Patents by Inventor John Ratulowski
John Ratulowski 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: 11684917Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus includes a substrate defining a microchannel having inlet and an outlet defining a length of the microchannel. The microchannel has a main channel extending from the inlet to the outlet, and a plurality of side cavities extending from the main channel. The cavities are in fluid communication with the main channel. A method includes introducing a sample into the microchannel through the inlet to fill the entire microchannel, and then introducing a solvent into the microchannel through the inlet at a controlled flow rate and inlet pressure. A developed solvent front then moves along the main channel from the inlet to the outlet while displacing the sample in the main channel. Images of the microchannel are acquired as the front moves, and a miscibility condition is determined based on the images.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Shahnawaz Hossain Molla, John Ratulowski, Farshid Mostowfi, Jinglin Gao
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Patent number: 11118428Abstract: A method for performing a simulation of a field having a subterranean formation is described. The method includes obtaining phase behavior data of subterranean fluids of the field, generating an equation of state (EOS) model of the fluids based on the phase behavior data, generating a Helmholtz free energy model that reproduces predictions of the EOS model over a pre-determined pressure and temperature range, and performing the simulation of the field using the Helmholtz free energy model. The method may further include reducing the EOS model to a reduced EOS model having a reduced number of components to represent the EOS model over a pre-determined pressure and temperature range, generating the Helmholtz free energy model based on the reduced EOS model, and obtaining and using phase behavior data of injection fluids used. A computer system data.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: John Ratulowski, Denis Klemin, Mark Andersen, Oleg Dinariev, Nikolay Vyacheslavovich Evseev, Evgeny Ivanov, Sergey Sergeevich Safonov, Dmitry Anatolievich Koroteev
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Patent number: 10895544Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus has a microchannel that includes at least one vertically oriented segment with a top section having a relatively wide opening and a bottom section having a relatively narrow opening. The top section is larger in volume relative to the bottom sections, and the middle sections taper down in at least one dimension from the top section to the bottom section. One or tens or hundreds of vertically-oriented segments may be provided, and they are fluidly coupled to each other. Each segment acts as a pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) cell, and the microchannel apparatus may be used to determine a parameter of a fluid containing hydrocarbons such as the dew point of the fluid or the liquid drop-out as a function of pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Shahnawaz Hossain Molla, Farshid Mostowfi, John Ratulowski
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Publication number: 20200290040Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus includes a substrate defining a microchannel having inlet and an outlet defining a length of the microchannel. The microchannel has a main channel extending from the inlet to the outlet, and a plurality of side cavities extending from the main channel. The cavities are in fluid communication with the main channel. A method includes introducing a sample into the microchannel through the inlet to fill the entire microchannel, and then introducing a solvent into the microchannel through the inlet at a controlled flow rate and inlet pressure. A developed solvent front then moves along the main channel from the inlet to the outlet while displacing the sample in the main channel. Images of the microchannel are acquired as the front moves, and a miscibility condition is determined based on the images.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Shahnawaz Hossain Molla, John Ratulowski, Farshid Mostowfi, Jinglin Gao
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Patent number: 10465483Abstract: A method for performing simulation of a field having a subterranean formation, including: obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) porous solid image of a core sample, the core sample representing a portion of the field; generating a digital rock model from the solid image, the digital rock model describing a physical pore structure in the core sample; obtaining phase behavior data of fluids of the field; generating a digital fluid model of the fluids based on the phase behavior data, the digital fluid model describing a physical property of the fluid; performing, on a computer system and based on the digital rock model and the digital fluid model, simulations of the field by varying an input parameter for the simulations; and analyzing an output parameter generated by the simulations to determine an effect of varying the input parameter on the output parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Mark Andersen, Denis Klemin, Alexander Nikolaevich Nadeev, Omer M. Gurpinar, John Ratulowski
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Patent number: 9869624Abstract: An apparatus (and method) for characterizing interfacial tension between a non-wetting phase fluid and a wetting phase fluid of a slug flow employs a capillary structure that is configured to contain a slug of the non-wetting phase fluid of the slug flow. The slug has a leading edge meniscus and a trailing edge meniscus, and the capillary structure has a venturi-like section. A pressure sensor is configured to measure differential pressure between first and second locations of the capillary structure. The first location is disposed upstream of the leading edge meniscus of the slug with the leading edge meniscus of the slug contained within the venturi-like section. The second location is disposed downstream of the trailing edge meniscus of the slug. Data processing means is configured to derive a measure of interfacial tension based upon the differential pressure measured by the pressure sensor and, optionally, geometry of the capillary structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Geza Horvath Szabo, John Ratulowski, Dmitry Eskin
