Patents by Inventor Joseph W. Stolle

Joseph W. Stolle 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: 10738605
    Abstract: A method for testing properties of a pressurized multiphase fluid sample containing at least hydrocarbons and water. The pressurized multiphase fluid sample is placed into a first pressurized chamber of a testing device. The water is separated from the hydrocarbons. At least part of the separated water is flowed through a first outlet in the first pressurized chamber and into a second pressurized chamber. The second pressurized chamber is optionally isolated from the first pressurized chamber. A pH level of the separated water is tested in the second pressurized chamber. Microbial activity and growth is tested for in the pressurized multiphase fluid in the first pressurized chamber. A pressure of the pressurized multiphase fluid is substantially maintained throughout the placing, separating, flowing, isolating, and testing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Stolle, Yao Xiong, Dennis R. Enning, David S. Fischer, Manuel A. Castelan
  • Publication number: 20180275111
    Abstract: A method for testing properties of a pressurized multiphase fluid sample containing at least hydrocarbons and water. The pressurized multiphase fluid sample is placed into a first pressurized chamber of a testing device. The water is separated from the hydrocarbons. At least part of the separated water is flowed through a first outlet in the first pressurized chamber and into a second pressurized chamber. The second pressurized chamber is optionally isolated from the first pressurized chamber. A pH level of the separated water is tested in the second pressurized chamber. Microbial activity and growth is tested for in the pressurized multiphase fluid in the first pressurized chamber. A pressure of the pressurized multiphase fluid is substantially maintained throughout the placing, separating, flowing, isolating, and testing steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph W. Stolle, Yao Xiong, Dennis R. Enning, David S. Fischer, Manuel A. Castelan
  • Patent number: 9194787
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating stratified or dispersed flow dynamics are disclosed herein. The method includes filling an apparatus with a multi-phase mixture that includes an upper phase and a lower phase, wherein the upper phase and the lower phase are immiscible liquids. The method also includes establishing contact between a bottom surface of a rotor drum and a top surface of the upper phase. The method also includes rotating the rotor drum such that the rotation of the rotor drum causes the upper phase to rotate and ultimately causes the lower phrase to also rotate. The method further includes monitoring a parameter of the multi-phase system while the rotor drum is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Chong Li, Joseph W. Stolle, Roy W. Livingston, Bryan M. Oettle
  • Publication number: 20140123778
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating stratified or dispersed flow dynamics are disclosed herein. The method includes filling an apparatus with a multi-phase mixture that includes an upper phase and a lower phase, wherein the upper phase and the lower phase are immiscible liquids. The method also includes establishing contact between a bottom surface of a rotor drum and a top surface of the upper phase. The method also includes rotating the rotor drum such that the rotation of the rotor drum causes the upper phase to rotate and ultimately causes the lower phrase to also rotate. The method further includes monitoring a parameter of the multi-phase system while the rotor drum is rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Chong Li, Joseph W. Stolle, Roy W. Livingston, Bryan M. Oettle
  • Patent number: 8261601
    Abstract: The described invention relates to a method for determining corrosion in wet gas pipelines comprising: a) using a portion of the liquid phase from a wet gas pipeline; b) placing said portion in a high pressure, high temperature autoclave to prepare a saturated vapor phase; c) transferring the saturated vapor to a corrosion test unit, said unit having a specimen holder section having external, temperature adjustable means, and specimens being arranged in one or more positions within the specimen holder; d) chilling said specimen holder section so as to cause condensation onto said corrosion testing specimens; and, e) calculating a value selected from the group consisting of corrosions rate, pitting of the specimen, weight loss of the specimen, and any combination thereof. The invention process can be practiced in a separate laboratory apparatus designed to accomplish the above method, or in a similar online apparatus set up in a semi-batch mode or continuous mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Stolle, Dylan V. Pugh, David A. Norman, Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 8029026
    Abstract: Systems related to threaded connections whereby off-center axial alignment of connected components is maintained. In one embodiment, threads on one connection component are timed to match the timing of the threads on the other connection component. The one component has a connection sleeve screwed thereon. Once the one component and the other component are mated in the desired axial alignment such that the threads on each joint form a continuous, unbroken thread, the connection sleeve is screwed onto the other component to form the threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Stolle, Steven B. Lonnes
  • Publication number: 20100147056
    Abstract: The described invention relates to a method for determining corrosion in wet gas pipelines comprising: a) using a portion of the liquid phase from a wet gas pipeline; b) placing said portion in a high pressure, high temperature autoclave to prepare a saturated vapor phase; c) transferring the saturated vapor to a corrosion test unit, said unit having a specimen holder section having external, temperature adjustable means, and specimens being arranged in one or more positions within the specimen holder; d) chilling said specimen holder section so as to cause condensation onto said corrosion testing specimens; and, e) calculating a value selected from the group consisting of corrosions rate, pitting of the specimen, weight loss of the specimen, and any combination thereof. The invention process can be practiced in a separate laboratory apparatus designed to accomplish the above method, or in a similar online apparatus set up in a semi-batch mode or continuous mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph W. Stolle, Dylan V. Pugh, David A. Norman, Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 4785894
    Abstract: An earth drilling bit incorporating a bit wear indicator. The bit wear indicator includes: a sensor to detect wear at a selected point on the bit; a device for altering the resistance of the bit to receiving drilling fluid from the drill string; and, a tensioned linkage extending between the wear sensor and the flow resistance altering means. On detecting a predetermined degree of wear, the wear sensor releases the tension in the tensioned linkage. This activates the flow resistance altering device, causing the flow rate and/or pumping pressure of the drilling fluid to change. This serves as a signal that the predetermined wear condition has been achieved. The bit wear indicator can be adapted to monitor many different types of bit wear, including bearing wear in roller-cone type bits and gauge wear in all types of bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Albert P. Davis, Jr., Joseph W. Stolle
  • Patent number: 4785895
    Abstract: An earth drilling bit incorporating a tensioned linkage type bit wear indicator. A tensioned linkage extends through the bit between a wear sensor and a device for altering the resistance of the bit to receiving drilling fluid from the drill string. On detecting a predetermined degree of wear, the wear sensor releases the tension in the tensioned linkage. This activates the flow resistance altering device, causing the flow rate and/or pumping pressure of the drilling fluid to change. The tensioned linkage passes through two intersecting passageways in the bit. A guide element is inserted at the intersection of the two intersecting passageways. The guide element routes the tensioned linkage between the two passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Albert P. Davis, Jr., Joseph W. Stolle
  • Patent number: 4655300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting excessive wear of a rotatable bit used in drilling. In particular, the apparatus can detect loss of gauge or bearing failure in a bit. The method is accomplished by connecting a restricting means in the drill bit that can be manipulated to reduce the flow of drilling fluid through at least one port in the drill bit. A wire is connected between a sensor which senses wear and the restriction means to cause the restriction means to reduce the flow of drilling fluid and thereby signal the surface by the reduced flow as an indication of wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co.
    Inventors: Albert P. Davis, Jr., Mark S. Ramsey, Joseph W. Stolle
  • Patent number: 4588243
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-cleaning, self-aligning, downhole make and break mechanical and electrical latch subassembly used in conjunction with logging vertical and deviated boreholes. The latch subassembly uses a pair of rings to self-align the male probe into the female receiver. A debris deflector surface and specially sized debris exit ports are provided to allow the mating of the parts without interference from extraneous downhole debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co.
    Inventors: Mark S. Ramsey, Joseph W. Stolle