throbber
WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, LLC, et al.
`
`EXHIBIT 1013
`
`PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
`
`WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL, LLC, et al.
`V.
`
`NO. cv.44,964
`
`HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
`INC. and HALLIBURTON GROUP
`CANADA,
`Plaintiffs
`
`VS.
`
`PACKERS PLUS ENERGY SERVICES,
`INC; PACKERS PLUS ENERGY
`SERVICES, INC. USA; PACKERS PLUS
`ENERGY SERVICES (U.'S.A.) LIMITED
`PARTNERSHIP; -DANIEL THEMIG;
`PETER KRABBEN; and KENNETH
`PALTZAT.
`Defendants
`

`
`IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF
`
`MIDLAND COUNTY, TEXAS
`
`238m. JUDICIAL DISTRICT
`
`FIRST SUPPI.EM'ENT
`
`E V.
`
`August 21, 2008
`
`RC_RAP00001595
`
`

`
`Tgglg of Qantggts
`
`I.
`
`Opening Comments
`
`...........
`
`......... .,..............
`
`......
`
`11.
`
`Cased Hole vs Open Hole ..............................
`
`...............
`
`pg
`
`.3
`
`pg.
`
`4
`
`III. Conception of Packer'with_ Rockseal II hydraulic set packer
`
`features ......................................................................................... ..
`
`pg. 9
`
`Iv.
`
`Evidence withheld by expert & Halliburton ._ ............... pg. 10
`
`Functionality of Rockseal II hydraulic set»
`V.
`packer..............................
`........
`................................
`
`.....
`
`......... .. pg. 11
`
`a.
`
`b.
`
`c.
`
`d.
`
`faclcing Elements ..............................
`
`....................
`
`pg. 12
`
`Actuation Device.................. ................................ .. pg. 16
`
`Locking Device...................
`
`....................................... .. pg. 15
`
`Anti-preset Device. ........
`
`......................
`
`...........
`
`.... .. pg. 17
`
`VI. Prior Art: ............
`
`............................. .,............................... .. pg.'21
`
`VII. Patent ‘505 and Application ‘863 ..........................
`
`.... ..
`
`pg. 23
`
`VIII. Themig Contract .......................
`
`..................................
`
`pg. 24
`
`IX.
`
`Patentability
`
`.................................................................. .. pg. 27
`
`X.
`
`conclusions
`
`...................
`
`....................,.., ..................... .. pg. 28
`
`Attachments
`
`1. Brown Oil Tools HS-16-1 catalog pages (zpages)
`
`2. 1.7.5. Patent 4,716,967 (9 pages)
`
`3. US. Patent 4,791,992‘ (12 pages)
`
`4. U.S. Patent 5,197,547 (18 pages)
`
`5. U.S. Patent 5,775,429 (14 pages)
`
`6. U.S. Patent 6,543,545 (9 pages)
`
`ts)
`
`RC_RAP00001596
`
`

`
`‘I.
`
`Opening Comments
`
`I hereby incorporate by reference my prior Affidavit tiled in support ofPackers Plus’
`
`Response to I-Ial1r“ourto.n,"s Partial Motion‘ for Summary Judgement and all opinions
`
`expressed in it,. as wellas all exhibits and attachments to my Affidavit. This
`
`supplemental report is being submitted in ad'dition“to my originai report dated April 27,
`
`2007 and my Affidavit dated May 19, 2008. The purpose of this supplemental report is
`
`to correct errors and misrepresentations, shed light and provide clarity on many issues
`
`that Mr. William Ber-ryman, plaintiffs expert witness, vi/rites about in his original report
`dated March 18.. 2007 and his suppiementnl report submitted in August of2008!
`
`Mr. Berryman has "taken great liberties in his reports that couidbe misleading to a person
`
`that is not skilled in the art of oil and gas well completion and the tools that are applied
`
`for this purpose.
`
`It is critical to the integrity of this case that those thatpresent themselves as experts must
`
`put forth facts, evidence, experience and opinions in an objective, forthright, and
`
`transparent manner. Due to this it is important that I clarify and correct some things that
`
`have been inaccurately documented by others. As a point of clarity I must refute a liethat
`
`has been put forth by Mr. Berrymzm in his supplemental report. On page 40 of his
`
`«supplemental report Mr.jBerryman states that he and I agree “that the Rockseal invention
`
`is an invention‘, development, and innovation under 'I'l1emig’s‘ contract." His statementgis
`
`a lie. I have not, in any report, afifidavit, or by any other means, whether verbal or
`
`written, characterized the Rookseal II hydraulic set paclceras an invention, development,
`
`or innovation, and therefore do not agree with his opinion.
`
`RC_RAP00001597
`
`

