Patents by Inventor Jeffrey F. Simmons

Jeffrey F. Simmons 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).

  • Method for troubleshooting gas-lift wells
    Patent number: 5063772
    Abstract: A method is provided for troubleshooting gas-lift wells, to identify whether gas-lift valves on the production tubing are open or closed, without the use of wireline tools. The method may also be used to detect leaks in the production tubing or in the well casing. A quantity of a tracer gas is injected into the lift-gas at the wellhead, and its return in fluid produced from the well is monitored as a function of time. The tracer's return pattern may be correlated with the depth of entry points and volumes of lift-gas entering along the length of the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott L. Wellington, Jeffrey F. Simmons, Edwin A. Richardson
  • Method for troubleshooting gas-lift wells
    Patent number: 5031697
    Abstract: A method is provided for troubleshooting gas-lift wells, to identify whether gas-lift valves on the production tubing are open or closed, without the use of wireline tools. The method may also be used to detect leaks in the production tubing or in the well casing. A quantity of a tracer gas is injected into the lift-gas at the wellhead, and its return in fluid produced from the well is monitored as a function of time. The tracer's return pattern may be correlated with the depth of entry points and volumes of lift-gas entering along the length of the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott L. Wellington, Jeffrey F. Simmons, Edwin A. Richardson
  • Method for troubleshooting gas-lift wells
    Patent number: 4972704
    Abstract: A method is provided for troubleshooting gas-lift wells, to identify whether gas-lift valves on the production tubing are open or closed, without the use of wireline tools. The method may also be used to detect leaks in the production tubing or in the well casing. A quantity of a tracer gas is injected into the lift-gas at the wellhead, and its return in fluid produced from the well is monitored as a function of time. The tracer's return pattern may be correlated with the depth of entry points and volumes of lift-gas, entering along the length of the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott L. Wellington, Jeffrey F. Simmons, Edwin A. Richardson