Patents by Inventor Toru Terabayashi
Toru Terabayashi 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: 9574938Abstract: An optical fluid analyzer tool may have an evaluation flowline which receives a flow of fluid from a geotechnical formation and may have a cleanup flowline which receives another flow of fluid from the geotechnical formation. A flow routing system may be connected to the evaluation flowline and may be connected to the cleanup flowline. The flow routing system may establish isolated flow or commingled flow for the evaluation flowline and may establish isolated flow or commingled flow for the cleanup flowline. A sample chamber may be connected to the evaluation flowline and may be connected to the cleanup flowline. A first pump module may draw the fluid from the geotechnical formation, and an optical fluid analyzer connected to the cleanup flowline and the evaluation flowline may analyze the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Mark Milkovisch, Toru Terabayashi
-
Patent number: 8925379Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Kazumasa Kanayama, Yuji Hosoda, Stephane Briquet
-
Publication number: 20130293891Abstract: An optical fluid analyzer tool may have an evaluation flowline which receives a flow of fluid from a geotechnical formation and may have a cleanup flowline which receives another flow of fluid from the geotechnical formation. A flow routing system may be connected to the evaluation flowline and may be connected to the cleanup flowline. The flow routing system may establish isolated flow or commingled flow for the evaluation flowline and may establish isolated flow or commingled flow for the cleanup flowline. A sample chamber may be connected to the evaluation flowline and may be connected to the cleanup flowline. A first pump module may draw the fluid from the geotechnical formation, and an optical fluid analyzer connected to the cleanup flowline and the evaluation flowline may analyze the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Mark Milkovisch, Toru Terabayashi
-
Patent number: 8534115Abstract: Systems and methods of determining parameter values in a downhole environment are described. An example method of determining a parameter value using calibration information is described. The calibration information corresponding to different parameter ranges in a downhole environment. The method includes determining a parameter range in the downhole environment using a controller and obtaining first calibration information or second calibration information based on the parameter range. The first calibration information associated with a first parameter range and the second calibration information associated with a second parameter range. The method also includes receiving an output signal from a sensor associated with the parameter and using the obtained calibration information to determine the parameter value based on the output signal received.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kozue Tomiyama, Toru Terabayashi, Hideyuki Kamei, Takenori Motoki, Tetsuya Tanaka, Martine Hori
-
Patent number: 8528396Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to detect phase separation in downhole fluid sampling operations are disclosed. An example method to detect a phase separation condition of a fluid from a subterranean involves obtaining a sample of the fluid, measuring a first characteristic value of the sample, measuring a second characteristic value of the sample and comparing the first characteristic value to a first reference value associated with a single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding first comparison result. The example method then compares the second characteristic value to a second reference value associated with the single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding second comparison result and detects the phase separation condition of the fluid based on the first and second comparison results.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Xu Wu, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Chengli Dong, Peter S. Hegeman
-
Publication number: 20130091944Abstract: Systems and methods of determining parameter values in a downhole environment are described. An example method of determining a parameter value using calibration information is described. The calibration information corresponding to different parameter ranges in a downhole environment. The method includes determining a parameter range in the downhole environment using a controller and obtaining first calibration information or second calibration information based on the parameter range. The first calibration information associated with a first parameter range and the second calibration information associated with a second parameter range. The method also includes receiving an output signal from a sensor associated with the parameter and using the obtained calibration information to determine the parameter value based on the output signal received.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Kozue Tomiyama, Toru Terabayashi, Hideyuki Kamei, Takenori Motoki, Tetsuya Tanaka, Martine Hori
-
Patent number: 8397561Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Tecchnology CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Kazumasa Kanayama, Yuji Hosoda, Stephane Briquet
-
Patent number: 8256283Abstract: A downhole characterization apparatus for formation fluids is provided. The apparatus comprises a downhole tool including a flowline for flowing the formation fluids capable of isolating a quantity of the formation fluids in a portion thereof; and a pump unit for depressurizing the isolated formation fluids; and a measurement controller which controls the downhole tool. The measurement controller includes a rough value estimation unit which estimates a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; and a speed controller which controls the depressurizing speed of the pump unit such that the isolated formation fluids are depressurized at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than said estimated rough value, and the isolated fluids are depressurized at a second speed which is slower than said first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Hideki Kinjo, Akihito Chikenji, Takeaki Nakayama, Oliver C Mullins, Soraya Sofia Betancourt, Michael O'Keefe, Chengli Dong
-
