Patents by Inventor Jackie C. Sims
Jackie C. Sims 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: 10344585Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of flow control devices, static mixers, and wellbore assemblies for use in the injection of steam into a formation. Usage of one or more of these items may increase recovery of hydrocarbon from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Richard Scot Buell, Jackie C. Sims
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Patent number: 10233744Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for profiling steam injected into a formation. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a dataset of temperature surveillance data, acoustic surveillance data, surface injection data, downhole pressure measurement device data, downhole temperature measurement device data, or any combination thereof. The method further include determining annular temperature profiles, tubing temperature profiles, behind liner temperature profiles, or any combination thereof from the dataset based on configuration of the fiber optic surveillance system in the well and design of the well. The method further includes using flow diagnostic results based on the dataset, the annular temperature profiles, the tubing temperature profiles, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Mahdy Shirdel, Michael John Wells, Richard Scot Buell, Jackie C. Sims
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Patent number: 10233745Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of sealing assemblies for packers and wellbore assemblies for use in the injection of steam into a formation. Usage of one or more of these items may increase recovery of hydrocarbon from the formation.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Jackie C. Sims, Richard Scot Buell
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Publication number: 20160281494Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable medium for profiling steam injected into a formation. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a dataset of temperature surveillance data, acoustic surveillance data, surface injection data, downhole pressure measurement device data, downhole temperature measurement device data, or any combination thereof. The method further include determining annular temperature profiles, tubing temperature profiles, behind liner temperature profiles, or any combination thereof from the dataset based on configuration of the fiber optic surveillance system in the well and design of the well. The method further includes using flow diagnostic results based on the dataset, the annular temperature profiles, the tubing temperature profiles, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Mahdy Shirdel, Michael John Wells, Richard Scot Buell, Jackie C. Sims
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Publication number: 20160281471Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of flow control devices, static mixers, and wellbore assemblies for use in the injection of steam into a formation. Usage of one or more of these items may increase recovery of hydrocarbon from the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Richard Scot Buell, Jackie C. Sims
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Publication number: 20160281456Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of sealing assemblies for packers and wellbore assemblies for use in the injection of steam into a formation. Usage of one or more of these items may increase recovery of hydrocarbon from the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Jackie C. Sims, Richard Scot Buell
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Patent number: 9022119Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed tubing string includes outlets that deliver steam more uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Jackie C. Sims
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Publication number: 20140041852Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed tubing string includes outlets that deliver steam more uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Jackie C. Sims
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Patent number: 8297368Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Corbett, Larry J. Chrusch, Jackie C. Sims, Krystian K. Maskos, Luis C. Bianco
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Publication number: 20110094756Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Thomas G. Corbett, Larry J. Chrusch, Jackie C. Sims, Krystian K. Maskos, Luis C. Bianco
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Publication number: 20110094727Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed tubing string includes outlets that deliver steam more uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Jackie C. SIMS
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Publication number: 20110094728Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed tubing string includes outlets that deliver steam more uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Jackie C. SIMS
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Publication number: 20110094755Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: THOMAS G. CORBETT, LARRY J. CHRUSCH, JACKIE C. SIMS, KRYSTIAN K. MASKOS, LUIS C. BIANCO
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Patent number: 7350577Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for injecting a compressible fluid at a controlled flow rate into a geological formation at multiple zones of interest. In one aspect, the invention provides a tubing string with a pocket and a nozzle at each isolated zone. The nozzle permits a predetermined, controlled flow rate to be maintained at higher annulus to tubing pressure ratios. In another aspect, the present invention assures that the fluid is supplied uniformly to a long horizontal wellbore by providing controlled injection at multiple locations that are distributed throughout the length of the wellbore. In another aspect, the invention ensures that saturated steam is injected into a formation in a predetermined proportion of water and vapor by providing a plurality of apertures between a tubing wall and a pocket.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: William F. Howard, Jackie C. Sims, Dudley L. Robinson, Ronald W. Schmidt
