Pressure Measurement Patents (Class 73/152.51)
  • Patent number: 11939863
    Abstract: A method includes deploying an optical fiber attached to a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) interrogator in a wellbore, pre-setting gauge length of the DAS interrogator based on an expected measurement signal, interrogating the optical fiber using the DAS interrogator, receiving reflected DAS signals along a length of the optical fiber using the pre-set gauge length, performing an analysis to estimate a location and a magnitude of a strain source associated with the reflected DAS signals, and dynamically adjusting the gauge length for at least a portion of the optical fiber within a pre-defined limit of the DAS interrogator as a function of the estimated location and magnitude of the strain source to enhance sensitivity and to optimize signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Davis, Mikko K. Jaaskelainen, Joshua Brandt Stokes
  • Patent number: 11828171
    Abstract: A method is described for predicting and preventing wellbore interactions at wells that are near the injection well. The method includes receiving fiber optics data; performing object detection by detecting object-like events in the fiber optic data; and sending instructions to a hydraulic fracturing system based on the object detection. The method is executed by a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Lim Chen Ning, Tamas Nemeth, David C. Bartel, Zhishuai Zhang, Yunhui Tan, Joseph P. Stefani, James P. DiSiena, Dimitri Bevc, Kelly Hughes
  • Patent number: 11661839
    Abstract: A method and system for performing a pressure test. The method may comprise inserting a formation testing tool into a wellbore to a first location within the wellbore, identifying one or more tool parameters of the formation testing tool, performing a first pre-test with the pressure transducer when the pressure has stabilized to identify formation parameters, inputting the formation parameters and the one or more tool parameters into a forward model, changing the one or more tool parameters to a second set of tool parameters; performing a second pre-test with the second set of tool parameters; and comparing the first pre-test to the second pre-test. A system may comprise at least one probe, a pump disposed within the formation testing tool, at least one stabilizer, a pressure transducer disposed at least partially in the at least one fluid passageway, and an information handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Bin Dai, James M. Price, Anthony Herman Van Zuilekom, Darren George Gascooke
  • Patent number: 11643908
    Abstract: A method of configuring a flow control valve of a mixing system may comprise establishing a flow loop via a pump, a flow control valve, and a flow rate sensor. The method may also include performing a valve configuration process that includes positioning the flow control valve in a first position, operating the pump to communicate a fluid via the flow loop at a first speed, measuring a first periodic dataset while the fluid is communicated via the flow loop, and recording the first periodic dataset. The method may also include comparing a result of the valve configuration process to a valve position dataset and an operational indicator set and determining an pass/fail status based upon the comparison, and outputting, by the unit controller, indicia of the pass/fail status of the mixing system via the input output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek R. Williams, Charles E. Neal, III
  • Patent number: 11047226
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fluid pressure measuring device for a measurement-while-drilling tool, which including a first sensor assembly (1), a second sensor assembly (2) and a sealing member (3), wherein a mounting groove (5) is formed on an outer side wall of a drill collar (4) of a measurement-while-drilling tool; the sealing member (3) is fixedly mounted on the mounting groove (5); a first liquid inlet hole (7) is formed in the sealing member (3); a second liquid inlet hole (9) communicated with a center flow channel (8) of the drill collar (4) is formed in the mounting groove (5); a liquid inlet end of the first sensor assembly (1) is communicated with the first liquid inlet hole (7); and a liquid inlet end of the second sensor assembly (2) is communicated with the second liquid inlet hole (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Jiansheng Du, Qingyun Di, Zili Wang, Wenxuan Chen, Xinzhen He, Yongyou Yang
  • Patent number: 11022516
    Abstract: A method of providing a pressure test on a tube to identify leakage includes the steps of (a) mounting a clamp on a tube adjacent an end and such that a plug which is part of the tool is positioned to plug an inlet into the tube, (b) actuating the tool to cause the plug to provide a fluid tight seal in the inlet, and (c) applying a source of pressure to the tube, and monitoring the pressure within the tube, and identifying a leak should the pressure drop more than a predetermined amount in a particular period of time. A tool for use in providing a seal on a tube end to allow a pressure test is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John Pergantis, Zachary Sears, Anthony Valenti
  • Patent number: 10935678
