Patents by Inventor Christian Stoller

Christian Stoller 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).

  • Well-logging tool with azimuthal and spectral radiation detectors and related methods
    Patent number: 8975574
    Abstract: A well-logging tool may be positioned within a borehole of a subterranean formation. The well-logging tool may include a housing having an interior defining a dual-detector receiving chamber extending longitudinally, and having first and second portions, and a first azimuthal radiation detector carried by the first portion of the dual-detector receiving chamber. The first azimuthal radiation detector may include a first gamma-ray detector and a first photodetector associated with the first gamma-ray detector. The well-logging tool may include a second spectral radiation detector carried by the second portion of the dual-detector receiving chamber. The second spectral radiation detector may include a second gamma-ray detector and a second photodetector associated with the second gamma-ray detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cornelis Huiszoon, Libai Xu, Christian Stoller, Robert Little, Peter Wraight
  • Apparatus and methods for measuring formation characteristics
    Patent number: 8969792
    Abstract: An apparatus can measure characteristics of a formation surrounding a borehole. The apparatus includes a tool body having a neutron measurement section and a density measurement section. The neutron measurement section includes a neutron source and a neutron detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the neutron source. The density measurement section includes a gamma ray source and a gamma ray detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the gamma ray source. The neutron measurement section and the density measurement section are positioned in the tool body so that the sections overlap in the axial direction and are azimuthally spaced apart in the tool body. The tool body also includes shielding to block a direct signal path from the neutron source to the gamma ray detector arrangement and to block a direct signal path from the gamma ray source to the neutron detector arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Evans, Christian Stoller
  • Downhole neutron activation measurement
    Patent number: 8969793
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring neutron-induced activation gamma-rays in a subterranean formation are provided. In one example, a downhole tool for measuring neutron-induced activation gamma-rays may include a neutron source and a gamma-ray detector. The neutron source may emit neutrons according to a pulsing scheme that includes a delay between two pulses. The delay may be sufficient to allow substantially all neutron capture events due to the emitted neutrons to cease. The gamma-ray detector may be configured to detect activation gamma-rays produced when elements activated by the emitted neutrons decay to a non-radioactive state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Stoller, Peter Wraight, Brad Roscoe
  • Energy Radiation Generator With Bi-Polar Voltage Ladder
    Publication number: 20150055747
    Abstract: A well-logging tool may include a sonde housing, and a radiation generator carried by the sonde housing. The radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target, and at least one voltage source coupled to the charged particle source. The at least one voltage source may include a voltage ladder comprising a plurality of voltage multiplication stages coupled in a bi-polar configuration, and at least one loading coil coupled at at least one intermediate position along the voltage ladder. The well-logging tool may further include at least one radiation detector carried by the sonde housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthieu Simon, Anthony Durkowski, Christian Stoller
  • Energy Radiation Generator With Uni-Polar Voltage Ladder
    Publication number: 20150055748
    Abstract: A well-logging tool may include a sonde housing and a radiation generator carried by the sonde housing. The radiation generator may include a generator housing, a target carried by the generator housing, a charged particle source carried by the generator housing to direct charged particles at the target, and at least one voltage source coupled to the charged particle source. The at least one voltage source may include a voltage ladder comprising a plurality of voltage multiplication stages coupled in a uni-polar configuration, and at least one loading coil coupled at at least one intermediate position along the voltage ladder. The well-logging tool may further include at least one radiation detector carried by the sonde housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthieu Simon, Anthony Durkowski, Christian Stoller
  • Integrated Coupling Of Scintillation Crystal With Photomultiplier In A Detector Apparatus
    Publication number: 20150014544