`
`Also, it has recently come to light that there is evidence that Mr. Berryman and
`
`Halliburton should have been supplying through the discovery processin this case.
`
`‘II.
`
`Ogen hole versus Cased hole
`
`Mr. Berryman has. expended significant effort in attempting to show that tools that were
`
`initially’ designed for cased hole -would not be applicable for use in open hole. This point
`
`could be construed as intentionally misleading.
`
`it is importantto‘ have an understanding of what -constitutes cased hole as well as open
`
`hole in order to provide clarity to the situation at hand. Open ‘hole is .a borehole that is
`
`drilled through the ‘fonnations of earth. The open hole remains as ‘open hole until some
`
`sortof pipe, whether made of steel or other material, is inserted into the ‘open hole in
`
`order to provide stability to the borehole. Once the pipe, typically referred to as casing in
`
`the industry, is installed" inside ofthe open hole than the portion of the open hole that
`
`contains‘ the supporting casing is referred to as cased hole.
`
`Open hole and cased hole are both substantieilly circular in cross section. The only
`
`substantial difference is that the inner wall of cased hole is typically made of steel and the
`
`inner wall of the open hole is made from formations ofearth, or rock. Tools that are
`
`initially designed for cased hole are manufactured to perform in substantially circular
`
`cross section holes that arehard enough and strong enough to provide necessary support
`
`for sealing (typically createdby some sort of packing element) and anchoring (typicaily
`
`RC_RAP00001598
`
`

`
`created by some sort of slip andrcone mechanism). It is worth noting that not every tool
`
`designed for sealing requires an anchoring device on the tool. Ifanchoring is required for
`
`£1 specific application, then anchoring may be provided by a separate tool in the same
`
`string of tools or in combination with the single element on a single tool. And, not every
`
`tool that is designed to be an anchor requiresa sealing mechanism.
`
`The stability of the open hole is largely dependent upon the fonnationsiin which open
`
`hole exists. Rock formations in many cases are extremely hard and stable. In these cases
`
`the rock is highly compressed due to pressure exerted on the took over millions ofyears
`
`of formation. There are also sand formations that can be less consolidated and less
`
`stable. These lesststable fornmtions are more susceptible to having “wash outs” or areas
`
`that are substantially non circular in cross section atter being drilled.
`
`The hard rock formations, once drilled, typically provide a circular cross section conduit,
`
`just as a cased hole does. in these types ofhard fonnations a too} that was designed for
`
`use in cased hole may be used in open hole. The fact is that many tools, including
`
`anchoring mechanisms and packing elements, that were initially designed for cased hole,
`
`with no contemplation ofbeing used in open hole, have been used in open hole
`
`successfully. It is a fact that many tools which utilized compression set elastomeric solid
`
`packing elements have been used in open hole. Mr. Berryman, in his original report,
`
`indicated that these types of packing element arrangements were initially designed for
`
`cased hole and that they are now being used in open hole. In fact this is exactly what
`
`Guiberson /Halliburton has done successfully for many years by use ofits original
`
`RC_RAP00001599
`
`

