Patents by Inventor Kentaro Indo

Kentaro Indo 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: 20170284198
    Abstract: A method includes positioning a downhole acquisition tool in a well-logging device in a wellbore in a geological formation, where the wellbore or the geological formation, or both contain a reservoir fluid. The method includes performing downhole fluid analysis using a downhole acquisition tool in the wellbore to determine a plurality of fluid properties associated with the reservoir fluid. The method includes generating a nonlinear predictive control model representative of the plurality of fluid properties based at least in part on the downhole fluid analysis. The method includes adjusting the nonlinear predictive control model based at least in part on an output representative of a pump flow control sequence at a first time interval and the plurality of fluid properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Julian Pop, Vianney Bruned, Kentaro Indo, Sepand Ossia, Steven G. Villareal
  • Patent number: 9733389
    Abstract: A downhole sampling tool is operated to obtain formation fluid from a subterranean formation, which then flows through a flowline of the downhole sampling tool. Real-time density and optical density sensors of the downhole sampling tool are co-located proximate the flowline. Contamination of the formation fluid in the flowline is then determined based, at least in part, on the real-time density and optical density measurements obtained utilizing the co-located sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Julian J. Pop, Kentaro Indo
  • Patent number: 9650892
    Abstract: Optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is obtained. Based on the obtained optical spectra data, a plurality of measures each relating the formation fluid to a corresponding one of a plurality of different fluid types are estimated. Blending coefficients each corresponding to a different one of the different fluid types are determined and utilized with the predetermined mapping matrices, each corresponding to a different one of the different fluid types, to obtain a blended mapping matrix. A parameter of the formation fluid is then predicted based on a projection of the obtained spectral data onto the blended mapping matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian J. Pop
  • Publication number: 20170114634
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a downhole tool is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring data for a formation fluid through downhole fluid analysis with a downhole tool in a well. The acquired data can include optical spectrum data measured with a spectrometer and other data. The method also includes generating time blocks of the acquired data and transmitting the time blocks from the downhole tool. More particularly, generating the time blocks may include compressing at least some of the optical spectrum data according to a first compression technique and compressing at least some of the other data according to one or more additional compression techniques. The compressed data can be packaged into the time blocks such that at least some of the time blocks include both compressed optical spectrum data and compressed other data for the formation fluid. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Bo Yu, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop, Kentaro Indo
  • Patent number: 9612154
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the condition of a spectrometer is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring optical data from a spectrometer of a downhole tool during flushing of a flowline and selecting a data set from the acquired optical data. The method can also include estimating light scattering and optical drift for the spectrometer based on the selected data set and determining impacts of the estimated light scattering and optical drift for the spectrometer on measurement accuracy of a characteristic of a downhole fluid determinable through analysis of the downhole fluid using the spectrometer. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Alexis Petit, Vivek Agarwal, Sepand Ossia, Julian J. Pop, Kai Hsu
  • Patent number: 9546959
    Abstract: A method and system that characterizes hydrogen sulfide in petroleum fluid employs a tool that includes a fluid analyzer for performing fluid analysis (including optical density (OD) for measuring carbon dioxide concentration) of a live oil sample, and a storage chamber for an analytical reagent fluidly coupled to a measurement chamber. An emulsion from fluid of the sample and the reagent is produced into the measurement chamber. The reagent changes color due to pH changes arising from chemical reactions between components of the sample and the reagent in the measurement chamber. The tool includes an optical sensor system that measures OD of a water phase of the emulsion at one or more determined wavelengths. The pH of the water phase is derived from such OD measurements. The pH of the water phase and the carbon dioxide concentration in the sample is used to calculate hydrogen sulfide concentration in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Michael M. Toribio, Shu Pan
  • Patent number: 9453408
    Abstract: A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. An optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer generates optical spectra data indicative of this optical characteristic. The processor is designed to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer and to estimate a formation volume factor of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9441481
    Abstract: A method for identifying the type of a sampled formation fluid, such as a hydrocarbon, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring absorbance by a sample of a formation fluid at multiple wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation with a spectrometer. The method also includes distinguishing between multiple fluid types to identify a fluid type of the sample most likely to match an actual fluid type of the sample based on the measured absorbance at two or more wavelengths of the multiple wavelengths. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Julian Pop, Kai Hsu
  • Publication number: 20160178435
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the condition of a spectrometer is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring optical data from a spectrometer of a downhole tool during flushing of a flowline and selecting a data set from the acquired optical data. The method can also include estimating light scattering and optical drift for the spectrometer based on the selected data set and determining impacts of the estimated light scattering and optical drift for the spectrometer on measurement accuracy of a characteristic of a downhole fluid determinable through analysis of the downhole fluid using the spectrometer. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Alexis Petit, Vivek Agarwal, Sepand Ossia, Julian J. Pop, Kai Hsu
  • Publication number: 20160177715
