Heating, Cooling Or Insulating Patents (Class 166/302)
  • Patent number: 11955676
    Abstract: A unit configured as constituent part of a fuel cell for use in novel electrochemical hydrogen compressor material technology system includes a combination of a hydrocarbon auto-thermal reformer, a water-gas shift reactor, and at least two countercurrent flow heat recuperators at least one of which is downstream from both the reformer and reactor. Optionally, two of the at least two recuperators are separated by the reactor to generate H2 in addition to that already contained in reformate formed at the reformer. The unit may include a proton conducting membrane that includes an inorganic polymer with pores filled with an organic polymer, each of which is configured to operate individually within a wide range of temperatures with no added solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona
    Inventors: Peiwen Li, Xinhai Xu, Shuyang Zhang, Xiaoxin Wang
  • Patent number: 11952898
    Abstract: A system and apparatuses for breaking down and collecting asteroids. The asteroid miner apparatus comprises a body, an aperture, a plurality of holes, a plurality of speakers, a drill, an attachment piece, a fan, a baggage, and a set of air compressors. The drill and plurality of speakers are attached to the body to break down matter. The set of air compressors expel air through the plurality of holes to create an atmosphere around the body. The fan is attached to the body to create a current of air though the aperture. The baggage is attached to the body to collect pieces of asteroid. The system comprises a plurality of asteroid miners and an attachment piece to connect the asteroid miners. The system may be placed around an asteroid or other piece of material to break down the material and collect portions of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventor: Joshua Thomas Boyle
  • Patent number: 11953238
    Abstract: A thermal reach enhanced geothermal wellbore has a plurality of fissures at a target location that distally extend into the formation and that are at least partially filled with a compacted high-thermal k material. The compacted high-thermal k material terminates on a proximal end of the fissure at the target location of the wellbore and is thermally coupled to a high-thermal conductivity grout or slurry through which heat is conducted to a working fluid that is contained in a closed loop working fluid conduit embedded in the grout or slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: XGS Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Piotr D. Moncarz, Poodipeddi V. Suryanarayana, Louis Capuano, Jr., Axel-Pierre Bois, Daniel Bour
  • Patent number: 11939517
    Abstract: A method and a system for consolidating a subterranean formation are provided. An exemplary method includes injecting a water-in-oil emulsion into an unconsolidated subterranean formation, wherein the water-in-oil emulsion includes comonomers in an oil phase to form a polyurethane resin, and a catalyst in an aqueous phase. The method also includes allowing the polyurethane resin to cure to form a porous polymeric network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Wenwen Li, Fakuen Frank Chang, Feng Liang
  • Patent number: 11935664
    Abstract: A dynamic characteristic analysis method of DET and RELAP5 coupling based on a universal instrumental variable method includes steps of: constructing a DET simulation model of a discrete dynamic event tree and modifying TRIP cards of an input file by adding universal instrumental TRIP variables according to state transition types of DET simulation objects, the universal instrumental TRIP variable being variable type or logical type; setting a simulation time of the RELAP5, controlling a simulation step, and analyzing an output result file of each simulation step of the RELAP5; backtracking the RELAP5 according to state transition types of DET simulation objects. The dynamic characteristic analysis method has advantages of simplifying TRIP setting process and method of DET state transition objects in an input file of the RELAP5 required for the coupling of DET and RELAP5, reducing a modeling complexity and improving a modeling efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: HARBIN ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: He Wang, Liangjun Wang, Dabin Sun, Haoyin Chen, Genglei Xia, Lei Li
  • Patent number: 11808128
    Abstract: Methods for initiating chemical reactions in a wellbore include delivering one or more reactive components via a carrier fluid to the wellbore. The one or more reactive components delivered to the wellbore are configured to enable one or more chemical reactions to occur. The one or more chemical reactions are carried out until a threshold volume of the one or more reactive components is delivered to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alhad Phatak, Garud Bindiganavale Sridhar, Douglas Pipchuk, Dmitriy Potapenko, Dean Michael Willberg, James Ernest Brown
  • Patent number: 11674358
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a system, method, and apparatus for increased control of steam injection for use in oil and gas recovery in a well. Embodiments can comprise a plurality of controllable zones of injection disposed in the well. The plurality of controllable zones include a primary conduit that houses a plurality of concentric conduits of decreasing diameter disposed inside of the primary conduit. In some embodiments, each of the concentric conduits includes a proximal end and a distal end. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of concentric conduits are fluidly sealed from one another from their respective proximal end to distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: XDI Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Juranitch, Alan C. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11661830
