Patents by Inventor Kambiz A. Safinya
Kambiz A. Safinya 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).
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Publication number: 20230213459Abstract: An x-ray-based borehole fluid evaluation tool for evaluating the characteristics of a fluid located external to said tool in a borehole using x-ray backscatter imaging is disclosed, the tool including at least an x-ray source; a radiation shield to define the output faun of the produced x-rays into the borehole fluid outside of the tool housing; at least one collimated imaging detector to record x-ray backscatter images; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and power supply units. A method of using an x-ray-based borehole fluid evaluation tool to evaluate the characteristics of a fluid through x-ray backscatter imaging is also disclosed, the method including at least producing x-rays in a shaped output; measuring the intensity of backscatter x-rays returning from the fluid to each pixel of one or more array imaging detectors; and converting intensity data from said pixels into characteristics of the wellbore fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: Visuray Intech Ltd. (BVI)Inventors: Kambiz Safinya, Melissa Spannuth, Spencer Gunn
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Publication number: 20210372947Abstract: An x-ray-based borehole fluid evaluation tool for evaluating the characteristics of a fluid located external to said tool in a borehole using x-ray backscatter imaging is disclosed, the tool including at least an x-ray source; a radiation shield to define the output faun of the produced x-rays into the borehole fluid outside of the tool housing; at least one collimated imaging detector to record x-ray backscatter images; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and power supply units. A method of using an x-ray-based borehole fluid evaluation tool to evaluate the characteristics of a fluid through x-ray backscatter imaging is also disclosed, the method including at least producing x-rays in a shaped output; measuring the intensity of backscatter x-rays returning from the fluid to each pixel of one or more array imaging detectors; and converting intensity data from said pixels into characteristics of the wellbore fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Visuray Intech Ltd (BVI)Inventors: Kambiz Safinya, Melissa Spannuth, Spencer Gunn
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Patent number: 10253618Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for obtaining a three-dimensional representation of a target object within a fluid-carrying conduit, such as a hydrocarbon exploration or production well, using high energy photons is provided. The representation is essentially a three-dimensional image that achieves visualization of the shape of the target object despite the intervening opaque fluids located between the imaging tool and the object. In one specific though non-limiting embodiment, a narrow, pencil-shaped beam of radiation is scanned in coordination with a similarly narrow detector field-of-view in order to sample the radiation-scattering properties of only a small volume of material at any given time. The result is a clearer visualization with a greater viewing depth.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: VISURAY INTECH LTDInventors: Kambiz Safinya, Adne Voll, Andrii Sofiienko, David Ponce, Melissa Spannuth, Henning Torsteinsen
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Publication number: 20190079027Abstract: An x-ray-based borehole fluid evaluation tool for evaluating the characteristics of a fluid located external to said tool in a borehole using x-ray backscatter imaging is disclosed, the tool including at least an x-ray source; a radiation shield to define the output form of the produced x-rays into the borehole fluid outside of the tool housing; at least one collimated imaging detector to record x-ray backscatter images; sonde-dependent electronics; and a plurality of tool logic electronics and power supply units. A method of using an x-ray-based borehole fluid evaluation tool to evaluate the characteristics of a fluid through x-ray backscatter imaging is also disclosed, the method including at least producing x-rays in a shaped output; measuring the intensity of backscatter x-rays returning from the fluid to each pixel of one or more array imaging detectors; and converting intensity data from said pixels into characteristics of the wellbore fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Applicant: Visuray Intech Ltd (BVI)Inventors: Kambiz Safinya, Melissa Spannuth, Spencer Gunn
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Publication number: 20160320318Abstract: Methods and means for identifying a fluid type inside of a conduit is provided, including at least the steps of illuminating a fluid in a conduit with ionizing radiation; detecting backscattered electromagnetic radiation returned from one or more surfaces of associated illumination volumes using one or more electromagnetic radiation sensors; converting detected radiation into a corresponding set of planar image data; analyzing the image data using quantitative processing techniques; and creating a depth correlated log representative of the fluid response data. Various logging methods and means are also disclosed, and include at least a forward looking acquisition mode for use while the apparatus remains stationary; a plurality of acquisitions being performed while longitudinally moving the apparatus a predetermined distance through the conduit between acquisition operations; and a plurality of acquisitions being performed longitudinally while moving the apparatus a predetermined distance through the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: Visuray Intech Ltd (BVI)Inventors: Kambiz Safinya, Melissa Spannuth, Spencer Gunn
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Patent number: 9103927Abstract: To perform marine electromagnetic (EM) surveying of a subterranean structure, a marine cable system is provided including a tow cable, a plurality of electromagnetic (EM) sources coupled to the tow cable, and a plurality of EM receivers coupled to the tow cable. The system is configured for deployment in a body of water to perform marine EM surveying of a subterranean structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.Inventors: David L. Alumbaugh, Guozhong Gao, Tarek M. Habashy, H. Frank Morrison, Michael Oristaglio, Kambiz A. Safinya, Andrea Zerilli
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Patent number: 8899324Abstract: A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes reducing a viscosity of the fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation, and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of the fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurized by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Anthony Goodwin, Jacques R. Tabanou, Kambiz A. Safinya
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Publication number: 20140254764Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for obtaining a three-dimensional representation of a target object within a fluid-carrying conduit, such as a hydrocarbon exploration or production well, using high energy photons is provided. The representation is essentially a three-dimensional image that achieves visualization of the shape of the target object despite the intervening opaque fluids located between the imaging tool and the object. In one specific though non-limiting embodiment, a narrow, pencil-shaped beam of radiation is scanned in coordination with a similarly narrow detector field-of-view in order to sample the radiation-scattering properties of only a small volume of material at any given time. The result is a clearer to visualization with a greater viewing depth.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: VISURAY INTECH LTDInventors: Kambiz Safinya, Adne Voll, Andrii Sofiienko, David Ponce, Melissa Spannuth, Henning Torsteinsen
