Patents by Inventor Michael H. Du

Michael H. Du 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: 9863215
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control of fluid flows in a wide variety of applications and environments, including downhole well environments. The technique utilizes a valve system which may include a shear seal valve for controlling fluid flows. The valve system utilizes port arrangements, components for energizing shear seals between mating components, and/or actuating components with improved degrees of freedom. The components facilitate repeatable and consistent actuation and operation of the valve system in the wide variety of applications and environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Murali Jayaram, Michael Krail, Anthony Veneruso, Ives Daniel Loretz, Michael H. Du, Francesco Vaghi
  • Patent number: 9528357
    Abstract: A system and method is used to protect a motor of a submersible pumping system. A variety of motor protector features are provided to facilitate operation of the motor protector and submersible pumping system in multiple wellbore environments and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Lawrence C. Lee, Arunkumar Arumugam, Ashley C. Kishino
  • Publication number: 20160053578
    Abstract: A technique facilitates control of fluid flows in a wide variety of applications and environments, including downhole well environments. The technique utilizes a valve system which may include a shear seal valve for controlling fluid flows. The valve system utilizes port arrangements, components for energizing shear seals between mating components, and/or actuating components with improved degrees of freedom. The components facilitate repeatable and consistent actuation and operation of the valve system in the wide variety of applications and environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Murali Jayaram, Michael Krail, Anthony Veneruso, Ives Daniel Loretz, Michael H. Du, Francesco Vaghi
  • Patent number: 8496064
    Abstract: A technique is provided for engaging and disengaging an upper completion with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. The upper completion comprises an upper communication line, and the lower completion comprises a lower communication line. The upper completion is mechanically latched with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled in a manner that enables selective engagement and disengagement. A communication line union is used to connect the upper communication line and the lower communication line in a plurality of rotational orientations of the upper completion relative to the lower completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Gary L. Rytlewski, William D. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8061429
    Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole completions. A downhole running tool can have a body having a bore formed therethrough. A latch member can be disposed on a first portion of the body. A reset member can be disposed on a second portion of the body. A conduit can be formed within a sidewall of the body. The conduit can be located between the first and second portions of the body. A pressure relief port can be disposed at a first end of the conduit; and a first flow port can be disposed at a second end of the conduit. The pressure relief port and first flow port can be in communication with an outer diameter of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Gary Rytlewski
  • Patent number: 8061430
    Abstract: A downhole contraction joint. The downhole contraction joint can include at least one anti-rotation assembly. The anti-rotation assembly can include a first tubular member at least partially disposed within a second tubular member. An axial slot can be formed through at least a portion of the first tubular member, and at least one key can be at least partially disposed within the second tubular member and the axial slot. The downhole contraction joint can also have at least one resetting assembly disposed at a first end of the anti-rotation assembly. The resetting assembly can include a c-ring secured to the second tubular member. The first tubular member can be secured to the lock ring, and the lock ring can be aligned with the c-ring. The downhole contraction joint can also include at least one control line assembly disposed about a portion of the anti-rotation assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Claus Endruhn, David Verzwyvelt
  • Publication number: 20110100112
    Abstract: A flow meter is provided for disposing downhole in a well. The flow meter includes a resonator beam that is integrated with piezo-material to generate a voltage in response to the downhole flow. A resonator head may be incorporated with the resonator beam so as to enhance the generated voltage where appropriate. Configurations of flow meters employing such piezo-material may substantially avoid the use of moving parts susceptible to corrosion and other downhole conditions. These configurations may be particularly useful for long term downhole use such as for production monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael H. Du
  • Publication number: 20110014071
    Abstract: A system and method is used to protect a motor of a submersible pumping system. A variety of motor protector features are provided to facilitate operation of the motor protector and submersible pumping system in multiple wellbore environments and applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Lawrence C. Lee, Arunkumar Arumugam, Ashley C. Kishino
  • Patent number: 7806190
    Abstract: A technique that prevents the tangling of communication lines routed along a contraction joint. The technique enables deployment of a well completion having a contraction joint with a plurality of communication lines routed along the contraction joint. A communication line organizer is positioned along the contraction joint to prevent tangling of the plurality of communication lines while enabling sufficient movement of the communication lines to accommodate expansion and contraction of the contraction joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Michael H. Du
  • Patent number: 7806670
