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Wells April category listing, related patent applications 04/10

20100101772 - Communication system and method in a multilateral well using an electromagnetic field generator: To perform communications in a multilateral well, a first communication unit having an electromagnetic (EM) field generating element is provided to generate an EM field in a formation between a main bore and a lateral bore of the multilateral well. The EM field generating element includes a component creating a... Agent: Schlumberger Reservoir Completions

20100101773 - Methods of cleaning sand control screens and gravel packs: Methods for remediating a subterranean environment. Methods comprising introducing a cleanup fluid through a well bore and into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the well bore, applying a pressure pulse to the cleanup fluid, and introducing a consolidating agent through the well bore and into the portion... Agent: Robert A. Kent

20100101774 - Measurement and control of liquid level in wells: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for measuring and controlling liquid levels in a well. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising: a first sensor coupled to the well, the first sensor configured to measure a casing pressure, a second sensor coupled to the well,... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Intellectual Property Department

20100101775 - Pressure driven apparatus for sequential control of a cementing head: The invention relates to a pressure-driven apparatus for the sequential control of a multiphase operation, e.g. of a cementing head. A transmission arm (3) comprising a pawl (4) is supported on a cam shaft (9) connected to a pawl cylinder (1) having a built-in return force, directional control valves (8,... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.

20100101776 - Improved sealing apparatus: A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus is described. The apparatus comprises a first sealing element (20) adapted for sealing the annulus against fluid pressure from above the sealing apparatus and adapted to be actuated by fluid pressure from above the apparatus and a second sealing element (40) adapted for... Agent: Dykas, Shaver & Nipper, LLP

20100101777 - Mulitplate slip method and system: Detailed is one embodiment that is multi-plate slip system that has a base plate with a removable top plate that may be used to anchor a well tool to a well casing. Another embodiment is a method for attaching a top plate to a base plate in a multi-plate slip... Agent: Pmi Oil Tools C/o: Ramon Perales

20100101778 - Expansion joint with communication medium bypass: An expansion joint with one or more communication medium bypass paths is described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments include a first axially flexible cylinder, one or more additional axially flexible cylinders positioned within the first cylinder, and first and second annular members each positioned at a opposite ends of,... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100101779 - Multiple-block downhole anchors and anchor assemblies: Multiple-block downhole anchors and anchor assemblies are provided. A downhole anchor assembly for a tubing string includes an anchor block, a drag block, a biasing arrangement, and a mandrel to be coupled to the tubing string. The anchor block moves, with rotation of the mandrel, between a run position out... Agent: Wilmerhale/boston

20100101780 - Process of applying hard-facing alloys having improved crack resistance and tools manufactured therefrom: Industrial tools having an outer diameter surface protected from abrasion due to silicious materials present in the Earth's crust by a layer of a hard-facing alloy with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided. Additionally, a process for applying the hard-facing alloy to the surface of... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/ann Arbor

20100101781 - Coupling for downhole tools: Transferring rotary power between a first rotating member and a second rotating member may performed by using a first element associated with the first rotating member; and a second element associated with the second rotating member. The first element and the second element may be configured to rotate the first... Agent: Mossman, Kumar And Tyler, PC

20100101782 - Biogenic fuel gas generation in geologic hydrocarbon deposits: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20100101784 - Controlling hydrogen pressure in self-regulating nuclear reactors used to treat a subsurface formation: An in situ heat treatment system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes a plurality of wellbores in the formation. At least one heater is positioned in at least two of the wellbores. A self-regulating nuclear reactor provides energy to at least one of the heaters to heat the... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100101783 - Using self-regulating nuclear reactors in treating a subsurface formation: An in situ heat treatment system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes a plurality of wellbores in the formation. At least one heater is positioned in at least two of the wellbores. A self-regulating nuclear reactor provides energy to at least one of the heaters to increase the... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100101785 - Hydraulic system and method of monitoring: A technique involves monitoring a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump coupled to a hydraulic motor which can be used to drive well related equipment. The system and methodology utilize sensors positioned to monitor parameters related to operation of the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A processor system is... Agent: Schlumberger Technology Corporation David Cate

20100101786 - Method and system for placing sensor arrays and control assemblies in a completion: A technique facilitates recovery of hydrocarbons in subterranean formations by simplifying the joining of completion assemblies downhole. The system and methodology utilize a well completion having completion assemblies that may be selectively engaged downhole without requiring precise positional accuracy for each signal communication line. A signal communication system is provided... Agent: Patent Counsel Schlumberger Reservoir Completions

20100101787 - Using an acoustic ping and sonic velocity to control an artificial lift device: A transmitter generates an acoustic ping in a fluid in a borehole, and a receiver monitors waves resulting from the acoustic ping. Responsive to the monitored waves, an attribute of the fluid is estimated, including a sonic velocity, a mixture of gas and oil, a mixture of water and oil,... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100101788 - Multi-point chemical injection system: A technique enables injection of treatment chemicals at a plurality of desired locations along a well. A multi-point chemical injection system is connected and deployed into a wellbore. The multi-point chemical injection system delivers one or more treatment chemicals along the wellbore to the desired locations at a plurality of... Agent: Schlumberger Reservoir Completions

20100101789 - Engineered, scalable underground storage system and method: An engineered, scalable underground containment system and method for storing compressed gases or liquids in permeable rock formations using conventional drilling techniques. The porosity and permeability of the formation may be enhanced to maximize reservoir capacity and increase the rate at which gases and liquids can be introduced into and... Agent: Edward S. Wright

20100101790 - Cyclic steam stimulation method with multiple fractures: A cyclic steam soak (CSS) stimulation method for producing heated hydrocarbons from a viscous hydrocarbon-containing formation comprises the steps of: a) drilling a well (1) having a substantially horizontal or inclined lower section (3) into the viscous hydrocarbon-containing formation (4) substantially along the trajectory of the minimum compressive horizontal stress... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100101791 - Enhanced crude oil recovery method and system: c

20100101792 - Cement head: A cement head, comprising a first module comprising a first module outer profile, a second module comprising a second module outer profile, a bridge comprising a bridge profile engaged with each of the first module outer profile and the second module outer profile. A wellbore servicing apparatus, comprising a first... Agent: John W. Wustenberg

20100101793 - Electrically conductive methods for heating a subsurface formation to convert organic matter into hydrocarbon fluids: A method and system for heating a subsurface formation using electrical resistance heating is provided. In one aspect, two or more wellbores are provided that penetrate an interval of solid organic-rich rock within the subsurface formation. At least one fracture is established in the organic-rich rock from at least one... Agent: Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

20100101794 - Heating subsurface formations with fluids: A method of treating a hydrocarbon formation includes providing heat to the hydrocarbon formation from a plurality of heaters. The heat transfers from the heaters so that at least a section the formation reaches a selected temperature. The section includes hydrocarbons having an API gravity below 10°. A solution including... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100101795 - Hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations: Methods of hydraulically fracturing subterranean coal seams and formations resulting in improved permeability to stimulate Coalbed Methane. In one method, the coal seam is fractured using a proppant-containing fracturing fluid in alternating stages with an aqueous base solution that etches the fracture faces of the coal thereby creating channels for... Agent: Edmonds Nolte, PC

20100101796 - Hydrocarbon-based fracturing fluid compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use: The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation.... Agent: Davidson Berquist Jackson & Gowdey, LLP Attn: Brian Siritzky, Ph.d.

20100101797 - Lubricating washpipe system and method: The invention relates to washpipes for use in drilling operations such as drilling for oil and gas, and more particularly to an auto lubricating washpipe and liner system and method.... Agent: Shaper Iler LLP

20100101798 - Downhole systems and methods for deliquifaction of a wellbore: A downhole assembly for deliquifying a wellbore. In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a nozzle section including a converging nozzle and a diverging nozzle in fluid communication with the converging nozzle. In addition, the assembly comprises a throat section including a convergent throat passage proximal the diverging nozzle and a... Agent: Carol Wilson Bp America Inc.

20100101799 - System, method and apparatus for a modular production tree assembly to reduce weight during transfer of tree to rig: A modular tree production tree assembly reduces the weight during transfer of the tree components from a barge to a production rig. The tree assembly includes an upper tree module, a lower tree module, and a choke bridge module. The upper tree module has a tree head, the lower tree... Agent: Patent Department Ge Oil & Gas

20100101800 - Subsea completion with a wellhead annulus access adapter: A subsea completion assembly for a subsea well including installed casing and a wellhead. The assembly includes a production casing forming a B annulus between the outside of the production casing and the installed casing. The assembly also includes an annulus access adapter installed in the wellhead, the adapter including... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C.

20100101801 - Downhole well pump: An apparatus for use with production tubing to pump fluid from a well to the surface includes a tubular conduit having upper and lower portions. The lower portion has an inner or outer diameter greater than the diameter of the upper portion to form a first internal or external shoulder... Agent: Edward Yoo C/o Bennett Jones

20100101803 - Consumable downhole tools: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the... Agent: John W. Wustenberg

20100101802 - Drilling head for reboring a stuck valve: The present invention relates to a drilling head for reboring a stuck valve or drilling into the formation downhole. The invention furthermore relates to a drilling tool comprising the drilling head and a driving unit. The drilling head comprises a hole saw beside a drill bit for cutting out a... Agent: Cohen, Pontani, Lieberman & Pavane LLP

20100101804 - Resettable antiextrusion backup system and method: A resettable antiextrusion system including a backup ring, a ramp in operable communication with the backup ring, and a gauge ring attached to the ramp. A method for sealing a tubular.... Agent: Cantor Colburn LLP- Baker Hughes Incorporated

20100101805 - External grip tubular running tool: A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a... Agent: Winstead PC (fcc-fki) Henry L. Ehrlich

20100101806 - Mandrel to be inserted into a liquid circulation pipe and associated positioning method: m

20100101807 - Downhole apparatus with packer cup and slip: A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position.... Agent: Law Offices Of James E. Walton, PLLC

20100101808 - Method for producing crude oil: The invention describes a method for injecting a fluid into a crude oil-containing layer of rock or earth by means of a suitable line, wherein the line is introduced into the layer of rock or earth and the fluid is injected for the purpose of an enhanced crude oil production... Agent: The Boc Group, Inc.

20100096119 - Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers: Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers. A well system includes a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid, and a shunt tube flowpath extending through the seal element for delivery of a slurry in... Agent: SmithIPServices, P.C.

20100096120 - Well liner segments for in situ petroleum upgrading and recovery, and method of in situ upgrading and recovery: A well liner segment for use in hydrocarbon recovery processes. An elongate, typically cylindrical outer liner member, and an inner elongate liner member concentrically located therewithin is provided. Hydrocarbon upgrading catalyst is provided in the interstitial space between the two members. The outer liner members may be threadably coupled together.... Agent: Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

20100096121 - Brush for a well bore casing: A brush for cleaning debris from the inner surface of a well bore casing. The brush includes an inner base ring adapted to fit on a shaft, and at least one bristle assembly engaged around the circumference of the base ring. The brush features wire bristles extending radially from its... Agent: Drinker Biddle & Reath Attn: Intellectual Property Group

20100096122 - Wellbore cleaning devices: Non-rotating tubular wellbore cleaning devices are described which include a central tool mandrel with radially surrounding stabilizers and a cleaning member subassembly. A rotational bearing is provided that is partially radially recessed, thereby improving the overall strength of the cleaning device.... Agent: Shawn Hunter

20100096123 - Hydraulic running tool assembly and method of its use: An assembly for downhole equipment deployment comprising a liner hanger, means for attachment of the liner hanger to deployable equipment, a top sub insertable into the liner hanger and attachable to a tubing string, a lock piston releasably connectable to the top sub, lock pins insertable through the top sub,... Agent: Stephen R. Burri

20100096124 - Systems and methods for injecting or retrieving tubewire into or out of coiled tubing: The present invention provides systems and methods for injecting or retrieving tubewire into or out of coiled tubing. The system comprises an injector, coiled tubing coupled to the injector and a pumping mechanism. The injector is adapted to apply a force to inject or retrieve the tubewire into or out... Agent: Howrey LLP

20100096125 - Active seismic monitoring of fracturing operations: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the... Agent: Westerngeco L.L.C. Kevin Mcenaney

20100096126 - Low pressure recovery process for acceleration of in-situ bitumen recovery: A method for recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir by operating adjacent injector producer well pairs under conditions of steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) with a lateral drainage well between and substantially parallel to them; the lateral drainage well is operated under conditions of intermittent steam injection and alternating... Agent: Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP

20100096127 - Flow regulator assembly: A system for and method of supplying an injection fluid to a well assembly so that the injection fluid flows at a substantially constant flow rate. The fluid can be injected at a single site in the well assembly or multiple sites. A flow control regulator is included that attaches... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100096128 - Enhancing hydrocarbon recovery: Recovery of hydrocarbon fluid from low permeability sources is enhanced by introduction of a treating fluid. The treating fluid may include one or more constituent ingredients designed to cause displacement of hydrocarbon via imbibition. The constituent ingredients may be determined based on estimates of formation wettability. Further, contact angle may... Agent: Schlumberger Technology Corporation

20100096129 - Method of hydrocarbon recovery: A method is given for treating a wellbore to increase the production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, involving a period of injecting into the formation an aqueous injection fluid having a different chemical potential than the aqueous fluid in the formation. If there is water... Agent: Schlumberger Technology Corporation

20100096130 - Toe-to-heel gravel packing methods: Gravel packing of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is carried out in a wellbore having a cased section and an uncased section that contains water-based drilling fluids. A first water-based displacement fluid that contains a shale inhibitor is introduced into the wellbore to displace the water-based drilling fluids from... Agent: Schlumberger Technology Corporation David Cate

