Patents by Inventor Haavard Aakre

Haavard Aakre 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).

  • Patent number: 8875797
    Abstract: A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet and further through a flow path of the control device passing by a movable disc or movable device which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the disc, whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Vidar Mathiesen
  • Patent number: 8820414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving flow stability for a multiphase fluid flowing through a tubular element (1), comprising arranging a flow control device (2) along a flow path (F) through the tubular element (1), the flow control device (2) comprising a housing (4), an inlet (10) arranged on an upstream side of the control device (2), an outlet (23, 13) arranged on a downstream side of the control device (2), and a movable body (9) provided within the housing (4) along an internal flow path (11) through the control device (2) from the inlet (10) to the outlet (23, 13), the body (9) being arranged such that changes in velocity and/or properties and/or composition of the fluid flowing along the internal flow path (11) result in changes to the forces acting on the body (9) as a result of the Bernoulli principle, thereby adjusting the flow of fluid through the control device (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre, Arne Valle
  • Patent number: 8820413
    Abstract: A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet (10?) and further through a flow path of the control device (2) passing by a non-disc shaped movable body (9?) which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the body (9?), whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20140216733
    Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow into a heavy oil production pipe includes reducing inflow into the production pipe locally from hot spots using inflow control devices including a movable body provided within a housing, the movable body being arranged to adjust the flow of fluid through the inflow control devices autonomously by exploiting the Bernoulli principle; increasing inflow into the production pipe remote from the hot spots using the inflow control devices to increase inflow locally; and increasing draw down in the production pipe by using an injector to inject a gaseous medium at or downstream of the inflow control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre, Torstein Grøstad
  • Publication number: 20140209822
    Abstract: A self-adjustable valve or flow control device for controlling the flow of a fluid from one space or area to another by exploiting the Bernoulli principle, to control the flow of fluid, such as oil and/or gas including any water, from an oil or gas reservoir and into a production pipe of a well in the oil and/or gas reservoir, from an inlet port on an inlet side to an outlet port on an outlet side of the device. The valve includes a movable valve body arranged to be acted on by a temperature responsive device. The valve body is arranged to be actuated towards its closed position by the temperature responsive device in response to a predetermined increase in temperature in the fluid surrounding and/or entering the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Publication number: 20140027126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for of controlling the flow of a fluid. The fluid comprises a liquid phase and a dissolved gas phase. The fluid passes through a valve, the valve comprising a fluid inlet and a movable body located in a flow path through the valve, the movable body being arranged to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet to vary the flow-through area through which the fluid flows by means of the Bernoulli effect. The dimensions of the valve are such that flow of the fluid past the movable body causes a drop in pressure to below the bubble point of the gas phase in the liquid phase, thereby increasing flow of the fluid through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Vidar Mathiesen, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Publication number: 20140008079
    Abstract: A tubular member has at least one drainage section including an inlet inlet and at least one self-adjustable flow control device to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well. The flow control devices are located in an annular space surrounding a pipe between the inlet and an outlet is provided for fluid flowing into the drainage section. The annular space forms a flow path through the flow control device passing by a valve body arranged to adjust the flow area in response to the pressure difference across the flow control device and/or changes in density of the fluid. The flow control device includes a valve seat cooperating with the valve body. The valve body includes an annular resilient valve member arranged to be deformed at least in a radial direction, in order to reduce or increase the flow area through the flow control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Bjørnar Werswick, Haavard Aakre, Vidar Matheisen
  • Patent number: 8590630
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling the flow of fluid in a branched well from a reservoir (29), the system including a completed main well (27) having at least one uncompleted branch well (25), an annulus (24) defined between the reservoir (29) and a production pipe (1) of the completed main well (27) and at least two successive swell packers or constrictors (26) defining at least one longitudinal section of the main well (27) and within which at least one branch well (25) is arranged, and including at least one autonomous valve (2) arranged in the longitudinal section of the main well (27) defined between the two successive swell packers or constrictors (26). The uncompleted branch wells (25) are provided to increase the drainage area, i.e., maximum reservoir contact (MRC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 8517099
    Abstract: A tubular member having at least one drainage section (1) including a first plurality of self-adjustable valves or flow control devices (2) to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well formed in a subterranean reservoir, each of the valves (2) comprising an inlet or aperture (10), thereby forming a flow path (11) through the control device (2) passing by a movable disc or body (9) designed to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and any stagnation pressure created over the disc (9), whereby the valve (2), depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, autonomously adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design. To allow injection of fluid into the subterranean reservoir, the drainage section (1) is provided with a second plurality of such self-adjustable valves (32), each being situated in a direction opposite of the first plurality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Statoil Asa
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 8485258
    Abstract: A method for injecting a fluid into an oil and or gas reservoir or formation, in which the fluid flows into the reservoir or formation through a plurality of autonomous valves or flow control devices (2) provided along an injector (24), the valves (2) having a substantially constant flow-through volume above a given differential pressure for autonomously adjusting the flow of the fluid in order to ensure a substantially constant volume rate from the injector (24) to the reservoir or formation along an injector length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20130008513
