Patents by Inventor Julian J. Pop

Julian J. Pop 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).

  • Publication number: 20090200016
    Abstract: A downhole tool for extracting a sample from a subsurface formation includes an emitter of electromagnetic energy configured to heat water in the subsurface formation. A method for extracting a sample from a subsurface formation involves conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore drilled through the subsurface formation, the downhole tool having an emitter of electromagnetic energy configured to heat water in the subsurface formation, and actuating the emitter to expose a portion of the formation to electromagnetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony R.H. Goodwin, Julian J. Pop, Stephen Yeldell, Jason Hueber, Pierre-Yves Corre, Stephane Briquet, Alexander Zazovsky, Carsten Sonne
  • Publication number: 20090194279
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Julian J. Pop, Simon H. Bittleston, Angus J. Melbourne, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • Patent number: 7565835
    Abstract: A method of sampling fluid from a rock formation penetrated by a borehole includes positioning a downhole tool having a flow line in the borehole, establishing an inlet port through which fluid passes from a first point in the formation into the flow line, establishing an outlet port through which fluid passes from the flow line into a second point in the formation, and passing fluid between the formation and the flow line through the inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Simon H. Bittleston, Jonathan W. Brown, Julian J. Pop, Ashley C. Kishino, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Publication number: 20090158837
    Abstract: A system for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes a downhole tool configured to be coupled to a work string that includes a tool body having a longitudinal bore for circulating a fluid and at least one aperture configured to receive at least one module. The system further includes a plurality of modules that are each configured to engage the at least one aperture and at least one cavity configured for receiving a probe, and a plurality of probes that each include at least one orifice configured for testing the formation, wherein a first of the plurality of probes has a first configuration and a second of the plurality of probes has a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Meek, Julian J. Pop, Robert W. Sundquist, Alain P. Dorel, Thomas D. MacDougall
  • Publication number: 20090126996
    Abstract: A sample module for a sampling while drilling tool includes a sample fluid flowline operatively connectable between a sample chamber and an inlet, for passing a downhole fluid. A primary piston divides the sample chamber into a sample volume and a buffer volume and includes a first face in fluid communication with the sample volume and a second face in fluid communication with the buffer volume. An agitator is disposed in the sample volume for agitating the sample fluid. A secondary piston includes a first face in fluid communication with the buffer volume having buffer fluid disposed therein and a second face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Steven G. Villareal, Julian J. Pop, Kent D. Harms, Victor M. Bolze, Reinmart Ciglenec, Michael J. Stucker, Khanh Duong
  • Publication number: 20090049889
    Abstract: A method for determining a property of formations surrounding an earth borehole being drilled with a drill bit at the end of a drill string, using drilling fluid that flows downward through the drill string, exits through the drill bit, and returns toward the earth's surface in the annulus between the drill string and the periphery of the borehole, including the following steps: obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a pre-bit sample of the mud in the drill string as it approaches the drill bit; obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a post-bit sample of the mud in the annulus, entrained with drilled earth formation, after its egression from the drill bit; implementing pre-bit measurements on the pre-bit sample; implementing post-bit measurements on the post-bit sample; and determining a property of the formations from the post-bit measurements and the pre-bit measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: JULIAN J. POP, Reza Taherian, Martin E. Poitzsch, Jacques R. Tabanou
  • Publication number: 20090050369
    Abstract: A method for determining a property of formations surrounding an earth borehole being drilled with a drill bit at the end of a drill string, using drilling fluid that flows downward through the drill string, exits through the drill bit, and returns toward the earth's surface in the annulus between the drill string and the periphery of the borehole, including the following steps: obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a pre-bit sample of the mud in the drill string as it approaches the drill bit; obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a post-bit sample of the mud in the annulus, entrained with drilled earth formation, after its egression from the drill bit; implementing pre-bit measurements on the pre-bit sample; implementing post-bit measurements on the post-bit sample; and determining a property of the formations from the post-bit measurements and the pre-bit measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian, Martin E. Poitzsch, Jacques R. Tabanou
  • Patent number: 7469746
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Julian J. Pop, Simon H. Bittleston, Angus J. Melbourne, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • Patent number: 7458257
    Abstract: A method for determining a property of formations surrounding an earth borehole being drilled with a drill bit at the end of a drill string, using drilling fluid that flows downward through the drill string, exits through the drill bit, and returns toward the earth's surface in the annulus between the drill string and the periphery of the borehole, including the following steps: obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a pre-bit sample of the mud in the drill string as it approaches the drill bit; obtaining, downhole near the drill bit, a post-bit sample of the mud in the annulus, entrained with drilled earth formation, after its egression from the drill bit; implementing pre-bit measurements on the pre-bit sample; implementing post-bit measurements on the post-bit sample; and determining a property of the formations from the post-bit measurements and the pre-bit measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julian J. Pop, Reza Taherian, Martin E. Poitzsch, Jacques R. Tabanou
  • Publication number: 20080156487
