Patents by Inventor John Lievois
John Lievois 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: 11815380Abstract: Near-Infrared (NIR) filter photometry is used to calculate component concentrations in multiphase flows. The disclosed methodology adapts the Beer-Lambert law for nonhomogeneous immiscible mixtures (such as oil and water) by modeling the fluid layer as a nonhomogeneous distribution of its components and deriving a mathematical relationship between measured absorbances, component path lengths, and non-homogeneity factors. The methodology is integrated into a multi-channel filter photometer to measure phase concentrations in oil-and-gas pipelines. The system is proven more accurate than current state of the art based on data from simulations, multiphase flow laboratories and field trials.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Vijay Ramakrishnan, John Lievois
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Publication number: 20230324291Abstract: A passive optical methane detection and monitoring system for fixed-position installation is disclosed. The system disclosed can be a compact scannable field of view Near Infrared (NIR) filter photometer to detect and quantify methane concentration. A randomized fiber optic bundle is disclosed that can be used to direct the randomized total optical power from a collection lens to two or more isolated optical channels. Band pass filters isolate a desired wavelength range for transmission measurements for the two or more channels. Also disclosed is a dynamic detection mode that works as a flag to detect a plume of methane moving within the field of view. In other embodiments, a second methane detection device can be added at a second perimeter position to provide a three dimensional concentration grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Blue Sky Measurements, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, Tanner Lievois, Clifford Ray Hawkins
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Patent number: 11692932Abstract: A low cost, low power, passive optical methane monitoring system for fixed-position installation at oil and gas production well pads and gathering centers is disclosed. The optical methane monitoring system disclosed can be a scannable field of view Near Infrared (NIR) filter photometer to detect and quantify methane concentration in a two dimensional or a three dimensional grid above and around a facility. A randomized fiber optic bundle is disclosed that can be used to direct the total optical power from a collection lens to two or more isolated optical channels. Band pass filters isolate a desired wavelength range for transmission measurements for the two or more channels. Also disclosed is an absorption algorithm which accounts for variable background spectral intensity as well as correcting for water vapor and overall scattering effects to measure methane concentration for a given field of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Inventors: John Lievois, Tanner Lievois
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Publication number: 20220412784Abstract: Near-Infrared (NIR) filter photometry is used to calculate component concentrations in multiphase flows. The disclosed methodology adapts the Beer-Lambert law for nonhomogeneous immiscible mixtures (such as oil and water) by modeling the fluid layer as a nonhomogeneous distribution of its components and deriving a mathematical relationship between measured absorbances, component path lengths, and non-homogeneity factors. The methodology is integrated into a multi-channel filter photometer to measure phase concentrations in oil-and-gas pipelines. The system is proven more accurate than current state of the art based on data from simulations, multiphase flow laboratories and field trials.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Vijay Ramakrishnan, John Lievois
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Publication number: 20220357273Abstract: A low cost, low power, passive optical methane monitoring system for fixed-position installation at oil and gas production well pads and gathering centers is disclosed. The optical methane monitoring system disclosed can be a scannable field of view Near Infrared (NIR) filter photometer to detect and quantify methane concentration in a two dimensional or a three dimensional grid above and around a facility. A randomized fiber optic bundle is disclosed that can be used to direct the total optical power from a collection lens to two or more isolated optical channels. Band pass filters isolate a desired wavelength range for transmission measurements for the two or more channels. Also disclosed is an absorption algorithm which accounts for variable background spectral intensity as well as correcting for water vapor and overall scattering effects to measure methane concentration for a given field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2021Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Blue Sky Measurements, Inc.Inventors: TANNER LIEVOIS, JOHN LIEVOIS
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Patent number: 11448536Abstract: Near-Infrared (NIR) filter photometry is used to calculate component concentrations in multiphase flows. The disclosed methodology adapts the Beer-Lambert law for nonhomogeneous immiscible mixtures (such as oil and water) by modeling the fluid layer as a nonhomogeneous distribution of its components and deriving a mathematical relationship between measured absorbances, component path lengths, and non-homogeneity factors. The methodology is integrated into a multi-channel filter photometer to measure phase concentrations in oil-and-gas pipelines. The system is proven more accurate than current state of the art based on data from simulations, multiphase flow laboratories and field trials.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Vijay Ramakrishnan, John Lievois
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Publication number: 20210116276Abstract: Near-Infrared (NIR) filter photometry is used to calculate component concentrations in multiphase flows. The disclosed methodology adapts the Beer-Lambert law for nonhomogeneous immiscible mixtures (such as oil and water) by modeling the fluid layer as a nonhomogeneous distribution of its components and deriving a mathematical relationship between measured absorbances, component path lengths, and non-homogeneity factors. The methodology is integrated into a multi-channel filter photometer to measure phase concentrations in oil-and-gas pipelines. The system is proven more accurate than current state of the art based on data from simulations, multiphase flow laboratories and field trials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2019Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Vijay Ramakrishnan, John Lievois
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Patent number: 9347310Abstract: Multiphase flow measurement in extreme environments such as subsea or in-well is a difficult task for many reasons including reliability, survivability, and longevity issues; accessibility to the equipment; and complexity of the varying flow field as a function of position and time. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques and apparatus for performing subsea multiphase flow measurement by combining two technologies. One is based on infrared water-cut measurement technology which is capable of measuring water and oil concentrations in multiphase flow with up to 99.5% gas volume fractions. The second technology is based on in-well fiber-optic flow measurement capable of resolving gas and total liquid flow through the measurements of flow velocity, fluid mixture speed of sound, and absolute pressure and temperature at meter location. This hybrid system represents an approach to subsea multiphase metering that may offer advantages compared to traditional systems for some applications.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Omer Haldun Unalmis, John Lievois