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir using laterally displaced and substantially vertically coplanar injection and production wells, in which at least one annulus-flow restrictor is positioned within the injection well diagonally opposed to a production inlet on the production well, so that injecting mobilizing fluid into the subterranean reservoir and producing mobilized hydrocarbons from the subterranean reservoir creates a transverse pressure gradient between the injection well and the production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Cenovus Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Elliott, Jesse Clinton Keith
  • Patent number: 11649707
    Abstract: Methods for optimization of liquid oil production by huff-n-puff in shale reservoirs to achieve an improved (and optimal) oil recovery factor. The process determines and utilizes the optimum huff and puff times, number of cycles and soaking time under practical operation and reservoir conditions. The huff time in the process is a period so long that the pressure near the wellbore reaches the set maximum injection pressure during the huff period. The puff time in the process is the time required for the pressure near the wellbore to reach the set minimum production pressure during the puff period. Soaking is typically not necessary during the huff-n-puff gas injection in shale oil reservoirs. The number of huff-n-puff cycles is determinable by the time in which the economic rate cut-off is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Texas Tech University System
    Inventor: James J. Sheng
  • Patent number: 11572773
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing steam in-situ, the apparatus comprising an activated carbon container configured to hold activated carbon; a water supply fluidly connected to the activated carbon container, the water supply configured to provide water directly to the activated carbon container; an inter-container valve fluidly connected to the activated carbon container, the inter-container valve configured to let steam flow from the activated carbon container to a steam container; the steam container fluidly connected to the inter-container valve, the steam container configured to hold the steam that flows from the activated carbon container; and one or more release valves fluidly connected to the steam container, the one or more release valves configured to release steam from the steam container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Sameeh Issa Batarseh
  • Patent number: 11466541
    Abstract: A method for thermally insulating a power cable or other temperature sensitive equipment from a wellbore tool comprising a heater. The wellbore tool is deployed at an end of the power cable in a well. A flow restrictor is deployed in an annular space between the heater and a wellbore tubular. The heater is axially spaced apart from the power cable such that the heater is disposed on one side of the flow restrictor and a connection to the power cable is disposed on another side of the flow restrictor. A thermal insulator is introduced into the annular space on the one side of the flow restrictor and the heater is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Aarbakke Innovation AS
    Inventors: Henning Hansen, Tarald Gudmestad
  • Patent number: 11459864
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing in-situ steam comprising a rotational joint, the steam generating tool comprising an optics unit configured to shape and manipulate laser energy delivered to the optics unit through the fiber optic cable to produce a laser beam, an optical cover, an activated carbon case configured to contain activated carbon, the activated carbon case comprising a laser end configured to allow the laser beam to pass while containing the activated carbon, a reinforced end configured to stop the laser beam while containing the activated carbon, wherein the laser beam travels from the optical cover to the laser end of the activated carbon case through the activated carbon case and ends at the reinforced end, and activated carbon, an outer case, wherein an annulus is formed between the outer case and the activated carbon case, and water supply pipes configured to carry water to the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Sameeh Issa Batarseh
  • Patent number: 11401750
    Abstract: A telemetry pipe system used to transmit a beacon signal through a drill string. The system comprises a plurality of pipe sections joined end-to-end to form the drill string, each pipe section having an inner tube made from a conductive material. The system further comprises a plurality of connectors. Each connector is installed within a pipe joint formed between adjoining pipe sections. The connector comprises an elongate spine and a bristle assembly supported on each end of the spine. The spine and bristle assemblies are each made of a conductive material. The spine extends between adjacent pipe sections within the pipe joint such that each bristle assembly is conductively engaged with adjacent inner tubes. The inner tubes and connectors form a conductive path within the drill string for transmitting the beacon signal through the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
  • Patent number: 11353308