Patent number: 8156800Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate subterranean formations are described. An example method of evaluating a subterranean formation includes, obtaining a first sample from a first wellbore location. Additionally, the example method includes obtaining a second sample from a second wellbore location different than the first wellbore location. Further, the example method includes mixing the first sample with the second sample in a flowline to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Further still, the example method includes measuring a parameter of the mixture to evaluate the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Toru Terabayashi, Emmanuel Desroques, Satoru Umemoto, Anthony Smits, Hidenori Tsuboi
-
Patent number: 7933018Abstract: The present invention contemplates implementation of transitory downhole video imaging and/or spectral imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for permanent and/or long term installations. The present invention contemplates various methods and apparatus that facilitate one-time or ongoing downhole fluid characterization by video analysis in real time. The methods and systems may be particularly well suited to permanent and periodic intervention-based operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Ahmed Hammami, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Terry Sopkow, John Ratulowski, John A. Kerr, Francois Auzerais, Robert J. Schroeder, Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Andrew L. Kurkjian, Laurent Prouvost
-
Publication number: 20100313647Abstract: A downhole characterization apparatus for formation fluids is provided. The apparatus comprises a downhole tool including a flowline for flowing the formation fluids capable of isolating a quantity of the formation fluids in a portion thereof; and a pump unit for depressurizing the isolated formation fluids; and a measurement controller which controls the downhole tool. The measurement controller includes a rough value estimation unit which estimates a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; and a speed controller which controls the depressurizing speed of the pump unit such that the isolated formation fluids are depressurized at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than said estimated rough value, and the isolated fluids are depressurized at a second speed which is slower than said first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Hideki Kinjo, Akihito Chikenji, Takeaki Nakayama, Oliver C. Mullins, Soraya S. Betancourt, Michael O'Keefe, Chengli Dong
-
Publication number: 20100257926Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: TSUTOMU YAMATE, TORU TERABAYASHI, RICARDO VASQUES, KAZUMASA KANAYAMA, YUJI HOSODA, STEPHANE BRIQUET
-
Patent number: 7788972Abstract: A method of downhole characterization of formation fluids is provided. The method includes: estimating a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; depressurizing the formation fluids at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than the estimated rough value while the formation fluids are isolated in a portion of the flowline; and depressurizing the isolated fluids at a second speed which is slower than the first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Hideki Kinjo, Akihito Chikenji, Takeaki Nakayama, Oliver C. Mullins, Soraya S. Betancourt, Michael O'Keefe, Chengli Dong
-
Publication number: 20100192684Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to detect phase separation in downhole fluid sampling operations are disclosed. An example method to detect a phase separation condition of a fluid from a subterranean involves obtaining a sample of the fluid, measuring a first characteristic value of the sample, measuring a second characteristic value of the sample and comparing the first characteristic value to a first reference value associated with a single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding first comparison result. The example method then compares the second characteristic value to a second reference value associated with the single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding second comparison result and detects the phase separation condition of the fluid based on the first and second comparison results.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Xu Wu, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Chengli Dong, Peter S. Hegeman
-
Publication number: 20100154529Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate subterranean formations are described. An example method of evaluating a subterranean formation includes, obtaining a first sample from a first wellbore location. Additionally, the example method includes obtaining a second sample from a second wellbore location different than the first wellbore location. Further, the example method includes mixing the first sample with the second sample in a flowline to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Further still, the example method includes measuring a parameter of the mixture to evaluate the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: TORU TERABAYASHI, EMMANUEL DESROQUES, SATORU UMEMOTO, ANTHONY SMITS, HIDENORI TSUBOI
-
Patent number: 7687770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kentaro Indo, Albert Ballard Andrews, Stephane Vannuffelen, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Hideki Kinjo, Oliver C. Mullins
-
Patent number: 7687769Abstract: 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 and correlating the fluorescence with other oil properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kentaro Indo, Albert Ballard Andrews, Stephane Vannuffelen, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Hideki Kinjo, Oliver C. Mullins
-
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
-
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
-
Publication number: 20090078036Abstract: A method of downhole characterization of formation fluids is provided. The method includes: estimating a rough value of the bubble point pressure of the formation fluids; depressurizing the formation fluids at a first speed to a certain pressure which is a predetermined value higher than the estimated rough value while the formation fluids are isolated in a portion of the flowline; and depressurizing the isolated fluids at a second speed which is slower than the first speed in order to measure a precise value of the bubble point pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: TORU TERABAYASHI, TSUTOMU YAMATE, HIDEKI KINJO, AKIHITO CHIKENJI, TAKEAKI NAKAYAMA, OLIVER C. MULLINS, SORAYA S. BETANCOURT, MICHAEL O'KEEFE, CHENGLI DONG