`
`Wizard type packer designs. Mr. Berryman has excluded these «facts from his
`
`supplemental report.
`
`It is noteworthy to point outthet downhole tools are often utilized his way in which they
`
`were not originally intended. And doing so does not necessarily constitute innovation,
`
`invention, or development. It is not my intention, at this point in the report, to convey
`
`that the prior art tools have the same functionality that is contained in the Rockseal II
`
`hydraulic set packer, the Benrfoot, and the Wizard 111 packers. My intention is to convey
`
`the fact that downhole tools which were initially designed for cased hole can be. and have
`
`been, utilized in open hole. I have personal experience of such installations and look
`
`forward to testifying as such at trial.
`
`In addition to my experience and knovvledge of casedhole and open hoie tools, there are
`
`other references that can be used to substantiate my opinions. Included in this report are
`
`patents which have been issued that provide language regarding the use of “hook -wall"
`
`packers, known by those skilled in the artvto be regarded as cased hole tools, as open hole
`
`packers. Hnlliburton has patents that reveal this type of language which could lead one to
`
`opine that Hallihurton agrees with my assessment regarding the applicability of‘cased
`
`hole packets in open hole.
`
`The first patent that substantiates my opinion is 11.3. patent is 4,716,967. The patent
`
`states “27:’ere are. however, some parts aflheworld where oilfield completions are
`
`lzabitually in the open hole. For exanzple, in Ken!ucky., the Sm;/Zzce hole is drilled with
`
`RC_RAP00001600
`
`

`
`mm! and surface pipe set to close ’0flflllfbCe watersands. Below the Sm;/hoe pipe, the
`
`hole is typically drilled with air. either by using a cable tool rig or an air rotary rig. [fa
`
`productive section is etzoozmtered, the well begins toproduce through the baloee line so
`
`that the an-tozmt and type ofproduction can be estimated. lfit is desired to complete a
`
`well in this section, the bit is retnavedfirom the hole, and tubing is run into the well. A
`
`hook wall packer is seated against the wall ofthe‘ bore hole ‘and the well is producer! up
`
`the tubing string in a somewhat unusual manner ‘which happens to be typicalfor this
`
`area. .” This language is selfexpiantmry and it-is my opinion that anvexpjert skilled in the
`
`art of packets would opine that it is typical in certain parts of the world to run a hook wall
`
`packer (that was designed for use in eased hole) in open hole.
`
`The second patent. that substantiates my opinion is U.S. patent #5,1’97,S47 which applies
`
`to a wirelinc set packer tool arrangement. The patent states, “so the packer is capable of
`
`being set by a wireline pressure setting assembly when the packer tool is positionecl ‘in
`
`the opening in a tubular member _or1‘n open hole in so well bare without requt'rz'ngfurther
`
`manipulation ofthe packer tool. ” This language refers to a packet that is shown in the
`
`patent figures to have anchoring and sealing mechanisms that are the same as those that
`
`have been designed for cased hole. It is my opinion that the term “tubutar member"
`
`could refer to a well casing, whether casing or productitm tubing. The patent language
`
`substantiates"that this type dfpacker tool may be applied in open hole.
`
`The third patent that substantiates my opinion is U.S. patent #S,775,429 which applies to
`
`packer seaiing element that may be applied for manyapplications. The patent abstract
`
`RC_RAP00001601
`
`

`
`states, “For example, the packer can be applied to plugs, 10 llzraugla tubing mamlrals.
`
`and to other well tools in open hole or in cased wellbore ca1;figz:rations.” Again, this
`
`patent reveals the fact that a specific type of mechanism may be appliedlo both cased
`
`hole and open hole.
`
`The fourth patent that substantiates my opinion is US patent #6,49i,IO4, which is
`assigned to Halliburton. Itvrefers to a string of tools that include an open hole packet.
`
`The patent states, “The open-hale packer can be ofany lciud generally known in the art,
`
`such as a "hook-wall "packer. but is preferably a not:-mtating‘ iigflarable packer.” It is
`
`my opinion that this is an admission that a “hook-wall" packer can work in open hole
`
`assuming that the open hole is in a "form that. will ‘allow itto perform satisfactorily.
`
`The fifih patent that substantiates my opinion is U.S patent #6,543,545, which is also
`
`assigned to‘ Halliburton. Italso refers to 8 string of tools that include an open hole
`
`packer. The application of the tool string in this patent differs from the purpose of the
`
`tool string mentioned in the previous paragraph, however it also refers to useof an open
`
`hole packer as part of the tool string. The patent states, “Si:::ilar{)2, the open-hole packer
`
`may be ofany type known in the art such as a "haul: wall" packer are non-rotating
`
`inflatable packer." It is my opinion that this is another admission that a “hook—waIl"
`
`packer can work in open hole assuming that the opcnhole is in a form that will allow it to
`
`perform satisfactorily.
`
`RC_RAP00001602
`
`