    Abstract: The invention discloses a monitoring system for deformations and destructions of a gas storage, including an acoustic emission sensor installed in a borehole of a monitored rock mass and a ground workstation. The acoustic emission sensor includes an acoustic emission probe and a probe installation mechanism for installing the acoustic emission probe and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the probe installation mechanism. The probe installation mechanism includes a shell, a probe sleeve and two sets of pistons hydro-cylinder components. The present invention realizes the control of the moving direction of the shell and the probe sleeve by the piston hydro-cylinder component and the hydraulic pump, thus solving the problem of effective installation and coupling of the acoustic emission probe, ensuring the effective coupling between the acoustic emission probe and the wall of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM EXPLORATION & DEVELOPMENT, PETROCHINA COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Dewen Zheng, Zhide Wu, Guosheng Ding, Huayin Zhu, Jianfeng Liu, Lina Ran, Tong Lin
  • Patent number: 10684269
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and experimental apparatus for studying properties of cement slurry to be used in an oil or gas well under varied pressure and temperature conditions. This apparatus can be used to predict the likelihood of gas migration, compressive strength and static gel strength of cement slurry. It comprises a servo motor and coupling magnets to drive a paddle at a very slow speed through the cement in a pressure vessel, a pair of acoustic transducers to generate an acoustic signal and measure the transit time of the acoustic signal after it transits the cement, and a gas injection system to predict the severity of gas migration in cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: HONGFENG BI
    Inventor: Hongfeng Bi
  • Patent number: 10480302
    Abstract: A formation testing tool which performs the dual function of fracturing and in-situ proppant placement. The testing tool houses proppant slurry having proppant and fracture fluid therein, and a probe which seals against the wellbore wall. During operation, the probe seals against the wellbore wall whereby fluid communication may take place. Using a pump aboard the testing tool, the fracture fluid is forced through the probe and into the formation to produce the fractures. The testing tool, which has a pressurized compartment, then injects the proppant into the fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus Irani, Charles Seckar
  • Patent number: 10267139
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a condition in at least one of a plurality of casing annuli in a subsea hydrocarbon production system having a wellhead housing mounted at the upper end of a well bore and a number of concentric well casings extending from the wellhead housing through the well bore, including an innermost casing through which a hydrocarbon fluid is produced. The plurality of casing annuli are defined between successive ones of the wellhead housing and the well casings. The method involves sensing at least a first condition at a first location in a first casing annulus, generating a first data signal at the first location which is indicative of the first condition, transmitting the first data signal from the first location to a second location either outside the wellhead housing or inside the innermost casing, receiving the first data signal at the second location; and transmitting the first data signal from the second location to a remote location at which the first condition may be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Corey Jaskolski, Gabriel Silva
  • Patent number: 10024755
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining an integrity of a sample chamber. In certain embodiments, formation fluid is collected from a subterranean formation within a sample chamber disposed in a downhole tool, the downhole tool is withdrawn from a wellbore, an estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is determined, the estimated surface pressure of the collected formation fluid is compared with an actual surface pressure of the sample chamber, and the integrity of the sample chamber is determined based on the comparison of the estimated surface pressure and the actual surface pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Vinay K. Mishra, Hadrien Dumont, Adriaan Gisolf, Christopher Babin, Cosan Ayan, Beatriz E. Barbosa
  • Patent number: 9988887
    Abstract: A bellows position monitoring arrangement to determine the axial position of a bellows assembly within the outer housing of a seal section or equalizer. The position can be correlated to an amount of motor oil being retained within the bellows assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventors: Aron M. Meyer, David Tanner, Arturo Luis Poretti, Ryan P. Semple, Kevin J. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 9970755
    Abstract: A system for determining a velocity of air flowing in an air flow direction through an opening. The system includes first and second transducer assemblies with first and second transducers. The first and second transducers are positioned in respective predetermined first and second positions in which the first and second transducers are intervisible. The first and second transducers are disposed at respective selected tilt angles when in the respective predetermined first and second positions. Each of the first and second transducer assemblies includes means for measuring respective measured tilt angles of the first and second transducers. The system also includes a controller configured to compare the measured tilt angles to the selected tilt angles for the first and second transducers respectively, to determine whether there are measured differences therebetween exceeding a predetermined permitted difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Accutron Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Maenpaa, Michael Sharkey, Richard Dignard
