Patents by Inventor Stephane Vannuffelen
Stephane Vannuffelen 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: 20100059221Abstract: Subsea apparatus and a method for sampling and analysing fluid from a subsea fluid flowline proximate a subsea well is provided, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one housing located in close proximity to said subsea fluid flowline; at least one fluid sampling device located in the housing in fluid communication with a said subsea fluid flowline for obtaining a sample of fluid from the subsea fluid flowline; at least one fluid processing apparatus located in the housing in fluid communication with said subsea fluid flowline for receiving and processing a portion of the fluid flowing through said fluid flowline or in fluid communication with the fluid sampling device, for processing the sample of fluid obtained from the subsea fluid flowline for analysis, while keeping the sample of fluid at subsea conditions; a fluid analysis device located in the housing, the fluid analysis device being in fluid communication with the fluid processing device and/or with the fluid sampling device, the fluid analysis deType: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Ricardo Vasques, Tsutomu Yamate, Akira Kamiya, Kentaro Indo, Gary Oddie, Jonathan Machin, Julie Morgan, Morten Stenhaug, Graham Birkett, Oliver C. Mullins, Lars Mangal, Pascal Panetta
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Publication number: 20100059669Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of organic acids in formation fluids is provided including pumps for pumping fluids from a subterranean formation into the body of a downhole tool and sources for illuminating the flow with infrared radiation to obtain the infrared absorption or a related parameter at one or more wavelengths, and processors for converting the measured absorption into the concentration of the organic acids, using for example a multi-value calibration matrix which relates IR absorption spectral values to concentration measurement under downhole conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Abul K.M. Jamaluddin, Stephane Vannuffelen, Oliver C. Mullins
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Patent number: 7675030Abstract: A method for optically sampling characteristics of subsurface fluids within a wellhole using continuous, non-pulsed light transmitted downhole in optical fibers for both sampling and reference light channels for accurate attenuation compensation.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Khalid Ouaaba, Tsutomu Yamate
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Publication number: 20100050760Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decreasing a density of a downhole fluid are described. An example apparatus to analyze a downhole fluid includes a chamber to decrease a density of at least a portion of a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally, the example apparatus includes a sensor to measure a pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber. Further, the example apparatus includes a fluid measurement unit to measure a characteristic of at least the portion of the sample based on a relationship between the pressure of at least the portion of the sample in the chamber and a predetermined pressure. Further yet, the example apparatus includes a control unit to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid based on the characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, Tsutomu Yamate
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Patent number: 7644611Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool capable of fluid analysis during production logging that includes a phase separator and a plurality of sensors to perform analysis on the fluids collected at a subsurface location in a borehole.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Akira Kamiya, Gary Oddie, Stephane Vannuffelen, Tsutomu Yamate, Oliver C. Mullins, Bhavani Raghuraman, Albert Ballard Andrews, Andrew Carnegie, Chengli Dong, Marian Faur, Christopher Harrison, Kentaro Indo, Li Jiang, Michael O'Keefe
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Patent number: 7609380Abstract: An apparatus for performing real-time analysis of a subterranean formation fluid includes a light source configured to transmit at least a sample signal through a sample of the subterranean formation fluid and a reference signal, at least one photodetector configured to continuously detect the sample and reference signals, and an electronics assembly configured to compensate for drift in the detected sample signal in real-time based on the value of the detected reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Takeaki Nakayama, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Akira Otsuka, Kentaro Indo
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Publication number: 20090224936Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, TSUTOMU YAMATE, BRUNO GAYRAL, SOON SEONG CHEE, COLIN WILSON
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Publication number: 20090166085Abstract: A method that uses downhole fluid analysis in order to selectively collect and retain formation fluid samples in a drilling environment, as well as, control drilling using downhole fluid analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: REINHART CIGLENEC, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, AKIRA KAMIYA, STEVEN G. VILLAREAL, TSUTOMU YAMATE
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Patent number: 7520160Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring contents of a fluid or gas at high pressure and/or high temperature, for use, for example, in a wellbore for hydrocarbon applications, is provided. The sensor includes: a bulkhead-like electrode assembly including a cylindrical housing and a cylindrical electrode structure. The cylindrical electrode structure includes a cylindrical conductive pin extending from a high pressure region to a low pressure region and an electrode connected to one end of the pin at the high pressure region and having an electrode surface for exposure to a flow path of the fluid or gas in the high pressure region. At least a part of the surface of the pin is protected from direct contact with the fluid or the gas by an insulating coating impermeable to the fluid or gas. The pin may include an alternating pattern of protruding and receded portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michael M Toribio, Akira Kamiya, Stephane Vannuffelen, Noriyuki Matsumoto, Jimmy Lawrence
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Publication number: 20090095529Abstract: An apparatus for determining the nature of the formation at the bottom of a wellbore being drilled with a tubular drill string through which drilling fluid is pumped to return the drilling fluid to the surface via the wellbore, the apparatus comprising a tool body for installation in a drill string with a bore extending there through and an ultraviolet fluorescence detector in a passageway in the tool body, the tool body being configured to receive drilling fluid from inside the drill string and to receive drilling fluid from outside the drill string, wherein the drilling fluid can be directed past the detector so as to enable measurements to be made.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Fadhel Rezgui, Stephane Vannuffelen