`
`Based on this infonnation, it may be assumed that any expert who denies the idea that
`
`cased hoie tools can be, and have been, applied in open hole would be one.‘ who has a lack
`
`of knowledge, a lack of experience, or is not forthcoming with regard to this area of
`
`expertise.
`
`111.
`
`Conception ofgzlcker with fiocksenl II mdraulic set gnciger feaglres
`
`Benyman has stated in his supplemental "report that a packer’ that contains the
`
`features of the Rockseal II hydraulic set packer, or the features themselves were
`
`conceived or invented by Themig. Mr. Berrymarrs supplemental report makes this
`
`inaccurate insinuation at least 16 times.
`
`It is well known in the industry that the customer ofthe service company often times
`
`pushes the service company to tweak its existing tools in order to create something that
`
`the customer feels may be more applicable for the specific downhole environment that
`
`exists in the customers wells. After many years of utilizing certain types of the tools
`
`many customers become intirnately familiar with specific types oftools and can submit
`
`ideas on how to ‘tweak, tools in order. to solve customer specific issues.
`
`In this case a packer with all ofthe features of the Rockseal ‘II hydraulic set packer was
`
`conceived by :1 Husky Oil engineer, Marty Muir. Marty Muir specifically told Dale
`
`Fuller and Dan Thcmig that he wanted a packer with all of the features that have become
`
`the Rockseal I] hydraulic set packer, the Bcerfeot packer (sold by Innicor, formerly Polar
`
`RC_RAP00001603
`
`

`
`Completions), and the Wizard 11] packer (soldby Halliburton). Mary Muir, having
`
`intimate knowledge ofthe inner workings of the G-77 packer, specifically requested to
`
`Themig that Halliburtojn manufacture a packer for 'Husky"s application that utilized most
`
`ofthe features of the (3-77, except to make the small change of removing the upper slips
`
`and .exchanging the lower Slips with a second packing element. Mr. Benymaxfs Reports
`
`completely omit any discussion of this packer concept by Mr. Muir; nor does he refer to
`
`‘any of the evidence showing that Mr. Thenxig disclosed the concept to Halliburton as
`
`early as 1998. This constitutes a serious omissionfrom Mr. Berry-.man’s Reports.
`
`IV.
`
`Evidence with
`
`db. sex ert &tH Ill
`
`:1
`
`on"
`
`Brown Oil Tools was selling dual element packers -as early as 1962. It also had at least
`
`one patent that showsa dual element packer. Brown's I-IS-16-1. hydraulic set packer was
`
`sold for many years and was in Brown's marketing catalog from at least 1962 until 1969.
`
`1 came across this information‘ by a contact thatl worked with at Baker Hughes in years
`
`past. The Brown HS-16-l hydraulic set packer is an isolation packet that has the
`
`following fimctionalityz dual packing elements, spaced apart, on a single body;
`
`hydraulically actuated between the packing elements, locking mechanism, and a
`
`mechanism for reducing premature setting while running in the hole.
`
`Mr. Bexryman should have beennware of the existence ofthis tool because he was the
`
`vice president of engineering at Baker Service Tools at the time Brown Oil Tools was
`
`acquired and integrated into thc~Baker product lines. Many of the Brown Oil Tools
`
`10
`
`RC_RAP00001604
`
`

