Patents Represented by Attorney David J. Power
  • Patent number: 5095983
    Abstract: A method for providing improved measurement of oil, water, and gas flow rates in producing wells using thru-tubing wireline inflatable and retrievable packers or plugs to systematically isolate producing zones within a wellbore. Surface flow rates are measured before and after zonal isolation, with the zonal production rate determined by the measured difference in flow rate before and after isolation. Surface measurement of individual production zones allows greater accuracy in measuring multiphase flows, while at the same time allowing evaluation of reservoir properties of the lower, isolated zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Chevron and Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: Charles F. Magnani
  • Patent number: 5085276
    Abstract: A production method for low permeability formations is disclosed. Short steam cycles followed by production of fluids to the surface from a single wellbore is described. The method may be practiced in sequential manner, thereby accessing multiple intervals of hydrogen containing formation. Reflashing of steam into the wellbore allows production of fluids to the surface without a pump in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventors: Luis F. Rivas, John Reis, Mridul Kumar
  • Patent number: 5029482
    Abstract: A method of determining mass flow rate and phase distribution of gas/liquid two-phase flows is disclosed. The method uses a Coriolis-based mass flow meter. Flow streams of known mass flow rate and phase distribution are directed through the meter and correlation factors are obtained using an apparent mass flow rate output and an apparent density output from the Coriolis meter. The true mass flow rate and phase distribution of unknown flow streams can then be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Ke-Tien Liu, Tanh V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5024275
    Abstract: Production of viscous hydrocarbons is initiated by first injecting an injection fluid down at least two tubing strings in a wellbore having multiple tubing strings therein. Following an initiation phase, flow of injection fluid in the production tubing string is ceased, and production of formation fluid to the surface commenced in the heated tubing. The production of formation fluids is controlled, and entry of uncondensed steam from the formation into the wellbore avoided by maintaining a liquid level in the formation which is above the production perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Donald J. Anderson, John H. Duerksen, Doug J. McCallum, Mark Petrick
  • Patent number: 5014787
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for fluid injection and oil production from a single wellbore which includes providing a path of communication between the injection and production zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: John H. Duerksen