20100096132 - Methods and devices for forming a wellbore with casing: A method for cementing a tubular in a wellbore in a subterranean formation, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, comprises connecting a circulating tool to a slip and a top drive; gripping a first tubular with the slip above the surface of the wellbore; sealingly engaging... Agent: Winstead PC (fcc-fki) Henry L. Ehrlich

20100096131 - Wiper plug perforating system: A method and system for cementing and perforating a wellbore in a single step by coupling a perforating gun with a wiper plug. The method includes injecting cement in a wellbore having casing therein and an annulus between the casing and wellbore. A wiper plug is dropped on the cement... Agent: Keith R. Derrington Bracewell & Guiliani LLP

20100096133 - Method for sealing pipe in a well: A method for improving bonding and sealing in a well, comprising providing a wellbore, providing a pipe, coating an outside surface of the pipe with an adhesive thermoplastic resin, running the coated pipe into the wellbore, and causing the temperature of said wellbore to increase to a temperature greater than... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100096134 - Well systems and associated methods incorporating fluid loss control: A method of controlling fluid loss from a wellbore comprises the steps of: installing a completion string including a well screen and a fluid loss control device in the wellbore; then installing a production string in the wellbore; then engaging the production string with the completion string; and then operating... Agent: SmithIPServices, P.C.

20100096135 - Well treatment compositions and methods utilizing nano-particles: Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing... Agent: Craig W. Roddy Halliburton Energy Services

20100096136 - oil well perforators: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a reactive liner where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner is produced from a composition which... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20100096137 - Circulated heated transfer fluid heating of subsurface hydrocarbon formations: A method of heating a subsurface formation includes introducing a molten salt into a first passageway of a conduit-in-conduit heater at a first location. The molten salt is passed through the conduit-in-conduit heater in the formation to a second location. Heat transfers from the molten salt to a treatment area... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100096138 - Controlling the pressure within an annular volume of a wellbore: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within... Agent: Crowell & Moring LLP Intellectual Property Group

20100096139 - Method for intervention operations in subsurface hydrocarbon formations: Methods are provided for improved intervention processes in a well. Nanoparticles are added to a fluid containing a wetting agent to enhance wetting of solid surfaces in and around the well, leading to improved flow capacity of the well.... Agent: Burleson Cooke L.L.P.

20100096140 - Gas restrictor for pump: An inlet apparatus for a well pump.... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100096141 - Jet pump with a centrifugal pump: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100096142 - Gas-lift valve and method of use: A gas-lift valve comprising an elongated vertically orientated tubular body with inlet ports positioned for communication with the inlet ports of a gas-lift valve mandrel, a valve seat and valve port at the upper end of the valve body, a movable gas charged dome positioned within the body below the... Agent: Durio, Mcgoffin, Stagg & Ackerman

20100096143 - Method for installing wellbore string devices: A method for securing a wellbore string device to a wellbore liner tubular employs a swelling elastomer to frictionally grip a gap between the wellbore string device and the liner tubular. The swelling elastomer is positioned between the wellbore string device and the wellbore liner tubular, then activated to cause... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100096144 - Spring loaded anchor system for electro-coil tubing deployed esp's: An electrical line for installation in a well for transmitting power to a well pump includes a string of coiled tubing. An electrical cable having insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket extends longitudinally through the interior passage of the tubing. Body members are placed around the outer periphery... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100096145 - Downhole safety valve apparatus and method: The application discloses a safety valve to replace an existing safety valve in order to isolate a production zone from a string of tubing when closed. Preferably, the safety valve includes a flow interruption device displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the safety valve through... Agent: Zarian Midgley & Johnson PLLC

20100096146 - Method for producing crude oil: The invention describes a method for injecting a fluid into a crude oil-containing layer of rock or earth by means of a suitable line, wherein the line is introduced into the layer of rock or earth and the fluid is injected for the purpose of an enhanced crude oil production... Agent: The Boc Group, Inc.

