elements 13, 15, which are arranged on a carrying cylindrical element 32, between two mutually axially movable pressure elements 12, 14, having an expansion...

20060005964 - Downhole completion system and method for completing a well: A system for completing a well having casing (34) includes a perforating assembly (38) and a tubing string assembly (40). The tubing string assembly (40) including a pair of seal assemblies (56, 74), a production screen assembly (58) and a ported sleeve (66) positioned between the seal assemblies (56, 74)...

20060005965 - Sensor system: A sensor for installation in an underground well having a casing or tubing installed therein, the sensor comprising: a sensor body that can be installed in a hole formed in the casing or tubing so as to extend between the inside and outside of the casing or tubing; sensor elements...

20060005966 - Methods of reducing the impact of a formate-based drilling fluid comprising an alkaline buffering agent on a cement slurry: A cement slurry comprising a base for reducing the impact of an alkaline solution may be displaced into a wellbore and allowed to set. The base may comprise a metal carbonate that is soluble in water such as potassium carbonate. The cement slurry may further include cement, water, and a...

20060005967 - Deep well anodes for electrical grounding: Two related approaches are provided to controlling the relative permeability of ground water and gases developed in deep well anodic installations. The central metallic anode is encased and protected by a semi-permeable conductive cementaceous sheath, using as the sheathing material any of a number of compositions having the desired properties...

20060005969 - General method for disposal of produced water: A method and apparatus useful for disposing of the high volumes of produced water associated with coal bed methane natural gas wells. The method taught is to create steam from the produced water and vent the steam into the atmosphere. The apparatus taught utilizes available heat energy sources to produce...

20060005968 - Temperature limited heaters with relatively constant current: Certain embodiments provide a system configured to heat a subsurface formation. The system includes an electrical power supply. A heater section includes one or more electrical conductors electrically coupled to the electrical power supply. At least one of the electrical conductors includes ferromagnetic material. The heater section provides a first...

20060005970 - System and method for termination of an undersea umbilical: A termination system comprises a tubular lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member....

20060005971 - Method and apparatus for installing an undersea umbilical: An installation apparatus comprises a coupling member, a guide member, and a securing member operable to secure a termination system to the coupling member....

20060005972 - Method and system for production of gas and water from a coal seam using well bores with multiple branches during drilling and after drilling completion: A system for producing gas and water from a gas bearing strata during and after drilling completion. The system includes a directional drilling system, a main bore and pump. The directional drilling system includes a drill and a drill string. The main bore intersects the gas bearing strata and has...

20060005973 - Coupling and sealing tubulars in a bore: A method of sealing an expandable tubular within a bore comprises the steps of providing an expandable tubular describing a first diameter and having a sealing medium on its outer surface, running the tubular into a bore and expanding the tubular within the bore to describe a second larger diameter,...

20060000599 - Connecting mechanism: A connecting mechanism for two parts, which are at least partially insertable into one another, presents a cam-operated component, which runs on bearings and which is adjustable between a passive and an active position, on the one part, for shifting a number of contact elements between a withdrawal and a...

20060000600 - Casing feeder: A top drive system for drilling with casing includes a casing feeder and a torque head. In one embodiment, the casing feeder is adapted to position a casing for engagement with the torque head. The casing feeder includes a pair of conveying arms for engagement with the casing. Each conveying...

20060000601 - Methods and apparatus for connecting tubulars using a top drive: A connection apparatus for coupling a top drive to a tubular gripping member comprises a body having a first joint coupled to the top drive and a second joint coupled to the tubular gripping member, wherein the body is adapted to allow fluid communication between the top drive and the...

20060000602 - Field-installable rod guide: A field-installable rod guide for a rod moveable within an oilfield tubular having an interior tubular surface for driving a downhole pump to pump liquids to the surface through the oilfield tubular. The rod guide comprises a body including interfitting body members. An outer tapered surface on one body member...

20060000603 - Formation evaluation system and method: A method of evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation drawn into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation is provided. The method involves drawing fluid from a formation into an evaluation flowline, drawing fluid from a formation into a cleanup flowline, measuring a property of...

20060000604 - Radio frequency tags for turbulent flows: A system for communicating information, particular for use in a hydrocarbon well, is described including one or more releasable vessels having radio frequency (RF) circuitry responsive, when in use, to an RF reader system, the vessel including counteracting means to reduce the effect of destabilizing flow forces thereby extending the...

