Paul R Connell

US Patent:

7779901, Aug 24, 2010

Filed:

Mar 18, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/406712

Inventors:

John P. Davis - Cypress TX, US
James S. Trahan - Magnolia TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 43/21
E21C 25/04

US Classification:

166 557, 165162, 165316, 165 99, 175327, 175435, 175404

Abstract:

A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.

US Patent:

7954555, Jun 7, 2011

Filed:

Apr 23, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/386780

Inventors:

Thomas M. Ashy - Lafatette LA, US
Jace E. Melder - Erath LA, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 34/06

US Classification:

166386, 166318, 166374

Abstract:

Downhole valves comprise a housing having a bore, a port, upper and lower recesses disposed in an inner wall surface of the bore, the upper recess disposed above the port and the lower recess disposed below the port, and upper and lower pistons disposed in the bore. The upper and lower pistons each comprise a bore with a port in communication with housing bore. During run-in, the housing port is blocked by the lower piston. Actuation of the lower piston unblocks the housing port and aligns the lower piston port with the lower recess. Actuation of the upper piston closes the housing port and aligns the upper piston port with the upper recess. Alignment of the ports of the pistons with their respective recesses permits fluid flow through the tool both when the valve is opened by the lower piston and closed by the upper piston.

US Patent:

8257585, Sep 4, 2012

Filed:

Aug 25, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/546839

Inventors:

John P. Davis - Cypress TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

C02F 1/00
B01D 21/00
B01D 35/16
E21B 21/00

US Classification:

21017004, 210299, 210300, 210301, 210306, 210308, 210311, 210336, 166312

Abstract:

A debris catcher uses induced circulation from a venturi to urge debris laden flow into the lower end of a housing. An inlet tube maintains velocity so as to keep the debris moving with the fluid stream as it goes up the inlet tube. A screen fits over the open end of the inlet tube and runs down around the inlet tube toward the entrance of the debris laden fluid into the lower end of the housing. There is a clearance around the cylindrical portion of the screen so some flow can exit that way. There is also an open exit through the top of the screen that can be reached after the fluid stream makes two hairpin turns. Many modules can be stacked. Each module has a large screen area for flow to exit and progressive modules can have smaller screen openings in an uphole flow direction.

US Patent:

8336626, Dec 25, 2012

Filed:

May 18, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/782304

Inventors:

Gregory L. Hern - Porter TX, US
Larry T. Palmer - Spring TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US
Jonathan F. Nelson - Houston TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 31/06
E21B 37/00

US Classification:

166311, 166 665, 175328

Abstract:

A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with one or more pockets formed in its outer radial surface. A removable insert resides within each pocket. Each of the inserts retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.

US Patent:

8511375, Aug 20, 2013

Filed:

May 3, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/772313

Inventors:

Gregory L. Hern - Porter TX, US
Lisa L. Posevina - Cypress TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 37/02
E21B 37/00

US Classification:

166173, 166170

Abstract:

A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs.

US Patent:

8607858, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

Nov 9, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/292744

Inventors:

Graeme D. McKay - Aberdeen, GB
Christopher W. Guidry - Spring TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US
David B. Haughton - Castle Rock CO, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 23/12

US Classification:

1661175, 175 80

Abstract:

A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180 or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations.

US Patent:

20090200012, Aug 13, 2009

Filed:

Feb 11, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/029228

Inventors:

John P. Davis - Cypress TX, US
James S. Trahan - Magnolia TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US

International Classification:

E21B 31/08

US Classification:

166 99, 175320

Abstract:

A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.

US Patent:

20100096122, Apr 22, 2010

Filed:

Oct 14, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/578727

Inventors:

Lisa L. Posevina - Houston TX, US
Gregory L. Hern - Porter TX, US
Paul L. Connell - Spring TX, US

Assignee:

Baker Hughes Incorporated - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 37/00

US Classification:

166173

Abstract:

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.