Patents by Inventor Jan Thore Eia

Jan Thore Eia 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: 9376254
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a reactor, the method including circulating a fluid inside the reactor, pumping the fluid from the reactor into an inlet of a tank cleaner, and removing solids from the fluid to produce a clean fluid. The method further includes transferring the clean fluid to the reactor and transferring pneumatically the removed solids to a pressurized vessel. Also, a method for transferring spent granular material, the method including providing a vacuum system disposed at a hydrocarbon production site to remove spent material from a reactor, transferring the spent material through the vacuum system into a pressurized vessel, and conveying pneumatically the spent material from the pressurized vessel to a second pressurized vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: M-I L.L.C., M-I Drilling Fluids UK Limited, SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS
    Inventors: Gordon M. Logan, Jan Thore Eia, Martin Hunter, Richard Bingham, Colin Lauder
  • Patent number: 9175530
    Abstract: A system for mixing fluids for oilfield applications, the system including a first storage vessel (101) configured to hold a first material and a first mixing device (108) in fluid communication with the first storage vessel. The system also including a second mixing device (115) in fluid communication with the first mixing device and a second storage vessel (102) in fluid communication with the second mixing device, wherein the second storage vessel is configured to hold a second material. Additionally, the system including a pump (109) in fluid communication with at least the second storage vessel and the first mixing device, wherein the pump is configured to provide a flow of the second material from the second storage vessel to the first mixing device, and wherein the first mixing device is configured to mix the first material and the second material to produce a wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventors: Jan Thore Eia, Peter Wright, Magnar Kongestol
  • Patent number: 9169087
    Abstract: A method of transferring proppant materials, wherein the method includes providing a first pressurized container (102) containing proppant materials on a first vessel (106). The method also includes connecting the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to a second container (102) on a second vessel (114) and transferring pneumatically, proppant materials from the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to the second container (102) on the second vessel (114). Also, a method of transferring proppant materials, the method including removing a wellbore fluid comprising excess proppant materials from a well, and screening the excess proppant materials from the wellbore fluid. The method also includes transferring the excess proppant materials to a first pressurized container (102) and transferring pneumatically, the excess proppant materials from the first pressurized container to a second pressurized container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventors: John Mackenzie, Peter Wright, Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20140246054
    Abstract: A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8741072
    Abstract: A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8662170
    Abstract: A cuttings transfer system including a separator configured to separate cuttings from a slurry and a transfer line configured to receive the cuttings from the separator. The system further including a valve in fluid communication with the transfer line and the separator, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of the cuttings from the separator to the transfer line, and an air transfer device coupled to the transfer line that is configured to supply a flow of air through the transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20140014214
    Abstract: A multiple process service vessel including a first module configured to mix drilling fluids and a second module configured to remediate drilling waste, wherein the first and second modules are located at least partially below the deck of the vessel. A method of processing drilling components, the method including transferring a first drilling fluid component from a pressurized vessel on a multiple process service vessel to a mixing unit at a first location; mixing the first drilling fluid component with a second drilling fluid component in the mixing unit to produce a drilling fluid; transferring the drilling fluid to a second pressurized vessel; moving the multiple process service vessel to a second location; and transferring the drilling fluid from the second pressurized vessel to a drilling location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Jan Thore Eia, Paal Helmichsen, Peter John Wright
  • Publication number: 20130236286
    Abstract: A method includes attaching a storage unit to a removable frame assembly. The storage unit is then locked to the removable frame assembly. A flow conduit may be connected from the frame assembly to the storage unit and provided with a flow of material between the flow conduit and the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kjell Magne Oksnevad, Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8424818
    Abstract: A system to secure a storage unit on a supply vessel surface includes a first frame module having a first attachment mechanism configured to releasably engage with a second attachment mechanism of a second frame module, and a first valve disposed on the first frame module, wherein the first valve is in fluid communication with a second valve disposed on the second frame module through a central flow pipe. The system further includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the storage unit to at least the first frame module, and at least one flow conduit configured to provide fluid communication between the first valve and the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kjell Magne Oksnevad, Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8371037
