Patents by Inventor John W. Harrell

John W. Harrell 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: 7201221
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
  • Patent number: 7040390
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
  • Patent number: 6828547
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sensor Highway Limited
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Patent number: 6787758
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Patent number: 6763883
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically actuating wellbore tools using two-way acoustic communication is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Green, John W. Harrell
  • Publication number: 20040065439
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20030131990
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating, device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Patent number: 6594199
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6531694
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sensor Highway Limited
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Publication number: 20030015319
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically actuating wellbore tools using two-way acoustic communication is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Green, John W. Harrell
  • Publication number: 20020136090
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6450258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically actuating wellbore tools using two-way acoustic communication is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Green, John W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6438070
    Abstract: A pressure pulse sensor and associated methods provide enhanced functionality and convenience in detecting pressure pulses. In a described embodiment, a hydrophone includes a stack of disc-shaped lead titanate piezoelectric crystals enclosed within an epoxy membrane and a mounting portion which is aligned with a center of mass of the crystal stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Birchak, Alvin B. Miller, John W. Harrell
  • Publication number: 20020109080
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Publication number: 20010043509
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically actuating wellbore tools using two-way acoustic communication is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Green, John W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6310829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically actuating wellbore tools using two-way acoustic communication is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Green, John W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 6302204
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at surface receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, Paulo S. Tubel
  • Publication number: 20010020675
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembecke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Patent number: 6281489
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
  • Patent number: 6253848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at s receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, James V. Leggett, III, Paulo S. Tubel