    Abstract: Self-selecting switch devices, perforating gun systems including the devices, and methods of using the gun systems are provided herein. A self-selecting switch device includes a microcontroller, a logic circuit, and a first switch. The microcontroller is configured for direct operative connection to a shooting panel and to other self-selecting switch devices, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to detect a presence of other self-selecting switch devices that are operatively connected thereto. The first switch is operative to electrically connect a shooting panel to a detonator. The first switch is under operational control of the microcontroller. The logic circuit is in electrical communication with the microcontroller and the first switch. The logic circuit is configured to selectively direct electrical current to the microcontroller or to the first switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventors: Jorge E. Lopez De Cardenas, Timothy Al Andrzejak
  • Patent number: 11313210
    Abstract: A method of enhanced oil recovery of using an oil heating device that is permanently-installed at the end of a production pipe down a wellbore into the pay zone of an oil deposit. The oil heating device contains an array of individually-controlled heating elements controlled by a controller. The oil heating device may also contain a plurality of sensors including array temperature sensors, oil temperature sensors, and oil flow sensors connected to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Murtada Al Jawad, Saad Alafnan, Sidqi Abu-Khamsin
  • Patent number: 11293273
    Abstract: A permanent completion system is disclosed comprising: an upper ACP installed in the wellbore powered by a first power cable from the surface; a lower ACP installed in the wellbore below the upper ACP, and being powered by a second power cable from the surface and being connected to the upper APC by a spacer tube; and a heating assembly connected to the lower ACP in the wellbore and receiving power from the second power cable, the heating assembly, such as a mineral insulated heater cable, providing heat to the wellbore. The heating assembly preferably is retrievable and can be conveyed to the lower ACP by coil tubing. The coil tubing can be removed after conveying the heating assembly into place to permit further access to the upper ACP, e.g., to permit mechanical and electrical connection of a retrievable ESP assembly to the upper ACP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: ACCESSESP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Malone, Dwayne Leismer, John Patterson, Rogelio Cantu
  • Patent number: 11292951
    Abstract: Methods for the use of treatment fluids that include thermally responsive anti-sag agents in subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods include introducing a treatment fluid including a base fluid and an anti-sag agent including a thermally responsive hydrogel that includes at least one thermoresponsive polymer into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Preston Andrew May, William Walter Shumway
  • Patent number: 11283297
    Abstract: A first completion system with electrical isolation, electronics, and a first side of a coupler is installed in a borehole drilled in a geological formation. A second completion system is installed in the borehole after installation of the first completion system. The second completion system has a second side of the coupler aligned with the first side of the coupler and an umbilical which carries power from a surface of the geological formation to the second side of the coupler. Power is sent from the second side of the coupler to the first side of the coupler, from the first side of the coupler to a first side of the electrical isolation, and from the first side of the electrical isolation to a second side of the electrical isolation via an isolation barrier. The power at the second side of the electrical isolation is provided to the electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 11180985
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a liquid level above a horizontal segment of a wellbore in a formation are disclosed. Local temperatures and pressures are determined for each of a plurality of zones along the wellbore segment. For each zone, a local inflow rate is determined for fluids entering the wellbore from the formation. Based on the local inflow rate, local temperature, and local pressure, a local reservoir pressure is determined, and a local liquid level is determined based on the local reservoir pressure and a pressure associated with an injector wellbore positioned above the horizontal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Sriram Doraiswamy, Ted A. Long, Neal L. Adair
  • Patent number: 11111763
    Abstract: Fracturing a well can include disposing within the well a plurality of temperature responsive devices including a trigger circuit. The devices may be configured to establish fluid communication through a casing of the well or isolate a section of the well responsive to a downhole temperature, a number of downhole temperature cycles, and/or a time delay. The devices may operate by triggering an explosive and/or initiating at least one of a thermal, incendiary, or chemical cutting device. The devices can perforating sleeves adapted to be installed over a casing joint, subs adapted to be threaded between two casing joints, perforating devices embedded within a casing joint, isolation mechanisms, or toe valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Austin J Shields
  • Patent number: 11088556
    Abstract: A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Cooley, Riccardo Signorelli, Morris Green, Padmanaban Sasthan Kuttipillai, Christopher John Sibbald Deane, Lindsay A. Wilhelmus
