Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of wellbore returns
US10138692B2 · kind B2 · utility
0Cited by
3References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B21/106
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus to regulate the down-hole hydrostatic pressure in a wellbore are provided which depend on regulating the resistance to the flow of wellbore returns produced by the wellbore. The resistance may be provided by the internal gas pressure in a gas/liquid separator receiving the flow of wellbore returns, where the internal gas pressure is regulated by an adjustable back pressure valve and a gas source. Alternatively or in addition, the resistance may be provided by a pump receiving the flow of wellbore returns, where the resistance of the pump is regulated by adjusting the speed of the pump.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.