`
`products were integrated into the division of Baker Service Tools. As a vice president of
`
`engineering at Baker at the time this integration took place Mr. ‘Be:-ryman should have
`
`reviewed the Brown Oil Tool product lines for determining which tools would be
`
`integrated, replaced, redundant or obsolete.
`
`Additionally, Halliburton (Dresser) was assigned a patent (U.S. patent # 4,791,992) on a
`
`sl‘ip—less packer that references a Brown Oil 'l‘o.ol‘s dual clement packer patent (U.8.
`
`patent # 3,122,205). Halliburton should have supplied this evidence during the discovery
`
`process of this case.
`
`V.
`
`Functiolralitv of Rockscal §_I_ hxdruulig set gaggger
`
`The Rockscal II hydraulic set packer. the Bearfoot packet, and the Wizard I11 packer
`
`incorporate the same Afimctionality. These tools were designed specifically for
`
`applications‘ that did not'require external anchoring devices within the tool. The reason
`
`for this is that the application in which these tools were designed to be run assumed that
`
`there would be an anchoring ‘device in a separate tool that was run above these tools that
`
`would set inside the cased hole‘ that was located uphole from the open hole in which the
`
`Rockseal II hydraulic set packer, Bearfoot packer, or Wizard Ill packer would he set.
`
`The features of these packers include: two sealing elements spaced apart, hydraulic
`
`actuation between the scaling elements, locking mechanism, an nnt‘i—preset, all on a single
`
`body. All of these features also existed in the Brown HS-16-1 packer. How these
`
`features are constructed -is a decision left to the designer. It is possible for a designer to
`
`come up with an idea on how to construct a specific feature, however, it is more often the
`
`ll
`
`RC_RAP00001605
`
`

`
`case that the designer utilize construction methods that he/she maybe familiar with due
`
`to his/her experience with other tools that are in the stream of commerce. In this case all
`
`of-the features. ofthe above mentioned tools were constructed by use of pulalically known
`
`methods, and as a matter of faetall of these features have been used together in another
`
`tool.
`
`n.
`
`‘Packing flements
`
`Tliere have long been different types of packing elements utilized on packers within
`
`the oil and gasindustry. Compression set elements (like those used on the Rockseal
`
`II hydraulic set packer, the Bearfoot packer, the Wizard II packer, Wizard In packer,
`
`and Brown HS-16-1 packer), cup type elements (swab cup type), and inflatahletype
`
`elements are.the;3rnost recognized types ofpacker elenientsin the industry. There
`
`are other types and variations, but these are the most recognized and most usedin the
`
`industry. Compression set elements have long been used in both eased hole and open
`hole applications. Mr. Br-.rryma_n confesses that the type ofelements used for the
`
`Rockseal II hydraulic set packerand Wizard II packer were initially designed with the
`
`intent of being used in cased hole. And now they have been applied. in open hole. I
`
`agree with Mr. Berryman"s adrnissionthet packing elements, ‘as well as other types of'
`
`features that were initially designed for cased hole can he applied in open hole.
`
`Compression set elements were deployed in open hole before inflatable elements
`
`were developed. Compression set elements have some short comings in some open
`
`hole applications. Those applications where compression. set elements may not be
`
`reliable include, but are not limited to: open hole applications ‘where the open hole
`
`.12
`
`RC_RAP00001606
`
`