    Abstract: A scintillator type radiation detector package is provided including a scintillation crystal directly coupled to the window of a photomultiplier. A scintillator package is also provided having a longer life at wellbore temperature with minimal deterioration of a hygroscopic scintillation crystal(s). Direct optical coupling of the scintillator to the photomultiplier reduces the amount of light lost at coupling interfaces and improved detection resolution over the conventional structures having separate packages for crystal and photomultiplier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken Stephenson, Peter Wraight, Wolfgang Ziegler, Christian Stoller, Irina Molodetsky
  • Test formation apparatus for a downhole tool
    Patent number: 8927923
    Abstract: An insert apparatus for use in a test formation for a downhole nuclear spectroscopy tool includes an outer liner, and an inner liner defining a cylindrical borehole having a diameter such that the downhole nuclear spectroscopy tool is receivable therein. There is fill material between the outer liner and the inner liner, the material including a formation base material and an elemental standards material. The outer liner, the inner liner, and the fill material are configured such that an elemental standard measurement derived from a test using the insert apparatus is equivalent to an elemental standard measurement from a selected formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Stoller, Richard J. Radtke, Raju M. Eason, Scott H. Fricke
  • Method and apparatus for gain regulation in a gamma detector
    Patent number: 8907270
    Abstract: Methods and systems to determine and regulate the gain of gamma-ray detectors in tools equipped with neutron sources are provided. Gain regulation may be based on the gamma ray background generated in the tool by interaction of neutrons with the nuclei of some elements constituting the tool structure. Some chemical elements that are used in construction of the tool's mechanical parts and structure result in characteristic gamma ray lines in a measured energy spectrum. These lines can be used to calibrate the energy scale of the response of the detector, without any added calibration radio isotopic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sicco Beekman, Tong Zhou, Christian Stoller, Fabien Haranger
  • Well-Logging Tool With First And Second Azimuthal Radiation Detectors And Related Methods
    Publication number: 20140346337
    Abstract: A well-logging tool may be positioned within a borehole of a subterranean formation. The well-logging tool may include a housing having an interior defining a dual-detector receiving chamber extending longitudinally, and having first and second portions, and a first azimuthal radiation detector carried by the first portion of the dual-detector receiving chamber. The first azimuthal radiation detector may include a first gamma-ray detector and a first photodetector associated with the first gamma-ray detector. The well-logging tool may include a second azimuthal radiation detector carried by the second portion of the dual-detector receiving chamber. The second azimuthal radiation detector may include a second gamma-ray detector and a second photodetector associated with the second gamma-ray detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Cornelis Huiszoon, Libai Xu, Christian Stoller
  • Scintillation Detector Package Having Radioactive Support Apparatus
    Publication number: 20140339408
    Abstract: A radiation detector package includes a support apparatus at least part of which is constructed from a naturally occurring radioactive material. A scintillator is associated with the support apparatus. The support may include a detector housing carrying a photodetector and the scintillator, and the detector housing may be constructed from the naturally occurring radioactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ziegler, Christian Stoller, Kenneth E. Stephenson
  • Scintillator crystal materials, scintillators and radiation detectors
    Patent number: 8889036
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a scintillation crystal having the general formula RE(1?y)MyF3XA3(1?x), wherein RE includes; A is selected from Cl, Br or I; and M is an activator ion selected from the Ce3+, Pr3+ or Eu3+; x is greater than 0.01 mole% and strictly less than 100 mole%, and y is greater than 0.01 mole% and strictly less than 100 mole%; and wherein the at least one activator ion is further combined with ions from the group of Ho3+, Er3+, Tm3+, or Yb3+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Hort, Christian Stoller, Donna Simonetti
  • Gas detection and quantification method using a pulsed neutron logging tool
    Patent number: 8884216
    Abstract: A method of formation evaluation using a pulsed neutron tool. The approach removes the effect of formation hydrogen index (HI) from the nuclear response of the tool. It can be used for gas detection and quantification, as well as for other fluids. It can also be used to improve a formation hydrogen index (HI) measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sicco Beekman, Tong Zhou, Christian Stoller
  • Logging-While-Drilling Tool Incorporating Electronic Radiation Generator And Method For Using Same
