Patents Assigned to Schlumberger Technologies
  • Apparatus and Methods to Perform Operations in a Wellbore Using Downhole Tools Having Movable Sections
    Publication number: 20090025941
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sami Iskander, Ricardo Vasques, Tribor Rakela
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING MAGNETIC SIGNALS AND DETECTING CASING AND RESISTIVITY
    Publication number: 20090030615
    Abstract: A method of locating a conductive target from a wellbore includes generating a current flowing across an insulated gap in a downhole tool positioned in the wellbore, measuring an azimuthal magnetic field with at least one external magnetometer located proximate the exterior of the downhole tool, measuring a secondary magnetic field using a magnetometer disposed inside the downhole tool, computing at least one of a direction and a distance to the conductive target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: BRIAN CLARK
  • Methods and apparatus to perform downhole fluid analysis using an artificial neural network
    Publication number: 20090030858
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform downhole fluid analysis using an artificial neural network are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves obtaining a first formation fluid property value of a formation fluid sample from a downhole fluid analysis process. The first formation fluid property value is provided to an artificial neural network, and a second formation fluid property value of the formation fluid sample is generated by means of the artificial neural network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Hegeman, Chengli Dong, Charles Woodburn, Graham Birkett, Nikos Varotsis, Vassilis Gaganis
  • Self-destructing filter cake
    Patent number: 7482311
    Abstract: A composition and method are given for self-destructive fluid loss additives and filter cakes in wellbores and subterranean formations. The fluid loss additives and filter cakes are formed from a mixture of particulate solid acid-precursors, such as a polylactic acid or a polyglycolic acid, and particulate solid acid-reactive materials, such as magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate. In the presence of water, the solid acid-precursors hydrolyze and dissolve, generating acids that then dissolve the solid acid-reactive materials. The composition is used in oilfield treatments such as drilling, completion and stimulation where it disappears when it is no longer needed without the use of mechanical means or injection of additional fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Willberg, Keith Dismuke
  • Magneto-optical method and apparatus for determining properties of reservoir fluids
    Patent number: 7482811
    Abstract: A method for determining a property of earth formations surrounding a borehole includes the following steps: deriving a fluid sample downhole in the borehole, subjecting the sample while downhole to a magnetic field; measuring a magneto-optical shift of a beam of electromagnetic radiation passed through the sample, and determining the property from the measured magneto-optical shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Freedman
  • Subsea pumping system
    Patent number: 7481270
    Abstract: A pumping system is disclosed for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea production well with at least one electrical submersible pumping (ESP) hydraulically connected to at least one multiphase pump to boost production fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Randall A. Shepler
  • Heat insulating container for a detonator
    Patent number: 7481166
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a heat insulating container having an inner space and having a structure defining a hollow containing a vacuum. The apparatus further comprises a reflective layer arranged on a surface of the heat insulating container to reflect heat for reducing radiated heat originated in the wellbore from reaching the inner space. Also, a signal-activated detonator is provided in the inner space of the heat insulating container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chenghua Han, Mark C. Duhon
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING FLOW IN A PIPELINE
    Publication number: 20090024327
    Abstract: A system is provided for measuring flow in a pipeline which, in use, carries a stratified flow of a first liquid and a second, denser liquid. The system comprises: a section of the pipeline in which the stratified flow is uphill; a section of the pipeline in which the stratified flow is downhill; and a holdup meter on each of said pipeline sections for measuring the holdup in each section. The flow rates of the first and second liquids can be calculated from the measured holdups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michel Berard, Ibrahim Babelli
  • FLOW CONTROL DEVICE
    Publication number: 20090020292
    Abstract: A choke that is usable with a well includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The choke also includes pressure drop stages between the inlet port and the outlet port. Each of the pressure drop stages is adapted to create part of an overall pressure differential between the inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ives D. Loretz, Pierre Hosatte
  • DOWNHOLE LINEAR ACTUATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20090020293
    Abstract: A linear actuation apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore comprises a tubular manifold for conducting fluid through a portion thereof when disposed in the wellbore, and a shaft supported for reciprocal axial movement within the manifold. A valve seat is supported within the manifold in substantial alignment with the shaft, and a valve closure element is carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement therewith between a closed position preventing fluid flow across the valve seat and an opened position permitting fluid flow across the valve seat. A magnetic element is also carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement therewith. A pair of springs are each carried on opposing sides of the magnetic element such that one of the springs is compressed by and applies an axial force to the shaft under the movement of the shaft from a neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: EDWARD RICHARDS
  • AQUEOUS FRACTURING FLUID
    Publication number: 20090023616