20100096147 - Methods and apparatuses for enhanced in situ hydrocarbon production: A process for recovering hydrocarbons from an in situ formation. The process includes the steps of injecting solvent though an injection well into an underground extraction chamber having a hydrocarbon extraction interface, warming the hydrocarbons at the extraction interface to cause the hydrocarbons to flow downwardly by gravity drainage. Barrier... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20100089565 - Shape memory polyurethane foam for downhole sand control filtration devices: Filtration devices may include a shape-memory material having a compressed run-in position or shape and an original expanded position or shape. The shape-memory material may include an open cell porous rigid polyurethane foam material held in the compressed run-in position at the temperature below glass transition temperature (Tg). The foam... Agent: Mossman, Kumar And Tyler, PC

20100089566 - Consumable downhole tools: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of... Agent: John W. Wustenberg

20100089567 - Measurement device in a horizontal well: The invention relates to a logging probe (2) supporting device (3) comprising connecting means (4) that can be plugged in at the bottom of the well with a logging cable contained in the inner space of rods (7) to which the supporting device is fastened, fluid communication means between the... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20100089568 - Dewatering apparatus: A submersible water pump and a dewatering system comprising the submersible pump. The submersible water pump includes a housing and an outer tube. The housing includes a housing dividing wall and a cylinder head having a bore therethrough through which the outer tube fits. The housing is in slidable engagement... Agent: Wood And Eisenberg, PLLC

20100089569 - Separator for downhole measuring and method therefor: A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough.... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20100089570 - Method for signalling a downhole device in a well: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a well which is not flowing or in which fluid is pumped or injected into the well utilising a downhole located pressure monitoring device which is operative to monitor a characteristic pressure profile of the well, and to respond and generate... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20100089571 - Coiled tubing gamma ray detector: A downhole tool for use in coiled tubing well operations. The tool includes a gamma ray detector for determining well location information for an associated coiled tubing application. The well location information may relate to well depth and/or the locating and identifying of a particular side branch or lateral leg... Agent: Schlumberger Technology Corporation David Cate

20100089572 - Cased borehole tool orientation measurement: Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid... Agent: Schlumberger-doll Research Attn: Intellectual Property Law Department

20100089573 - Method for recovering heavy/viscous oils from a subterranean formation: Disclosed are methods for improving the production of heavy/viscous crude oil from subterranean formations comprising secondary production through use of a displacement fluid (typically a waterflood) wherein the subterranean formation is subjected to cyclic periods of overinjection of the displacement fluid followed by underinjection of the displacement fluid, but keeping... Agent: Carol Wilson Bp America Inc.

20100089575 - In situ co-development of oil shale with mineral recovery: A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in which the oil shale formation contains water-soluble minerals, for example nahcolite, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. Optionally, this... Agent: Douglas J. Collins (corp-urc-sw 337) Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

20100089574 - Methods and apparatus for wellbore enhancement: Methods for enhancing existing wells, such as increasing the diameter of an existing well by hydrothermal spallation are provided. Such methods may include providing a housing comprising a reaction chamber and a catalyst element held within the reaction chamber, providing at least one jet nozzle, contacting one or more unreacted... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Patent Administrator

20100089576 - Methods and apparatus for thermal drilling: Methods and apparatus for spalling a geological formation, for example to thermally drill a wellhole, are provided. Such methods may include providing a housing comprising a reaction chamber and a catalyst element held within the reaction chamber, providing at least one jet nozzle, contacting one or more unreacted fluids or... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Patent Administrator

20100089577 - Methods and apparatus for thermal drilling: Methods and apparatus for spalling a material, for example to thermally drill a wellhole, are provided. Such methods may include directing a fluid having a temperature greater than about 500° C. above the ambient temperature of the material and less than about the temperature of the brittle-ductile transition temperature of... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Patent Administrator

20100089578 - Prevention of water intrusion into particulates: Treatments and compounds useful in subterranean formations are discussed, with particular attention to those where particulates may be subject to water intrusion. Certain methods pertain to providing diffusion barriers for particulates. Of these, certain diffusion barriers may provide hydrophobic coatings to the particulates, certain diffusion barriers may provide fillers that... Agent: Robert A. Kent

20100089579 - Additives to suppress silica scale build-up: Treatments and compounds useful in subterranean formations are discussed, with particular attention to those where particulates and/or surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with particulate packs. Of these, certain methods may treat particulate packs in a subterranean formation with... Agent: Robert A. Kent

20100089580 - Method of enhancing fracture conductivity: The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage... Agent: Jones & Smith , LLP

20100089581 - Methods for treating a subterranean formation by introducing a treatment fluid containing a proppant and a swellable particulate and subsequently degrading the swellable particulate: A method is provided for treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a proppant and a swellable particulate; (b) swelling the swellable particulate, wherein the step of swelling... Agent: Robert A. Kent

20100089582 - Sorel cement compositions, amine phosphono retarders, and associated methods: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of cementing comprising introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a Sorel cement and an amine phosphono retarder; and allowing the cement composition to set.... Agent: Robert A. Kent

20100089583 - 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... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20100089584 - Double insulated heaters for treating subsurface formations: A heater includes a conduit and three insulated electrical conductors located in the conduit. At least one of the three insulated conductors includes an electrical conductor at least partially surrounded by an insulation layer and an electrically conductive sheath at least partially surrounding the insulation layer. One or more layers... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100089585 - Method of developing subsurface freeze zone: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a... Agent: Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Company

