| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 7106210 |
Method and apparatus for mud pulse telemetry |
September 12, 2006 |
| A method and related apparatus for telemetry between downhole devices and surface devices. In particular, the methods and related apparatus may send a first datum of a first parameter in an uncompressed form, and send a second datum of the first parameter in compressed form. |
| 7104328 |
Method and apparatus for hydrating a gel for use in a subterranean well |
September 12, 2006 |
| The present invention relates to a method and system for hydrating a gel for treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The method includes directing a base fluid through an inlet into a mixer having an inner chamber housing a plurality of impellors extending radially from |
| 7104326 |
Apparatus and method for severing pipe utilizing a multi-point initiation explosive device |
September 12, 2006 |
| A system and method for making and using a multi-point initiation explosive device that produces an enhanced pressure wave for severing tubing, pipe or casing in an oil or gas well. At least two opposed initiators initiate a column of explosive material from opposite ends, thereby ge |
| 7104325 |
Methods of consolidating subterranean zones and compositions therefor |
September 12, 2006 |
| Methods of consolidating subterranean zones and hardenable resin compositions are provided. A hardenable resin composition of the invention basically comprises a furan liquid resin mixture comprising a 2-furanmethanol homopolymer and furfuryl alcohol, an organosilane coupling agent a |
| 7104320 |
Method of optimizing production of gas from subterranean formations |
September 12, 2006 |
| The present invention relates generally to subterranean well construction, and more particularly, to improved methods for producing gas from subterranean formations that include coal seams. The method according to the present invention includes the steps of drilling at least one subs |
| 7102961 |
Installation of seismic survey devices in shallow, low-angle boreholes |
September 5, 2006 |
| The specification discloses a system and related method for installing seismic sensors in shallow, low-angle boreholes for obtaining conventional three-dimensional and four-dimensional seismic surveys. Installing seismic sensors in shallow, low-angle boreholes removes the sensing dev |
| 7100691 |
Methods and apparatus for completing wells |
September 5, 2006 |
| Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand control screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) and an outer shroud |
| 7100690 |
Gravel packing apparatus having an integrated sensor and method for use of same |
September 5, 2006 |
| A gravel packing apparatus (310) has an outer tubular (312) having a plurality of openings (314) therethrough and a sand control screen assembly (318) disposed within the outer tubular (312). The sand control screen assembly (318) prevents the flow of particulate material of a predet |
| 7100688 |
Fracture monitoring using pressure-frequency analysis |
September 5, 2006 |
| Changes occurring downhole during a fracturing process can create or reflect pressure signals. Capturing and evaluating such pressure waves during fracturing enables personnel to monitor, in real time or later, what happens downhole. When a fracture extends, a burst of acoustic noise |
| 7099810 |
Acoustic logging tool having quadrupole source |
August 29, 2006 |
| An acoustic tool that provides a reduced tool mode and enhanced accuracy for estimating shear wave propagation slowness in slow formations is disclosed. In one embodiment, the acoustic tool comprises: an acoustic source, an array of acoustic receivers, and an internal controller. The |
| 7098858 |
Ruggedized multi-layer printed circuit board based downhole antenna |
August 29, 2006 |
| The specification discloses a printed circuit board (PCB) based ferrite core antenna. The traces of PCBs form the windings for the antenna, and various layers of the PCB hold a ferrite core for the windings in place. The specification further discloses use of such PCB based ferrite core |
| 7098664 |
Multi-mode oil base mud imager |
August 29, 2006 |
| A multi-mode oil base mud imager for use in non-conductive drilling fluid includes at least one current source--a current return pair, and one or more monitor electrodes not located between the current source and the current return of the current source-current return pair. Where more th |
| 7098171 |
Synthetic filtration control polymers for wellbore fluids |
August 29, 2006 |
| New polymers, and their applications in water-based wellbore service fluids, such as, for example, drilling fluids, yield desirable filtration control and rheological properties to such fluids even after exposure to HTHP aging. Typical temperatures encountered during such aging are aroun |
| 7096980 |
Rotary impact well drilling system and method |
August 29, 2006 |
| A system and method for applying rotary percussive impacts to a drill bit, according to which an anvil is connected to the bit and a hammer is driven in one direction in the anvil when the bit encounters a relatively large load. Energy is stored during the movement of the hammer in the o |
| 7096976 |
Drilling formation tester, apparatus and methods of testing and monitoring status of tester |
August 29, 2006 |
| An integrated drilling and evaluation system includes a drill string having an interior portion and a drill bit, carried on a lower end, that includes ports for communicating fluid between the interior portion of the drill string and an uncased well bore. A packer, carried above the |
| 7096947 |
Fluid loss control additives for use in fracturing subterranean formations |
August 29, 2006 |
| The present invention relates to subterranean fracturing operations, and more particularly to fracturing fluids that includes a fluid loss control additive, and methods of using such fracturing fluids in fracturing subterranean formations. In one embodiment, a fracturing fluid of the |
| 7096945 |