    Abstract: A fluid sampling system retrieves a formation fluid sample from a formation surrounding a wellbore extending along a wellbore axis, wherein the formation has a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. The system includes a sample inlet, a first guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a first direction along the wellbore axis, and a second guard inlet positioned adjacent to the sample inlet and spaced from the sample inlet in a second, opposite direction along the wellbore axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Colin Longfield, Julian J. Pop, Thomas H. Zimmerman, John D. Sherwood, Keith A. Burgess
  • Publication number: 20080121394
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Julian J. Pop, Simon H. Bittleston, Angus J. Melbourne, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • Publication number: 20080115575
    Abstract: A system for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes a downhole tool configured to be coupled to a work string that includes a tool body having a longitudinal bore for circulating a fluid and at least one aperture configured to receive at least one module. The system further includes a plurality of modules that are each configured to engage the at least one aperture and at least one cavity configured for receiving a probe, and a plurality of probes that each include at least one orifice configured for testing the formation, wherein a first of the plurality of probes has a first configuration and a second of the plurality of probes has a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dale Meek, Julian J. Pop, Robert W. Sundquist, Alain P. Dorel, Thomas D. MacDougall
  • Publication number: 20080078581
    Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with a drill which drills into the formation in a manner perpendicular or oblique to the borehole wall. Preferably the tool introduces a mechanism into the drilled hole for enhancing the mobility of the reservoir fluid. In one embodiment the mechanism is a heating element on the drill. In another embodiment, the mechanism is hot fluid which is generated in the tool and injected into the drilled hole. In another embodiment, the mechanism is a solvent which is stored in the tool and injected by the tool into the drilled hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony R.H. Goodwin, Peter S. Hegeman, Julian J. Pop, Ashley C. Kishino, Gary J. Tustin, Raymond V. Nold, Kai Hsu, Christopher S. Del Campo, Ricardo Vasques
  • Patent number: 7347262
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for sampling fluid from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The subterranean formation has clean formation fluid therein, and the wellbore has a contaminated fluid therein extending into an invaded zone about the wellbore. A shaft is extended from a housing and positioned in a perforation in a sidewall of the wellbore. At least one flowline extends through the shaft and into the housing. The flowline(s) are adapted to receive downhole fluids through the perforation. At least one fluid restrictor, such as a packer, injection fluid or flow inhibitor, may be used to isolate at least a portion of the perforation whereby contaminated fluid is prevented from entering the isolated portion of the perforation. At least one pump selectively draws fluid into the flowline(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Tarvin, Julian J. Pop, Simon H. Bittleston, Angus J. Melbourne, Rogerio T. Ramos
  • Patent number: 7222671
    Abstract: A viscometer for a down hole tool positionable in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation is described. The formation contains at least one fluid therein. The down hole tool is adapted to convey at least a portion of the fluid to the viscometer. The viscometer comprises a sensor unit, and at least one magnet. The sensor unit is positionable within the down hole tool and comprises at least two spatially disposed clamps and a wire suspended in tension between the at least two clamps such that the wire is available for interaction with the fluid when the viscometer is positioned within the down hole tool and the down hole tool is positioned within the subterranean formation and receives the fluid from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Derek Caudwell, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Martin Trusler, Michael W. Frels, Kai Hsu, Jonathan W. Brown, Julian J. Pop, Bunker M. Hill, Andrew L. Kurkjian
  • Patent number: 7031841
    Abstract: A method for determining formation pressure at a depth region of formations surrounding a borehole, including: keeping track of the time since cessation of drilling at the depth region; deriving formation permeability at the depth region; causing wellbore pressure to vary periodically in time and determining, at the depth region, the periodic and non-periodic component of pressure measured in the formations; determining, using the time, the periodic component and the permeability, the formation pressure diffusivity and transmissibility and an estimate of the size of the pressure build-up zone around the wellbore at the depth region; determining, using the time, the formation pressure diffusivity and transmissibility, and the non-periodic component, the leak-off rate of the mudcake at the depth region; determining, using the leak-off rate, the pressure gradient at the depth region; and extrapolating, using the pressure gradient and the size of the build-up zone, to determine the formation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Julian J. Pop, Paul S. Hammond
  • Patent number: 4936139
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention relates to a down hole tool capable of extraction of valid samples and making pressure measurements useful in calculating formation permeability. The tool incorporates the features of a straddle packer to allow formation fluid specimens to be taken at large flow rates without depressing the pressure below the formation fluid bubble point. When used in combination with a pressure probe the tool is used to obtain meaningful permeability readings in a larger radius area than previously permitted with known designs. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention allows flow control during the creation of the pressure pulse which enhances extraction of valid samples and the permeability determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, Julian J. Pop, Joseph L. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4860581
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention relates to a down hole tool capable of extraction of valid samples and making pressure measurements useful in calculating formation permeability. The tool incorporates the features of a staddle packing to allow formation fluid specimens to be taken at large flow rates without depressing the pressure below the formation fluid bubble point. When used in combination with a pressure probe the tool is used to obtain meaningful permeability readings in a larger radius area than previously permitted with known dsigns. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention allows flow control during the creation of the pressure pulse which enhances extraction of valid samples and the permeability determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Zimmerman, Julian J. Pop, Joseph L. Perkins