  • Patent number: 9759059
    Abstract: A method including positioning a formation testing tool within a wellbore formed within a subsurface reservoir, wherein the tool has a focused opening to enable fluid communication with the reservoir, and the tool has a horizontally-displaced observation probe configured to obtain pressure data; determining one of horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility of the reservoir based on measuring a flow response of the subsurface reservoir one of at and adjacent to the observation probe; and determining orthogonal components of one of the horizontal permeability and horizontal mobility based on the measured flow response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Hegeman, Cosan Ayan, Adriaan Gisolf
  • Patent number: 9725983
    Abstract: A device and method can be initiated to stop an extreme oil leak at the point of origin in a well pipe, after a common Blowout Preventer (“BOP”) fails. An electromagnetic chemical adhesive pipe plugging system comprises an elongated hollow injection quill, with a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnetic jaws, shoes and heads, which are capable of being pushed radially outward into gripping engagement with an inner diameter of a pipe assisted by chemical adhesive bonds and a magnetic field, to plug the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Kahoe, Brandon Iglesias
  • Patent number: 9719336
    Abstract: A zonal isolation and treatment tool having a reversible fluid booster pump with a reversible motor, both an upper isolation and a lower isolation packer having an elastic surface, a treatment fluid distributor that provides selective fluid access and an electronics control package that couples to the reversible motor. The method includes introducing the tool into the well bore, inflating the upper and lower isolation packers using well bore fluid, introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore such that it is positioned proximate to the tool, operating the tool such that the treatment fluid is introduced into the isolated well bore volume, and maintaining the isolated well bore volume such that the targeted stratum forms a treated stratum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Jack D. Lynn
  • Patent number: 9714570
    Abstract: A downhole tool having multiple packers and a controller operable to operate the packers to establish upper, middle, and lower intervals. The controller then establishes the upper and lower intervals at formation pressure, and establishes the middle interval at hydrostatic pressure. The controller then creates a pressure signal in one of the upper and lower intervals and then records a resulting pressure transient in both of the upper and lower intervals. The controller is also operable to establish the middle interval at formation pressure and establish the upper and lower intervals at below hydrostatic pressure but above formation pressure, and then create the pressure signal in the middle interval and subsequently record a resulting pressure transient in the middle interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adriaan Gisolf
  • Patent number: 9677396
    Abstract: A pressure gauge system and a method for in-situ determination of a wellbore formation pressure through a layer of cement, where the pressure gauge system comprises: a housing arranged to be permanently installed in the cement on the outside of a wellbore casing, wherein said housing comprises a pressure sensor with an output pressure signal, wherein: the pressure gauge system further comprises: a first temperature sensor with a first temperature signal, a second temperature sensor with a second temperature signal; and a computer implemented compensation means arranged to receive the pressure signal, the first and second temperature signals, and calculate a temperature compensated output pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Sensor Developments AS
    Inventor: Øivind Godager
  • Patent number: 9644473
    Abstract: A sensing system comprises at least one gauge disposed in a wellbore, a sensing link coupled to the at least one gauge, and a debris barrier coupled to the sensing link. The debris barrier comprises a housing coupled to the sensing link, and a barrier element configured to reduce the transport of particulates from the wellbore into the sensing link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 9598952
    Abstract: A sensing system comprises at least one gauge disposed in a wellbore, a sensing link coupled to the at least one gauge, and a debris barrier coupled to the sensing link. The debris barrier comprises a housing coupled to the sensing link, and a barrier element configured to reduce the transport of particulates from the wellbore into the sensing link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Patent number: 9528364
    Abstract: Systems and methods for well integrity management in all phases of development using a coupled engineering analysis to calculate a safety factor, based on actual and/or average values of various well integrity parameters from continuous real-time monitoring, which is compared to a respective threshold limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Landmark Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Robello Samuel, Aniket
  • Patent number: 9518460
    Abstract: Downhole gauge (1) assembly comprising a gauge housing (3) with a receiving aperture (32) having a sealing means (30) with an inner sealing surface (8). A gauge (4) is arranged in or in association to the gauge housing (3), a metal cable (7) with an inner bore is in communication with the interior of the housing (3). The cable runs from a downhole location to the top of a subsurface well. An electrical or optical conductor (9a, 9b) runs through the bore of the metal cable. The conductor (9a, 9b) is connected to the gauge (4) through a connector (5). The electrical or optical connector (5) is arranged within the gauge housing (3) and has been passed through said receiving aperture (32) of the gauge housing (3). The inner sealing surface (8) seals on the outer surface of the metal cable (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Roxar Flow Measurement AS
    Inventors: Per Hassel Sørensen, Terje Baustad
  • Patent number: 9500032
    Abstract: A transmitter housing for a drilling device having a drilling fluid feed line comprises a collector space formed in the interior of the transmitter housing for accommodating a pressure sensor of a locating probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Volker Boike
  • Patent number: 9435190
    Abstract: A non-invasive wireless communication system for monitoring parameters existing within the casing annuli of a subsea hydrocarbon production system. The subsea hydrocarbon production system includes a wellhead housing mounted at the upper end of a well bore and a number of concentric well casings extending from the wellhead housing through the well bore, and the casing annuli are formed between successive ones of the wellhead housing and the well casings The monitoring system comprises an interrogation package which is adapted to wirelessly transmit and receive NFM and/or inductive signals and at least one sensing package which is located in one of the casing annuli and is adapted to wirelessly receive the signals from and transmit response signals to the interrogation package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Corey Jaskolski, Gabriel Silva
  • Patent number: 9249657
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a subsea well is presented. The system includes the subsea well, where the subsea well includes a production tube, an annulus A co-axial to the production tube and positioned exterior to the production tube, an annulus B co-axial to the annulus A and positioned exterior to the annulus A, and a casing wall disposed between the annulus A and annulus B. Furthermore, the system includes a first sensor disposed on or about the production tube, the annulus A, the casing wall, or combinations thereof and configured to measure a first parameter. The system also includes a controller coupled to the subsea well and configured to analyze the first parameter measured by the first sensor and detect an anomaly in one or more components of the subsea well. Methods and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the method for monitoring a subsea well are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pekka Tapani Sipilä{umlaut over ( )}, Nicholas Josep Ellson, David John Buttle, John Charles McCarthy, Sakethraman Mahalingam
  • Patent number: 9249632
    Abstract: A method includes inserting a vibration damper tool in a drill string, the damper includes a tubular housing having an exterior surface and a longitudinal passageway, and at least one fluid actuated piston assembly. The piston assembly includes an extendable piston, a transverse passageway, a spring chamber in the transverse passageway, and at least one spring disposed in the spring chamber. The spring biases the piston in a refracted position. The drill string and dampening tool are inserted into a wellbore, fluid is flowed down the drill string and exerts pressure on a proximal end of the piston, and creates a fluidic force sufficient to overcome a biasing retractable force of the spring to extend the piston longitudinally until a distal end of the piston contacts a sidewall of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Malleshappa Lakkashetti, Peng Hooi Oon
  • Patent number: 9158031
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating the apparatus provide a modular unit of hardware to make measurements in a well. The modular unit may include a housing arranged for placement in a drill-string element, where the housing includes a sensor and is structured such that the housing is transferable to another drill-string element without a calibration during or after the transfer. The drill-string elements associated with the transfer may be of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon L. Moake
  • Patent number: 9151147
    Abstract: A method of treating a consolidated formation having a wellbore therein. Tubing including a stress relieving tool is provided in the wellbore. An interval in the wellbore wherein the stress relieving tool is located is isolated. The stress relieving tool is actuated to apply mechanical force radially to an uncased inner diameter surface of the wellbore for providing a reduced stress zone of the formation. Fluid pressure is increased in the wellbore to fracture the formation within the reduced stress zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Stelford Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory Clark, Terry Powers
  • Patent number: 9085962
    Abstract: A sensing system comprises at least one gauge disposed in a wellbore, a sensing link coupled to the at least one gauge, and a debris barrier coupled to the sensing link. The debris barrier comprises a housing coupled to the sensing link, and a barrier element configured to reduce the transport of particulates from the wellbore into the sensing link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Thomas Jules Frosell
  • Publication number: 20150128693
    Abstract: A method for determining integrity of a wellbore. The method includes underbalancing a volume of fluid in the wellbore, receiving pressure data of the wellbore after shut-in of the wellbore, determining a pressure curvature based on the pressure data, and generating a failing indication as a result of the pressure curvature indicating that the slope is constant or increasing in absolute value. The failing indication indicates fluid communication across a wellbore boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. FRANKLIN, Richard A. CULLY
  • Patent number: 9003888
    Abstract: A method for obtaining seismic information about a subsurface formation using at least one fiber optic cable having its proximal end coupled to a light source and a photodetector comprises: transmitting into the cable at least one light pulse; receiving at the photodetector a first and second light signals indicative of the physical status of at least one first cable section and at least one second cable section, respectively, wherein the first and second sections are selected so as to provide first and second information items, respectively; optionally, further processing at least one of the first and second information items so as to produce derivative information; and outputting at least one of the first, second, and derivative information items to a display; wherein the second item differs from the first item in at least one aspect selected from the group consisting of: resolution, area, and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jorge Louis Lopez, Peter Berkeley Wills, Jeffery Joseph Mestayer
  • Patent number: 9008971
    Abstract: A system for measuring a profile of a hydraulic head. A flexible liner is everted down the borehole. The profile of the transmissivity of the geologic media is obtained during (and indirectly from) the eversion of the flexible liner as it proceeds down the borehole. The liner is then retrieved by inversion from the borehole, while the pressure head in the borehole fluid below the liner is monitored and measured. From the previously obtained transmissivity profile, and the measured head within the borehole, the hydraulic head in the geologic media surrounding the borehole is determined for borehole intervals. A complete hydraulic head profile may be obtained from the collected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Carl E. Keller
  • Publication number: 20150096363
    Abstract: A pressure-sensing device is for use in an underground well. The pressure-sensing device includes a pressure sensor arranged at least to sense whether a pressure in the well is below or above a given limit value, and a signal generator arranged to generate an acoustic signal in a well body in the well in response to a sensed pressure from the pressure sensor exceeding said limit value. A method is for measuring pressure in an underground well. A use of a pressure-sensing device is to monitor the pressure between two spaced-apart barrier elements in an underground well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Innovar Engineering AS
    Inventor: Karluf Hagen
  • Publication number: 20150060057
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods and apparatuses for determining a minimum miscibility pressure of a fluid with and oil composition. In various embodiments, the method can include placing a fluid into a pressure chamber at a first pressure. The pressure chamber can include at least one capillary tube having one end disposed in an oil composition in the pressure chamber. The fluid can include at least one of a gas, a liquid, and a supercritical fluid. The method can include measuring a height of the oil composition in at least one of the capillary tubes. The method can include repeating the measuring for at least one cycle using a second pressure different than the first pressure. The method can include determining the minimum miscibility pressure of the oil composition with the fluid by extrapolating from the two or more measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Steven B. Hawthorne, David J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150052989
    Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions associated with a pressure-equalizing bellows element within a seal section of an electric submersible pump assembly. Pressure sensors are associated with the seal section to detect differential pressure across the bellows element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ryan P. Semple, David Tanner
  • Publication number: 20150040657
    Abstract: A method of determining a reservoir parameter of a subterranean formation comprising: initiating an initial pressure pulse in the subterranean formation; initiating a series of subsequent pressure pulses in the subterranean formation until the reservoir parameter may be determined, wherein each subsequent pressure pulse is optimized utilizing analytical and/or numerical simulation models; and determining the reservoir parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Proett, Dingding Chen, Abdolhamid Hadibeik, Sammi Abbas Eyuboglu
  • Publication number: 20150007650
    Abstract: Quartz resonator pressure transducers for use in subterranean boreholes include a quartz pressure sensor and an electronic temperature sensor. Temperature sensors include a constant current generator, a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current generator, and a relaxation oscillator. Pressure transducers may include such a temperature sensor. Methods of monitoring pressure in a subterranean borehole may include monitoring a frequency output of a quartz pressure sensor and monitoring a frequency output of an electronic temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Shane D. Rose, Brennan F. Crellin, Kenneth R. Harker
  • Publication number: 20150007651
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of a piston in a subsea accumulator, comprising: a sensor module comprising: a housing; an ultrasonic transducer facing the piston and configured to transmit an ultrasonic pulse through a fluid medium toward a surface of the piston; a pressure sensor configured to; and a temperature sensor; a control connector coupled to the sensor module capable of providing hardware and software functions to measure transit time of the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic transducer to the surface of the piston, comprising electronics for controlling the ultrasonic transducer, pressure sensor and temperature sensor; wherein the transit times of the ultrasonic signals across the fluid medium are measured and combined with a computed velocity of sound as a function of temperature/pressure to determine the distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the surface of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Salvador Reyes, III, Emanuel Gottlieb, Donald Augenstein, Donald Coonrod
  • Publication number: 20140360258
    Abstract: A formation tester places an isolation device, preferably a probe, in fluid communication with a formation to determine formation pressures. The tester's controller uses a pressure pre-test process to autonomously control operation. The controller measures drawdown pressure and interval as the tester draws down pressure in flowline coupled to the probe. If the drawdown pressure indicates a dry test has occurred, the process is aborted. Otherwise, the controller measures buildup pressure and interval by allowing buildup of pressure of the flowline. The controller permits this to continue until the interval is longer than the drawdown interval and/or until a rate of the buildup falls below a predetermined rate. If the buildup pressure is too tight relative to the drawdown pressure, the controller aborts the test. Eventually, the controller measures a final buildup pressure when the buildup terminates. A new drawdown rate and volume can be determined for subsequent formation tests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffery James Hemsing
  • Patent number: 8899105
    Abstract: A capacitive pressure sensor includes a stator which encircles a portion of a cylindrical diaphragm. This encircling forms a circumferential gap between the sidewalls of the stator and the diaphragm. Therefore, a greater area “A” can be achieved in smaller diameter sensor footprint than prior art designs and yet still detect relatively small changes in capacitance. Additionally, the width “g1” of the gap can be wider than prior art designs without negatively affecting capacitance detection. A bonding agent which has a melting temperature of about half that of bonding agents used in prior art designs, secures the stator to the diaphragm and reduces oxidation issues during assembly, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and cost. To ensure proper side-to-side alignment of the stator relative to the diaphragm, a centering sleeve, which is removed after bonding, is placed over as stub at the upper end of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Goutham R. Kirikera, William M. Patton
  • Patent number: 8893783
    Abstract: A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a tubing string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the tubing string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A tubing string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Tips, William M. Richards
  • Patent number: 8893547
    Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides an apparatus for use downhole that includes at least one acoustic sensor. In one aspect, the acoustic sensor includes a chamber and an active element comprised of a quantum tunneling composite in the chamber. In another aspect, the acoustic sensor may further include a pair of conductive layers on a pair of sides of the active element. The chamber is filled with an electrically non-conductive fluid. The active element may be placed in the chamber in a manner that causes the active element to be responsive to acoustic waves along a selected direction or in a manner that enables the active element to be non-directional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Paul A. Bergren
  • 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: 20140311235
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a pressure, temperature, and/or vibration of a hostile environment without requiring the use of active electronics or an oscillator circuit in that environment. The system and method interrogate a resonant pressure sensor and a resonant or passive temperature sensor connected to a transmission line and located at least 100 feet (30.48 m) away from a network analyzer. The system and method use the reflected frequencies from the sensors to determine the pressure, temperature, and/or vibration. If the sensors are networked by the transmission line or a network filter, the reflected portion can include the reflected transmission energy. The applied signal and reflected portion travel along the transmission line, which is preferably impedance matched to that of the system. If a multi-conductor cable is used, the effects of the cable's length and temperature are compensated for via a system calibration when in field use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Sercel-GRC Corporation
    Inventors: Goutham R. Kirikera, William M. Patton, Suzanne M. Behr, Tracy Sawyer, Anthony Thornberry
  • Patent number: 8860582
    Abstract: A method of signal processing includes providing at least a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor spaced in a drilling system and using an algorithm to separate the downwardly propagating waves from the upwardly propagating waves. In one or more examples, an algorithm may include determining a velocity of pressure signals in a wellbore, time-shifting and stacking pressure signals from at least the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a downwardly propagating noise signal, and subtracting the downwardly propagating noise signal from at least the signal from the first pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Clark
  • Patent number: 8807212
    Abstract: A pressure measurement system for use with a subterranean well can include a chamber positioned in the well, the chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion as positioned in the well, and a device which, in response to gravity acting on the device, selects the upper portion of the chamber for communication with a line extending to a remote location. A method of measuring pressure in a well can include introducing a chamber into the well, then selecting a vertically upper portion of the chamber, and establishing communication between the upper portion of the chamber and a line extending to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8783099
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a sensor having a sensitive component, a polymer that at least partially covers the sensitive component, and a hydrophobic material impregnated within the polymer and/or the sensitive component of the sensor. Methods of forming the downhole tool include covering a portion of the sensor with a polymer and impregnating a hydrophobic material within the polymer and/or the sensitive component of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David H. Lilly, Holger C. Stibbe
  • Publication number: 20140150547
    Abstract: Generally, a sonde, associated components and methods are described which can be used in conjunction with an inground tool having an inground tool housing that defines an inground tool cavity such that the inground tool cavity is exposed to an ambient pressure environment which surrounds the inground tool during an inground operation. A sonde housing assembly includes an exterior configuration that is receivable within the inground tool cavity. The sonde housing assembly at least partially defines a sonde interior and is further configured for receiving the pressure sensor body of a pressure sensor in a pressure sealed engagement. A sonde electronics package is supported within the sonde interior and is at least configured to receive the pressure signal and transfer a corresponding pressure signal from the sonde.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert W. Chau, Dmitry Feldman, Benjamin John Medeiros
  • Patent number: 8726726
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a dynamic pressure sensor unit (5A) for a logging tool for hydrocarbon wells with a piezoelectric element (5) in a sensor sleeve (3). The piezoelectric element (5) is a tubular element with an inner and an outer diameter. The sensor sleeve (3) has an inner cylindrical area with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tubular piezoelectric element (5). The piezoelectric element is situated in the inner cylindrical area of the sensor sleeve (3). A gap (12) with a gap thickness is formed between the inner cylindrical area of the sensor sleeve (3), defining an annular volume. The gap is filled with a noise transmitting liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sinvent AS
    Inventors: Truls Fallet, Per Schjølberg-Henriksen
  • Patent number: 8726725
    Abstract: Techniques for determining at least one downhole parameter of a wellsite are provided. A sensor apparatus is operatively connectable to a downhole tool deployable into a borehole of the wellsite, the downhole tool having a conduit system for receiving downhole fluid. The sensor apparatus has a housing, at least one gauge, a gauge carrying body positionable in the housing for receiving the gauge, and a flowline extending through the gauge carrying body for operatively connecting the conduit system to the gauge whereby parameters of the downhole fluid are measured. The gauge has at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor. The gauge carrying body has a pressure resistant block and a thermal absorber positionable about the gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Nguyen-Thuyet, Pierre-Marie Petit