Patents by Inventor Ashraf Al-Tahini

Ashraf Al-Tahini has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8869897
    Abstract: A method for preventing the production and formation of loose sand particles during production of a production fluid includes converting in the production zone both a loose sand particle into a magnetized loose sand particle and a cemented sand particle into a magnetized cemented sand particle. The method includes introducing a magnetic source into a wellbore. The method includes operating the magnetic source such that a continuous magnetic field is generated and the continuous repulsive magnetic force is less than the mean cementation strength. The method includes producing the production fluid from the production zone to the wellbore at a production rate. The method includes maintaining the magnetic source and the production rate of the hydrocarbon fluid such that within the distance from the magnetic source the production fluid drag force is less than or equal to the continuous repulsive magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ashraf Al-Tahini
  • Publication number: 20140262248
    Abstract: A method for preventing the production and formation of loose sand particles during production of a production fluid includes converting in the production zone both a loose sand particle into a magnetized loose sand particle and a cemented sand particle into a magnetized cemented sand particle. The method includes introducing a magnetic source into a wellbore. The method includes operating the magnetic source such that a continuous magnetic field is generated and the continuous repulsive magnetic force is less than the mean cementation strength. The method includes producing the production fluid from the production zone to the wellbore at a production rate. The method includes maintaining the magnetic source and the production rate of the hydrocarbon fluid such that within the distance from the magnetic source the production fluid drag force is less than or equal to the continuous repulsive magnetic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ashraf Al-Tahini
  • Patent number: 8776883
    Abstract: A process for controlling the production of loose sand particles within an underground formation through the use of magnetic forces is provided. The loose sand particles are magnetized and then subjected to a magnetic field of sufficient strength such that the operator can control the movement of the loose sand particles within the underground formation. In some instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for keeping the loose sand particles within the formation, and thereby prolonging the useful life of the downhole equipment. In other instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for sweeping the loose sand particles out of the underground formation in a controlled fashion. The present invention includes at least three embodiments for magnetizing the loose sand particles, including direct magnetization, contacting the sand particles with a magnetizing reagent, and contacting the sand particles with paramagnetic nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ashraf Al-Tahini
  • Publication number: 20110272143
    Abstract: A process for controlling the production of loose sand particles within an underground formation through the use of magnetic forces is provided. The loose sand particles are magnetized and then subjected to a magnetic field of sufficient strength such that the operator can control the movement of the loose sand particles within the underground formation. In some instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for keeping the loose sand particles within the formation, and thereby prolonging the useful life of the downhole equipment. In other instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for sweeping the loose sand particles out of the underground formation in a controlled fashion. The present invention includes at least three embodiments for magnetizing the loose sand particles, including direct magnetization, contacting the sand particles with a magnetizing reagent, and contacting the sand particles with paramagnet nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ashraf Al-Tahini
  • Patent number: 7650795
    Abstract: A test cell and method for stress testing a test specimen including a first platen and a second platen. Each platen having a loading surface, an inclined surface, and a longitudinal axis. The inclined surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle and the inclined surface having a specimen recess formed therein for receiving a portion of the test specimen such that when the inclined surface of the second platen is positioned in a face-to-face relationship with the inclined surface of the first platen, a shear stress is applied to the test specimen when an axial load is applied to the first and second platens. The platens further including fluid ports to subject the test specimen to fluid flow at various pressures and fluid chemistries and ultrasonic transducers to determine acoustic, compressional, and shear wave velocities and in multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Younane Abousleiman, John Brumley, Vinh Ngyuen, Son K. Hoang, Ashraf Al-Tahini
  • Publication number: 20080216584
    Abstract: A test cell and method for stress testing a test specimen including a first platen and a second platen. Each platen having a loading surface, an inclined surface, and a longitudinal axis. The inclined surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle and the inclined surface having a specimen recess formed therein for receiving a portion of the test specimen such that when the inclined surface of the second platen is positioned in a face-to-face relationship with the inclined surface of the first platen, a shear stress is applied to the test specimen when an axial load is applied to the first and second platens. The platens further including fluid ports to subject the test specimen to fluid flow at various pressures and fluid chemistries and ultrasonic transducers to determine acoustic, compressional, and shear wave velocities and in multiple orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Younane Abousleiman, John Brumley, Vinh Nguyen, Son K. Hoang, Ashraf Al-Tahini