20100089586 - Movable heaters for treating subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation includes providing heat to a first portion of the formation using a heater. The heating section of the heater is at least partially located in a substantially horizontal or inclined portion of a wellbore and is located in or proximate to a... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100089587 - Fluid logic tool for a subterranean well: An operating tool uses programmed fluid logic provided by use of flow paths including pre-determined spaced ports and varying orifice sizes to provide discreet pressures and fluid flow rates upon pressure differential sensitive devices, such as a membrane or piston, in operative communication with an operative sleeve to manipulate one... Agent: Beirne Maynard & Parsons, L.L.P.

20100089588 - System, method and apparatus for concentric tubing deployed, artificial lift allowing gas venting from below packers: An artificial lift deployed on concentric tubing allows gas to be vented from below packers in a well. A central flow path is used for the fluid production from the artificial lift system, while an outer concentric tubing allows for the venting and production of gas from below a packer.... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100089589 - Modular well servicing unit: A method of modifying a modular well servicing combination unit comprising the steps of keeping a well servicing module in inventory and removably mounting said well servicing module onto said modular well servicing combination unit.... Agent: Law Office Of Art Dula

20100089591 - 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... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20100089590 - Tubing hanger: A tubing hanger for use in a wellhead. The wellhead includes a throughbore, a landing seat positioned in the throughbore, a landing groove positioned above the landing seat in the throughbore, and a locking groove in the throughbore. The tubing hanger comprises an expandable landing ring positioned on the tubing... Agent: Zarian Midgley & Johnson PLLC

20100089592 - 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... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20100089593 - Radially expanding a tubular element: The invention relates to a method of radially expanding a tubular element. The method comprises inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around an unexpanded section of the tubular element, said wall... Agent: Shell Oil Company

20100089594 - Method and apparatus for dropping a pump down plug or ball: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel... Agent: Garvey Smith Nehrbass & North, LLC

20100089595 - Staging tool seal arrangement for gas wells: A staging tool arrangement for gas well production assistance, comprising an elongated staging tool having an elongated upper portion and an elongated lower portion. The upper portion has a sliding relationship with the lower portion thereof. A displaceable annular seal is arranged about the lower portion. A displaceable enclosure is... Agent: Donald N. Halgren

20100084126 - Non-metallic mandrel and element system: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system.... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100084127 - Non-metallic mandrel and element system: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system.... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100084128 - Non-metallic mandrel and element system: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system.... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100084129 - Non-metallic mandrel and element system: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system.... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100084130 - Valve device and associated methods of selectively communicating between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string: A valve device and associated methods of selectively communicating between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string. A valve device includes an openable and closable flowpath for selectively permitting and preventing flow between an interior and exterior of the valve device, and a lock assembly which prevents the... Agent: SmithIPServices, P.C.

20100084131 - Reservoir management linking: A method of reservoir management linking. The method includes receiving a reservoir volume from a submitter, the reservoir volume modeling hydrocarbons in a reservoir, and determining that the submitter is authorized to submit the reservoir volume and sending notification of the reservoir volume to a first approver. The method further... Agent: Schlumberger Information Solutions

20100084132 - Optical coiled tubing log assembly: A fiber optic based logging assembly deliverable via coiled tubing. The downhole portion of the assembly is directed to develop a logging profile of a well by way of the fiber optic line. Thus, a downhole battery may be provided with the tool. Further, opto-electric interfaces may be provided with... Agent: Schlumberger Technology Corporation David Cate

20100084133 - Apparatus and methods for allowing fluid flow inside at least one screen and outside a pipe disposed in a well bore: In some embodiments, apparatus for allowing fluid flow inside at least one screen and outside a span of pipe disposed in a well bore includes at least one flow path for fluid entering at least one screen. The flow path extends from the screen(s) along the outside of the pipe... Agent: Jones & Smith , LLP

20100084134 - Fracturing method and apparatus utilizing gelled isolation fluid: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation containing a wellbore comprising the steps of (a) injecting a gel into the wellbore; (b) permitting the gel to increase in viscosity and (c) fracturing the formation in the vicinity of the gel.... Agent: Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP Intellectual Property Department

20100084135 - Oil well stage-cementing metal plate: A method and apparatus for use in stage-cementing an oil well in the region of a loss-circulation zone that is proximate an annular space defined by the lower end of an outer casing surrounding an inner casing include a load-bearing annular steel plate of substantial thickness that is positioned on,... Agent: Abelman, Frayne & Schwab