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Publication number: 20130306307Abstract: A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation, and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Anthony Goodwin, Jacques R. Tabanou, Kambiz A. Safinya
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Patent number: 8496054Abstract: A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity of a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Anthony Goodwin, Jacques R. Tabanou, Kambiz A. Safinya
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Publication number: 20120116679Abstract: To perform marine electromagnetic (EM) surveying of a subterranean structure, a marine cable system is provided including a tow cable, a plurality of electromagnetic (EM) sources coupled to the tow cable, and a plurality of EM receivers coupled to the tow cable. The system is configured for deployment in a body of water to perform marine EM surveying of a subterranean structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: DAVID L. ALUMBAUGH, GUOZHONG GAO, TAREK M. HABASHY, Frank H. MORRISON, MICHAEL ORISTAGLIO, KAMBIZ SAFINYA, ANDREA ZERILLI
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Patent number: 8115491Abstract: To perform marine electromagnetic (EM) surveying of a subterranean structure, a marine cable system is provided including a tow cable, a plurality of electromagnetic (EM) sources coupled to the tow cable, and a plurality of EM receivers coupled to the tow cable. The system is configured for deployment in a body of water to perform marine EM surveying of a subterranean structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: WesternGreco L.L.C.Inventors: David L. Alumbaugh, Guozhong Gao, Tarek M. Habashy, Frank H. Morrison, Michael Oristaglio, Kambiz Safinya, Andrea Zerilli
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Publication number: 20110294223Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing parameters for the cracking, in-situ combustion, and upgrading of hydrocarbons includes a reactor defining a chamber, a temperature probe operably associated with the reactor, and a gas inlet in fluid communication with the chamber. The apparatus further comprises a gas outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and an electromagnetic radiation attenuating material configured to heat the reactor when the electromagnetic radiation attenuating material is irradiated by electromagnetic radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Kambiz Safinya, Anthony Robert Kovscek, Bo Chen
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Publication number: 20110094738Abstract: A scalable system for producing upgraded crude oil includes one or more production lines. Bach of the one or more production lines comprises an oil well, an upgrader using microwave radiation operably associated with the oil well, and a pump operably associated with the upgrader. The upgrader is constructed to reduce the viscosity of and increase the API gravity of crude oil. A method for scalably upgrading crude oil includes providing an upgrader using a microwave radiation proximate an oil well, producing crude oil from the oil well, and transporting the crude oil to the upgrader. The method further includes upgrading the crude oil in the upgrader and transporting the upgraded crude oil away from the upgrader.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: Kambiz A. Safinya
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Patent number: 7826972Abstract: A method for determining a formation electrical property under a sea floor includes obtaining measurement data using a receiver having an impedance lower than an impedance of seawater at a measurement site; correcting the measurement data to obtain corrected data corresponding to data that would have been acquired using a receiver having an impedance matched with the impedance of the seawater; and deriving the formation property from the corrected data.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.CInventors: Kamal Babour, Christian Besson, Kambiz Safinya, Philip Heelan, Edward Nichols
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Patent number: 7822553Abstract: A method for determining formation electrical properties includes deploying one or more receivers for electromagnetic logging; obtaining measurement data indicative of the formation electrical properties using the deployed receivers; correcting the measurement data for receiver imperfection; and inverting the corrected measurement data to obtain one or more parameters of formation electrical properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: Christian Besson, Kamal Babour, Kambiz A. Safinya, Edward Nichols
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Publication number: 20100171501Abstract: To perform marine electromagnetic (EM) surveying of a subterranean structure, a marine cable system is provided including a tow cable, a plurality of electromagnetic (EM) sources coupled to the tow cable, and a plurality of EM receivers coupled to the tow cable. The system is configured for deployment in a body of water to perform marine EM surveying of a subterranean structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: David L. Alumbaugh, Guozhong Gao, Tarek M. Habashy, Frank H. Morrison, Michael Oristaglio, Kambiz Safinya, Andrea Zerilli
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Patent number: 7633296Abstract: A receiver for electromagnetic measurements includes a polyhedron structure having m faces, where m?4 and m?6: n electrodes each disposed on one face of the polyhedron structure, wherein 3?n?m; and at least one circuitry connected to the n electrodes for signal measurement. A method for electromagnetic measurements includes obtaining a plurality of electric current measurements using a plurality of electrodes each disposed on a surface of a polyhedron receiver, wherein the plurality of electric current measurements comprise at least three different measurements; and determining electric field components in a three dimensional space from the plurality of electric current measurements by using a number of matrices that correlate orientations of surfaces of the polyhedron receiver to a coordinate system in the three dimensional space.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: Kambiz Safinya, Edward Nichols, Kamal Babour, Philip Heelan, Christian Besson
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Publication number: 20090008079Abstract: A method for sampling fluid in a subterranean formation includes, reducing a viscosity a fluid, pressurizing a portion of the subterranean formation, and collecting a fluid sample. Specifically, a viscosity of a fluid in a portion of the subterranean formation is reduced and a portion of the subterranean formation is pressurizing by injecting a displacement fluid into the subterranean formation. A sample of the fluid pressurized by the displacement fluid is then collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Anthony Goodwin, Jacques R. Tabanou, Kambiz A. Safinya
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Publication number: 20090001985Abstract: A method for determining formation electrical properties includes deploying one or more receivers for electromagnetic logging; obtaining measurement data indicative of the formation electrical properties using the deployed receivers; correcting the measurement data for receiver imperfection; and inverting the corrected measurement data to obtain one or more parameters of formation electrical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Christian Besson, Kamal Babour, Kambiz A. Safinya, Edward Nichols