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous viscoelastic fracturing fluid for use in the recovery of hydrocarbons. According to the invention, the fluid comprises a cleavable viscoelastic surfactant and a hydrophobically-modified polymer, wherein the cleavable surfactant comprises a head group and a hydrophobic tail of at least 18 carbon atoms connected through a degradable acetal, amide, ether or ester bond and wherein the concentration of the hydrophobically-modified polymer is comprised between its overlap concentration c* and its entanglement concentration ce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Isabelle Couillet, Trevor Hughes
  • Optical Turnaround System
    Publication number: 20090022458
    Abstract: A technique is provided for utilizing an optical fiber in a variety of sensing applications and environments by beneficially routing the optical fiber. A continuous optical fiber is created to provide optical continuity between two ends of the optical fiber. The optical continuity is created with the assistance of an optical turnaround constructed in a simple, dependable form able to control the bend of the optical fiber as it extends through the optical turnaround.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harini Varadarajan, Scott A. Rubinstein, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STOCHASTIC WORKFLOW IN OILFIELD OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20090020284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing an oilfield operation. The method steps include obtaining oilfield data sets associated with oilfield entities, generating a stochastic database from the oilfield data sets based on an artificial neural network of the oilfield data sets, screening the oilfield data sets to identify candidates from the oilfield entities, wherein the screening is based on the stochastic database, performing a detail evaluation of each candidates, selecting an oilfield entity from the candidates based on the detail evaluation, and performing the oilfield operation for the selected oilfield entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Graf, Georg Zangl
  • Optical Turnaround System
    Publication number: 20090022451
    Abstract: A technique is provided for utilizing an optical fiber in a variety of sensing applications and environments by beneficially routing the optical fiber. A continuous optical fiber is created to provide optical continuity between two ends of the optical fiber. The optical continuity is created with the assistance of an optical turnaround constructed in a simple, dependable form able to control the bend of the optical fiber as it extends through the optical turnaround.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harini Varadarajan, Scott A. Rubinstein, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCTION OF HYDROCARBONS FROM A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION
    Publication number: 20090020335
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: IAIN COOPER, REX BURGOS, PATRICK SCHNEIDER, JOHN STYRE
  • 2D Well Testing with Smart Plug Sensor
    Publication number: 20090020283
    Abstract: An apparatus for characterising the permeability of a formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising: a drillstem test (DST) tool comprising, a packer for isolating a zone of the wellbore, a valve for controlling fluid into and out of the zone via the drill string of the tool and, a pressure gauge for detecting the pressure in the zone; wherein the apparatus further comprises an array of at least two antennas arranged on the tool above the packer such that when in use each antenna of the array aligns with a corresponding pressure sensor placed in the formation to obtain pressure measurements and therefore allow horizontal and vertical permeability to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yves Manin, Christian Chouzenoux
  • Chasing engine for data transfer
    Patent number: 7480676
    Abstract: A data repository defined by a single logical specification includes a data store comprising a plurality of tables and a view of the plurality of tables, a data dictionary comprising a meta-table and means to generate the data store, wherein the meta-table is generated from the single logical specification defining the data repository, and a chase engine configured to transfer a plurality of data within the data store, wherein the chase engine generates a plurality of chasing procedures based on a chasing specification, wherein the chasing procedures define a manner to transfer the plurality of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joe Wald
  • Technique and apparatus for use in well testing
    Patent number: 7478555
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating fluid from the well into a downhole chamber in connection with a well testing operation. The technique includes monitoring a downhole parameter that is responsive to the communication to determine when to close the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lang Zhan, James G. Filas, Dhandayuthapani Kannan
  • Sealing System for a Removable Internal Wall within a Vessel
    Publication number: 20090014451
    Abstract: A vessel system comprising a vessel. The vessel system further comprises at least one internal wall located within the vessel. The vessel system further comprises at least one inflatable seal allowing to create a seal between an outer periphery of the internal wall and an internal cavity wall of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christian Pays, Christophe Corailler
  • DETERMINING FORMATION PARAMETERS USING ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLING COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20090015261
    Abstract: A method to determine one or more parameters of a formation traversed by a borehole, at least a portion of the formation having substantially parallel boundaries, the method comprising disposing a tool in the borehole, wherein the tool includes a transmitter having a dipole moment at an angle ?T with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tool and a receiver having a dipole moment at an angle ?R with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool, the transmitter and receiver comprising a transmitter-receiver pair; transmitting an electromagnetic signal while rotating the tool; receiving the electromagnetic signal to produce a measured signal from the transmitter-receiver pair; and determining the one or more formation parameters for the portion of the formation having substantially parallel boundaries based on the measured signal from the transmitter-receiver pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: JIAN YANG, QIMING LI, JEAN SEYDOUX