20100084136 - Power slip assembly for wellhead casing and wellbore tubing: A power slip extends a joint from tubing disposed in casing at a well so that a casing head can install on the casing and the tubing can be packed-off from the casing. The joint attaches to an inner sleeve having collet members that fit onto the inner tubing so... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100084138 - Downhole ball mechanism with enhanced drift clearance: A downhole tool including a ball valve having a pivotal ball and providing full drift clearance through a fluid pathway of the valve over a portion of a pivotal range of the ball is described. An internal bore of the ball includes a first opening larger than a second opening,... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20100084139 - Downhole waterflood regulator: A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's... Agent: (weatherford) Wong Cabello Lutsch Rutherford & Brucculeri LLP

20100084137 - Methods and equipment to improve reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations: Apparatuses and methods for improving the reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations are disclosed. The pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus includes an elastomeric element and a spring positioned on an inner surface of the elastomeric element. A flow limiter is coupled to the elastomeric element.... Agent: John W. Wustenberg

20100084141 - Disconnect apparatus and method: A disconnect apparatus and method for use in a well bore. The apparatus comprises a top sub having a collet, and wherein the top sub has an external seal surface. The apparatus further comprises a bottom sub having a bore, and wherein the external seal surface and the bore cooperate.... Agent: Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrere & Denegre, L.L.P.

20100084140 - Downhole seal and anchor releasing system and method: A downhole seal and anchor releasing device includes, a seal defeatable via a first pull, an anchor releasable via a second pull, and an energy dissipation device configured to dissipate enough energy from the first pull subsequent defeat of the seal to prevent release of the anchor in response to... Agent: Cantor Colburn LLP- Baker Hughes Incorporated

20100084142 - Equipment for intercepting and diverting a liquid circulation flow: Equipment for intercepting and diverting a liquid circulation flow, consisting of three flow chambers and a series of valves, said chambers, equipped with connection means with arrival or supply lines, communicating with each other, of which only one (I) communicates with both of the other two (II) (III), the communication... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, L.L.P.

20100084143 - Tubing hanger seal: A wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing comprises a throughbore having a recessed sealing area and a tubing hanger positioned in the throughbore. A seal is positioned between the wellhead housing and the tubing hanger, the seal being positioned so as to form a gap between the... Agent: Zarian Midgley & Johnson PLLC

20100084144 - Instrument centralizer configurable for use with cement evaluation well logging instruments: A centralizer for a well logging instrument includes a mandrel, a plurality of bow springs arranged circumferentially about the exterior surface of the mandrel and a biasing device in contact with one longitudinal end of each bow spring. The biasing device is configured to apply longitudinal biasing force to the... Agent: Schlumberger Oilfield Services

20100084146 - Ball seat sub: A downhole tool for providing a pressure differential between sub-assemblies, the downhole tool including an elongated body, a tubular assembly disposed within the elongated body, the tubular assembly including a central flowbore with an inner diameter and a central longitudinal axis, a camming device, an actuator member located below the... Agent: Osha, Liang LLP / Smith

20100084145 - Multiple activation-device launcher for a cementing head: The invention relates to a multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head, comprising a launcher body comprising at least one launching chamber and a device chamber, the launching chamber sized to receive one or more activation devices therein, the launching chamber in fluid communication with a power source for... Agent: Schlumberger Oilfield Services

20100078161 - Electrical control for a downhole system: A method for controlling the electrical power delivered to a downhole system. The downhole system may include a power supply, a downhole tool, and a wire or cable connecting the downhole tool to the power supply. A resistive load, such as a motor, is included with the downhole tool. The... Agent: Keith R. Derrington Bracewell & Guiliani LLP

20100078162 - Identification, characterization, and application of thauera sp. al9:8 useful in microbially enhanced oil recovery: The present disclosure relates to isolation, identification and application of Thauera strain AL9:8 which grows on crude oil as the sole carbon source under denitrifying anaerobic conditions Thauera strain AL9:8 can be used alone or in concert with other microorganisms to improve oil recovery, bioremediation of oil or hydrocarbons in... Agent: E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Legal Patent Records Center

20100078163 - Process for enhanced production of heavy oil using microwaves: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.... Agent: Conocophillips Company -IPServices Group Attention: Docketing

20100078164 - Permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors: The present invention involves methods and apparatus for permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors. Specifically, optical sensors may be permanently deployed within a wellbore using a casing string. In one aspect, one or more optical sensors are disposed on, in, or within the casing string. The optical sensors may be... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20100078165 - Determining formation wettability from dielectric measurements: Formation wettability is quantifiably estimated from measurements of dielectric constant and conductivity. In particular, wettability state of formation rock in a subterranean environment is estimated from multi-frequency measurements of rock dielectric constant and conductivity. A dielectric dispersion model is used to invert the measurements and estimate the saturation exponent. The... Agent: Schlumberger-doll Research Attn: Intellectual Property Law Department