`
`diameter is significantly larger than the. cased hole: uphole from the open hole, open
`
`hole applications in which the open hole is not in a hard rock formation that may be
`
`conducive to wash out, or open hole applications in which the open hole may he so
`
`soft that the formation will move away from the setting element therefore not
`
`allowing the compression set element to maintain thenecessary stored energy for
`
`providing sealing integrity. Inflatable elements were initially designed in order to
`
`solve the issues sometimes encountered with the compression set elements when used
`
`in certain open hole. applications. Inflatable elements are elastic bladders that can be
`
`filled with different types of fluid media. Inflatable elements have been made in
`
`many lengths and with varying cliemetrical expansion ratios in an attempt to seal in
`
`specific customer open hole conditions". It is also well known in the industry that
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`inflatable elements have been utilized in cased hole. An application for an inflatable
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`element in cased holeiis provided when the packer must pass a significantly smaller
`
`diameterin the well bore and be set in a large diameter’ that resides somewhere below
`
`smaller diameter restriction. Through tubing tools are well known in the industry and
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`often incorporate inflatable elements because the ppaclcer must deploy through a
`
`smaller production tubing string and set and seal reliably in the well casing that is
`
`below the bottom end of the production tubing string".
`
`The compression set element of the type used by the Rockseel '11 hydraulic set packer
`
`is not unique’ in anyway in comparison to other compression set elements. To state
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`-that it is somehow unique inany way that makes itvmore applicable to open hole is
`
`simply misleading and totally. inaccurate. The fact is that there are l00‘s of
`
`13
`
`RC_RAP00001607
`
`

`
`compression set elements that function in exactly the same way as the element ‘type
`
`utilized on the Rockseal Ilhydraulic set packer. The reliability 'ofthe’type of
`
`compression set packing element utilized‘ on the Rookseal II hydraulic set. packer is
`
`totally dependent on the characteristics of the open hole in which it is applied.
`
`The redundant nature of providing two, or more packing elements on a single packer
`
`is helpfiil in open hole if abnormalities exist in concentrated areas. It is also helpful
`
`in cased hole as there may be existence of abnormalities in cased. hole. In many cases
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`the well casing in which a packer isset may have an abnonnatity, or a void, areas!
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`the each endof a joint (a singleypipe) of easing. Other abnormalities that may exist in
`
`well casing may be caused by the following: excessive rotating of a drill string inside
`
`the well casing. 21 manufacturing defect within the casing, failure ofthe well casing
`
`due to fonnation movement, failure of the ‘well casing due to excessive tensile or
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`compressive loading, failure of the well easing‘ due to internal or external pressure, or
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`corrosion of the well casing clue to incompatible well fluids. The point to be taken
`
`from this is that redundant'pac_l<ing elements improve reliability in cased hole and
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`open "hole; In fact, in any well application, ifthere is greater opportunity for
`
`abnonnttlities to exist where n packer preferred to be set, then there a greater need for
`
`more effective sealing ‘area, and one way to accomplish this is through packing
`
`element redundancy. This is not a concept that is unique to open hole.
`
`Another advantage of dual packing elements is the fact that the packet components
`
`that reside between the packing elements may be protected from producing fluids
`
`14
`
`RC_RAP00001608
`
`

`
`over time, thus reducing corrosion issues that may impact the mechanical locking of
`
`the packer after setting. Also, ‘protection. from corrosion may assist in the retrieval of
`
`the packer at a later date.
`
`Mr. Benyman makes the point in his supplemental report that the dual elements may
`
`somehow increase the amount ofpressure that the packer may hold by virtue of a
`
`“two-stage sealing system". This point is completely misleading as itis my
`
`experience from testing 100's of compression set pacldng elements that a
`
`compression set packing element typically does not hold significantptessure once it
`
`begins to leak. And, because the “null zone" is so smallin volume, essentially all of
`
`the pressure that is opposite of the lealcing element would quicldy fill the “null zone”
`
`causing the holding element to withstand‘ all of the pressure that was opposite of the
`
`leaking element. Even it is-possible that the “two-stage sealing system” would
`
`perform as Ivlr. Berryrnan has indicated then many packers in existence‘ include the
`
`“two-stage sealing system". Obviously, the Brown HS-16-1 would perform in the
`
`same way. Also, many retrievable service packers include a. packing element stuck
`
`that utilizes multiple packing elements that are separated by at least a small spacer.
`
`These packers would also satisfy the concept of u “two-stagecl sealing system" even
`
`though they may have 8: smaller “null zone".
`
`To characterize the type ofpacking element utilized by the Rocks-eal ll hydraulic set
`
`packer as unique in comparison to other compression set elements is inaccurate.
`
`15
`
`RC_RAP00001609
`
`