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for reversed flow through a self-adjustable (autonomous) valve or flow control device (2), comprising the step of providing an overpressure on the side of the valve (2) opposite of the side of the inlet (10) exceeding a predetermined biasing force of the resilient member (24) causing lifting of the inner body part (4a) within the outer body part (4b) against said biasing force from a first position of fluid flow between an inner and an outer side of the valve (2) via the flow path (11) and to a second position of reversed fluid flow between said inner and outer side through the second flow path (25). An improved self-adjustable (autonomous) valve or flow control device (2) and use of said improved valve or flow control device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Vidar Mathiesen, Björnar Werswick
  • Publication number: 20130000883
    Abstract: A thermal hydrocarbon recovery apparatus comprises: a plurality of steam injector tubes each provided with a plurality of injector autonomous inflow control devices, AICDs, spaced apart from each other along the length of each steam injector tube; a plurality of production tubes each provided with a plurality of production autonomous inflow control devices, AICDs, spaced apart from each other along the length of each production tube; wherein said injector AICDs are arranged to inject steam into a geological formation so as to reduce the viscosity of hydrocarbons in the formation; and wherein said production AICDs are arranged to permit the flow of heated hydrocarbons into said production tubes for movement to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Haavard Aakre, Rex Man Shing Wat, Vidar Mathiesen, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Publication number: 20120031625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving flow stability for a multiphase fluid flowing through a tubular element (1), comprising arranging a flow control device (2) along a flow path (F) through the tubular element (1), the flow control device (2) comprising a housing (4), an inlet (10) arranged on an upstream side of the control device (2), an outlet (23, 13) arranged on a downstream side of the control device (2), and a movable body (9) provided within the housing (4) along an internal flow path (11) through the control device (2) from the inlet (10) to the outlet (23, 13), the body (9) being arranged such that changes in velocity and/or properties and/or composition of the fluid flowing along the internal flow path (11) result in changes to the forces acting on the body (9) as a result of the Bernoulli principle, thereby adjusting the flow of fluid through the control device (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Statoil Petroleum ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre, Arne Valle
  • Publication number: 20110073313
    Abstract: A device for fixing a valve (1) to a tubular member (2) being situated in wellbore formed in a subterranean reservoir and is having at least one drainage section (11) including a plurality of such valves as to allow the flow of fluid into and out from the tubular member, respectively. According to the present invention the valve (2) is secured to the tubular member (1) by means of a sleeve portion (3), the sleeve portion being part of the valve or is formed like a separate sleeve (4) into which the valve is to be arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre, Bjørnar Werswick
  • Publication number: 20110056578
    Abstract: A tubular member having at least one drainage section (1) including a first plurality of self-adjustable valves or flow control devices (2) to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well formed in a subterranean reservoir, each of the valves (2) comprising an inlet or aperture (10), thereby forming a flow path (11) through the control device (2) passing by a movable disc or body (9) designed to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and any stagnation pressure created over the disc (9), whereby the valve (2), depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, autonomously adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design. To allow injection of fluid into the subterranean reservoir, the drainage section (1) is provided with a second plurality of such self-adjustable valves (32), each being situated in a direction opposite of the first plurality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20110056700
    Abstract: A system for recompletion of an old well in order to achieve an increased oil recovery from a reservoir, said system comprising a pipe inserted into the old well, at least two constrictors or swell packers being arranged along the length of the recompleted well and defining a well section between two successive constrictors or swell packers, said system further comprising at least one autonomous valve arranged in said well section defined between said two successive swell packers or constrictors. Disclosed is also a method for recompletion of an old well in order to achieve an increased oil recovery from a reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20110048732
    Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of fluid in a branched well from a reservoir (29), the system comprising a completed main well (27) having at least one uncompleted branch well (25), an annulus (24) defined between the reservoir (29) and a production pipe (1) of the completed main well (27) and at least two successive swell packers or constrictors (26) defining at least one longitudinal section of the main well (27) and within which at least one branch well (25) is arranged, and comprising at least one autonomous valve (2) arranged in said longitudinal section of the main well (27) defined between said two successive swell packers or constrictors (26). The uncompleted branch wells (25) are provided to increase the drainage area, i.e. maximum reservoir contact (MRC). Disclosed is also a method for controlling the flow of fluid in a branched well from a reservoir (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20110017311
    Abstract: A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet (10?) and further through a flow path of the control device (2) passing by a non-disc shaped movable body (9?) which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the body (9?), whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Publication number: 20110011590
    Abstract: A method for injecting a fluid into an oil and or gas reservoir or formation, in which the fluid flows into the reservoir or formation through a plurality of autonomous valves or flow control devices (2) provided along an injector (24), the valves (2) having a substantially constant flow-through volume above a given differential pressure for autonomously adjusting the flow of the fluid in order to ensure a substantially constant volume rate from the injector (24) to the reservoir or formation along an injector length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 7819196
    Abstract: A method and a device in connection with an actuator intended for use in connection with a fluid flow or fluid reservoir, in particular an actuator that is designed to be used in connection with a drainage pipe (8) for the production of oil and/or gas in an oil and/or gas reservoir. An osmotic cell (9) is used to operate the actuator (10). The osmotic cell is placed in the fluid flow, whereby the necessary force and motion for the actuator (10) to adjust or drive a fluid control device or valve are achieved by utilizing the osmotic pressure difference between the solution in the cell (9) and an external fluid flow/reservoir in relation to the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventor: Haavard Aakre