Sand control screen assembly and treatment method using the same |
August 29, 2006 |
| A sand control screen assembly (200) positionable within a production interval of a wellbore that traverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation comprises a base pipe (202) having openings (204) in a sidewall section thereof that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (21 |
| 7096944 |
Well fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations |
August 29, 2006 |
| The present invention relates to improved well fluids that include hollow particles, and to methods of using such improved well fluids in subterranean cementing operations. The present invention provides methods of cementing, methods of reducing annular pressure, and well fluid compo |
| 7095223 |
Method of locating an anomaly in a tubular member in a well |
August 22, 2006 |
| A detector assembly and methods including a magnetoresistive sensor capable of detecting anomalies in the wall of a casing string disposed in a wellbore. Examples of anomalies include gaps between casings such as due to casing joints, air gaps in casing threads such as due to flush c |
| 7093678 |
Method and apparatus for removing fluids from drill cuttings |
August 22, 2006 |
| A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings generated during the well drilling process. A generally cylindrical wire-wrapped screen having a bore therethrough rotates about its longitudinal axis. Suction p |
| 7093674 |
Drilling formation tester, apparatus and methods of testing and monitoring status of tester |
August 22, 2006 |
| An integrated drilling and evaluation system includes a drill string having an interior portion and a drill bit, carried on a lower end, that includes ports for communicating fluid between the interior portion of the drill string and an uncased well bore. A packer, carried above the |
| 7093664 |
One-time use composite tool formed of fibers and a biodegradable resin |
August 22, 2006 |
| The present invention is directed to disposable composite downhole tool formed of a resin-coated fiber. The fiber is formed of a degradable polymer, such as a poly(lactide) or polyanhydride. The resin is formed of the same degradable polymer as the fiber. It chemically bonds to the f |
| 7093659 |
Controlling chlorite or hypochlorite break rate of well treatment fluids using magnesium or calc |
August 22, 2006 |
| Methods and compositions are provided for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid, and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the well and into contact with the formation. The treatment fluid includes: |
| 7093658 |
Foamed treatment fluids, foaming additives, and associated methods |
August 22, 2006 |
| In one embodiment, this invention presents a foaming additive that comprises at least one amidopropyl betaine having the formula: R--CONHCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2N.sup.+(CH.sub.3).sub.2CH.sub.2COO.sup.- wherein R is a capryloyl, a capryl, an octyl, a decyl, a cococyl radical, or a mix |
| 7091160 |
Methods and compositions for reducing subterranean formation permeabilities |
August 15, 2006 |
| Methods and compositions for reducing the permeabilities of subterranean formations or zones are provided. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of introducing an aqueous composition into the formation or zone comprised of water, a water soluble organic polymer, an org |
| 7091159 |
Compositions for and methods of stabilizing subterranean formations containing clays |
August 15, 2006 |
| A composition of matter for use in stablizing shale formations in earth boreholes comprising polymeric products, e.g., polymers of a dialkyl aminoalkyl methacrylate, which can optionally be quaternized with an alkyl halide to produce drilling fluid additives which stablize borehole f |
| 7090153 |
Flow conditioning system and method for fluid jetting tools |
August 15, 2006 |
| According to one embodiment of the invention, a flow conditioning system for fluid jetting tools includes a housing having a plurality of jet nozzle openings and a fluid straightener disposed within the housing. The fluid straightener is defined by one or more vanes, and the vanes form a |
| 7090026 |
Apparatus and method for injecting tubing in a well bore |
August 15, 2006 |
| An apparatus and method for moving a tubing along a path, according to which the tubing is engaged by an outer chain which is driven to advance the tubing. The chain is adapted to be deflected radially in response to an increase in the diameter of the tubing, and a plate is compressed in |
| 7090022 |
Sealed multilateral junction system |
August 15, 2006 |
| A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent |
| 7090017 |
Low cost method and apparatus for fracturing a subterranean formation with a sand suspension |
August 15, 2006 |
| The present invention is directed to a low cost method and apparatus for fracturing a subterranean formation. The invention involves using a centrifugal pump to combine a fracture fluid, a sand suspension and liquid additive and discharge a mixture of these components into a high pre |
| 7090015 |
Methods of treating subterranean zones and viscous aqueous fluids containing xanthan and a combi |
August 15, 2006 |
| Methods of treating subterranean zones and viscous aqueous fluids containing xanthan biopolymer gelling agent and a combination crosslinker and delayed breaker are provided. A viscous cross-linked aqueous treating fluid of the invention comprises water, a xanthan polymer gelling agent, |
| 7089816 |
Method and apparatus for testing cement slurries |
August 15, 2006 |
| A method and apparatus for testing cement comprising introducing cement into a curing vessel that is at least partially inside a test vessel, curing the cement at a selected temperature and pressure, maintaining the cement at least at the selected temperature and pressure after the cemen |
| 7089119 |
Acoustic signal processing method using array coherency |
August 8, 2006 |