`
`b. Actuation Device
`
`The actuation device-utilized by the Rcckseal ll hydraulic set packet was not
`
`conceived by Themig. Utilizing an actuating device that is hydraulically manipulated
`
`is yery common in the industry. Many tools, which are referenced in my earlier
`
`submitted affidavit, utilize a hydraulic setting device that sits between two packing
`
`elements. The Brown HS-16'-I packer utilizes the same type of setting mechanism. It
`
`is over'lapping.. Thesetting mechanism ensures that the full setting force is imparted
`
`to both sides of the actuating device, just as in the Rockseal If hydraulic set packer.
`
`This type of actuation device-‘is applicable to dual elementpackers, single element
`
`packers, and other types of tools for use in cased hole and open hole. It is not only
`
`applicable to open hole. Halhburton‘-s WizardiIII.‘which is functionally the same as
`
`the Rocksecl II hydraulic se.t.pac'ker utilizes the same type of actuation device that is
`
`used in the G-77.
`
`c. Locking Device.
`
`Most compression set packing element packers (including the Brown HS-16-1) have
`
`a locking mechanism for storing the energyinto the packing element after it is set and
`
`the setting force is removed. The type "of mechanical lock utilized in the Rockseal I1
`
`hydraulic set packer has been used in a large number ofM compression set packers. It is
`
`a ratcheting type lock. There have‘ been many different type of locking mechanisms
`
`used to store energy in packing elements or other devices. The type of locking
`
`mechanism used is simply a design choice made by the designer. The locking
`
`mechanism utilized by the Brown HS»-16-1 is common to packers manufactured by
`
`16
`
`RC_RAP00001610
`
`

`
`many other companies. The=extern'a‘l slips utilized on the Brown HS—l-‘6-l creates a
`
`lock that will continuously bite into the wall ofthc borehole as the tool strokes,
`
`therefore there isnc slack that must be absorbed by the packing elements. The
`
`Brown H846-1 utilizes this type of lock because it was designed with the additional
`
`feature of providing anchoring in the wellbore. This locking mechanism will work in
`
`open hole or cased hole.
`
`I know this to be a fact based on experience setting cast iron
`
`bridge plugs in open hole where extemnl slips were used as the mechanical locking
`
`mechanism. The fact that the.~Brown HS~l6.~1 was designed with on additional
`
`anchoring feature allowed for the packer to perform satisfactorily without an
`
`additional internal lock. If it were determined that a slip—.less~ packer were desired
`
`then it would be obvious to any experienced designer that the extemal slips could be
`
`replaced with the same internal locking mechanism used in many other packers in
`
`orderto store energy in the set packing elements.
`
`(1; Anti-greset device
`
`Antt’~preset devices are used on most packer designs. Their function is simply to
`
`allow a pecker to deployed to the desired setting depth within the wellbore without
`
`premature actuation, and then to Lmloclc the setting mechanism so the packer can be
`
`set at that point. It would be misleading to represent that tools intended for cased
`
`hole do not benefit from having such a device. If it were true that a cased hole packer
`
`would not benefit from such a device, then the Guiberson/Halliburtou G-77 would not
`
`have incorporated. such a device. This is further substantiated-»Mr. Be-rryman's
`
`l7
`
`RC_RAP00001611
`
`