20100078166 - Tubing expansion: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20100078167 - Energy efficient, low emissions shale oil recovery process: A process relates to the energy efficient, environmentally friendly recovery of liquid and gaseous products from solid or semi-solid hydrocarbon resources, in particular, oil shale or tar sands. The process involves non-oxidative pyrolysis to recover fluid energy values, oxidative combustion to recover energy values as recoverable heat, and environmental sequestration... Agent: James Sonntag James Sonntag, Patent Attorney

20100078168 - Method for enhanced recovery of oil from oil reservoirs: The present invention provides a method for recovering oil from a subterranean reservoir using waterflooding, wherein the flooding fluid used in the waterflooding process comprises water and one or more ionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers. The use of one or more ionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers is expected to increase the recovery... Agent: E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company Legal Patent Records Center

20100078169 - Methods of treating suberranean formation to convert organic matter into producible hydrocarbons: Methods are provided that include the steps of providing wells in a formation, establishing one or more fractures in the formation, such that each fracture intersects at least one of the wells, placing electrically conductive material in the fracture, and applying an electric voltage across the fracture and through the... Agent: Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company Law Department

20100078170 - Method and apparatus for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a bit and a sealer into the borehole using a carrier, forming a hole in the sidewall using the bit, and introducing a sealant from the sealer to... Agent: Cantor Colburn LLP- Baker Hughes Incorporated

20100078171 - Method and apparatus for sealing a hole made with a cased hole formation tester: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in the sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a carrier into the borehole, forming the hole in the sidewall using a bit, and sealing at least a portion of the hole by leaving at least a... Agent: Cantor Colburn LLP- Baker Hughes Incorporated

20100078173 - Downhole device actuator and method: A temperature activated actuator installed on a tubular to actuate an adjacent device may include one or more shape-memory alloy elements. The elements may be coupled between a first portion and a second portion of a device, or the elements may be coupled between the tubular and a portion of... Agent: Streets & Steele-frank's International.

20100078172 - Oil recovery by in-situ cracking and hydrogenation: Enhanced recovery of crude oil from an oil well is provided by in-situ cracking of an oxygenated organic compound to form hydrogen. The crude oil is then hydrogenated and hydrogenation reaction products and crude oil are recovered from the oil well.... Agent: Honeywell/uop Patent Services

20100078174 - Stress distributing wellhead connector: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present inveniton provides a connector for attaching to a multi-toothed profile on a wellhead features a tooth profile that staggers loading preferably starting at a loading surface furthest from the connector body sitting on the wellhead and moving toward the connector body. The staggered... Agent: Fletcher Yoder (cameron International Corporation)

20100078175 - Hydraulic control system: A hydraulic control system for controlling an external device (4) at a well installation includes a control module (2) for generating electrical and/or optical control signals. A control pod (8) receives the control signals, the control pod controlling the external device. A hydraulic line (10) links the control pod to... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100078176 - Combined tree stab and control interface: A subsea wellhead assembly provided over a wellbore, the assembly having a wellhead housing, a tubing hanger in the housing, a production tree on the wellhead housing above the tubing hanger, and a control circuit that passes axially downward from the production tree and through the tubing hanger. A tree... Agent: Patent Department Ge Oil & Gas

20100078177 - Electrical submersible pump with equally loaded thrust bearings: A rotary pump having thrust bearings includes a system for equalizing the loading on the thrust bearings. The thrust bearings are each supported on pistons that are in fluid communication with a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit has substantially the same pressure throughout, thereby floating each piston at the same... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100078179 - Electrocoil tubing cable anchor method: Submersible pump power cable is inserted into a length of tubing. The device comprises an anchoring system attachable to the cable affixed to the tubing inner surface. The anchoring system includes an anchoring sleeve slideable over the cable and insertable into the tubing. Coiling the tubing with the cable and... Agent: Bracewell & Giuliani LLP

20100078178 - Smooth bore latch for tie back receptacle extension: A tie back receptacle extension includes a stinger having a smooth bore latch assembly carried thereon which includes a wedge device and a ramp, and the ramp outwardly displaces the wedge device to secure the stinger within a substantially smooth bore. A smoothbore latch assembly includes a spiral wound spring... Agent: SmithIPServices, P.C.

20100078180 - Expandable packer system: The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. In one embodiment, both retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the... Agent: Greenberg Traurig (hou) Intellectual Property Department