Rate Of Fluid Flow Patents (Class 73/152.29)
  • Patent number: 11959887
    Abstract: An asymmetric fluidic oscillator can generate acoustic signals in a wellbore. The asymmetric fluidic oscillator can include an inlet housing defining an inlet channel, a feedback system, and an outlet housing defining an outlet channel. The inlet channel can be sized to receive fluid from the wellbore. The feedback system can be coupled to the inlet channel to oscillate the fluid from the wellbore. The outlet channel can be coupled to the feedback system and can be sized to receive the oscillated fluid from the feedback system. The outlet channel can include an asymmetric feature to generate acoustic signals detectable in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mikko K. Jaaskelainen, Julian Drew, Benjamin Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 11767019
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment and operation method for rapid detection of danger and hidden danger of a dike is provided, wherein the equipment includes: an operation vehicle; an operation shelter, located behind the cockpit of the operation vehicle and arranged on the chassis of the operation vehicle; a detection system, including a ground penetrating radar detection module, a transient electromagnetic detection module and a seismic wave detection module to perform physical detection of the dike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: NANJING HYDRAULIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE UNDER THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND THE NATIONAL ENERGY ADMINISTRATION
    Inventors: Lei Tang, Jun Lu, Shenghang Zhang, Pan Ming, Maogan Dong, Jiang Yu, Xiangqian Fan, Qibing Zhan
  • Patent number: 11504648
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring a well clean-up process are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes routing a multiphase fluid having oil and water to a separator of a well testing apparatus, separating the multiphase fluid into separate fluids via the separator, and routing the separated fluids away from the separator. The method also includes measuring flow rates of oil and water leaving the separator and determining individual flow rates of oil and water entering the separator as part of the multiphase fluid based on the measured flow rates of oil and water leaving the separator. Additional systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Allouche, Elena Borisova
  • Patent number: 11215050
    Abstract: An inflow indicator apparatus is for a well in an underground structure in which at least one tracer depot is arranged to be in contact with a partial fluid flow flowing from a producing structure into the well. The inflow indicator apparatus has a tubular body, a seal encircling a portion of the tubular body, arrangement of the at least one tracer depot externally on the tubular body, the seal being settable against an encircling wall, and the tubular body, the seal and the encircling wall defining an annulus forming a first flow path for the partial fluid flow which is separated from a second fluid flow path through the inflow indicator apparatus for a main fluid flow formed of a through fluid line in the tubular body, the first flow path extending from the seal to an end portion of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Scale Protection AS
    Inventor: Ole Magnar Drønen
  • Patent number: 11118431
    Abstract: A system for determining positions of a sand control service tool includes a wash pipe positioned below the sand control service tool. The system further includes a sensor attached to the wash pipe. The system also includes one or more magnets attached to downhole completion equipment. The sensor is configured to generate position indicator information that indicates whether the one or more magnets are within a threshold distance from the sensor. A crossover port of the sand control service tool is positioned above a sand control packer when the one or more magnets are within the threshold distance from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Quentin Bee Hing Lau, Cole Thomas Brinkley
  • Patent number: 11085261
    Abstract: A well logging assembly adapted to collect data from the well, comprises a downhole locomotive to move a downhole portion of the logging assembly into the well, a power conduit to supply power from the surface to the downhole portion and a data conduit to transmit data from the downhole portion to the surface. The power conduit comprises a single electrical conductor to send electrical current to the downhole portion from a power supply at the surface. The downhole portion comprises an electrical contact exposed to the well for transmission of the return path for the electrical current to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Ziebel AS
    Inventor: Neil Livingston Gardner
  • Patent number: 10935994
    Abstract: An exemplary time fault circuit interrupter for interrupting a power supply to an equipment unit upon the occurrence of a trip condition may include a sensor configured to monitor a current flow to the equipment unit. The circuit interrupter may also include a trip mechanism configured to interrupt the current flow. The circuit interrupter may further include a processor in communication with the sensor and the trip mechanism, and the processor may be configured to cause the trip mechanism to interrupt the current flow when a current flow time has reached a predetermined time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin L LaFuente, Salvatore Tringali
  • Patent number: 10876394