    Abstract: Optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is obtained. Based on the obtained optical spectra data, a plurality of measures each relating the formation fluid to a corresponding one of a plurality of different fluid types are estimated. Blending coefficients each corresponding to a different one of the different fluid types are determined and utilized with the predetermined mapping matrices, each corresponding to a different one of the different fluid types, to obtain a blended mapping matrix. A parameter of the formation fluid is then predicted based on a projection of the obtained spectral data onto the blended mapping matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian J. Pop
  • Patent number: 9347314
    Abstract: A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool. The system also includes an optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. The optical spectrometer is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer is designed to generate optical spectra data indicative of the optical characteristic. The processor is able to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer, to predict a parameter corresponding to one component of multiple components of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data, and to calculate an uncertainty in the predicted parameter based on the optical spectra data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9334724
    Abstract: A method includes pumping fluid from outside of a downhole tool through a flowline of the downhole tool with a pump and taking first measurements, using at least one sensor, within the flowline during a first stage of pumping the fluid. The method further includes estimating a saturation pressure of the fluid, via a processor, based on the first measurements and a saturation pressure model generated based on second measurements taken using the at least one sensor during a second stage of pumping the fluid, and operating the pump to maintain a fluid pressure in the flowline greater than the estimated saturation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9334729
    Abstract: Obtaining in-situ optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus, and predicting a parameter of the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus based on projection of the obtained spectral data onto a matrix that corresponds to a predominant fluid type of the formation fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9275009
    Abstract: Variable volume systems and methods of use thereof described herein are capable of making calibrated determinations of fluid properties and phase behavior of a fluid sample. The determinations can be calibrated based on one or more calibration functions, such as system volume corrected for pressure and temperature variations. Cross-checking the results of measurements can be used to determine accuracy of the calibration or monitor for leaks or other anomalies of the variable volume systems. The variable volume systems can be implemented in a well logging tool and are capable of being calibrated downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Sihar Marpaung, Peter S. Hegeman, Michael Toribio
  • Publication number: 20160032721
    Abstract: Obtaining in-situ, at a first time, first optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus, and then obtaining in-situ, at a second time after the first time, second optical spectral data associated with the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus. A wavelength-independent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is then determined based on the first and second optical spectral data, and a wavelength-dependent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is determined based on the first and second optical spectral data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9243493
    Abstract: A system and method for determining at least one fluid characteristic of a downhole fluid sample using a downhole tool are provided. In one example, the method includes performing a calibration process that correlates optical and density sensor measurements of a fluid sample in a downhole tool at a plurality of pressures. The calibration process is performed while the fluid sample is not being agitated. At least one unknown value of a density calculation is determined based on the correlated optical sensor measurements and density sensor measurements. A second optical sensor measurement of the fluid sample is obtained while the fluid sample is being agitated. A density of the fluid sample is calculated based on the second optical sensor measurement and the at least one unknown value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Oliver C. Mullins, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Publication number: 20150354353
    Abstract: A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. An optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer generates optical spectra data indicative of this optical characteristic. The processor is designed to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer and to estimate a formation volume factor of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9169727
    Abstract: Obtaining in-situ, at a first time, first optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus, and then obtaining in-situ, at a second time after the first time, second optical spectral data associated with the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus. A wavelength-independent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is then determined based on the first and second optical spectral data, and a wavelength-dependent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is determined based on the first and second optical spectral data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Kentaro Indo, Julian Pop
  • Patent number: 9109434
    Abstract: A system includes a downhole formation fluid sampling tool and a processor. An optical spectrometer of the downhole formation fluid sampling tool is able to measure an optical characteristic of a formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling tool over a plurality of wavelengths. The optical spectrometer generates optical spectra data indicative of this optical characteristic. The processor is designed to receive the optical spectra data generated by the optical spectrometer and to estimate a formation volume factor of the formation fluid based on the optical spectra data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu, Julian Pop
  • Publication number: 20150211363
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments, formation fluid properties, such as gas-oil ratio (GOR), formation volume factor (FVF), and density, may be measured at multiple times during sampling. In one embodiment, data representing the measured properties is analyzed and a characteristic of interest is determined through extrapolation from the analyzed data. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Julian Pop, Kentaro Indo, Kai Hsu