Patents Assigned to QRI Group, LLC
  • Patent number: 11506052
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods, systems and user interfaces for assessing reservoir management competency for a petroleum producing field. In one scenario, a computer system measures, using various hardware-based sensors positioned in a petroleum reservoir supplying the petroleum producing field, physical or geological characteristics of the petroleum reservoir. The computer system establishes a reservoir management competency scoring system that evaluates a specific set of objective criteria that reflect a level of reservoir management competency at the petroleum producing field, and automatically generates, according to the objective set of criteria of the reservoir management competency scoring system, a reservoir management rating for the petroleum reservoir based at least in part on data measured by the sensors placed in the petroleum reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Toronyi, Nansen G. Saleri, Jeremy Brown
  • Patent number: 11466554
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to managing and improving a drilling and completions process at a hydrocarbon extraction site, and to optimizing resource allocation at a hydrocarbon extraction site/region. In one scenario, a computer system accesses data generated by hardware sensors implemented by drilling and completion equipment at a hydrocarbon extraction site. The computer system formats the sensor data into a form readable by a data mining algorithm, and mines the formatted sensor data to identify characteristics related to the drilling and completion process. The computer system also accesses and integrates historical data related to the drilling and completion equipment at the hydrocarbon extraction site. The computer system then computes drilling and completion performance indicators that identify inefficiencies based on the characteristics identified for the equipment and based on the accessed historical data. Then, a remediation step is performed to resolve the identified inefficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Ali Karimi Vajargah, David Castineira, Zheren Ma, Cedric Gael Fraces Gasmi, Hamed Darabi
  • Patent number: 10915847
    Abstract: A method of improving operation of a petroleum reservoir using geotechnical and economic analysis includes classifying a petroleum reservoir using reserves ranking analytics (RRA) and then making one or modifications to the operation of the reservoir. RRA classification includes establishing reservoir classification metrics for each of the following categories: 1) resource size; 2) recovery potential; and 3) profitability. The reservoir can be classified based on at least one metric in the profitability classification category, and also based on at least one metric in one or more of the resource size classification category or the recovery potential classification category. Classification of reservoirs according to RRA can aid in reservoir management, planning, and development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi
  • Patent number: 10508520
    Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the recovery efficiency of a petroleum reservoir. For example, a method for performing a petroleum recovery assessment to increase the recovery efficiency of a petroleum reservoir includes evaluating results associated with a reservoir management analysis for the petroleum reservoir and generating a reservoir management analysis score. The method further includes evaluating results associated with a global benchmark analysis and generating an estimated maximum recovery efficiency for the petroleum reservoir. The method further includes determining key recovery obstacles impeding the petroleum reservoir from achieving the estimated maximum recovery efficiency, and identifying field development opportunities addressing a key recovery obstacle that when implemented, increases a recovery efficiency for the petroleum reservoir closer to the estimated maximum recovery efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi, Joey D. Broussard
  • Patent number: 10508532
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to automatically detecting an event in a production curve, generating a production estimate using a quantile regression and to performing a probabilistic decline curve analysis. In one scenario, a computer system identifies a candidate break point in a production decline curve which represents a decline in material production at a well. The computer system identifies one trend for the production decline curve occurring before the candidate break point and identifies a second trend for the production decline curve occurring after the candidate break point. The computer system calculates the difference between the first material production decline estimate and the second material production decline estimate and identifies the candidate break points where the difference between the first material production decline estimate and the second material production decline estimate is beyond a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Anirban Mondal, David Castiñeira Areas, Hamed Darabi, Sébastien François Matringe
  • Patent number: 10458207
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to modeling physical material flow relationships between injector wells and producer wells in a reservoir and to quantifying a level of uncertainty in a connection-based model. In one scenario, a computer system calculates pressure distribution within the reservoir using sensor data. Next, the computer system applies the calculated pressure distribution as an input to a tracer algorithm for an injector well and for a producer well to identify tracer flow values for materials flowing from the injector well to the producer well. The computer system further combines the identified tracer flow values to generate well allocation factors representing relationships in material flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Sébastien Matringe, Tailai Wen, Xiang Zhai
  • Patent number: 10329881
    Abstract: Determining a Reservoir Management Factor™ (RMF™ or ?) for a petroleum producer provides a novel metric, selection, design, implementation and monitoring tool designed for use in implementing capital projects for increasing production and reserves of the petroleum producer. The RMF or ? can be determined according to the following equation: ?=sum of regression coefficients=sum of (reserves coefficient, production coefficient) wherein, reserves coefficient=the coefficient of the petroleum producer's reserves; and production coefficient=the coefficient of the petroleum producer's production. The producer can based on the RMF, select, design, implement and monitor one or more capital projects for increasing production and reserves of the petroleum producer. The capital projects can include drilling additional wells, stimulating existing wells, and increasing reservoir contact of existing wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi, Joseph W. Ault, Cromwell D. Wong
  • Patent number: 9946986