`
`assertion that “The G-77 is a cased—l:oIe tooi and is not desigtzedfor use in open-hole
`
`qppIicat1'0ns" (pg 28 ofhis supplemental report).
`
`An anti-preset device is simply it mechanism that resists premature setting of a tool
`
`due to drag, caused by an obstruction, during the installation process. The obstruction
`
`may be atight spot. in thehole, whether cased or open. Drag may be caused by
`
`deviation of the well bore, whether in cased hole or open hole. It is well known in the
`
`industry that horizontal wellsare drilled and may be cased into the horizontal! section,
`
`or left as open hole depending on the competenceof the‘. formation. The point that
`
`must be made is that cased hole tools and open hole tools alike must be able to resist
`
`premature setting while running into horizontal sections ofa well. Many types of
`
`isolation packers, as well as other types of anchoring devices include a device for
`
`resisting premauzre setting. ‘It is lefi to the discretion of the designer to choose a type
`
`of mechanism that will work for a given design. For a -given design there are usually
`
`«several types of devices that are available-to the designer to choose fiom in order to
`
`provide resistance against premature actuation. A few of these are J-slot mechanisms,
`
`a locking collet, split rings, segmented rings, ball (or dog) andgroove, and shear pins
`
`(or screws). In the case of the Rockseal II hydraulic set packer, premature actuation is
`
`accomplished by using a “ball and groove’? device that has been utilized in many
`
`different tools, including packers, for many years. Sloane Muscrofi has stated in his
`
`affidavit dated.February I4, 2005, ‘iln my opirziou, based on my experience in the
`
`oilfield services industry, the application ofthese teclmiques amlprinciples to
`
`Packers’PIu,r' baIl—activated disrronnects and ball-aualgroove anti-preset system is
`
`18
`
`RC_RAP00001612
`
`

`
`not 1'nventz've q_fa11y new idea. ~ It is merely the application oflong-standing ideas and
`
`teclutiques la a parIicu.’ar reqza'remem." Mr. Muscroft submits many exhibits (at
`
`least 7) in his affidavit as proof that many tools that have ‘been in the stream of
`
`commerce have utilized 5. ball and groove device for the purpose ofreclucing
`
`incidences of premature actuation.
`
`Based an my knowledge of other tools that utilize the same mechanism and the
`
`submission of this evidence from Mr. Muscro1't,_I agree with Mr. Muscrofvs assertion
`
`that use of a ball and gcoove device in reduce premature actuation in the Rockseal I1
`
`hydraulic set packet is not unique in any way.
`
`The G-77 utilizes a mechanism for reducing prcmalmeiactuation that is similar to that
`
`of Rockseal II. hydraulic set packer. Regarding the 6-77, Mr. Berryman, in his
`
`supplemental report (p. 28) confesses that there are components other than the sealing
`
`element that require some means to hold the components in position until tubing
`
`pressure is applied to the packer. He goes on to state “_z‘fs.uch' means were not
`
`provided, the cone could be_'/breed up under the slip while the tool is being lowered
`
`into a well, potentially extemiiug the slips into engagerrzerit with the casing and
`
`cazising damage'tothe1ooI?’. “Extending the slips" refers to unwanted premature
`
`actuation of the tool, Additionally, Mr‘. Berryman -ignores that the upper external
`
`setting piston must also be locked. If it is not ioclced and the tool is run in a highly
`
`deviated well, then the upper external. setting piston could cause premature setting of
`
`the sealing element and the upper slip and cone.
`
`19
`
`RC_RAP00001613
`
`

`
`The anti-preset device utilized in the G.—77’could have been ‘utilized in the Roclcseal ll
`
`hydraulic set packet and the tool. would function in exactly the same way. As a
`
`matter of fact, I believe that the device utilized in the G-77 provides. a more robust
`
`lock, capable ofhandling aihigher load that would created by obstructions in. the
`
`wellbore. The reason is that the CH7 lock provides a larger bearing surface on which
`
`to distribute undesired loads while running into the well. The ball and groove device
`
`creates point loading on the halls and mating part. Point loading provides less
`
`hearing for distributing the load, meaning the ball and groove mechanism would fail.
`
`at :1 lower load fora comparably sized mechanism.
`
`I-Ia1liburton’s Wizard III, which is fiincfionally the same as the'R,oekseal II", hydraulic
`
`set packer, utilizes the same type of anti-preset device that is -used in the G—7"I.
`
`20
`
`RC_RAP00001614
`
`

`
`VI.
`
`Prior art
`
`In his supplemental report Mr. Berryman has submitted -an opinion that all of the tools
`
`that have been submitted as prior art are somehow different than the Rockseal ll
`
`hydraulic set packer. The fact ofthe matter is that all of the submitted prior art is
`
`pertinent and represent

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