From Formation Wall Patents (Class 73/152.24)
  • Patent number: 11769678
    Abstract: A lithography includes a storage tank that stores process chemical fluid, an anti-collision frame, and an integrated sensor assembly. The storage tank includes a dispensing port positioned at a lowest part of the storage tank in a gravity direction. The anti-collision frame is coupled to the storage tank. An integrated sensor assembly is disposed on at least one of the anti-collision frame and the storage tank to measure a variation in fluid quality in response to fluid quality measurement of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yang Lin, Cheng-Han Wu, Chen-Yu Liu, Kuo-Shu Tseng, Shang-Sheng Li, Chen Yi Hsu, Yu-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 11085294
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring drilling fluid filtrate. The method may comprise disposing a downhole fluid sampling tool into a wellbore at a first location, activating a pump to draw a solids-containing fluid disposed in the wellbore into the downhole fluid sampling tool, drawing the drilling fluid with the pump across the at least one filter to form a drilling fluid filtrate, drawing the drilling fluid filtrate with the pump through the channel to the at least one sensor section, and measuring the drilling fluid filtrate with the at least one sensor. A system may comprise a downhole fluid sampling tool. The downhole fluid sampling tool may comprise at least one multi-chamber section, at least one sensor section, at least one filter, a pump, and a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Dai, Christopher Michael Jones, Michael Thomas Pelletier, Darren George Gascooke
  • Patent number: 11015447
    Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool includes a housing, and at least one sampling probe proximate an external surface of the housing. The at least one sampling probe includes an opening sized and positioned to receive one or more heated formation fluids, and a plurality of heating elements arranged concentrically around the opening and configured to conductively heat a subterranean formation through an external surface of the sampling probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Khalid A. Zainalabedin, Mark A. Proett, Shouxiang Mark Ma
  • Patent number: 10767472
    Abstract: A downhole acquisition tool having a formation testing module is provided. The formation testing module includes a fluid chamber comprising a piston and configured to store a fluid and to receive a flowback fluid from a geological formation, wherein the fluid is substantially free of solids. Additionally, the formation testing tool has a first conduit fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber and extending from a flowback conduit and a first outlet of the formation testing module, wherein the flowback conduit is configured fluidly coupled to the geological formation. and configured to receive the flowback fluid from the geological formation, and wherein the first conduit is configured to receive the flowback fluid from the flowback conduit. Further, the formation testing module has a first flow control device positioned downstream from the fluid chamber, wherein the first flow control device is configured to control a flow of the fluid exiting the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeiffer, Adriaan Gisolf, Vladislav Achourov, Geir Thomas Glattetre, Kathryn Briggs, Jan Erik Tvedten
  • Patent number: 10704388
    Abstract: A method includes positioning a downhole acquisition tool in a well-logging device in a wellbore in a geological formation, where the wellbore or the geological formation, or both contain a reservoir fluid. The method includes performing downhole fluid analysis using a downhole acquisition tool in the wellbore to determine a plurality of fluid properties associated with the reservoir fluid. The method includes generating a nonlinear predictive control model representative of the plurality of fluid properties based at least in part on the downhole fluid analysis. The method includes adjusting the nonlinear predictive control model based at least in part on an output representative of a pump flow control sequence at a first time interval and the plurality of fluid properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Julian Pop, Vianney Bruned, Kentaro Indo, Sepand Ossia, Steven G. Villareal
  • Patent number: 10563505
    Abstract: A method for determining formation fluid sample quality includes analyzing sample capture data to identify distinguishing features indicative of whether a successful sample capture has occurred within a downhole tool. The method further includes prioritizing, based on the analysis, the sample capture data for transmission to a surface system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Villareal, Julian Pop, Shahid A. Haq
  • Patent number: 9777542
    Abstract: An automatic drilling fluid property analyzer including a housing having an inlet and an outlet; at least one valve disposed proximate the inlet and configured to open and close to provide a sample of fluid into the housing; an electronic control module configured to send a signal to the at least one valve; a probe assembly operatively coupled to the electronic control module, the probe assembly including an electrode probe having two electrodes and a probe gap therebetween; a viscometer sleeve disposed in the housing; a bob disposed in the sleeve, wherein an annulus is formed between the viscometer sleeve and the bob, and wherein at least one of the viscometer sleeve and the bob is configured to rotate, a motor operatively coupled to at least one of the viscometer sleeve and the bob; and a torque measuring device operatively coupled to the viscometer sleeve and the bob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS
    Inventors: Tore Stock, Egil Ronaes, Thomas Hilton
  • Patent number: 9568409
    Abstract: Vibrating wire viscometers are disclosed herein. An example viscometer includes a housing defining a chamber and a wire holder disposed in the chamber. The wire holder has an elongated, electrically insulating body and a channel extending along a length of the body. A wire is at least partially disposed in the channel and coupled to the wire holder at opposing ends of the wire holder to tension the wire and electrically isolate the wire from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Harrison, Matthew T. Sullivan, Jacques Jundt
  • Patent number: 9416647
    Abstract: A methodology performs downhole fluid analysis at multiple measurement stations within a wellbore traversing a reservoir to determine gradients of compositional components and other fluid properties. A model is used to predict concentrations of a plurality of high molecular weight solute part class-types at varying reservoir locations. Such predictions are compared against downhole measurements to identify the best matching solute part class-type. If the best-matching class type corresponds to at least one predetermined asphaltene component, phase stability of asphaltene in the reservoir fluid at a given depth is evaluated using equilibrium criteria involving an oil rich phase and an asphaltene rich phase of respective components of the reservoir fluid at the given depth. The result of the evaluation of asphaltene rich phase stability is used for reservoir analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins, Chengli Dong, Dingan Zhang, ChengGang Xian
  • Patent number: 9284838
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore formed in a formation is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a device for supplying a hydraulic fluid under pressure to a common hydraulic line, a first pump in hydraulic communication with the common hydraulic line via a first variable fluid control device, a second pump in hydraulic communication with the common hydraulic line via a second variable fluid control device, and at least one controller that controls flow of the hydraulic fluid from the first variable flow control device to the first pump and the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the second variable flow control device to the second pump to independently control the operation of the first pump and the second pump. In another aspect, the first pump is coupled to a first probe for extracting fluid from the formation and the second pump is coupled to a second probe for extracting the fluid from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: James T. Cernosek, Russell W. McEacharn, Bernardo E. Pohl, Marcelo F. Civarolo, Jorge O. Maxit
  • Patent number: 9243494
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to measure formation fluid and obtain data, the data having measurement levels that vary over a parameter. The data is grouped in one or more categories, each category having data falling within a range, and the grouped data is analyzed as a function of the parameter. In some embodiments, the grouped data is used to identify at least one fluid type of the formation fluid using the grouped data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony H. van Zuilekom, Mark A. Proett, Bruce H Storm, Jr., George Kveton
  • Patent number: 9187999
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a fluid from a formation. The apparatus includes a fluid extraction device that extracts the fluid from the formation into a first fluid line, and a sample chamber that is coupled to the first fluid line via a second fluid line to receive the fluid from the first fluid line. The first fluid line and the second fluid line receive contaminated formation fluid when the fluid extraction device initially extracts the fluid from the formation. A fluid removal device associated with the second fluid line receives at least a portion of the contaminated formation fluid from the second fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Francisco Galvan-Sanchez, Christopher J. Morgan, Mario Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9134184
    Abstract: Methods and systems for compensating temperature measurements by a temperature gauge comprising a first temperature sensor and a second reference temperature sensor, having different thermal properties, located in the same temperature environment to be measured. The methods and systems compensate for errors in the measured temperatures due to variations in the reference sensor caused by temperature effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kamata
  • Patent number: 9038451
    Abstract: A method for detecting the formation of at least one phase in a mixture, particularly a hydrocarbon mixture. The method may include using a probe to expose a portion of the mixture to electromagnetic radiation to determine the value of a parameter of interest indicative of the formation of a phase. The method may also include using the value of the parameter of interest with a correlation between a known property of the mixture and the value of a parameter of interest to detect the formation of a phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Corina L. Sandu, Sebatian Csutak, Marco Respini, Huzeifa Ismail, Michael O. Brauchle
  • Patent number: 8910514
    Abstract: Systems and methods of determining fluid properties are disclosed. An example apparatus to determine a saturation pressure of a fluid includes a housing having a detection chamber and a heater assembly partially positioned within the detection chamber to heat a fluid. The example apparatus also includes a sensor assembly to detect a property of the fluid and a processor to identify a saturation pressure of the fluid using the property of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew T. Sullivan, Christopher Harrison, Robert J. Schroeder, Ahmad Latifzai, Elizabeth Smythe, Shunsuke Fukagawa, Douglas W. Grant
  • Patent number: 8904858
    Abstract: The invention subject of this disclosure teaches a method of determining a production factor for a carbonaceous material reservoir, the method comprising: providing a well in a carbonaceous material reservoir; providing unsampled fluid at a depth in the well; placing a sensor adjacent to the unsampled fluid and performing a measurement on the unsampled fluid; using data from the measurement to determine a partial pressure of a solution gas in the carbonaceous material reservoir; and determining a production factor for the carbonaceous material reservoir from the partial pressure of the solution gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Sensing Technology Corp.
    Inventors: John Pope, Quentin Morgan
  • Patent number: 8904857
    Abstract: A reservoir sampling apparatus comprising at least one probe adapted to provide a fluid flow path between a formation and the inner of the apparatus with a heating projector adapted to project heat into the formation surrounding the probe and a controller to maintain the temperature in the formation below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary John Tustin, Ahmed Hammami, Shawn David Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140352421
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and testing a sample of a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising a pressure cell defining an interior volume, the pressure cell comprising a first end member comprising a channel formed therein, a second end member, a wall member positioned between the first end member and the second end member, and a sample cell positioned within the interior volume of the pressure cell, wherein the channel of the first end member fluidly connects with a first point external of the pressure cell, with a second point external of the pressure cell, and with the sample cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: David Leon MEADOWS
  • Patent number: 8883508
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient, to detect the differentiated gas components, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 8850879
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a body that includes a sample port through which a sample fluid can be drawn into the downhole tool and a sample channel passing through the body in fluid communication with the sample port and through which the sample fluid travels. The sample channel includes a sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet located along the sample channel, the sample chamber including three cylindrical chambers including a middle resonator cavity surrounded by two outer resonator cavities, one of the two outer resonator cavities including a sensor inlet for receiving a sensor and allowing it to fluidly contact the sample fluid as it travels through the sample channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dwight W. Swett
  • Publication number: 20140245826
    Abstract: The invention subject of this disclosure teaches a method of determining a production factor for a carbonaceous material reservoir, the method comprising: providing a well in a carbonaceous material reservoir; providing unsampled fluid at a depth in the well; placing a sensor adjacent to the unsampled fluid and performing a measurement on the unsampled fluid; using data from the measurement to determine a partial pressure of a solution gas in the carbonaceous material reservoir; and determining a production factor for the carbonaceous material reservoir from the partial pressure of the solution gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Gas Sensing Technology Corp
    Inventors: John Pope, Quentin Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140208841
    Abstract: An electrically passive device and method for in-situ acoustic emission, and/or releasing, sampling and/or measuring of a fluid or various material(s) is provided. The device may provide a robust timing mechanism to release, sample and/or perform measurements on a predefined schedule, and, in various embodiments, emits an acoustic signal sequence(s) that may be used for triangulation of the device position within, for example, a hydrocarbon reservoir or a living body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: FLUIDION SAS
    Inventors: Andreas Hausot, Dan E. Angelescu
  • Publication number: 20140208826
    Abstract: Techniques for sampling a subsurface reservoir include lowering a downhole logging tool comprising one or more samplers, a cleaner system, and a sample probe bit into a borehole until at least one sampler is positioned correctly in a subterranean reservoir; advancing the cleaner system into the reservoir cleaning mud filtrate and contaminated reservoir material away into a mud column; advancing the sample probe bit into the reservoir; and solvent is injected into the reservoir from the solvent reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Gushor Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Larter, Barry Bennett, Lioyd Ross Snowdon
  • Publication number: 20140196532
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of obtaining a fluid from a formation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: pumping fluid received by a first probe from the formation into the wellbore; pumping fluid received by a second probe from the formation into the wellbore; determining when the fluid received by one of the first and second probes is clean; and pumping the fluid received by the first probe into a sample chamber while collecting the formation fluid received by the second probe from the formation into a storage chamber having an internal pressure less than the pressure of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Wade Bullock, James T. Cernosek
  • Publication number: 20140174169
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for obtaining a fluid from a formation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a fluid extraction device having a first probe and a second probe independently extendable form a tool body, a first fluid line and an associated first filter in fluid communication with the first probe for receiving the fluid from the formation and a second fluid line and an associated second filter in fluid communication with the second probe for receiving the fluid from the formation, and a first fixed scraper that cleans the first filter when the first probe is retracted from an extended position and a second fixed scraper that cleans the second filter when the second probe is retracted from an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Hejl, Shawn Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140150545
    Abstract: Obtaining in-situ, at a first time, first optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus, and then obtaining in-situ, at a second time after the first time, second optical spectral data associated with the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus. A wavelength-independent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is then determined based on the first and second optical spectral data, and a wavelength-dependent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is determined based on the first and second optical spectral data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 8744774
    Abstract: Cleanup monitoring and prediction in real time targeting estimation of pumpout volume versus final contamination, including detecting breakthrough of formation fluid to a sampling tool and detecting transition of cleanup regime from a predominantly circumferential cleanup regime to a predominantly vertical cleanup regime. Similar workflow can be employed for estimating contamination at the end of cleanup production for a given pumpout volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Zazovsky
  • Patent number: 8714246
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acquiring mud gas logging data, comparing the mud gas logging data to second data associated with a sidewall fluid sample measurement, and adjusting calibration data associated with a mud gas logging tool based on the comparison of the mud gas logging data and the second data associated with the sidewall fluid sample measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian
  • Patent number: 8708042
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow that includes a chamber having a first valve and a second valve; a sensor that senses a pressure parameter associated with the chamber; and a controller programmed to operate the first valve and the second valve in response to the sensed pressure parameter may be used to control for flow and to obtain data relating to a formation and/or formation fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tobias Kischkat, Eick Niemeyer, Alexander Otto
  • Patent number: 8695414
    Abstract: A pump can include two pistons, each piston having one side exposed to a support pressure and another side exposed to a respective annular chamber, the chambers being pressurized greater than the support pressure. Fluid can be discharged from one annular chamber and received into the other annular chamber by displacement of the pistons. A method of testing a fluid can include pressurizing the fluid in response to increasing a support pressure exposed to one side of each of two pistons, thereby increasing pressure in chambers exposed to respective other sides of the pistons, and then displacing the pistons, thereby flowing the fluid through a test manifold assembly. A fluid test system can include a pump having a support pressure exposed to sides of two pistons, and another side of each of the pistons being exposed to a respective annular chamber. Each annular chamber can be connected to a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20140033816
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a presence of a multi-phase system is disclosed. The method includes positioning a fluid communication device of a down hole tool in a well bore, drawing fluid from the well bore to an evaluation cavity and sampling the fluid to determine a presence of a multi-phase system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Robert Holmes Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8555966
    Abstract: A formation testing apparatus and method are disclosed. In one aspect, a fluid is drawn from a formation, one or more sensors measure pressure of the fluid during the during drawing of the fluid, and a processor estimates an inflection point from the pressure measurements and controls the drawing of the fluid from the inflection point until the pressure of the fluid drops to a selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jorge O. Maxit, Jinsong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8550160
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring properties of formation material and fluid in a borehole wall. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a cylinder with a drawdown piston slideably disposed therein, a probe assembly and a passageway configured to provide fluid communication between the probe assembly and the cylinder. The probe assembly has a housing, a piston slideably disposed within the housing, the piston having a throughbore and a pad coupled thereto, and a tubular slideably disposed within the throughbore. The drawdown piston is translatable from a first position toward a second position to draw fluid into the probe assembly, the passageway and the cylinder, and translatable from the second position toward the first position to increase pressure of fluid in the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Proett
  • Patent number: 8511379
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Spross, Jerome Allen Truax, Paul F. Rodney, Daniel David Gleitman
  • Patent number: 8492152
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20130155408
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a fluid sample from a reservoir comprises: collecting the sample in a sampling container, wherein the sample container includes a sample receptacle, and wherein the step of collecting comprises allowing or causing the sample to flow into the sample receptacle; and determining at least one property of the sample, wherein the step of determining comprises using a multivariate optical element (MOE) calculation device, and wherein the step of determining is performed during the step of collecting and wherein the MOE calculation device is located at one end of the sample receptacle, or the step of determining is performed after the step of collecting. The sample is analyzed as the sample flows into the sample container or as the sample is being transferred from the sample container into a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Cyrus A. IRANI
  • Patent number: 8434357
    Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a clean fluid sample for analysis in a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes directing fluid from a main flowline of the downhole tool to a secondary flowline of the downhole tool. While the fluid is being directed into the secondary flowline, sensor responses corresponding to the fluid in the secondary flowline are monitored to determine when the sensor responses stabilize. The secondary flowline is isolated from the main flowline after the sensor responses have stabilized. A quality control procedure is performed on the fluid in the secondary flowline to determine whether the captured fluid is the same as the fluid in the main flowline. Additional fluid from the main flowline is allowed into the secondary flowline if the captured fluid is not the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Sihar Marpaung, Kazumasa Kanayama, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Patent number: 8434356
    Abstract: A system and method for determining at least one fluid characteristic of a downhole fluid sample using a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes performing a calibration process that correlates optical and density sensor measurements of a fluid sample in a downhole tool at a plurality of pressures. The calibration process is performed while the fluid sample is not being agitated. At least one unknown value of a density calculation is determined based on the correlated optical sensor measurements and density sensor measurements. A second optical sensor measurement of the fluid sample is obtained while the fluid sample is being agitated. A density of the fluid sample is calculated based on the second optical sensor measurement and the at least one unknown value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Oliver Mullins, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Patent number: 8393207
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to use multiple sensors to measure downhole fluid properties are described. An example method of measuring a property of a downhole fluid involves obtaining a plurality of measurements for each of a plurality of sensors. Each of the measurements corresponds to a same property of the downhole fluid, and each of the sensors is differently configured to measure the property. Additionally, the example method involves obtaining a plurality of weighting values, each of which corresponds to one of the sensors. The example method also involves applying the weighting values to the respective measurements obtained by each of the corresponding sensors to generate a weight-corrected measurement for each of the sensors. Further still, the example method involves generating a value representative of a measurement of the property of the downhole fluid based on the weight-corrected measurements and outputting the value representative of the measurement of the property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Go Fujisawa, Sophie Nazik Godefroy
  • Patent number: 8367413
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. The receiving section may comprise a diffusion section. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20130019671
    Abstract: Disclosed is a formation testing tool for extracting formation fluid from an earth formation penetrated by a borehole having a drilling fluid. The tool includes: a sample flow element configured to extract formation fluid from the formation in a sample zone; a sample zone seal forming a perimeter defining the sample zone; a contamination removal flow element configured to extract formation fluid contaminated with the drilling fluid from a contamination removal zone in the formation; a contamination removal zone seal forming a perimeter defining the contamination removal zone, which surrounds and excludes the sample zone; and a controller configured to control a sample flow rate in the sample flow element and a contamination removal flow rate in the contamination flow removal element in order to decrease an amount of time required to acquire a sample of the formation fluid having an acceptable amount of contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Holger Stibbe, Russell McEacharn, James T. Cernosek, Anthony D. Self, Avigdor Hetz
  • Publication number: 20130014576
    Abstract: A pump can include two pistons, each piston having one side exposed to a support pressure and another side exposed to a respective annular chamber, the chambers being pressurized greater than the support pressure. Fluid can be discharged from one annular chamber and received into the other annular chamber by displacement of the pistons. A method of testing a fluid can include pressurizing the fluid in response to increasing a support pressure exposed to one side of each of two pistons, thereby increasing pressure in chambers exposed to respective other sides of the pistons, and then displacing the pistons, thereby flowing the fluid through a test manifold assembly. A fluid test system can include a pump having a support pressure exposed to sides of two pistons, and another side of each of the pistons being exposed to a respective annular chamber. Each annular chamber can be connected to a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael T. PELLETIER
  • Publication number: 20120253679
    Abstract: Methods of and apparatus to perform a drawdown of a formation fluid in a downhole environment are disclosed. An example method includes contacting a borehole wall with a fluid communication device of a formation testing tool and performing a first type of drawdown to draw fluid into the fluid communication device. The method also includes detecting a breach of a mudcake on the borehole wall during performance of the first type of drawdown and performing a second type of drawdown to draw fluid into the sample probe in response to detecting the breach of the mudcake. The second type of drawdown is different than the first type of drawdown. Furthermore, the example method includes confirming the breach of the mudcake on the borehole wall during performance of the second type of drawdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Yong Chang, Julian J. Pop
  • Publication number: 20120234088
    Abstract: A snorkel and pad for use with a formation testing tool is formed with a cylindrical geometry at the interface where the snorkel and pad contacts the inner surface of a borehole. The cylindrical geometry reduces or eliminates gaps that a flat interface surface would leave between the snorkel and the inner surface of the borehole, reducing the possibility that a surrounding pad could extrude through the gap. The snorkel is prevented from rotating during operation, ensuring the correct orientation of the cylindrical geometry interface surface relative to the inner surface of the borehole. The snorkel may be used as part of a formation testing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Eugene Roessler
  • Patent number: 8146655
    Abstract: A method (and corresponding apparatus) for downhole fluid analysis of petroleum formation fluids. The method includes capturing in a chamber of a downhole tool at least two immiscible formation fluids in a generally segregated state (the fluids including petroleum), activating a fluid mixing means to mix the fluids in the chamber to create an emulsion therefrom, and allowing the emulsified fluids to segregate while measuring light transmittance through the segregating fluids in order to calculate a transition time period based on the light transmittance through the fluids in the chamber. The transition time period is preferably bounded by the time required for the light transmittance values measured by the light detector to reach a baseline light transmittance. The transition time period characterizes the stability of an emulsion formed by the captured fluids. The methods and apparatus can also be used for other fluid testing applications beyond downhole formation fluid testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu
  • Patent number: 8145429
    Abstract: A device for sampling fluid from an earth formation is disclosed. The device includes: an inlet port disposable in fluid communication with the fluid in a borehole; an injector including an injection chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port, the injector configured to receive a portion of the fluid and direct the fluid toward an analysis unit for analyzing constituent materials in the fluid; and a high pressure valve configured to admit the portion of the fluid at a borehole pressure and release the portion of the fluid into the injector, the portion having a volume that is less than or equal to about one microliter. A system and method for analyzing constituents of fluid in a borehole in an earth formation is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Paul Allan Bergren
  • Patent number: 8136394
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for analyzing a downhole fluid are disclosed. An example method may involve the steps of admitting the downhole fluid in a test volume, controllably inducing a pressure change in the test volume based on at least one prescribed rate, measuring pressures in the test volume at a plurality of times, using the pressures measured at the plurality of times to determine a time at which an actual rate of the pressure change in the test volume deviates from the at least one prescribed rate, and detecting an occurrence of phase transition of the downhole fluid based on the determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Emmanuel Desroques, Kentaro Indo
  • Publication number: 20120055242
    Abstract: A reservoir sampling apparatus comprising at least one probe adapted to provide a fluid flow path between a formation and the inner of the apparatus with a heating projector adapted to project heat into the formation surrounding the probe and a controller to maintain the temperature in the formation below a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: GARY JOHN TUSTIN, AHMED HAMMAMI, SHAWN DAVID TAYLOR
  • Patent number: 8122956
    Abstract: A sample tank for receiving and storing sampled connate fluid from a subterranean geological formation. The sample tank includes a piston coaxially disposed within the tank. The piston can be disposed close to the end of the tank where the sampled fluid is introduced into the tank and urged along the length of the tank as sampled fluid is added to the tank. The piston includes an agitator for mixing the fluid and keeping particulates suspended within the fluid. The agitator includes a magnetic member, and is rotated by applying a varying electromagnetic field to the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Shammai, Robert J. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8109334
    Abstract: A method of sampling a subterranean formation fluid may comprise extracting a first fluid sample from a portion of the subterranean formation, altering a temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation, and extracting a second fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation having altered temperature. The temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation may be altered based on the relative position of a subterranean formation fluid temperature and the multiphase region envelope in the phase diagram of the subterranean formation fluid. The method may further comprise determining a property of the subterranean formation fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony R. H. Goodwin