    Abstract: A method for measuring fluid flow including disposing a measurement device within a fluidic channel, the measurement device including a hydrodynamic central body, a plurality of arms coupled with and operable to extend from and retract to the hydrodynamic central body, and a plurality of sensors disposed within the hydrodynamic central body and distributed along the length of each of the plurality of arms; triggering, via an actuator, the plurality of arms to expand from the hydrodynamic central body until a portion of each of the plurality of arms abut a sidewall of the fluidic channel; collecting, via the plurality of sensors, measurements relating to one or more fluid flow parameters within the fluidic channel; triggering, via the actuator, the plurality of arms to contract inwards to the hydrodynamic central body; and retracting the measurement device from the fluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Freeman Lee Hill, III, Sushovon Singha Roy, Francis Michael Heaney
  • Patent number: 10570724
    Abstract: A sensing system that includes a cylindrical body including an internal flow channel that channels a first fluid therethrough, and a sampling chamber. The sampling chamber is in flow communication with an ambient environment. A venturi device is coupled within the cylindrical body, and the venturi device includes a high pressure portion and a low pressure portion. The low pressure portion is in flow communication with the sampling chamber. A valve is coupled within the cylindrical body and is positionable in at least a first position. A first flow channel is defined between the internal flow channel and the high pressure portion through the valve. The first flow channel channels the first fluid towards the high pressure portion such that the low pressure portion draws a second fluid into the sampling chamber from the ambient environment. A sensor assembly determines characteristics of the second fluid within the sampling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chengbao Wang, Xuele Qi, Stewart Blake Brazil, Yi Liao
  • Patent number: 10354207
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimization of real time production operations. In one embodiment, a moving time horizon based parametric model provides fast predictions for production optimization in a short-term framework. In another embodiment, multiple technologies are selected in connection with asset performance workflows that are uniquely implemented in a multi-phase approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardo Mijares, Alejandro Garcia, Sathish Sankaran, Jose Rodriguez, Luigi Saputelli, Ankur Awasthi, Michael Nikolaou
  • Patent number: 10222247
    Abstract: A Holographic Multiphase Flowmeter permits reconstructing the type, size and distribution of Objects within a Multiphase Medium by analysis of the ultrasonic energy reflected from these Objects. If this Multiphase Medium is flowing through a pipe into which a preferred mode of ultrasonic energy is injected at a Reference location, and the amplitude of reflections from the current multiphase Objects at that location and the time it took after the last transmission for that reflected signal amplitude to arrive at the Receive transducer are recorded, it is possible to determine the velocity of the medium by measuring the travel time taken for these same Objects to arrive at a known distance downstream by correlating the same type of reflection data at this second Correlation location. Analysis of this data permits displaying type and size of the Objects in a graphic image showing their distribution within the liquid in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph Baumoel
  • Patent number: 9410422
    Abstract: A method for measuring a well fluid parameter includes diverting a fluid through a first loop comprising one or more fluid parameter measurement components, determining a gross flow rate of the fluid, recirculating the fluid through a second loop upon determining the gross flow rate is below a threshold amount, and measuring the fluid parameter upon the gross flow rate reaching or exceeding the threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Amit Sondhi
  • Patent number: 9080905
    Abstract: A method for operation of several adjacent magnetic-inductive flow meters, each of which has a measurement tube through which an electrically conductive medium flows, a magnetic field generating apparatus for permeating the medium with a magnetic field having a component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measurement tube, and a measurement apparatus for measuring the voltage induced into the medium and for determining the flow rate from the induced voltage. Each flow meter has a control apparatus. In order to prevent variations of mutual influences on the flow rate measurements by the magnetic fields of adjacent flow meters, measured flow rate values from individual measurement processes and synchronous measurement processes are used to determine the mutual influences on the flow rate measurements, and influences that are free of variations are compensated by the magnetic fields of the adjacent flow meters being synchronized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: KROHNE Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brockhaus, Wilhelm Florin
  • Publication number: 20150075273
    Abstract: A method for measuring a well fluid parameter includes diverting a fluid through a first loop comprising one or more fluid parameter measurement components, determining a gross flow rate of the fluid, recirculating the fluid through a second loop upon determining the gross flow rate is below a threshold amount, and measuring the fluid parameter upon the gross flow rate reaching or exceeding the threshold amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Amit SONDHI
  • Patent number: 8973433
    Abstract: A flow meter and method of determining a parameter of a downhole multiphase fluid is disclosed. Multiphase fluid flows through a downhole tubular member having first section, second section and third section, wherein the second section is disposed between the first section and the third section and an inner diameter of the second section is greater than an inner diameter of the first section and an inner diameter of the third section. Absolute pressure measurements of the multiphase fluid are obtained at each of the first section, second section and third section using absolute pressure gauges. The parameter of the downhole multiphase fluid is determined from the absolute pressure measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Harlan Michael James Mulford
  • Publication number: 20150013446
    Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for monitoring flow at a given location downwell. The method of comprises performing fibre optic sensing on an optical fibre 204 deployed within the well 101. The optical fibre is attached to first tubing (201) that extends into the well to at least a first location (110a-c) at which it is wished to monitor inflow. The first tubing comprises at least one aperture (202a-c) having known properties at said first location. The first tubing is in fluid communication with flow tubing (107) that provides flow to/from the top (108) of the well. In use fluid therefore flows into the first tubing via the apertures (202a-c) which, having known properties, provide a calibrated response that can be detected by a fibre optic sensor unit (205).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Alastair Godfrey
  • Patent number: 8875379
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a fluid flow measuring device are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, shields are disposed to prevent or reduce circulating electrical currents from causing a voltage difference that would adversely affect the measured voltage difference between two adjacent electrodes. Groups of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be placed within the shield. The shields may have any cross-section shape. A magnetic field source is disposed proximate the electrodes such that the magnetic field source is oriented to generate a magnetic field substantially orthogonal to an imaginary line intersecting each pair of electrodes. A voltage measuring circuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to measure a voltage difference between each pair of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: REM Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Maute
  • Publication number: 20140318234
    Abstract: A method of well testing to determine properties of oil and gas wells 8 comprises: applying oscillations to the flow rate and/or pressure at multiple wells 8 wherein the oscillations applied at different wells of the multiple wells are at different test frequencies; receiving measurements of flow rate in flows downstream of a production header that combines the flows from the multiple wells 8, and/or receiving measurements of pressure and/or temperature from individual wells 8; carrying out a frequency analysis of the pressure, flow rate and/or temperature measurements to determine pressure, flow rate and/or temperature variations induced by the applied oscillations; and determining properties of the different wells 8 of the multiple wells 8 based on the results of the frequency analysis at the test frequencies for the wells 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Frederico Zenith, Johannes Tjønnås, Ingrid Schjølberg, Bjarne Foss, Vidar Gunnerud
  • Publication number: 20140260587
    Abstract: An embodiment method for measuring fluid flow in a casing includes inserting a logging tool into the casing, wherein the logging tool having an internal axial flow channel and an electromagnetic flowmeter sensor disposed in the internal flow channel. The method also includes measuring an axial conductive fluid flow through the flow channel with the electromagnetic flowmeter sensor, while allowing bypass axial fluid flow to bypass the internal flow channel substantially unimpeded between an exterior of the logging tool and an interior wall of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: REM Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Maute, Feroze J. Sidhwa
  • Patent number: 8783381
    Abstract: A method of testing an earth formation can include incrementally opening a choke while drilling into the formation is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in a wellbore, and detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore. Another method of testing an earth formation can include drilling into the formation, with an annulus between a drill string and a wellbore being pressure isolated from atmosphere, then incrementally opening a choke while drilling is ceased, thereby reducing pressure in the wellbore, detecting an influx into the wellbore due to the reducing pressure in the wellbore, and determining approximate formation pore pressure as pressure in the wellbore when the influx is detected. Drilling fluid may or may not flow through the drill string when the influx is detected. A downhole pressure sensor can be used to verify pressure in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart M. Jeffries
  • Patent number: 8763451
    Abstract: In a borehole logging tool, the flow of conductive fluid into or out of a wellbore at the wellbore wall is detected and measured with a sensor loop proximate the borehole inner wall. The sensor loop includes a series of contiguous sensors that act as electromagnetic flowmeters and provide fluid measurements covering the entire circumference of the sensor loop. The sensor loop includes an elastic element that forces the sensor loop outward to maintain pressure along the sensor loop circumference against the interior borehole wall. The sensor loop is designed to lie at a non-perpendicular angle to the wellbore axis, and mechanical arms press the top and bottom of the loop against the borehole inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: REM Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Maute
  • Publication number: 20140151034
    Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Paul JOSEPH, Tianping HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140144225