  • Patent number: 11053771
    Abstract: An oil or gas well fishing tool (60). The downhole fishing tool (60) has a receptacle (61) that is open at one end. The tool also has deployment tool engaging means (62), located on the opposite end of the receptacle (61) to the one end. The tool further has a layer of an alloy (64) provided on the interior surface of the receptacle (61). The alloy is a eutectic alloy and/or a bismuth alloy. The tool further comprises heating means (65) to heat the alloy (64) so that it melts and can flow over any object received within the receptacle (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: BiSN Tec Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Carragher
  • Patent number: 11031140
    Abstract: Cover gas control systems include a reservoir and injection path for direct injection into fuel transfer machinery. If seals in the fuel handling machinery leak, cover gas is provided from the reservoir to flow to the leak without contamination from a reactor to which the fuel transfer machinery is joined. This providing cover gas may be passive or automatic in response to a detected low pressure level, detected ambient air ingress, low volume level of cover gas, or manually actuated through an operator. The cover gas may be injected from below the leak but above the reactor. A limitation in the injection path keeps cover gas injection at rates sufficient to allow operator reaction and sealing before the reservoir is depleted. A pressure pulse transmitter, blowout preventer, and transfer port plug are useable in the systems, which can be implemented in fuel handling machinery for reactors using a cover gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Brian S. Hunt, Derek Bass
  • Patent number: 11028675
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided to produce steam for use in oil field applications. In some embodiments, a catalyst is provided that includes a plurality of ceramic bodies impregnated with an alkaline-promoted manganese oxide. In other embodiments, the catalyst includes a plurality of bodies formed of an active ceramic oxide in a consolidated state without an underlying ceramic body. The bodies are contacted with a liquid hydrogen peroxide having a strength, in one embodiment, between about 30 and about 70 weight percent to produce steam. The steam is directed to an oil field application, such as, but not limited to, a geologic formation to increase oil production from the geologic formation, an applicator to clean oilfield equipment, a heat exchanger to heat hydrogen peroxide, or a heat exchanger to heat living quarters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: GLOBAL OIL EOR SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: John J. Rusek
  • Patent number: 11015590
    Abstract: A downhole pump system for increasing production of a well includes a mechanical steam pump, a steam generator, a plurality of electrical pumps, and a cable. The mechanical steam pump is disposed within a horizontal section of the well. The electrical pumps are disposed in series within the vertical section of the well above the steam generator. The cable connects the mechanical steam pump, the steam generator, and the electrical pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: William R. Howell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11008840
    Abstract: Methods for optimization of liquid oil production by huff-n-puff in shale reservoirs to achieve an improved (and optimal) oil recovery factor. The process determines and utilizes the optimum huff and puff times, number of cycles and soaking time under practical operation and reservoir conditions. The huff time in the process is a period so long that the pressure near the wellbore reaches the set maximum injection pressure during the huff period. The puff time in the process is the time required for the pressure near the wellbore to reach the set minimum production pressure during the puff period. Soaking is typically not necessary during the huff-n-puff gas injection in shale oil reservoirs. The number of huff-n-puff cycles is determinable by the time in which the economic rate cut-off is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Texas Tech University System
    Inventor: James J. Sheng
  • Patent number: 11002109
    Abstract: A novel passive flow restrictor attached outside the tubing in an oil well and positioned below casing perforations, causing fluid flow from an oil reservoir formation to at least partially flow through a narrow annular space between the flow restrictor and the casing before entering the tubing. The flow resistance is thereby defined in part by the length of the annular space, which is easily adjusted by lowering or raising the tubing within the casing. The flow restrictor and methods of using thereof are especially advantageous for maximizing oil production in thin oil rim gas reservoir as well as with other oil wells with high Gas-to-Oil Ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Simon Tseytlin
  • Patent number: 10975668
    Abstract: The current subject matter is related to optimizing resource (e.g., steam) allocation within steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system, and predicting future oil production from production wells of the SAGD system. In some embodiments data characterizing a hypothetical rate of steam injection into injection wells of the SAGD system can be applied within a capacitance resistance model (CRM) to determine an estimated rate of future fluid production, the fluid being a mixture of oil and water. An emulsion viscosity, as well as the estimate rate of future fluid production, can be applied within a Koval fractional flow model to determine an estimate rate of future oil production. In some cases, the hypothetical rate of steam injection can be optimized based on an optimization objective, e.g., a steam-to-oil ratio (SOR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GE INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES, LP