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8316963
    Abstract: A method for using a vessel assembly including two or more vessels in multiple drilling unit operations, the method including using a vessel in the container assembly for cuttings storage, and operating at least one vessel in the container system in at least two of a slurrification system, a drilling fluid recycling system, and a tank cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Jan Thore Eia, Gordon M. Logan
  • Patent number: 8215028
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20120168156
    Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20120160566
    Abstract: A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8083935
    Abstract: A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels. Also, a module for use at a drilling location that includes a valve for directing drilling fluid between at least a first cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module and a second cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module. The module further includes a filter system for filtering the drilling fluid and at least one pump for facilitating the flow of the fluid between at least the first and second cuttings storage vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8074509
    Abstract: A system for determining produced drill solids volume including a receiving vessel for receiving drill solids and a pressure vessel coupled to the receiving vessel. The receiving vessel has an isolation valve system to control the flow of drill solids between the receiving vessel and the pressure vessel, and the pressure vessel is adapted to allow a compressed gas to convey drill solids from the pressure vessel to a discharge line. The system also includes a skid having a plurality of weight sensors for weighing the drill solids in the pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel is disposed on the plurality of weight sensors and a programmable logic controller operatively couples to at least the plurality of weight sensors for calculating the weight of the drill solids in the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Richard Bingham, Gordon M. Logan, Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20110284027
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a reactor, the method including circulating a fluid inside the reactor, pumping the fluid from the reactor into an inlet of a tank cleaner, and removing solids from the fluid to produce a clean fluid. The method further includes transferring the clean fluid to the reactor and transferring pneumatically the removed solids to a pressurized vessel. Also, a method for transferring spent granular material, the method including providing a vacuum system disposed at a hydrocarbon production site to remove spent material from a reactor, transferring the spent material through the vacuum system into a pressurized vessel, and conveying pneumatically the spent material from the pressurized vessel to a second pressurized vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: M-I L.L.C., SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS, M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Gordon M. Logan, Jan Thore Eia, Martin Hunter, Richard Bingham, Colin Lauder
  • Publication number: 20110162838
    Abstract: A method of transferring proppant materials, wherein the method includes providing a first pressurized container (102) containing proppant materials on a first vessel (106). The method also includes connecting the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to a second container (102) on a second vessel (114) and transferring pneumatically, proppant materials from the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to the second container (102) on the second vessel (114). Also, a method of transferring proppant materials, the method including removing a wellbore fluid comprising excess proppant materials from a well, and screening the excess proppant materials from the wellbore fluid. The method also includes transferring the excess proppant materials to a first pressurized container (102) and transferring pneumatically, the excess proppant materials from the first pressurized container to a second pressurized container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS
    Inventors: John Mackenzie, Peter Wright, Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20110147087
    Abstract: A cuttings transfer system including a separator configured to separate cuttings from a slurry and a transfer line configured to receive the cuttings from the separator. The system further including a valve in fluid communication with the transfer line and the separator, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of the cuttings from the separator to the transfer line, and an air transfer device coupled to the transfer line that is configured to supply a flow of air through the transfer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20100319921
    Abstract: A system for mixing fluids for oilfield applications, the system including a first storage vessel (101) configured to hold a first material and a first mixing device (108) in fluid communication with the first storage vessel. The system also including a second mixing device (115) in fluid communication with the first mixing device and a second storage vessel (102) in fluid communication with the second mixing device, wherein the second storage vessel is configured to hold a second material. Additionally, the system including a pump (109) in fluid communication with at least the second storage vessel and the first mixing device, wherein the pump is configured to provide a flow of the second material from the second storage vessel to the first mixing device, and wherein the first mixing device is configured to mix the first material and the second material to produce a wellbore fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: M-I SWACO NORGE AS
    Inventors: Jan Thore Eia, Peter Wright, Magnar Kongestol