    Abstract: A multiphase flow meter comprising two Venturis separated by a choke. The choke may be varied to adjust the properties of the multiphase fluid flow being measured. The two Venturis may be identical and may be arranged horizontally with respect to the multiphase fluid flow. The choke may be a choke in a return line of a managed pressure drilling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashley Bernard Johnson, Paul Simon Hammond, Gary Martin Oddie, Cheng-Gang Xie
  • Publication number: 20140137642
    Abstract: A net oil and gas well test system for a set of oil and gas wells includes at least two net oil and gas measurement systems and a plurality of valves that are in fluid communication with the individual wells in the set and independently configurable between a first state, in which the valve routes flow to a first net oil and gas measurement system, and a second state, in which the valve routes flow to a second net oil and gas measurement system. Each net oil and gas measurement system suitably has the capability to measure a multiphase flow including oil, gas, and water without separation. For example, each measurement system can include a multiphase Coriolis meter and a water cut meter. Each measurement system suitably includes the capability to provide dynamic uncertainty estimates related to measurement of the multiphase flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Invensys Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Richard P. Casimiro
  • Patent number: 8688423
    Abstract: A method of modeling a subsurface hydrogeologic system within a study area can include applying an electric current directly to the subsurface hydrogeologic system and monitoring a magnetic field generated by the electric current in the subsurface hydrogeologic system. An electric current distribution can be identified within the study area by an inversion process based on the magnetic field. A model of the electric current distribution can be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Willowstick Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Jessop, Michael J. Wallace, Wei Qian, Jerry R. Montgomery, Rondo Jeffery, Val O. Kofoed
  • Patent number: 8677815
    Abstract: The apparatus for a borehole influx fluid parameters measurement comprises an enclosure open on two adjacent sides and having a poorly deformable heat-insulating rear wall, a cover and side walls made of elastically deformable heat-insulating material. Inside the enclosure a cellular structure of elastically deformable heat-insulating material is mounted with the gap relative to the enclosure's rear wall and having the through cells insulated from one another. Said cells forming the apparatus inlet openings on one side of the cellular structure and on the other side they are connected with the gap, the total area of the inlet openings significantly exceeds the area of the structure side surface they are located at. The transducers for the measurement of the influx fluid parameters are disposed inside the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Valery Vasilyevich Shako, Vyacheslav Pavlovich Pimenov
  • Patent number: 8656770
    Abstract: A method of measuring multiphase flow of components in a wellbore fluid mixture by selectively heating components (e.g. oil and water) in the flow with electromagnetic energy, and detecting the heated components at a known distance downstream. The flow and velocity of components in the flow stream can be estimated with the present method. Example types of electromagnetic waves include infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. The different components can be heated simultaneously or at different times. The heated components can be detected with one or more temperature probes, and oil wet or water wet probes can be used to improve thermal contact to the corresponding components in the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Rocco DiFoggio
  • Publication number: 20130319103
    Abstract: A flow meter and method of determining a parameter of a downhole multiphase fluid is disclosed. Multiphase fluid flows through a downhole tubular member having first section, second section and third section, wherein the second section is disposed between the first section and the third section and an inner diameter of the second section is greater than an inner diameter of the first section and an inner diameter of the third section. Absolute pressure measurements of the multiphase fluid are obtained at each of the first section, second section and third section using absolute pressure gauges. The parameter of the downhole multiphase fluid is determined from the absolute pressure measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Harlan Michael James Mulford
  • Publication number: 20130220008
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transient testing of an oil well to determine the individual, distinct skin factor components of an apparent skin factor, which includes opening the well to a first predefined choke setting to allow the reservoir fluid to flow through the well for a first predefined period of time, and measuring a production rate of the reservoir fluid through the well, when the first predefined period of time expires. The method further includes performing a shut-in of the well for a first predefined build-up period, and repeating, when the first predefined build-up period expires, the steps of the flowing, the measuring, and the performing for at least two additional choke settings. The distinct skin factor components of the apparent skin factor are determined using a graphical relationship between the determined apparent skin factors and the measured production rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8505376
    Abstract: A technique facilitates flow monitoring in a well. A well component is designed for engagement with a well string deployed downhole into a wellbore. The well component has an internal flow passage through which well fluid is flowed. A sensor structure is mounted in the well component along the internal flow passage and comprises at least one sensor designed to sense a parameter related to fluid flow. The sensor structure is movable between a non-intrusive flow position with respect to the internal flow passage and a measurement position within the internal flow passage for measurement of the desired parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Ross
  • Patent number: 8479571
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zollo, Andrew Beck, Sean Walters
  • Publication number: 20130158875
    Abstract: Disclosed are a production logging tool and method for evaluating fluid produced from a formation of an oilfield. The fluid is measured by a water sensor to determine if the fluid is water, and a chloride sensor to determine chloride levels of the fluid. Based on the chloride levels of the fluid, it can be determined whether the fluid is naturally occurring water, or if the fluid is an injection fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER P. BROWN
  • Patent number: 8464582
    Abstract: A variable throat Venturi flow meter includes an upstream pipe section having an upstream cross-sectional area, a throat section having a variable throat cross-sectional area that is smaller than the upstream cross-sectional area, and a plurality of section-varying elements adapted to temporarily vary the throat cross-sectional area to allow a downhole tool to pass through the throat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gilles Roux, Céline Gabard-Cuoq, Stéphane Chareille, Pierre Mouget
  • Patent number: 8464581
    Abstract: A passive liquid flow monitoring system includes a monitoring device made of a liquid-soluble material in which coded transponders are releasably retained. The monitoring device may be deployed proximate a region of interest in a hydrocarbon-producing well. Characteristics of a liquid flow in the region of interest may be determined based upon detection of transponders that are released from the monitoring device when the monitoring device is exposed to the liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Rytlewski, Nitin Y. Vaidya
  • Publication number: 20130081460
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluid in a subterranean well includes an electric submersible pump having a motor, a seal section and a pump assembly and a metering assembly. The metering assembly includes an upper pipe section with an outer diameter, the upper pipe section having an upper pressure sensing means, and a lower pipe section with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the upper pipe section, the lower pipe section having a lower pressure sensing means. A power cable is in electronic communication with the electric submersible pump and with the metering assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Jinjiang Xiao, Randall Alan Shepler
  • Publication number: 20130081459
    Abstract: An apparatus for production logging includes a conveyance device configured to traverse a wellbore, a multicapacitance flow meter positioned on the conveyance device and configured to estimate at least one parameter relating to holdup; and a spinner flow meter positioned on the conveyance device and configured to estimate at least one parameter relating to a flow velocity of at least one fluid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Lynda Memiche
  • Publication number: 20130068007
    Abstract: A well testing system and method are provided. The well testing system includes a separator-exchanger module that may include a modular frame, a separator and/or a modular steam-heat exchanger. A surge tank module can include a surge tank, frames, and two surge tanks. A manifold model can include a compact manifold. The various modules of the well testing system can be interconnected using various guiding, stopping, and/or fixing clamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Carelli, Carlos Machado, Eduardo Valdez
  • Patent number: 8312767
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting radial flows of conductive fluid are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, shields are used to prevent or reduce circulating electrical currents from causing a voltage difference that would adversely affect the measured voltage difference between two adjacent electrodes. The shields may be a conduit through which conductive fluid may flow. Groups of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be placed within the shield. The shields may have any cross-section shape. Generally, once the circulating electrical current flow between the electrode pairs is substantially reduced or eliminated, only the voltage difference from the localized induced electric field remains. This way, a true induced voltage may be measured, and thus an accurate value for the fluid velocity may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: REM Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Maute
  • Publication number: 20120285233
    Abstract: In a borehole logging tool, the flow of conductive fluid into or out of a wellbore at the wellbore wall is detected and measured with a sensor loop proximate the borehole inner wall. The sensor loop includes a series of contiguous sensors that act as electromagnetic flowmeters and provide fluid measurements covering the entire circumference of the sensor loop. The sensor loop includes an elastic element that forces the sensor loop outward to maintain pressure along the sensor loop circumference against the interior borehole wall. The sensor loop is designed to lie at a non-perpendicular angle to the wellbore axis, and mechanical arms press the top and bottom of the loop against the borehole inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Robert E. Maute
  • Patent number: 8297354
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring a parameter characteristic of a rock formation in an oil well is provided with a device for generating a sensing field within a volume of the rock formation and a device for causing a flow through the volume in the presence of the sensing field, further including sensors responsive to changes in the volume, wherein a sensor response is indicative of the amounts of fluid, particularly hydrocarbon and water saturations and irreducible hydrocarbon and water saturations. Measurements can be made before the flow affects the measuring volume and after onset of the flow through the measuring volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cosan Ayan, Fikri John Kuchuk, Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Thomas J. Neville, Raghu Ramamoorthy, Andrew Carnegie
  • Publication number: 20120198927
    Abstract: Fluid flow measurement device and method. In one embodiment, a tool comprises a rotating arm with a sensor pad to measure fluid flow into or out of the casing wall. The arm maintains the sensor pad in close proximity to the casing inner wall. The tool diameter is variable to allow the tool to traverse variable diameter casings and pass obstacles. The sensor pad comprises flow channels to direct the flow of fluid by electromagnetic sensors configured to detect conductive fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: REM SCIENTIFIC ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Maute, Feroze Sidhwa
  • Patent number: 8230732
    Abstract: In a borehole logging tool, the flow of conductive fluid into or out of a wellbore at the wellbore wall is detected and measured with a sensor loop proximate the borehole inner wall. The sensor loop includes a series of contiguous sensors that act as electromagnetic flowmeters and provide fluid measurements covering the entire circumference of the sensor loop. The sensor loop includes an elastic element that forces the sensor loop outward to maintain pressure along the sensor loop circumference against the interior borehole wall. The sensor loop is designed to lie at a non-perpendicular angle to the wellbore axis, and mechanical arms press the top and bottom of the loop against the borehole inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: REM Scientific Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Maute
  • Patent number: 8205509
    Abstract: A flow meter for measuring the velocity of surrounding fluid, comprising a rotatable member rotatably coupled to a shaft member, wherein the shaft member comprises a measuring electrical circuit comprising an AC power supply and a primary coil, the rotatable member comprising a passive non-permanent magnet marker responsive to a magnetic field, the arrangement being such that when the circuit is powered by the AC supply the coil generates a magnetic field and the marker is positioned on the rotatable member such that rotation of the rotatable member in response to fluid drag on the member causes the distance between the marker and the coil to oscillate, the marker interacting with the magnetic field at its closest approach to the coil, thereby to cause a measurable electrical response in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Shlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Oddie
  • Publication number: 20120158308
    Abstract: Flowmeters and methods of measuring a fluid flow or manufacturing flowmeters are presented. A flowmeter has a tool body and one or more spinner arms configured to extend with a first end away from the tool body and a second end joined to the tool body, when deployed to measure a fluid flow. Each spinner arm includes a helical blade configured to rotate due to a fluid flowing substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool body, around a rotation axis between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SONDEX LIMITED
    Inventor: Keith Robert WOOTTEN
  • Patent number: 8180593
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Unico, Inc.
    Inventors: Robb G. Anderson, Thomas L. Beck
  • Publication number: 20120103082
    Abstract: A technique facilitates flow monitoring in a well. A well component is designed for engagement with a well string deployed downhole into a wellbore. The well component has an internal flow passage through which well fluid is flowed. A sensor structure is mounted in the well component along the internal flow passage and comprises at least one sensor designed to sense a parameter related to fluid flow. The sensor structure is movable between a non-intrusive flow position with respect to the internal flow passage and a measurement position within the internal flow passage for measurement of the desired parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Donald Ross
  • Patent number: 8156801
    Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Céline Gabard-Cuoq, Jean-Michel Hache, Gilles Roux
  • Patent number: 8104337
    Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed which includes a structure adapted to be removably coupled to a Christmas tree, a sleeve operatively coupled to the structure and a flowmeter positioned at least partially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Zollo, Andrew Beck, Sean Walters
  • Publication number: 20120011928
    Abstract: A bi-directional fluid flow sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises a turbine configured to rotate along an axis as a result of fluid flowing past the turbine substantially in the direction of the axis; a magnet mounted to the turbine and configured to rotate with the turbine; and a magnetic flux angle sensor provided adjacent to the turbine and configured to detect the relative flux angle of the magnet as it rotates. The bi-directional fluid flow sensor is sensitive and robust and may be used in a downhole well for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Keith Robert Wootten
  • Publication number: 20110252878
    Abstract: Processes and systems for logging production of fluid produced into a well bore without intervention of the well are disclosed. Two or more markers may be introduced into produced fluid at spaced apart locations along a well. The time for each marker to reach a common point may be measured and production rates for produced fluids at each spaced apart location may be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Philip M. Snider