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Publication number: 20170227479Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus has a microchannel that includes at least one vertically oriented segment with a top section having a relatively wide opening and a bottom section having a relatively narrow opening. The top section is larger in volume relative to the bottom sections, and the middle sections taper down in at least one dimension from the top section to the bottom section. One or tens or hundreds of vertically-oriented segments may be provided, and they are fluidly coupled to each other. Each segment acts as a pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) cell, and the microchannel apparatus may be used to determine a parameter of a fluid containing hydrocarbons such as the dew point of the fluid or the liquid drop-out as a function of pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Shahnawaz Hossain Molla, Farshid Mostowfi, John Ratulowski
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Patent number: 9689858Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: John Ratulowski, Shahnawaz Molla, Vincent Sieben, Farshid Mostowfi, Shawn Taylor, Christopher Harrison, Shunsuke Fukagawa, Elizabeth Smythe, Matthew Sullivan, John Meier
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Publication number: 20170115266Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: John Ratulowski, Shahnawaz Molla, Vincent Sieben, Farshid Mostowfi, Shawn Taylor, Christopher Harrison, Shunsuke Fukagawa, Elizabeth Smythe, Matthew Sullivan, John Meier
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Publication number: 20160319640Abstract: A method for performing a simulation of a field having a subterranean formation is described. The method includes obtaining phase behavior data of subterranean fluids of the field, generating an equation of state (EOS) model of the fluids based on the phase behavior data, generating a Helmholtz free energy model that reproduces predictions of the EOS model over a pre-determined pressure and temperature range, and performing the simulation of the field using the Helmholtz free energy model. The method may further include reducing the EOS model to a reduced EOS model having a reduced number of components to represent the EOS model over a pre-determined pressure and temperature range, generating the Helmholtz free energy model based on the reduced EOS model, and obtaining and using phase behavior data of injection fluids used. A computer system data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: John Ratulowski, Denis Klemin, Mark Andersen, Oleg Dinariev, Nikolay Vyacheslavovich Evseev, Evgeny Ivanov, Sergey Sergeevich Safonov, Dmitry Anatolievich Koroteev
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Publication number: 20160194940Abstract: A method for performing simulation of a field having a subterranean formation, including: obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) porous solid image of a core sample, the core sample representing a portion of the field; generating a digital rock model from the solid image, the digital rock model describing a physical pore structure in the core sample; obtaining phase behavior data of fluids of the field; generating a digital fluid model of the fluids based on the phase behavior data, the digital fluid model describing a physical property of the fluid; performing, on a computer system and based on the digital rock model and the digital fluid model, simulations of the field by varying an input parameter for the simulations; and analyzing an output parameter generated by the simulations to determine an effect of varying the input parameter on the output parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2014Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Mark ANDERSEN, Denis KLEMIN, Alexender Nikolaevich NADEEV, Omer M. GURPINAR, John RATULOWSKI
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Publication number: 20140316722Abstract: An apparatus (and method) for characterizing interfacial tension between a non-wetting phase fluid and a wetting phase fluid of a slug flow employs a capillary structure that is configured to contain a slug of the non-wetting phase fluid of the slug flow. The slug has a leading edge meniscus and a trailing edge meniscus, and the capillary structure has a venturi-like section. A pressure sensor is configured to measure differential pressure between first and second locations of the capillary structure. The first location is disposed upstream of the leading edge meniscus of the slug with the leading edge meniscus of the slug contained within the venturi-like section. The second location is disposed downstream of the trailing edge meniscus of the slug. Data processing means is configured to derive a measure of interfacial tension based upon the differential pressure measured by the pressure sensor and, optionally, geometry of the capillary structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Geza Horvath Szabo, John Ratulowski, Dmitry Eskin
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Patent number: 8825408Abstract: Methods and systems to characterize a fluid in a reservoir to determine if the fluid is in one of equilibrium or non-equilibrium in terms of one of gravity, solvency power, entropy effect or some combination thereof. The method includes acquiring tool data at each depth for each fluid sample of at least two fluid samples wherein each fluid sample is at a different depth and communicating the tool data to a processor. Determining formation properties of each fluid sample to obtain formation property data and determining fluid properties for each fluid sample to obtain fluid property data. Selecting a mathematical model based on one of gravity, solvency power or entropy, in view of a fluid property, using one of tool data, formation property data, fluid property data, known fluid reservoir data or some combination thereof, to predict if the fluid is in an equilibrium distribution or a non-equilibrium distribution.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Denise E Freed, Kentaro Indo, Oliver C Mullins, John Ratulowski, Julian Zuo