    Inventors: Guoxiang Liu, Mahendra Joshi, Robert Klenner, Glen Murrell, Steven Azzaro
  • Patent number: 10968727
    Abstract: A method and system of treating a formation and a well extending therethrough, including storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at an on-site location of the well, injecting a first stream of LNG into the formation through the well to contact at least one of a surface of the formation or a metal surface locatable in the well, injecting a chemical agent into the formation through the well to contact at least one of the surface of the formation or the metal surface locatable in the well, and treating at least one of the surface of the formation or the metal surface locatable in the well with the chemical agent and the first stream of LNG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Neil A. Stegent, Enrique A. Reyes, Doug W. Walser
  • Patent number: 10954765
    Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein may include a radio frequency (RF) source, and a casing within the wellbore including electrically conductive pipes with a dielectric heel isolator coupled between adjacent electrically conductive pipes. Electrically conductive pipes from among the plurality thereof and downstream from the dielectric heel isolator define an RF antenna. The system may further include an RF transmission line extending within the casing and coupled between the RF source and RF antenna, a seal between the RF transmission line and adjacent portions of the casing adjacent the dielectric heel isolator to define an internal choke fluid chamber upstream of the seal, and an electrically conductive choke fluid contained within the internal choke fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: EAGLE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Trautman, Verlin A. Hibner, Brian N. Wright
  • Patent number: 10907446
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring wells and a method for powering the means used to cool heat-generating devices. A telemetry system includes surface and downhole units and an alternating voltage source. A low pass filter is installed in the surface unit. A switching device is installed in the surface unit and configured to change the polarity of the voltage. A transformer is installed in the downhole unit, through the primary winding of which low-pass filtering is performed, and the secondary winding sets an independent phase. Thermoelectric coolers are installed in the downhole unit. The thermoelectric coolers receive power from the source of alternating voltage through a neutral of a set-up transformer and a radial motor and the independent phase of the transformer of the downhole unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Dmytro Khachaturov
  • Patent number: 10865636
    Abstract: A method includes varying a temperature of a treatment fluid. The treatment fluid is pumped into the first wellbore as part of a fluid diversion process or a fluid treatment process after the temperature of the treatment fluid is varied. A first downhole measurement is obtained in the first wellbore using a cable in the first wellbore or a first sensor coupled to the cable concurrently with or after the fluid diversion process or the fluid treatment process. An additional measurement is obtained concurrently with obtaining the first downhole measurement. The first downhole measurement and the additional measurement are combined or compared. A location where the treatment fluid is flowing through perforations in the first wellbore is determined based upon the combining or comparing the first downhole measurement and the additional measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Allan Wilson, Joel Herve Le Calvez, Brian D. Clark
  • Patent number: 10857251
    Abstract: Method of emitting peroxide vapors or mixtures thereof, where the hydrogen peroxide is placed into a vessel, whereupon an initiator, catalyst or their precursor—ferrocene is added, from which the initiator or catalyst is created by reaction with peroxide or peroxide mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Dusan Pavlik, Marek Kuzma
  • Patent number: 10837268
    Abstract: Permanent magnet motor (PMM) powered artificial lift apparatus and methods of practicing the same. The PMM artificial lift apparatus provides a method for the use of permanent magnet motors below perforations, and which may also be used in conditions of low flow rate or extremely high viscosity above perforations without any active cooling schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Magenetic Pumping Solutions
    Inventor: Michael Yuratich
  • Patent number: 10822934
    Abstract: A process and system for in-situ electrical heating of a hydrocarbon bearing formation includes a tool capable of being lowered down a well casing. The tool has a plurality of metal arms capable of extending radially within a secondary well casing. Each of the metal arms includes an injection electrode, a bucking electrode, and first and second monitoring electrodes. An insulating member is mounted to each metal arm. The insulating member is arranged and designed to make contact with the casing and prevent the metal arm from directly contacting the casing. A switch is provided that is capable of being electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes of one metal arm at a time. A logging cable having a plurality of wires connected at one end to the switch and a second end to instrumentation at the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Rama Rau Yelundur
