Patents by Inventor Bruce H. Storm
Bruce H. Storm has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 6815665Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the integrity or quality of a gravel pack positioned between the casing and gravel pack screen of a subterranean borehole, with the method including azimuthally scanning the gravel pack for radiation, with detection of the radiation limited to a limited angular arc of the gravel pack at any one time, with the apparatus including shielded or collimated radiation source and/or detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Larry L. Gadeken, Ward E. Shultz
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Patent number: 6807857Abstract: The current invention provides a process and apparatus for determining the density of a flowing fluid without requiring knowledge of the fluid's Theological properties. The process of the current invention is capable of providing continuous “real time” analysis of fluid density. The apparatus of the current invention comprises at least two pressure assessment zones fitted with fluid pressure sensing points. Pressure sensing devices connected to the pressure sensing points provide the data necessary to enable the calculation of fluid density.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Mark A. Proett
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Patent number: 6789620Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., John R. Dennis, John M. Richardson
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Publication number: 20040123645Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, vibration source and detector mounted on the tube, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in the tube. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detector on the tube to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example. To measure the sample fluid density, the measurement module determines the resonant frequency of the sample flow tube. The density can then be calculated according to a formula that compensates for the temperature and pressure of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, James Masino, Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier
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Patent number: 6755079Abstract: A downhole tool and method for determining the viscosity of a reservoir fluid, the tool including a passage having entry, intermediate and exit regions, in which the reservoir fluid flowing through the passage will have a lower Reynolds number in the intermediate region as compared to the entry region, the tool also including differential pressure gauge for measuring the differential pressure across the intermediate region, and either a velocity controller or fluid velocity meter, for either setting or measuring the fluid velocity.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier, Wei Han, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Roger L. Schultz, Thomas E. Ritter
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Patent number: 6748328Abstract: A method for determining the composition of a fluid by using measured properties of the fluid. One embodiment of the method of the current invention generally comprises: selecting a fluid property that has a response to fluid composition that is linear, or can be approximated as linear; measuring the selected fluid property at a series of specific time intervals; and plotting the measured property as a function of the selected property. In effect, plotting the measured property as a function of fluid composition in an arbitrary set of units. This allows for a in-situ qualitative evaluation of fluid composition by measuring a fluid property that has a known linear relationship to fluid composition. Another embodiment of the present invention further comprises, establishing the endpoints of contamination and plotting the measured properties through these endpoints. Once the endpoints have been established a quantitative evaluation of the fluid composition can be performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier
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Patent number: 6701787Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a deposited layer on the inner surface of a fluid container wall having inner and outer surfaces are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter at a first distance from the outer surface of the wall; (b) receiving a first received signal A, comprising a reflection from the wall outer surface; (c) receiving a second received signal B, comprising a reflection from the wall inner surface; (d) receiving a third received signal C from the wall inner surface; (e) calculating a coefficient Rwp from A, B and C, and (f) calculating a coefficient Rpd from A, B and Rwp, and calculating the acoustic impedance of the deposited layer Zd from Rwp, Rpd, and Zw, where Zw is the acoustic impedance of the material between the transmitter and the wall outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Wei Han, Vimal V. Shah, James R. Birchak, Bruce H. Storm, Rajnikant M. Amin, Bayram Kalpakci, Fouad Fleyfel
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Patent number: 6688176Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, vibration source and detector mounted on the tube, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in the tube. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detector on the tube to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example. To measure the sample fluid density, the measurement module determines the resonant frequency of the sample flow tube. The density can then be calculated according to a formula that compensates for the temperature and pressure of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., James Masino, Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier
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Patent number: 6672163Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Wei Han, James R. Birchak, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., Thomas E. Ritter
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Patent number: 6670605Abstract: Disclosed is a formation fluid analysis module which utilizes a down-hole mass spectrometer to determine the molecular constituents of formation fluids, as distinguished from drilling contaminants, and to provide information about the physical and chemical properties of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., David P. Fries