| A system and method is provided for characterizing earth formations. In one embodiment, the method includes passing a logging tool through a borehole and repeatedly: (a) triggering an acoustic wave generator; (b) recording acoustic waveforms received by receivers in the logging tool; |
| 7088970 |
Amplification apparatus, systems, and methods |
August 8, 2006 |
| In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include receiving a received signal, such as a substantially sinusoidal signal, provided by a driven element, such as a magnetostrictive device, coupled to a non-atmospheric medium and an amplifie |
| 7087554 |
Drilling fluids with improved shale inhibition and methods of drilling in subterranean formation |
August 8, 2006 |
| The present invention provides improved drilling fluids that comprise improved shale inhibiting components, and methods for using these drilling fluids in connection with drilling in a subterranean formation. The drilling fluids comprise water and an improved shale inhibiting compone |
| 7086484 |
Determination of thermal properties of a formation |
August 8, 2006 |
| The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for making in situ thermal property determinations utilizing a heat source employed in wellbore stabilization procedures, well drilling, or well perforating, for example. In particular, using a heat source, such as a laser driller, |
| 7086479 |
Expanding well tools |
August 8, 2006 |
| Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly |
| 7086466 |
Use of substantially hydrated cement particulates in drilling and subterranean applications |
August 8, 2006 |
| The present invention relates to substantially hydrated cement particulates. More particularly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising substantially hydrated cement particulates and associated methods of use in drilling and subterranean applications. These substanti |
| 7086463 |
Methods of downhole testing subterranean formations and associated apparatus therefor |
August 8, 2006 |
| Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were |
| 7086460 |
In-situ filters, method of forming same and systems for controlling proppant flowback employing |
August 8, 2006 |
| The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling the flowback of proppants that have been placed inside fractures of a subterranean formation. The apparatus is defined by a plurality of solid balls, which comprise compressed springs that are encapsulated in |
| 7085696 |
Iterative drilling simulation process for enhanced economic decision making |
August 1, 2006 |
| An iterative drilling simulation method and system for enhanced economic decision making includes obtaining characteristics of a rock column in a formation to be drilled, specifying characteristics of at least one drilling rig system; and iteratively simulating the drilling of a well |
| 7084782 |
Drill string telemetry system and method |
August 1, 2006 |
| A telemetry system and method for communicating information axially along a drill string comprised of a drive train supported within a housing. The system includes an axial conducting loop formed by the drill string for conducting an axial electrical signal embodying the information betw |
| 7083010 |
Apparatus and method for drilling and reaming a borehole |
August 1, 2006 |
| A drilling assembly, a reamer, and an adjustable diameter stabilizer are disclosed. The reamer includes cutter elements mounted on at least a first fixed blade for reaming a previously-formed borehole or for forming a borehole of increased diameter beneath an existing cased borehole. The |
| 7082998 |
Systems and methods for placing a braided, tubular sleeve in a well bore |
August 1, 2006 |
| Systems and methods for placing a tubular, braided sleeve in a well bore. The sleeve is positioned within an interior of a carrier configured to hold the sleeve in an undeployed position, followed by lowering the carrier into the well bore. The sleeve may be used in conjunction with a |
| 7082995 |
Methods and compositions for reducing the viscosity of treatment fluids |
August 1, 2006 |
| Methods of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid are provided which comprise the steps of: providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises water, a crosslinked gelling agent, and a delinking composition capable of delinking at least a portion of the crosslinked |
| 7082821 |
Method and apparatus for detecting torsional vibration with a downhole pressure sensor |
August 1, 2006 |
| A method and apparatus for detecting torsional vibration, or stick-slip, in a drill string while drilling is described. The method comprises sampling a downhole pressure sensor and using embedded filter schemes and algorithms to determine, based on the pressure samples, whether torsional |
| 7082078 |
Magnetorheological fluid controlled mud pulser |
July 25, 2006 |
| A mud pulser controlled by a field applied to an electroactive fluid. The electroactive fluid is employed to act as a rapid-response brake to slow or interrupt the rotation of a mud motor or mud siren, thus creating pressure pulses in a circulating fluid. In certain embodiments, the |
| 7081831 |
Time-domain signal cancellation in downhole telemetry systems |
July 25, 2006 |
| A downhole telemetry system having a surface transceiver, a cable, and a downhole transceiver coupled to the surface transceiver via the cable. The surface transceiver isolates an uplink signal from a combined uplink/downlink signal on the cable using time-domain signal cancellation. |
| 7080688 |
Compositions and methods for degrading filter cake |
July 25, 2006 |
| Improved methods and compositions for degrading filter cake deposited in a subterranean formation are provided. These methods and compositions utilize particulates coated with acid-releasing degradable material wherein the released acid is used to degrade a filter cake. |
| 7080687 |
Anti-rotation method and apparatus for limiting rotation of cementing plugs |
July 25, 2006 |
| An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interf |