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Patent number: 8380446Abstract: A system for determining the phase envelope of a gas condensate includes a microfluidic device defining an entrance passageway, an exit passageway, and a microchannel in fluid communication with the passageways. The system includes an input sample bottle in fluid communication with the entrance passageway and a first pump associated with the input sample bottle for urging the gas condensate, in the input sample bottle, into the entrance passageway. The system further includes an output sample bottle in fluid communication with the exit passageway and a second pump associated with the output sample bottle for pressurizing the gas condensate, in the output sample bottle, into the exit passageway in opposition to the first pump. The system includes a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the gas condensate in the microchannel. The first pump and the second pump operate to provide a desired pressure drop across the microchannel.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Farshid Mostowfi, Anil Singh, John Ratulowski
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Publication number: 20110307186Abstract: A system for determining the phase envelope of a gas condensate includes a microfluidic device defining an entrance passageway, an exit passageway, and a microchannel in fluid communication with the passageways. The system includes an input sample bottle in fluid communication with the entrance passageway and a first pump associated with the input sample bottle for urging the gas condensate, in the input sample bottle, into the entrance passageway. The system further comprises an output sample bottle in fluid communication with the exit passageway and a second pump associated with the output sample bottle for pressurizing the gas condensate, in the output sample bottle, into the exit passageway in opposition to the first pump. The system comprises a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the gas condensate in the microchannel. The first pump and the second pump operate to provide a desired pressure drop across the microchannel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Farshid Mostowfi, Anil Singh, John Ratulowski
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Publication number: 20110284239Abstract: There is disclosed a non-stick apparatus, comprising a liquid storage or conveyance article comprising a first material; a coating on an internal surface of the article comprising a second material; wherein the second material comprises a critical surface tension value less than 75 mN/m and a hardness value of at least 5 measured on a Moh's scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Jamie Burgess, Zhongxin Huo, Stanley N. Milam, Sandrine Poteau, Karthik Ramanathan, John Ratulowski
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Patent number: 7933018Abstract: The present invention contemplates implementation of transitory downhole video imaging and/or spectral imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for permanent and/or long term installations. The present invention contemplates various methods and apparatus that facilitate one-time or ongoing downhole fluid characterization by video analysis in real time. The methods and systems may be particularly well suited to permanent and periodic intervention-based operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Ahmed Hammami, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Terry Sopkow, John Ratulowski, John A. Kerr, Francois Auzerais, Robert J. Schroeder, Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Andrew L. Kurkjian, Laurent Prouvost
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Publication number: 20100276432Abstract: There is disclosed a non-stick cookware apparatus, comprising a cookware article comprising a first material; a coating on the cookware article comprising a second material; wherein the second material comprises a critical surface tension value less than 75 mN/m and a hardness value of at least 5 measured on a Moh's scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Zhongxin Huo, John RATULOWSKI, Wenhua Yang
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Publication number: 20090312997Abstract: Methods and systems to characterize a fluid in a reservoir to determine if the fluid is in one of equilibrium or non-equilibrium in terms of one of gravity, solvency power, entropy effect or some combination thereof. The method includes acquiring tool data at each depth for each fluid sample of at least two fluid samples wherein each fluid sample is at a different depth and communicating the tool data to a processor. Determining formation properties of each fluid sample to obtain formation property data and determining fluid properties for each fluid sample to obtain fluid property data. Selecting a mathematical model based on one of gravity, solvency power or entropy, in view of a fluid property, using one of tool data, formation property data, fluid property data, known fluid reservoir data or some combination thereof, to predict if the fluid is in an equilibrium distribution or a non-equilibrium distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Denise E. Freed, Kentaro Indo, Oliver C. Mullins, John Ratulowski, Julian Zuo
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Publication number: 20070035736Abstract: The present invention contemplates implementation of transitory downhole video imaging and/or spectral imaging for the characterization of formation fluid samples in situ, as well as during flow through production tubing, including subsea flow lines, for permanent and/or long term installations. The present invention contemplates various methods and apparatus that facilitate one-time or ongoing downhole fluid characterization by video analysis in real time. The methods and systems may be particularly well suited to permanent and periodic intervention-based operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2005Publication date: February 15, 2007Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Ahmed Hammami, Toru Terabayashi, Tsutomu Yamate, Terry Sopkow, John Ratulowski, John Kerr, Francois Auzerais, Robert Schroeder, Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Andrew L. Kurkjian, Laurent Prouvost