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Patent number: 9002650Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining phase fractions (relative concentrations) within a multiphase fluid mixture, in the presence of an injected hydrate inhibitor. Combining this phase fraction information with a hydrate inhibitor injection rate (HIIR) enables resolving oil and water flow rates for the phase fractions. The liquid flow rates and a total combined flow rate of the fluid mixture—determined based on a differential pressure of the fluid mixture through a given area—enable resolving a gas flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, Vijay Ramakrishnan, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Publication number: 20140076547Abstract: Multiphase flow measurement in extreme environments such as subsea or in-well is a difficult task for many reasons including reliability, survivability, and longevity issues; accessibility to the equipment; and complexity of the varying flow field as a function of position and time. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques and apparatus for performing subsea multiphase flow measurement by combining two technologies. One is based on infrared water-cut measurement technology which is capable of measuring water and oil concentrations in multiphase flow with up to 99.5% gas volume fractions. The second technology is based on in-well fiber-optic flow measurement capable of resolving gas and total liquid flow through the measurements of flow velocity, fluid mixture speed of sound, and absolute pressure and temperature at meter location. This hybrid system represents an approach to subsea multiphase metering that may offer advantages compared to traditional systems for some applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.Inventors: Omer Haldun Unalmis, John Lievois
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Patent number: 8569686Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a phase fraction of a flow stream are disclosed. An infrared phase fraction meter includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared radiation that includes first and second wavelength bands. The first wavelength band substantially transmits through first and second phases of the flow stream and is substantially absorbed by a third phase. In contrast, the second wavelength band is substantially absorbed by the second phase relative to the first and third phases. One or more detectors simultaneously detect attenuation of the first and second wavelength bands upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream, and a phase fraction of the second phase is determined based on the attenuation. As an example, the first, second and third phases are gas, water and oil, respectively, produced from a well.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, David Atkinson
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Patent number: 8461519Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, Espen S. Johansen, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Patent number: 8436309Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a phase fraction of a flow stream are disclosed. An infrared phase fraction meter includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared radiation that includes first and second wavelength bands. The first wavelength band substantially transmits through first and second phases of the flow stream and is substantially absorbed by a third phase. In contrast, the second wavelength band is substantially absorbed by the second phase relative to the first and third phases. One or more detectors simultaneously detect attenuation of the first and second wavelength bands upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream, and a phase fraction of the second phase is determined based on the attenuation. As an example, the first, second and third phases are gas, water and oil, respectively, produced from a well.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, David Atkinson
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Publication number: 20120318502Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: John Lievois, Espen S. Johansen, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Publication number: 20120251335Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring phase flow rate of the components of a multiphase fluid in a conduit. A pumping system pumps out a multiphase fluid from a wellbore. At least one processor, which may also control the pump, is used to determine the total liquid flow rate over time. An optical phase fraction meter (e.g., an infrared filter photometer) is used to determine the real-time phase fraction of the components of the multiphase fluid. Algorithms are used to calculate the volumetric flow rates of the individual components of the multiphase fluid based upon the total liquid flow rate and the phase fraction. Embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive system capable of measuring real time water-to-oil ratios in mature fields, where the water-to-oil ratio is high and the oil per-well production is low.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: GREGG HURST, John Lievois, Ken George Booth
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Patent number: 8274041Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, Espen S. Johansen, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Publication number: 20120080587Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: JOHN LIEVOIS, Espen S. Johansen, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Publication number: 20120046870Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining phase fractions (relative concentrations) within a multiphase fluid mixture, in the presence of an injected hydrate inhibitor. Combining this phase fraction information with a hydrate inhibitor injection rate (HIIR) enables resolving oil and water flow rates for the phase fractions. The liquid flow rates and a total combined flow rate of the fluid mixture—determined based on a differential pressure of the fluid mixture through a given area—enable resolving a gas flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: John Lievois, Vijay Ramakrishnan, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Patent number: 8039793Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: John Lievois, Espen S. Johansen, Babajide Adejuyigbe
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Publication number: 20110114832Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable monitoring a hydrocarbon well for water within a flow stream of the well. A water detector includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared light that includes a water absorbent wavelength band. A detector detects attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream. The water detector outputs a presence of water and/or a phase fraction or quantification of water as determined based on the attenuation. Detecting attenuation of a substantially transmissive wavelength band with respect to water simultaneously with detection of the attenuation of the water absorbent wavelength band can enable correction for non-wavelength dependent attenuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: John Lievois, Espen S. Johansen, Babajide Adejuyigbe