20060000605 - Apparatus and method: An apparatus and method to measure the position of a portion of a pump assembly within a well particularly for use in an oil or gas well and for downhole pumps driven by a drive shaft running from a surface motor. The apparatus comprises at least one measurement device which...

20060000606 - Apparatus and method for characterizing a reservoir: An apparatus and method for characterizing a subsurface formation is provided. The apparatus includes a tool body, a probe assembly carried by the tool body for sealing off a region of the borehole wall, an actuator for moving the probe assembly between a retracted position for conveyance of the tool...

20060000608 - Separating constituents of a fluid mixture: A device for separating constituents of a fluid mixture includes an elongate vessel oriented at an acute angle to horizontal. The vessel is operable to receive the fluid mixture and direct the fluid mixture to flow in a convection cell spanning substantially a length of the vessel. The convection cell...

20060000607 - Wellbore completion design to naturally separate water and solids from oil and gas: A wellbore completion design is provided, which creates a convective flow action that separates water and sand from hydrocarbons during production of the hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. A deviated section of the wellbore creates the desired effect. The wellbore completion design may include a secondary bore, which intersects the...

20060000609 - Matrix acidizing high permeability contrast formations: A method for stimulating thick or multilayered heterogeneous or homogeneous formations in a single trip without packers involves perforating with tubing conveyed perforation, then injecting a self-diverting acid, then moving the tubing string and perforating at a new location, and then injecting additional self-diverting acid. The sequence may be repeated....

20060000610 - Methods of fracturing sensitive formations: An example of a method includes providing a hydrajetting tool in a well bore in a formation; injecting a fluid through the tool into a first region of the formation at a velocity sufficient to form one or more perforation tunnels; maintaining the flow of fluid into the perforation tunnels...

20060000611 - Cement compositions comprising high aspect ratio materials and methods of use in subterranean formations: The present invention relates to subterranean well cementing operations, and more particularly, to cement compositions that include high aspect ratio materials, and methods for using such cement compositions in subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. An...

20060000612 - Cement compositions comprising high aspect ratio materials and methods of use in subterranean formations: The present invention relates to subterranean well cementing operations, and more particularly, to cement compositions that include high aspect ratio materials, and methods for using such cement compositions in subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. An...

20060000613 - Casing conveyed well perforating apparatus and method: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are...

20060000614 - Surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve: A surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve provides flow control for each branch wellbore in a multilateral well. In a described embodiment, a completion system for a well having an intersection between parent and branch wellbores includes an apparatus having multiple passages formed therethrough. One passage provides fluid communication...

20060000615 - Infrastructure-independent deepwater oil field development concept: A method for developing a sub-sea hydrocarbons field includes sub-sea wells, sub-sea oil/gas separation, storing the degassed oil in a storage tank located or the seabed, liquefying natural gas aboard a vessel using liquid nitrogen aboard the vessel to obtain liquefied natural gas, transporting the liquefied natural gas to an...

20060000616 - Hydraulic downhole oil recovery system: An improved hydraulic downhole oil recovery system that incorporates an above ground unit and a submersible, reciprocating downhole pump unit. Water-based fluid, rather than hydraulic fluid, is responsible for actuating the reciprocating downhole pump unit. The water-based fluid is transferred through the system using coil, coil tubing. The system further...

20060000617 - Coupling and sealing tubulars in a bore: A method of sealing an expandable tubular within a bore comprises the steps of providing an expandable tubular describing a first diameter and having a sealing medium on its outer surface, running the tubular into a bore and expanding the tubular within the bore to describe a second larger diameter,...

20060000618 - Line slack compensator: The present invention provides for a completion assembly having a line slack compensator to provide or remove slack in a control line....

20060000619 - Method and apparatus for drilling and servicing subterranean wells with rotating coiled tubing: A system is provided for drilling and/or servicing a well bore using continuous lengths of coiled tubing in which a turntable assembly rotates a coiled tubing reel assembly and a counter balance system about the well bore such that the coiled tubing is rotated while in the well bore. A...

20060000620 - Isolation tool: A tool for use in the treatment of a formation penetrated by a well bore, the tool comprising a tubular core having at least one opening therein for the discharge of pressurized fluid from within the core first and second axially spaced apart sealing members disposed on the core for...