    Abstract: A method of improving operation of a petroleum reservoir using geotechnical analysis includes classifying a petroleum reservoir using a Reservoir Ranking Analysis (RRA) and then making one or modifications to the operation of the reservoir. RRA classification includes establishing reservoir classification metrics for at least resource size and recovery potential, and optionally profitability. The reservoir can be classified based on at least one metric in the profitability classification category, and also based on at least one metric in one or more of the resource size classification category or the recovery potential classification category. Classification of reservoirs can aid in reservoir management, planning, and development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi
  • Patent number: 9945703
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to performing material balance analysis for tanks in a petroleum reservoir and to performing dual porosity material balance analysis. In one scenario, a computer system divides a reservoir into multiple tank blocks, where at least two tank blocks are adjacent. The adjacent tanks are connected at a tank block boundary so that materials are permitted to travel between the tank blocks. The computer system determines flow rate between adjacent tank blocks proportional to the difference in tank block pressures. Then, upon making this determination, the computer system determines material balance for at least some of the tank blocks in the reservoir through influx and efflux of material across the tank block boundary. The material balance includes a determined material balance for one of the adjacent tank blocks and a determined material balance for the other adjacent tank block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Sébastien François Matringe, David Castiñeira Areas, Amir Salehi
  • Patent number: 9767421
    Abstract: Determining a True Value Index™ (TVI™) for a petroleum production capital project provides a novel indicator and metric that is designed to quickly assess the economics of undertaking the petroleum production capital project. The TVI™ can be determined according to the following equation: TVI=NPV+(?*Reserves) where, NPV=Net present value of a project; ?=Reservoir Management Factor (RMF™)=absolute value (sum of Coefficient of Reserves and Coefficient of Production) derived from multivariable correlation=to reflect the market value premium on increased reserves if the producer was public; and Reserves=Barrels of proven reserves to be created by the project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi, Joseph W. Ault, Cromwell D. Wong
  • Patent number: 9710766
    Abstract: Performing a Recovery Design Assessment™ (RDA™) for a petroleum producing field provides a novel indicator and metric that is designed to assess how to improve recovery efficiency of a petroleum producing field. A combination of global benchmark analysis and reservoir management assessment is utilized to identify areas of reservoir management that can be improved to increase recovery efficiency. Global benchmark analysis can include comparing a recovery efficiency for a petroleum reservoir to that of other benchmark petroleum reservoirs to indicate if alterations to recovery design or developments plans or reservoir management optimizations are to be pursued. Management of the petroleum reservoir is assessed to identify recovery obstacles potentially reducing recovery efficiency. Development opportunities for overcoming recover obstacles can be implemented to increase recovery efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi, Joey D. Broussard
  • Patent number: 8145427
    Abstract: Determining a production gain index (PGI) for a petroleum reservoir provides a novel leading indicator and metric that is designed to quickly assess the potential for increases in production of petroleum from an operating petroleum reservoir when implementing a recovery plan. The PGI can be determined according to the following equation: P ? ? G ? ? I = ?? ? ? q A ? ? ? q Old where, ??qA=net actual production gain of the reservoir; and ?qOld=sum of current oil rates for existing producers. The PGI can also be determined according to the following equation: PGI=PR×(GPI?1) where, GPI=the global productivity index of the petroleum reservoir; and PR=the interference factor, which accounts for any losses in aggregate production gain due to well interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: QRI Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi
  • Patent number: 8145428
    Abstract: Determining a Recovery Deficiency Indicator™ (RDI™) for a petroleum reservoir provides a novel leading indicator and metric that is designed to quickly assess the potential for increases in reserves and ultimate recovery of petroleum from an operating petroleum reservoir. The RDI™ is determined by relating the Recovery Efficiency (RE) and the Ideal Recovery Efficiency (IRE) (e.g., by dividing RE by IRE to obtain RDI™). The Recovery Efficiency (RE) is determined as the product of areal displacement efficiency (EA), vertical displacement efficiency (EV), and pore displacement efficiency (ED). The Ideal Recovery Efficiency (RE) can be determined by empirically assuming that EA and EV equal 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: QRI Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi
  • Publication number: 20110168391
    Abstract: Methods for accurately assessing the condition of a petroleum reservoir and designing and implementing a plan of action to increase production and recovery of petroleum from the reservoir. Information is gathered using a unique set of metrics and information gathering techniques and analyzed in a targeted fashion by properly weighting the data in the context of the particular reservoir and goals of the producer. A reservoir rating is generated using asymmetric analysis of metrics and then used to formulate a plan of action. Production architecture (e.g., number, location and manner of constructing oil and injector wells) is then constructed according to the plan of action. Reservoir performance can be continuously monitored and used to verify production and recovery goals and/or provide triggers or alarms to alter production equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QRI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi
  • Patent number: 7963327
    Abstract: Methods for accurately assessing the condition of a petroleum reservoir and designing and implementing a plan of action to increase production and recovery of petroleum from the reservoir. Information is gathered using a unique set of metrics and information gathering techniques and analyzed in a targeted fashion by properly weighting the data in the context of the particular reservoir and goals of the producer. A reservoir rating is generated using asymmetric analysis of metrics and then used to formulate a plan of action. Production architecture (e.g., number, location and manner of constructing oil and injector wells) is then constructed according to the plan of action. Reservoir performance can be continuously monitored and used to verify production and recovery goals and/or provide triggers or alarms to alter production equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: QRI Group, LLC
    Inventors: Nansen G. Saleri, Robert M. Toronyi