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Publication number: 20090090176Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for measuring contents of a fluid or gas at high pressure and/or high temperature, for use, for example, in a wellbore for hydrocarbon applications, is provided. The sensor includes: a bulkhead-like electrode assembly including a cylindrical housing and a cylindrical electrode structure. The cylindrical electrode structure includes a cylindrical conductive pin extending from a high pressure region to a low pressure region and an electrode connected to one end of the pin at the high pressure region and having an electrode surface for exposure to a flow path of the fluid or gas in the high pressure region. At least a part of the surface of the pin is protected from direct contact with the fluid or the gas by an insulating coating impermeable to the fluid or gas. The pin may include an alternating pattern of protruding and receded portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: MICHAEL M. TORIBIO, AKIRA KAMIYA, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, NORIYUKI MATSUMOTO, JIMMY LAWRENCE
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Patent number: 7515774Abstract: Single fiber optical telemetry systems and methods are disclosed. The methods and systems facilitate input and output via a single fiber optic interface. The optical telemetry systems and methods also facilitate faster data transmission rates between surface and downhole equipment in oilfield applications.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Tsutomu Yamate, Bruno Gayral, Soon Seong Chee, Colin Wilson
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Patent number: 7511813Abstract: Spectral analysis system for downhole applications is provided utilizing an inorganic replica-type grating that is configured to operate as a diffractive element that provides broad spectral coverage in high temperature downhole environments.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Kentaro Indo, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate
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Publication number: 20090038794Abstract: Subterranean oilfield high-temperature devices configured or designed to facilitate downhole monitoring and high data transmission rates with laser diodes that are configured for operation downhole, within a borehole, at temperatures in excess of 115 degrees centigrade without active cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: TSUTOMU YAMATE, SOON SEONG CHEE, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, COLIN A. WILSON, JUEI IGARASHI, KHALID OUAABA, KOICHI NAITO
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Publication number: 20080173805Abstract: Some principles described herein contemplate implementation of downhole imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for short term investigation, permanent, and/or long term installations. Various methods and apparatus described herein may facilitate downhole testing. For example, some embodiments facilitate multi-dimensional fluorescence spectrum measurement testing downhole.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: KENTARO INDO, ALBERT BALLARD ANDREWS, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, TSUTOMU YAMATE, TORU TERABAYASHI, HIDEKI KINJO, OLIVER C. MULLINS
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Publication number: 20080173804Abstract: Some principles described herein comtemplate implementation of downhole imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for short term investigation, permanent, and/or long term installations. Various methods and apparatus described herein may facilitate downhole testing. For example, some embodiments facilitate multi-dimensional fluorescence spectrum measurement testing downhole and correlating the fluorescence with other oil properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: KENTARO INDO, ALBERT BALLARD ANDREWS, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, TSUTOMU YAMATE, TORU TERABAYASHI, HIDEKI KINJO, OLIVER C. MULLINS
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Patent number: 7379180Abstract: A fluid analysis system for use downhole comprises an input light signal that is directed through a fluid sample housed in a sample cell. The input light signal may originate from a plurality of light sources. An output light signal from the sample cell is then routed to one or more spectrometers for measurement of the represented wavelengths in the output light signal. The output of the spectrometers is then compared to known values for hydrocarbons typically encountered downhole. This provides insight into the composition of the sample fluid. Additionally, the light from the light sources can be routed directly to the one or more spectrometers to be used in calibration of the system in the high temperature and noise environment downhole.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Akira Kamiya, Masaki Miyashita, Kentaro Indo, Reinhart Ciglenec, Tsutomu Yamate
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Publication number: 20080087078Abstract: A method for optically sampling characteristics of subsurface fluids within a wellhole using continuous, non-pulsed light transmitted downhole in optical fibers for both sampling and reference light channels for accurate attenuation compensation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Khalid Ouaaba, Tsutomu Yamate
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Publication number: 20080066538Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis tool capable of fluid analysis during production logging that includes a phase separator and a plurality of sensors to perform analysis on the fluids collected at a subsurface location in a borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: AKIRA KAMIYA, GARY ODDIE, STEPHANE VANNUFFELEN, TSUTOMU YAMATE, OLIVER MULLINS, BHAVANI RAGHURAMAN, ALBERT ANDREWS, ANDREW CARNEGIE, CHENGLI DONG, MARIAN FAUR, CHRISTOPHER HARRISON, KENTARO INDO, LI JIANG, MICHAEL O'KEEFE
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Patent number: 7336356Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis system comprises an input light signal that is directed through a fluid sample housed in a sample cell. The input light signal may originate from a plurality of light sources. A light signal output from the sample cell is then routed to two or more spectrometers for measurement of the represented wavelengths in the output light signal. The output of the spectrometers is then compared to known values for hydrocarbons typically encountered downhole. This provides insight into the composition of the sample fluid. Additionally, the input light can be routed directly to the two or more spectrometers to be used in calibration of the system in the high temperature and noise environment downhole.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Kentaro Indo, Go Fujisawa, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate