Baker Hughes Corporation

Sensor Highway Limited

Baker Huges Incorporated

Kurt A Hickey

Paulo S Tubel

Jeffrey John Lembcke

Nigel Leggett

Michael H Johnson

John W Harrell

Glynn R Williams

Clifford H Beall

Michael S Rawson

Mark D Hamilton

Jeffrey J Lembecke

Paolo S Tubel

Nigel Roman House Leggett

Glynn Roman House Williams

This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.

Wellbores utilizing fiber optic-based sensors and operating devices

Providing a light cell in a wellbore

This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforation device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.

Method and apparatus of providing an optical fiber along a power supply line

A downhole fiber optic protection system is disclosed which includes at least one protector sub mounted in a downhole string, the protector sub having at least one recess formed in an outside diameter of the protector sub and optionally including component protectors mounted to the outside diameter of the protector sub whereby the one or more recesses in the outside of the protector sub provide protection to fiber optic components and protected areas are created underneath component protectors further more delicate of the fiber optic connectors. The device is designed to prevent the harsh downhole environment from adversely affecting optical fibers themselves or optical components in the optical fiber system.

Protector system for fiber optic system components in subsurface applications

A high load wireline lock features a plurality of dogs supported by a fishing neck. Radial loads, transmitted through the dogs when the lock is engaged, are in turn directed into the fishing neck in the manner so as to distribute the load into the wall of the fishing neck. The contact between the dogs and the fishing neck is along sloping surface which minimize the radial forces against the fishing neck and in turn applies forces in a near tangential direction through the wall of the fishing neck thus greatly increasing the load capacity of the wireline lock.

High-load big bore lock

A flush valve for a multiple line hydraulic system includes a bifurcated manifold, the bifurcation being provided by a piston actuatable hydraulically, mechanically, electrically magnetically or by fiber optic means. The piston or gate is provided with a port extending diametrically therethrough and oriented to become coaxial with an inlet and outlet of the manifold upon actuation of the piston. With the port aligned the hydraulic fluid in the system can be displaced by fresh fluid. The piston is then deactivated which results in the port becoming misaligned with the inlet and outlet of the manifold. In this condition the hydraulic system is again sealed and functions normally.

Multiple line hydraulic system flush valve and method of use

Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Annular chamber seal

Monitoring of downhole parameters and tools utilizing fiber optics

Angled unions and junctions for conduits in which fiber optic conductors are run are provided for downhole oil drilling, injection and production operations. The unions and junctions provide high pressure and adverse condition protection for the optic fibers while providing an acceptable bend radius.

Angled optic fiber unions and junctions for optic fiber conduits

The invention relates to valves usable downhole and controlled from the surface hydraulically via control lines or by other techniques. The valve has a minimum flow passage which is preferably oriented along its longitudinal axis and a lateral flow passage which opens upon movement of a valve member via applied control pressure from the surface. Alternatively, the valve comprises a tapered needle movable in a throat. When the valve member shifts, additional flow area is exposed to control the backpressure of a fluid by way of hydraulic pressure control from the surface via the control line. The hydraulic control can be with a single control line acting on a piston attached to the valve member with a return spring opposing such movement, or alternatively, can be carried out with a pair of control lines to actuate reverse movements of the valve member. A pressurized gas chamber can be used to act as the closing force opposing applied pressure from the control line for a return of the valve to its minimum flow or maximum throttle position. Alternatively, an acoustic, electric or other type of surface-directed signal can change the valve position.

Growing community of inventors

Humble, TX, United States of America

Kurt A Hickey