    Publication number: 20140251690
    Abstract: Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthieu Simon, Peter Wraight, Christian Stoller, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Andrew Bazarko
  • Method and apparatus for neutron logging using a position sensitive neutron detector
    Patent number: 8803078
    Abstract: A neutron logging tool includes a neutron source and at least one position sensitive thermal or epithermal neutron detector. The logging tool further includes an electronic controller configured to estimate the axial location of detected neutrons. Measurement of the axial neutron flux distribution enables other formation and borehole parameters such as formation porosity and sensor standoff to be computed. In logging while drilling embodiments, a borehole caliper may also be computed form the axial neutron flux distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Libai Xu, Kevin S McKinny, Cornelis Huiszoon, Christian Stoller
  • Logging-while-drilling tool incorporating electronic radiation generator and method for using same
    Patent number: 8742328
    Abstract: Logging-while-drilling tools incorporating an electronic radiation generator, such as an electronic X-ray generator, and a method for using the same are provided. One example of such a logging-while-drilling tool may include a circumferential drill collar, a chassis disposed radially interior to the drill collar, and an electronic X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed within the chassis. The electronic X-ray generator may emit X-rays out of the logging-while-drilling tool into a subterranean formation. The X-ray detector may detect X-rays that return to the logging-while-drilling tool after scattering in the subterranean formation, which may be used to determine a density and/or a lithology of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Matthieu Simon, Peter Wraight, Christian Stoller, Kenneth E. Stephenson, Andrew Bazarko
  • Apparatus and Methods for Measuring Formation Characteristics
    Publication number: 20140097336
    Abstract: An apparatus can measure characteristics of a formation surrounding a borehole. The apparatus includes a tool body having a neutron measurement section and a density measurement section. The neutron measurement section includes a neutron source and a neutron detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the neutron source. The density measurement section includes a gamma ray source and a gamma ray detector arrangement spaced in an axial direction from the gamma ray source. The neutron measurement section and the density measurement section are positioned in the tool body so that the sections overlap in the axial direction and are azimuthally spaced apart in the tool body. The tool body also includes shielding to block a direct signal path from the neutron source to the gamma ray detector arrangement and to block a direct signal path from the gamma ray source to the neutron detector arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Evans, Christian Stoller
  • Detection Of Tool In Pipe
    Publication number: 20140090890
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Laurent Villegas, Christopher S. Del Campo, Christian Stoller
  • USE OF SPECTRAL INFORMATION TO EXTEND TEMPERATURE RANGE OF GAMMA-RAY DETECTOR
    Publication number: 20140084149
    Abstract: A method is for detecting gamma rays using a gamma ray detector, and includes determining a first count of gamma rays having an energy in a first energy interval, using a controller coupled to the gamma ray detector. A second count of gamma rays having an energy in a second energy interval is determined, the second energy interval having a higher energy than the first energy interval, using the controller. A third count of gamma rays having an energy in a third energy interval is determined, the third energy interval having a higher energy than the second energy interval, using the controller. The second count of gamma rays is compensated for noise based upon a ratio of the second count and the third count, using the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Christian Stoller
  • Non-rotating logging-while-drilling neutron imaging tool
    Patent number: 8664587
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining neutron images of a rock formation are provided. The neutron images can be obtained from a tool in a logging-while-drilling system but which need not rotate to obtain neutron data from a plurality of azimuthal orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Evans, Peter Wraight, Christian Stoller, Avto Tkabladze
  • Downhole tools with solid-state neutron monitors
    Patent number: 8642944
    Abstract: A nuclear tool includes a tool housing; a neutron generator disposed in the tool housing; and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for constructing a nuclear tool includes disposing a neutron generator in a tool housing; and disposing a solid-state neutron monitor proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Saenger, Bradley A. Roscoe, Zilu Zhou, Christian Stoller