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Patent number: 6708763Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for injecting a compressible fluid at a controlled flow rate into a geological formation at multiple zones of interest. In one aspect, the invention provides a tubing string with a pocket and a nozzle at each isolated zone. The nozzle permits a predetermined, controlled flow rate to be maintained at higher annulus to tubing pressure ratios. The nozzle includes a diffuser portion to recover lost steam pressure associated with critical flow as the steam exits the nozzle and enters a formation via perforations in wellbore casing. In another aspect, the invention ensures steam is injected into a formation in a predetermined proportion of water and vapor by providing a plurality of apertures between a tubing wall and a pocket. The apertures provide distribution of steam that maintains a relative mixture of water and vapor.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: William F. Howard, Jackie C. Sims, Dudley L. Robinson, Ronald W. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20030173086Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and apparatus for injecting a compressible fluid at a controlled flow rate into a geological formation at multiple zones of interest. In one aspect, the invention provides a tubing string with a pocket and a nozzle at each isolated zone. The nozzle permits a predetermined, controlled flow rate to be maintained at higher annulus to tubing pressure ratios. The nozzle includes a diffuser portion to recover lost steam pressure associated with critical flow as the steam exits the nozzle and enters a formation via perforations in wellbore casing. In another aspect, the invention ensures steam is injected into a formation in a predetermined proportion of water and vapor by providing a plurality of apertures between a tubing wall and a pocket. The apertures provide distribution of steam that maintains a relative mixture of water and vapor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: William F. Howard, Jackie C. Sims, Dudley L. Robinson, Ronald W. Schmidt
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Patent number: 4982383Abstract: A sonde in a well logging system of the present invention includes caliper means providing a diameter signal corresponding to the diameter of a borehole traversing an earth formation. First and second transducers which, when so controlled, transmit an ultrasonic acoustical pulse into fluid flowing in the borehole or provides an electrical pulse in accordance with a received acoustical pulse from the fluid. A control network controls both transducers so that during one part of a measurement the first transducer transmits an acoustical pulse into the fluid while the second transducer receives an acoustical pulse after it has passed through the fluid. During another part of the measurement the second transducer is controlled to transmit an acoustical pulse into the fluid while the first transducer is controlled to receive the acoustical pulse after it has passed through the fluid and provides a signal in accordance with the received acoustical pulse.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1988Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Jackie C. Sims, Irwin R. Supernaw
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Patent number: 4974777Abstract: The control system and method of the present invention controls a heat treater receiving wet gas from a pipeline. The heat treater reduces the water content of the gas to provide dry gas to the pipeline. A sensor monitors the wet gas and provides a signal corresponding to the water content of the wet gas. A second sensor monitors the dry gas and provides a signal corresponding to the water content of the dry gas. A difference signal corresponding to the difference between the two water content signals. Apparatus controls the flow of fuel to the heat treater, so as to control the drying process, in accordance with the water content signal of the wet gas and the difference signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Dowling, Jackie C. Sims, Albert P. Richter
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Patent number: 4939362Abstract: The present invention is a density meter which includes a well logging sonde that is inserted into a borehole traversing an earthen formation. The sonde includes within it a source which emits gamma rays into the borehole fluid and a detector assembly which detects gamma rays from the borehole fluid and provides a count signal corresponding to a count of the detected gamma rays. A caliper is also located in the sonde and it continually measures the diameter of the borehole as the sonde moves through the borehole and provides a caliper signal corresponding to the diameter measurement. A cable connected to the detector assembly and to the caliper conveys the count signal and a caliper signal to the surface where surface electronics includes apparatus which processes the count signal and the caliper signal to provide a signal corresponding to the density of the fluid in the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1988Date of Patent: July 3, 1990Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Irwin R. Supernaw, Jackie C. Sims
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Patent number: 4905203Abstract: A well logging system which monitors the flow rate of a fluid flowing in a borehole traversing an earth formation includes a sonde. A transmitter located in the sonde transmits acoustical waves into the fluid at a predetermined frequency. A receiver also located in the sonde receives reflected acoustical waves. The receiver also provides a signal corresponding to the received reflected acoustical waves. The provided signal is processed for being sent uphole by way of a cable. Electronics at the surface include circuitry which derives the velocity of the fluid in accordance with the frequency of the processed signal and the predetermined frequency. The circuitry provides an output signal corresponding to the derived velocity of the fluid flowing the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1988Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventors: Jackie C. Sims, Irwin R. Supernaw