Patents by Inventor Michael A. Freeman

Michael A. Freeman 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: 10228315
    Abstract: A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignees: M-I L.L.C., SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20150293006
    Abstract: A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 9140075
    Abstract: A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 9007580
    Abstract: A method includes determining particle size distribution (PSD) in a fluid flow line based on a range of sizes for at least one particle in the fluid flow line and duration of reflection of a laser beam from the at least one particle. The laser beam is focused from a laser beam instrument in direct contact with the fluid low line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20140146314
    Abstract: A method includes determining particle size distribution (PSD) in a fluid flow line based on a range of sizes for at least one particle in the fluid flow line and duration of reflection of a laser beam from the at least one particle. The laser beam is focused from a laser beam instrument in direct contact with the fluid low line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8427640
    Abstract: A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignees: M-I L.L.C., Schlumberger Norge AS
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8186432
    Abstract: A well logging fluid, and methods of using the same, include a base fluid selected from water, water-based mud, or oil-based mud, and an additive material selected from silica or cork or alike. The fluid has an impedance substantially different from that of the base fluid. Such a modified impedance helps improve the measurement accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: M-1 LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8156791
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8066870
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Alex Stoian, Lewis J. Dutel, Cory C. Melancon, Richard Bingham, Paul Newman
  • Publication number: 20110253454
    Abstract: A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8017563
    Abstract: A method of treating a well that includes selectively emplacing a fluid loss pill into the well, wherein the fluid loss pill includes at least one of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol, and wherein the at least one of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol reacts with a calcium brine present in the well to form a plug is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Bethicia B. Prasek, Robert L. Horton
  • Publication number: 20110192595
    Abstract: A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicants: M-I L.L.C., SCHLUMBERGER NORGE AS
    Inventors: Egil Ronaes, Michael A. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20100199757
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7753990
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reducing entrained and dissolved gasses from a well fluid. The system includes a well fluid, at least one process tank into which the well fluid flows, wherein a first process tank comprises a weir arrangement over which the well fluid spills, a mechanical degasser coupled to the at least one process tank and configured to receive the well fluid, and an aeration device disposed in the at least one process tank that generates bubbles in the well fluid. The present invention also provides a method of reducing entrained and dissolved gases from a well fluid that includes flowing a well fluid into a process tank, exerting a centrifugal force on the well fluid, and generating bubbles in the well fluid in the process tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Publication number: 20100140145
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Alex Stoian, Lewis J. Dutel, Cory C. Melancon, Richard Bingham, Paul Newman
  • Patent number: 7727316
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Patent number: 7716968
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7704299
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a process fluid that includes assembling a modular system, flowing the process fluid through the modular system, the flowing the process fluid through the modular system including degassing the process fluid, neutralizing the process fluid, reducing an amount of one of the group consisting of entrained gases, oil and solids in the process fluid, monitoring and analyzing the process fluid for at least one of the group consisting of engrained gases, oil, and solids, and flowing the process fluid out of the modular system for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Frank Mueller, Michael A. Freeman, Eric Hand
  • Patent number: 7691259
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael A. Freeman, Alex Stoian, Lewis J. Dutel, Cory C. Melancon, Richard Bingham, Paul Newman
  • Publication number: 20090321074
    Abstract: A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman