Fluid Test Patents (Class 73/152.55)
  • Patent number: 11905830
    Abstract: A system and method for a fluid sampling tool. The fluid sampling tool may include a probe section. The probe section may include one or more probes, one or more stabilizers, and a housing that houses a bi directional piston pump. The method may include disposing a fluid sampling tool into a wellbore at a first depth, pressing the one or more probes into a surface of the wellbore, drawing a reservoir fluid from the wellbore through the one or more probes, placing the reservoir fluid into the housing, isolating the housing from the one or more modules of the fluid sampling tool with one or more shut in valves, depressurizing the housing with the bi directional piston pump, and measuring the asphaltene precipitation of the reservoir fluid within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohin Naveena-Chandran, Syed Muhammad Farrukh Hamza, Gibran Mushtaq Hashmi, Jason A. Rogers, Christopher Michael Jones, Anthony Herman VanZuilekom
  • Patent number: 11891888
    Abstract: A measurement tool may be positioned downhole in a wellbore for measuring formation properties and drilling mud properties during a drilling operation. The measurement tool may include a body and an antenna. The body may include magnets for generating a magnetic field and a transmitter for transmitting a radiofrequency pulse. The antenna may be positioned proximate to the body to measure properties using nuclear magnetic resonant frequencies. The antenna may measure formation properties in a first volume of a formation using a first frequency. The antenna may measure drilling mud properties in a second volume in a borehole using a second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Songhua Chen, Rebecca Jachmann
  • Patent number: 11867629
    Abstract: A sensing system for monitoring a composition of a downhole fluid in a well, where the sensing system includes: a light source, an optical waveguide, an evanescent field sensing element that is indirect contact with a downhole fluid, and a detector. The light source is operable for emitting a beam and includes a frequency comb generator configured to modify at least a portion of the beam into a sensing comb beam. The evanescent field sensing element provides attenuated internal reflection of the sensing comb beam at the interface between the evanescent field sensing element and the downhole fluid, and the portion of the sensing comb beam interacts with the fluid to form at least a portion of an interacted beam. The detector obtains a spectral distribution of the interacted beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Adrian Cesar Cavazos Sepulveda, Damian Pablo San Roman Alerigi
  • Patent number: 11828163
    Abstract: A system includes a sliding sleeve, a ball landing seat, a plurality of microchips, a hydraulic piston, and a ball catcher. The sliding sleeve has a solid wall body and is installed within a tubular body. The tubular body has an exit groove. The ball landing seat is formed by the sliding sleeve. The plurality of microchips are housed in a microchip ring installed within the sliding sleeve. The hydraulic piston is installed within the microchip ring and is triggered by reception of a ball, blocking a flow path, in the ball landing seat. The hydraulic piston releases the plurality of microchips through the exit groove and into the well to gather data. The ball catcher is configured to receive and hold the ball after the plurality of microchips are released into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abrar Alshaikh, Bodong Li, Jianhui Xu, Guodong Zhan
  • Patent number: 11774623
    Abstract: A method and microfluidic device to perform reservoir simulations using pressure-volume-temperature (“PVT”) analysis of wellbore fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert S. Atkinson, Jr., Songhua Chen
  • Patent number: 11739635
    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: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Dai, Christopher Michael Jones, Michael Thomas Pelletier, Darren George Gascooke
  • Patent number: 11725498
    Abstract: A system includes a sliding sleeve, a ball landing seat, microchips, a ball catcher, and a charging ring. The sliding sleeve is installed within a tubular body. The tubular body has an exit groove. The ball landing seat is formed by the sliding sleeve and is configured to receive a ball. The plurality of microchips are housed in a microchip ring installed within the sliding sleeve. The plurality of microchips are configured to be released into the well to gather data upon reception of the ball in the ball landing seat. The ball catcher is configured to receive and hold the ball after the plurality of microchips are released into the well. The charging ring is electronically connected to the microchip ring and has a circuit, a power source, and a charging coil. The circuit has a voltage regulation chip, a microprocessor, and a circuit motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Abrar Alshaikh, Bodong Li, Jianhui Xu, Guodong Zhan
  • Patent number: 11697992
    Abstract: A method and system can obtain real time property measurements of a fluid comprising a formation fluid downhole, real time measurements of an amount of an interactive component of the fluid downhole, and real time measurements of an amount of a non-interactive component of the fluid downhole. The method and system further includes determining a total amount of the interactive component in the fluid or a contamination level of the formation fluid at a time of interest based on the real time property measurements of the fluid downhole and the real time measurements of the amounts of the interactive component and non-interactive component downhole. The real time measurements of the amount of the interactive component downhole are real time measurements of the amount of the interactive component in its free form downhole, and the property can be scaled with the contamination level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Ralph Piazza, Anthony H. Van Zuilekom, Megan Renee Pearl, Luiz Alexandre Sacorague, Alexandre Jaime Mello Vieira
  • Patent number: 11635541
    Abstract: A method and microfluidic device to perform reservoir simulations using pressure-volume-temperature (“PVT”) analysis of wellbore fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert S. Atkinson, Jr., Songhua Chen
  • Patent number: 11506051
    Abstract: A method may comprise positioning a downhole fluid sampling tool into a wellbore, performing a pressure test operation within the wellbore, performing a pumpout operation within the wellbore, identifying when a clean fluid sample may be taken by the downhole fluid sampling tool from at least the pressure test operation and the pumpout operation, and acquiring the clean fluid sample from the wellbore. A system may comprise a downhole fluid sampling tool and an information handling machine. The downhole fluid sampling tool may further comprise one or more probes attached to the downhole fluid sampling tool, one or more stabilizers attached to the downhole fluid sampling tool, and a sensor placed in the downhole fluid sampling tool configured to measure drilling fluid filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ojo Olapade, Bin Dai, Christopher Michael Jones, James Martin Price, Dingding Chen, Anthony Herman Van Zuilekom
  • Patent number: 11480053
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a drilling fluid receiving a drilling fluid sample from a flow of the drilling fluid at a surface of a borehole being drilled in a subterranean formation and extracting, using a gas extraction and sampling system, a dissolved gas from the drilling fluid sample. The method includes determining, using a gas chromatograph, a concentration over time of at least one chemical species of a dissolved gas from the drilling fluid sample and generating an area per concentration curve based on the concentration over time. The method includes determining, using a gas extraction and sampling system, at least one concentration value of the at least one chemical species of the dissolved gas from the drilling fluid sample and correcting bias caused by the gas extraction and sampling system, wherein correcting the bias comprises modifying the at least one concentration value based on the area per concentration curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mathew Dennis Rowe
  • Patent number: 11428100
    Abstract: A downhole fluid analysis device includes a piezoelectric helm resonator, a spectroscopy sensor positioned symmetrically with respect to the piezoelectric helm resonator in at least one direction, and a circuit comprising a first terminal and a second terminal electrically coupled to a power supply. The piezoelectric helm resonator and the spectroscopy sensor are electrically coupled in parallel between the first and second terminals. The power supply drives the piezoelectric helm resonator with a voltage of a first polarity and the spectroscopy sensor with a voltage of a second polarity. The circuit includes at least one current flow control device in the circuit configured to prevent both the piezoelectric helm resonator and the spectroscopy sensor from being powered simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dwight Swett, Daniel Vaughn Price, Otto Fanini
  • Patent number: 11414952
    Abstract: Dissolvable thread sealants are useful for forming a pressure-tight seal between dissolvable threaded components, particularly in downhole tools. A film of the dissolvable thread sealant can be formed on the threads of dissolvable threaded components. As the dissolvable threaded components are exposed to fluid under the appropriate conditions and begin to dissolve, the thread sealant becomes exposed to the fluid and, likewise, dissolves. Embodiments of the dissolvable thread sealants are made using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Workover Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Andrew Rosenholm
  • Patent number: 11408244
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a method for setting an inflatable packer. The method includes positioning an inflatable packer within a borehole, and pumping fluid into an inflatable element of the inflatable packer using a pump that is driven by a motor. The method includes measuring pressure of the inflatable element, determining a derivative of the measured pressure with respect to time, and determining onset of restraining of the inflatable element has occurred. Upon or after determining the onset of restraining, the method includes turning off the motor or slowing down an rpm of the motor. The disclosure also provides for a system, including a computer readable medium with processor-executable instructions stored thereon that are configured to instruct a processor to execute a pressure control algorithm to control a speed of the motor in response to pressure measurement data from the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bo Yang, Kai Hsu, Deopaul Dindial
  • Patent number: 11327197
    Abstract: A device and method is described to parallelize a pressure-volume-temperature (“PVT”) analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques such that a portion of the pressure, temperature and volume analysis is performed separately from others. The resulting PVT data is then recombined statistically for a complete PVT analysis. The device may also obtain compositional data of the fluid to perform an equation of state analysis or reservoir simulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert S. Atkinson, Songhua Chen
  • Patent number: 11326429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fluids or gases from a horizontal well 10, the method comprising the steps providing a horizontal well 10 having a horizontal production openhole 20, dividing the horizontal production openhole 20 into at least two separate compartments 30, 32 by means of blockers 40, 42, providing for each separate compartment 30, 32 at least one production string 50, 52, and passing fluid or gas 100, 102 from each compartment 30, 32 to the surface 106 via the corresponding production strings 50, 52. The present invention further relates to a fluid or gas production device 1 for horizontal fluid or gas wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
    Inventor: Ahmed Alshmakhy
  • Patent number: 11105198
    Abstract: Methods for obtaining in-situ, multi-temperature measurements of fluid properties, such as saturation pressure and asphaltene onset pressure include obtaining a sample of formation fluid using a downhole acquisition tool positioned in a wellbore in a geological formation. The downhole acquisition tool may be stationed at a first depth in the wellbore that has an ambient first temperature. While stationed at the first depth, the downhole acquisition tool may test a first fluid property of the sample to obtain a first measurement point at approximately the first temperature. The downhole acquisition tool may be moved to a subsequent station at a new depth with an ambient second temperature, and another measurement point obtained at approximately the second temperature. From the measurement points, a temperature-dependent relationship of the first fluid property of the first formation fluid may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hadrien Dumont, Christopher Harrison, Youxiang Zuo, Christopher Albert Babin, Li Chen, Vinay K. Mishra, German Garcia, Abhishek Agarwal, Matthew T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11021951
    Abstract: A method may comprise positioning a downhole fluid sampling tool into a wellbore, performing a pressure test operation within the wellbore, performing a pumpout operation within the wellbore, identifying when a clean fluid sample may be taken by the downhole fluid sampling tool from at least the pressure test operation and the pumpout operation, and acquiring the clean fluid sample from the wellbore. A system may comprise a downhole fluid sampling tool and an information handling machine. The downhole fluid sampling tool may further comprise one or more probes attached to the downhole fluid sampling tool, one or more stabilizers attached to the downhole fluid sampling tool, and a sensor placed in the downhole fluid sampling tool configured to measure drilling fluid filtrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ojo Olapade, Bin Dai, Christopher Michael Jones, James Martin Price, Dingding Chen, Anthony Herman Van Zuilekom
  • Patent number: 10982500
    Abstract: Transducer assembly for an offshore drilling riser, in an example, includes a spool for connecting into the riser and a protrusion extending around the side wall of the spool. A recess extends around the protrusion between upper and lower sloping surfaces. Upper transducer bores are spaced around the protrusion and extend from the upper sloping surface downward and inward into the spool bore and lower transducer bores extend from the lower sloping surface upward and inward into the spool bore. A base of a rigid non-metallic material is located in each of the transducer bores. A seal ring extends around a cylindrical exterior portion of each of the bases and one of the transducer bores. An acoustic transducer element is mounted to the outer end of each of the bases. The transducer assembly can detect drilling fluid and form sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: HYDRIL USA DISTRIBUTION LLC
    Inventors: Chuanlin Pan, Heng Yang, Xing Yu, Bing Pu, Jing Ye, Weihua Shang, Heng Wu, Ran Niu
  • Patent number: 10557785
    Abstract: A fracture simulated oil recovery test apparatus includes a sleeve, the sleeve positioned within an oven and an oil saturated matrix positioned within the sleeve. The fracture simulated oil recovery test apparatus further includes a proppant pack positioned within the oil saturated matrix, the proppant pack having an inlet an outlet and a controller, the controller adapted to control the pressure within the oil saturated matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: ALCHEMY SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventor: Erick Acosta
  • Patent number: 9964659
    Abstract: Metamaterials are used in well logging measurement tools to provide high directionality galvanic and induction tools having metamaterial focusing. Using metamaterial lenses, currents injected by galvanic tools can be focused in both axial and azimuthal directions. In addition, the focus plane can be shifted away from the tool body into a borehole formation, making measurements more sensitive to zones of interest and less sensitive to boreholes and invaded zones. Another metamaterial lens can bend injected currents toward the head of the tool, adding a look-ahead functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ahmed E. Fouda, Burkay Donderici
  • Patent number: 9815724
    Abstract: A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water containing at least a silica component and a calcium component, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The scale suppression apparatus includes a chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit injecting liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent into a pipe arrangement through which influent water such as geothermal water or the like flows, and a controller controlling a pump and a valve of the chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit. The controller controls the injection of the chelating agent and the alkaline agent and stops of the injection based on the signal output from a scale detection unit for detecting a precipitation state of the scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kokan Kubota, Yoshitaka Kawahara, Ichiro Myogan, Osamu Kato
  • Patent number: 9745213
    Abstract: A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The apparatus includes a first addition unit configured to add liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent to influent water flowing through a pipe arrangement to make the influent water higher than pH 7, a second addition unit configured to add an acid substance to the influent water to make the influent water lower than pH 7, and a controller configured to alternatively switch between the operation of the first addition unit and the operation of the second addition unit. The controller controls the switching of the first addition unit and the second addition unit based on the signals output from a scale detection unit and a pH meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kokan Kubota, Yoshitaka Kawahara, Ichiro Myogan, Osamu Kato
  • Patent number: 9542511
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for determining a synthetic gas-oil-ratio for a gas dominant fluid. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes a system that includes at least one processor, and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that when executed by the at least one processor performs operations that include optimizing a gas-oil-ratio database using a genetic algorithm and a multivariate regression simulator and generating a synthetic gas-oil-ratio for a gas dominant fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dingding Chen, David L. Perkins, Christopher Michael Jones, Jing Shen, Michael T. Pelletier, Robert Atkinson
  • Patent number: 9366099
    Abstract: Presented are methods and systems for tracking and assessing drilling fluid flow and performance and, accordingly, detecting drilling mud return depth. The drilling mud is injected with a mineralogical dopant in an amount that does not affect the physical or chemical properties of the drilling mud. The doped drilling mud is injected into a known mud pulse and a detector identifies the mud pulse in which the mineralogical dopant emerges from the borehole, allowing calculation of the drilling mud return depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Chi Vinh Ly
  • Patent number: 9322259
    Abstract: A computer method, apparatus and system simulate hydraulic fracturing. The computer system/method models a wellbore of an injection well. The wellbore model includes a hydraulic drill pipe element in a borehole and related fluid flow in the borehole. The borehole workflow is modeled in a subject rock formation. A simulator operatively coupled to the model obtains pressure values from the modeled borehole workflow and modeled wellbore. The simulator automatically converts pore pressure from the modeled borehole into a mechanical pressure load on the subject rock formation. The mechanical pressure as hydrostatic pressure is automatically applied to the surface of the rock formation affected by the borehole and responsively defines one or more pressure induced fractures. A 2D or 3D graphical representation of the pressure induced fractures in the rock formation are displayed on output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp.
    Inventors: Sandeep Kulathu, James Christopher Wohlever, Zhen-zhong Du
  • Patent number: 9249659
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to obtain a formation fluid sample from a formation adjacent to a wellbore disposed in a reservoir, determine the sample saturation pressure of the formation fluid sample, repeat obtaining the formation fluid sample and determining the sample saturation pressure over a selected time period or number of samples, and determine a predicted ultimate formation fluid saturation pressure based on multiple determinations of the sample saturation pressure. The sample saturation pressures measured over selected time periods can be used to determine fluid sample contamination. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 9023280
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the asphaltene content of a downhole oil sample are provided. In one example, the method includes obtaining a hydrocarbon sample from a hydrocarbon formation of a reservoir at a given depth using a downhole tool. A liquid phase of the hydrocarbon sample is isolated within the downhole tool and the liquid phase is subjected to downhole analysis within the downhole tool to create a chromatography sample. The downhole analysis is based at least partially on size exclusion chromatography. A first property of the chromatography sample is measured to obtain a measured value, and a second property of the chromatography sample is estimated based on the measured value and known calibration curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Bruno Drochon
  • Patent number: 8959991
    Abstract: A method for estimating properties of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore provides for injecting a fluid with the plurality of tracer agents wherein each tracer agent is an object of submicron scale, into the wellbore and formation, flowing the fluid back from the subterranean formation and determining the properties of the formation. The properties are determined by analyzing changes in the tracers size and type distribution function between the injection fluid and produced fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dimitri Vladilenovich Pissarenko, Kreso Kurt Butula, Sergey Sergeevich Safonov, Denis Vladimirovich Rudenko, Oleg Yurievich Dinariev, Oleg Mikhailovich Zozulya
  • Publication number: 20150007652
    Abstract: An apparatus having a transducer configured to generate acoustic energy, a buffer rod with a first end and a second end, the transducer in contact with the first end, a cylinder configured to define a volume, the second end of the buffer rod abutting the cylinder; and a piston within the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Jason S. Milne
  • 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: 8912000
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining a mass spectrum of a sample and determining a concentration of a component of the sample by utilizing a model of chemical and electron ionization and the obtained mass spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre J. Daniel, Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian, Bruno Drochon
  • Publication number: 20140360259
    Abstract: A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool. The system also includes an optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. The optical spectrometer is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer is designed to generate optical spectra data indicative of the optical characteristic. The processor is able to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer, to predict a parameter corresponding to one component of multiple components of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data, and to calculate an uncertainty in the predicted parameter based on the optical spectra data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 8899107
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the asphaltene content of a downhole oil sample are provided. In one example, the method includes obtaining a hydrocarbon sample from a hydrocarbon formation of a reservoir at a given depth using a downhole tool. A liquid phase of the hydrocarbon sample is isolated within the downhole tool and the liquid phase is subjected to downhole analysis within the downhole tool to create a chromatography sample. The downhole analysis is based at least partially on size exclusion chromatography. A first property of the chromatography sample is measured to obtain a measured value, and a second property of the chromatography sample is estimated based on the measured value and known calibration curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Bruno Drochon
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140298900
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, tools, and methods for enhancing a measurement of a property of a solid body or fluid. The systems, tools, and methods may involve an electromagnetic measurement tool that includes a transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic energy, a receiver configured to receive the electromagnetic energy, and a metamaterial element comprising a negative refractive index. The metamaterial element may focus the electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic tool may be placed adjacent the solid body or fluid, electromagnetic energy may be transmitted via the transmitter, and the electromagnetic energy may be received with the receiver to measure a property of the solid body or fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Clarke
  • Publication number: 20140290941
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Villareal, Julian Pop, Shahid A. Haq
  • Patent number: 8849582
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for off-line concentration determination of components liquid hydrocarbon mixtures such as crude or heavy oil. A sampling unit continuously delivers a sample volume to a fluid flow path while a temperature control module maintains the sample at a predetermined setpoint temperature. A homogenization module helps prevent sample stratification while a flow control module maintain a constant sample flow rate. A spectrometer is communicably coupled to an optical transmission cell to transmit and receive radiation. The transmission cell includes collection optics to capture and aggregate non-collimated radiation emerging from the cell, for transmission to the spectrometer. The spectrometer measures sample spectra at a predetermined rate of flow of the sample volume through the transmission cell. A processor is configured to capture and use the spectra in combination with a model of spectra for the hydrocarbon mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Marcus Trygstad, Bruce Keen, Russell Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140251600
    Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes at least one microsensor configured to detect one or more conditions of a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and a receptacle, wherein the receptacle encapsulates the at least one microsensor. In another general embodiment, a method include injecting the encapsulated at least one microsensor as recited above into a fluidic medium of a reservoir; and detecting one or more conditions of the fluidic medium of the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: Eddie Elmer Scott, Roger D. Aines, Christopher M. Spadaccini
  • Publication number: 20140208842
    Abstract: A monitoring tool, including an obstructor portion operatively arranged to impede fluid flow past the monitoring tool when the obstructor is engaged with a corresponding seat member. A disintegrable portion is included formed from a material operatively arranged to disintegrate upon exposure to a selected fluid. A gauge is coupled with the obstructor portion and the disintegrable portion. The gauge is operatively arranged to monitor one or more parameters and released from the obstructor portion when the disintegrable portion is disintegrated by the selected fluid. A method of monitoring one or more parameters is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James Miller, Jason Mailand, Daniel Matthews
  • Patent number: 8776878
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a downhole parameter includes a downhole tool having a sensor. The sensor includes a pad having insulation, and return(s) positionable in the insulation. The return(s) are adapted to exchange a current with a power source, and a portion of the return(s) may be in a fluid zone. The sensor includes a mud button positionable within the fluid zone and in the insulation a distance from the return(s). The mud button are suitable for exchanging current with the return(s). The mud button and the fluid zone are positioned a distance from the formation such that a majority of the current passing between the return(s) and the mud button passes through the downhole fluid. The current exchanged with the mud button generates a measurement of the downhole fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Bloemenkamp, Andrew Hayman
  • 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: 8683848
    Abstract: An improved hydrotest testing system comprises a safety stop which prevents the testing tools from being blown out of the top of the tubing string. The safety stop is made up into the upward facing box of the tubing joint to be tested, where the stop is positioned between the tool assembly placed within the tubing joint and the no-go head assembly which is located at the surface during the testing operation. Once the safety stop has been made up into upward facing box, the tool assembly is set within the joint to be tested and the joint pressure tested. The safety stop has a generally cylindrical body which has a bore extending through its length, where the bore has a reduced diameter throat which is sized smaller than portions of the downhole testing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: C&H Testing Service, LLC
    Inventors: Don Taft, Don Hoover, Don Siewell
  • Patent number: 8635907
    Abstract: A method for monitoring fluid flow through a downhole device, comprises a) providing an acoustic tube wave in fluid in the device; b) measuring the acoustic tube wave after it has passed through the fluid in the device; and c) assessing the permeability of the device by measuring the attenuation of the acoustic signal. Changes in velocity of the acoustic signal may also be measured. The device may be a permeable downhole device such as a sand screen the measurements in step b) are made using a plurality of sensors deployed in the hole. The method may further including the step of cross-correlating a signal received at a first receiver with signals received at additional sensors so as to obtain an effective response as if the signal had been emitted from a source at the position of said first receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Andrey Victorovich Bakulin
  • Publication number: 20140020462
    Abstract: A method is presented for analyzing a multiphase fluid flowing through a tubular. A sample fluid flow of multiphase fluid (a mixture of some combination of gas, liquid and solid) is separated from a primary tubular, such as with a probe which traverses the tubular. At least one property of the multiphase fluid is determined using at least one multivariate optical element (MOE) calculating device. Measured properties include the presence, proportional amount, mass or volumetric flow rate, and other data related to a constituent of the fluid, such as CO2, H2S, water, inorganic and organic gases and liquids, or group of constituents of the fluid, such as SARA, C1-C4 hydrocarbons, etc. The multiphase fluid is preferably mixed prior to analysis. Additional data can be gathered and used to calculate derivative information, such as mass and volumetric flow rates of constituents in the tubular, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Cyrus Aspi Irani, Cidar Mansilla Arce, Hendrik Kool
  • Publication number: 20130340518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting synthetic mud filtrate in a downhole fluid including placing a downhole tool into a wellbore, introducing a downhole fluid sample into the downhole tool, analyzing the downhole fluid sample in the downhole tool, producing at least two filtrate markers from the analyzing of the downhole fluid sample and converting the at least two filtrate markers by vector rotation to a sufficiently orthogonal signal. The first pumped fluid sample giving initial plateau readings can be a proxy for 100% drilling fluid having an initial orthogonal signal and subsequent samples can be converted to orthogonal signals that are referenced to the first pumped fluid signal to give a calculation of percent contamination of the formation fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Jones, Robert E. Engelman, Michael T. Pelletier, Mark A. Proett, Thurairajasingam Rajasingam
  • Publication number: 20130327522
    Abstract: Fluid distribution determination and optimization using real time temperature measurements. A method of determining fluid or flow rate distribution along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring a temperature distribution along the wellbore in real time; and determining in real time the fluid or flow rate distribution along the wellbore using the temperature distribution. A method of optimizing fluid or flow rate distribution includes the steps of: predicting in real time the fluid or flow rate distribution along the wellbore; comparing the predicted fluid or flow rate distribution to a desired fluid or flow rate distribution; and modifying aspects of a wellbore operation in real time as needed to minimize any deviations between the predicted and desired fluid or flow rate distributions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerard GLASBERGEN, David O. JOHNSON, Diederik vanBATENBURG, Jose SIERRA, Mary VAN DOMELEN, John WARREN
  • Patent number: 8528396
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to detect phase separation in downhole fluid sampling operations are disclosed. An example method to detect a phase separation condition of a fluid from a subterranean involves obtaining a sample of the fluid, measuring a first characteristic value of the sample, measuring a second characteristic value of the sample and comparing the first characteristic value to a first reference value associated with a single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding first comparison result. The example method then compares the second characteristic value to a second reference value associated with the single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding second comparison result and detects the phase separation condition of the fluid based on the first and second comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Xu Wu, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Chengli Dong, Peter S. Hegeman
  • 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