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Publication number: 20030229448Abstract: A method for determining the composition of a fluid by using measured properties of the fluid. One embodiment of the method of the current invention generally comprises: selecting a fluid property that has a response to fluid composition that is linear, or can be approximated as linear; measuring the selected fluid property at a series of specific time intervals; and plotting the measured property as a function of the selected property. In effect, plotting the measured property as a function of fluid composition in an arbitrary set of units. This allows for a in-situ qualitative evaluation of fluid composition by measuring a fluid property that has a known linear relationship to fluid composition. Another embodiment of the present invention further comprises, establishing the endpoints of contamination and plotting the measured properties through these endpoints. Once the endpoints have been established a quantitative evaluation of the fluid composition can be performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Mark A. Proett, Michael T. Pelletier
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Publication number: 20030226395Abstract: The current invention provides a process and apparatus for determining the density of a flowing fluid without requiring knowledge of the fluid's Theological properties. The process of the current invention is capable of providing continuous “real time” analysis of fluid density. The apparatus of the current invention comprises at least two pressure assessment zones fitted with fluid pressure sensing points. Pressure sensing devices connected to the pressure sensing points provide the data necessary to enable the calculation of fluid density.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Mark A. Proett
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Publication number: 20030213898Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the integrity or quality of a gravel pack positioned between the casing and gravel pack screen of a subterranean borehole, with the method including azimuthally scanning the gravel pack for radiation, with detection of the radiation limited to a limited angular arc of the gravel pack at any one time, with the apparatus including shielded or collimated radiation source and/or detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Larry L. Gadeken, Ward E. Shultz
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Publication number: 20030164038Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Wei Han, James R. Birchak, Bruce H. Storm, Thomas E. Ritter
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Publication number: 20030150262Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Wei Han, James R. Birchak, Bruce H. Storm, Thomas E. Ritter
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Patent number: 6568271Abstract: A system for monitoring the presence of deposits or buildup on the inside wall of a fluid-containing pipe comprises a pair of acoustic transmitters outside of the pipe and spaced apart along the length of the pipe and capable of transmitting an acoustic signal into the pipe wall, a pair of acoustic receivers outside of the pipe and spaced apart along the length of the pipe and capable of receiving an acoustic signal from the pipe wall, and a power source for causing the transmitters to transmit a signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, James R. Birchak, Wei Han, Bruce H. Storm, Rajnikant M. Amin, Bayram Kalpakci, Fouad Fleyfel
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Patent number: 6552333Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the integrity or quality of a gravel pack positioned between the casing and gravel pack screen of a subterranean borehole, with the method including azimuthally scanning the gravel pack for radiation, with detection of the radiation limited to a limited angular arc of the gravel pack at any one time, with the apparatus including shielded or collimated radiation source and/or detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Larry L. Gadeken, Ward E. Shultz
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Patent number: 6543281Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity and a reference cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, a reference flow tube, vibration sources and detectors mounted on the tubes, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The reference flow tube is filled with a reference fluid having well-characterized properties. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in both tubes. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detectors on the tubes to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Pelletier, Mark A. Proett, Bruce H. Storm, Jr., James Robert Birchak, Thomas Edward Ritter
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Publication number: 20030033870Abstract: A system for monitoring the presence of deposits or buildup on the inside wall of a fluid-containing pipe comprises a pair of acoustic transmitters outside of the pipe and spaced apart along the length of the pipe and capable of transmitting an acoustic signal into the pipe wall, a pair of acoustic receivers outside of the pipe and spaced apart along the length of the pipe and capable of receiving an acoustic signal from the pipe wall, and a power source for causing the transmitters to transmit a signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, James R. Birchak, Wei Han, Bruce H. Storm, Rajnikant M. Amin, Bayram Kalpakci, Fouad Fleyfel
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Publication number: 20030024316Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a deposited layer on the inner surface of a fluid container wall having inner and outer surfaces are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises (a) transmitting an acoustic signal from a transmitter at a first distance from the outer surface of the wall; (b) receiving a first received signal A, comprising a reflection from the wall outer surface; (c) receiving a second received signal B, comprising a reflection from the wall inner surface; (d) receiving a third received signal C from the wall inner surface; (e) calculating a coefficient Rwp from A, B and C, and (f) calculating a coefficient Rpd from A, B and Rwp, and calculating the acoustic impedance of the deposited layer Zd from Rwp, Rpd, and Zw, where Zw is the acoustic impedance of the material between the transmitter and the wall outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Wei Han, Vimal V. Shah, James R. Birchak, Bruce H. Storm, Rajnikant M. Amin, Bayram Kalpakci, Fouad Fleyfel