  • Patent number: 10798848
    Abstract: Thermal management systems are described herein. A thermal management system includes components of a computing device. The computing device includes a heat generating component and a heat spreader physically connected to the heat generating component. The heat spreader includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is closer to the heat generating component than the first surface is to the heat generating component. The computing device also includes a layer of phase change material on at least a portion of the first surface, the second surface, or the first surface and the second surface of the heat spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Douglas Delano, Gregory Allen Nielsen
  • Patent number: 10708990
    Abstract: A color-adjustable medical headlamp assembly, including a headband assembly and a bezel, which can be worn around a user's head. The bezel contains a light source assembly that is capable of generating light with different colors and intensities, and an optical train that focuses the light generated by the light source assembly. A user input assembly is included to allow for the selection and adjustment of both the color and brightness of the light from the bezel. Also, the rear surface of the bezel has a higher coefficient of thermal conductance compared to the movable portion of the bezel and is an avenue for heat dissipation. Finally, a heat shield is attached to the bezel to cover its rear surface, which can pose a burn hazard after prolonged usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: RIVERPOINT MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventor: John Thomas Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10693237
    Abstract: A method of making a subsurface antenna which has an assymetric radiation pattern. The assymetric radiation pattern radiates electromagnetic waves unequally into two regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Michal Mieczyslaw Okoniewski, Damir Pasalic, Gunther Hans Dieckmann, James Thomas Dunlavey
  • Patent number: 10677030
    Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean well includes a motor-seal click connector releasably connecting a motor to a seal section and engaged by relative axial movement between the motor and the seal section, and a pump-seal click connector releasably connecting the pump to the seal section and engaged by relative axial movement between the pump and the seal section. Electrical conductors are located within a sidewall of the motor housing, a sidewall of the seal section housing, and a sidewall of the pump housing. A male motor-seal electrical connector is axially extending and electrically connects the electrical conductors of the motor housing with the electrical conductors of the seal section housing. A male pump-seal electrical connector is axially extending and electrically connects the electrical conductors of the pump housing with the electrical conductors of the seal section housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Abdullah M. Al-Zahrani
  • Patent number: 10677021
    Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide is directed into a wellbore to a specified depth. The supercritical carbon dioxide is directed at an inner surface of the wellbore at the specified depth. Scale is removed from the wall of the wellbore with the supercritical carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Aslan Bulekbay, Sultan Attiah, Talal Al-Mutairi, Abdulrahman Alsousy
  • Patent number: 10677020
    Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide is directed into a wellbore to a specified depth. The supercritical carbon dioxide is directed at an inner surface of the wellbore at the specified depth. Scale is removed from the wall of the wellbore with the supercritical carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Aslan Bulekbay, Sultan Attiah, Talal Al-Mutairi, Abdulrahman Alsousy
  • Patent number: 10669814
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for in-situ heating fluids with electromagnetic radiation are provided. An example tool includes a housing operable to receive a fluid flowed through a flow line and a heater positioned within the housing. The heater includes a number of tubular members configured to receive portions of the fluid and an electromagnetic heating assembly positioned around the tubular members and configured to generate electromagnetic radiation transmitted to heat the tubular members. The heated tubular members can heat the portions of the fluid to break emulsion in the fluid. Upstream the heater, the tool can include a homogenizer operable to mix the fluid to obtain a homogenous fluid and a stabilizer operable to stabilize the fluid to obtain a linear flow. Downstream the heater, the tool can include a separator operable to separate lighter components from heavier components in the fluid after the emulsion breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Sameeh Issa Batarseh, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 10673264
    Abstract: A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Cooley, Riccardo Signorelli, Morris Green, Padmanaban Sasthan Kuttipillai, Christopher John Sibbald Deane, Lindsay A. Wilhelmus
  • Patent number: 10626695
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device may include a mandrel; degradable slips disposed about the mandrel and composed of a degradable metal alloy selected from the group consisting of a magnesium alloy, an aluminum alloy, and any combination thereof; and at least one packer element disposed along the mandrel. The degradable slips may be formed of a degradable metal material. Optionally, the wellbore isolation device may further include degradable slip bands formed of a degradable metal material or a degradable polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Linley Fripp, Zachary William Walton
  • Patent number: 10577930
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes a housing, a flowline extending within the housing, and a member retained within the housing and substantially comprising thermally conductive material. The flowline is retained in a substantially cylindrical surface of the member. A heat-generating electrical component is mounted to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chen Tao
  • Patent number: 10519043
    Abstract: A control system for decreasing pressure of a supercritical water system and a method therefor is provided, mainly including: a resistance water storage tank, a resistance pump, a capillary negative booster, a back pressure valve, a regulating valve and related stop valves. By switching the back pressure valve branch and the capillary negative booster branch, the pressure regulation is achieved while starting the system, closing down and in normal operation. The present invention is capable of achieving precisely controlling pressure of the system on the basis of effectively preventing problems exists in the solid particle materials pressure decreasing process such as abrasion and clogging of the internal elements of the valve. In addition, the back pressure valve branch is capable of reducing the operation complexity in the starting and shutdown process of the system, and the operation reliability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: XI'AN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY, XI'AN WONFU ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuzhong Wang, Jie Zhang, Laisheng Wang, Xingying Tang, Yanhui Li, Jianqiao Yang
  • Patent number: 10487635
    Abstract: Methods for optimization of liquid oil production by huff-n-puff in shale reservoirs to achieve an improved (and optimal) oil recovery factor. The process determines and utilizes the optimum huff and puff times, number of cycles and soaking time under practical operation and reservoir conditions. The huff time in the process is a period so long that the pressure near the wellbore reaches the set maximum injection pressure during the huff period. The puff time in the process is the time required for the pressure near the wellbore to reach the set minimum production pressure during the puff period. Soaking is typically not necessary during the huff-n-puff gas injection in shale oil reservoirs. The number of huff-n-puff cycles is determinable by the time in which the economic rate cut-off is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventor: James J. Sheng
  • Patent number: 10385668
    Abstract: A system for fracturing a formation comprising a laser surface unit configured to generate a laser beam, a power cable electrically connected to a power source, a fluid line connected to a cooling fluid source, a protective shaft extending into the wellbore, the motor configured to rotate a motor shaft, and the thermal shocking tool comprising a protective case, a rotational shaft connected to the motor shaft, the laser delivery device extending from the rotational shaft configured to transform the laser beam to a focused laser beam operable to increase the temperature of the formation to a fracture temperature, and the cooling system extending from the rotational shaft opposite the laser delivery device configured to introduce the cooling fluid stream onto the formation such that the cooling fluid stream reduces the temperature of the formation such that thermal shocks occur and fractures are formed in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Sameeh Issa Batarseh
  • Patent number: 10273782
    Abstract: A method for preventing wax deposition in oil wells with packers is disclosed. The method includes feeding a motive fluid from a storage tank to an ejector having a converging section for inlet of the motive fluid, a diverging section for outlet of the motive fluid, and a constricted section with an opening in between the converging section and the diverging section; removing a water and water vapor from an annulus of the oil well using the ejector, wherein flowing of the motive fluid through the converging section and diverging section of the ejector creates a pressure loss and increases the velocity of the motive fluid, which creates suction in the constricted section to evacuate water and vapor from the annulus of the oil well, thereby remediating wax deposition in the oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Oil India Limited
    Inventor: Prashant Dhodapkar
  • Patent number: 10253608
    Abstract: A fracturing assembly for forming fractures in a subterranean formation includes a source tool having a rotational joint moveable to orient the source tool in a range of directions and a directional electromagnetic antenna having an electromagnetic wave source. A ceramic-containing member is located within a distance of the electromagnetic antenna to be heated to a fracture temperature by electromagnetic waves produced by the electromagnetic wave source. The ceramic-containing member is positionable to orient a fracture in the subterranean formation at the fracture temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Sameeh Issa Batarseh, Victor Hilab