    Abstract: A system and method is used to protect a motor of a submersible pumping system. A variety of motor protector features are provided to facilitate operation of the motor protector and submersible pumping system in multiple wellbore environments and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Lawrence C. Lee, Arunkumar Arumugam, Ashley C. Kishino
  • Publication number: 20100224375
    Abstract: A downhole contraction joint. The downhole contraction joint can include at least one anti-rotation assembly. The anti-rotation assembly can include a first tubular member at least partially disposed within a second tubular member. An axial slot can be formed through at least a portion of the first tubular member, and at least one key can be at least partially disposed within the second tubular member and the axial slot. The downhole contraction joint can also have at least one resetting assembly disposed at a first end of the anti-rotation assembly. The resetting assembly can include a c-ring secured to the second tubular member. The first tubular member can be secured to the lock ring, and the lock ring can be aligned with the c-ring. The downhole contraction joint can also include at least one control line assembly disposed about a portion of the anti-rotation assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Claus Endruhn, David Verzwyvelt
  • Publication number: 20100163249
    Abstract: Systems and methods for running downhole equipment with hydraulic control systems. A downhole running tool can have a body having an annulus formed therethrough. A latch member can be disposed on a first portion of the body. A reset member can be disposed on a second portion of the body. A conduit can be formed within a sidewall of the body. The conduit can be located between the first and second portions of the body. A pressure relief port can be disposed at a first end of the conduit; and a first flow port can be disposed at a second end of the conduit. The pressure relief port and first flow port can be in communication with an outer diameter of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Gary Rytlewski
  • Patent number: 7741744
    Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate pumping of fluids in a well. A submersible pumping system utilizes a submersible motor to power a submersible pump. A motor protector works in cooperation with the submersible motor to protect motor fluid within the submersible motor and to reduce differential pressures between the internal motor fluid and the external well fluid. The motor protector incorporates a piston slidably sealed within an interior cavity of the motor protector for movement to reduce undue differential pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur I. Watson, Michael H. Du, John D. Rowatt
  • Patent number: 7654315
    Abstract: Apparatus and pumping systems including the apparatus are described, the apparatus including a protector body comprising a material allowing expansion and contraction of an internal fluid, the body serving as a barrier between fluids external of the body and the internal fluid. The body has first and second ends, at least one end adapted to connect the body to other components, the protector body further comprising structural features permitting facile cleanout and reuse of the protector body. Methods of use of the apparatus and systems are described, particularly in oilfield exploration, testing, and production. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, John D. Rowatt, Cheryl R. DuVall, Michael W. Miller
  • Patent number: 7640979
    Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate logging in a well environment. Downhole well related equipment is deployed in a wellbore with an internal, longitudinal passageway. A logging tool system is moved through the longitudinal passageway for performance of logging procedures within the wellbore below the well related equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur I. Watson, Michael H. Du, Ramez Guindi, Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 7549849
    Abstract: A pumping system including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first housing having an axial bore formed therethrough and a protruding member formed on one end of the first housing, and a first shaft arranged within the axial bore of the first housing. The second section include a second housing having an axial bore formed therethrough and a recess formed on one end of the second housing for receiving the protruding member of the first housing, and a second shaft arranged within the axial bore of the second housing. An apparatus for compensating oil volume change in a motor, including a compensator housing having an open end for connecting to the motor, and a closed end; and a flexible bladder arranged within the housing and connected to the open end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur I. Watson, Tyson R. Messick, Diego A. Narvaez, Michael H. Du, Patrick M. McCartney
  • Publication number: 20090152817
    Abstract: A seal assembly usable with a well includes a seal ring that is adapted to expand radially inwardly and radially outwardly in response to being longitudinally compressed between a first energizing ring and a second energizing ring. The seal assembly may also include a first backup ring between the seal ring and the first energizing ring and a second backup ring between the seal ring and the second energizing ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael H. Du
  • Publication number: 20090078430
    Abstract: A technique that prevents the tangling of communication lines routed along a contraction joint. The technique enables deployment of a well completion having a contraction joint with a plurality of communication lines routed along the contraction joint. A communication line organizer is positioned along the contraction joint to prevent tangling of the plurality of communication lines while enabling sufficient movement of the communication lines to accommodate expansion and contraction of the contraction joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael H. Du
  • Publication number: 20090078429
    Abstract: A technique is provided for moving a downhole equipment assembly into engagement or out of engagement with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. An upper communication line extends past the downhole equipment assembly, and a lower communication line is located with the lower completion. During engagement, the downhole equipment assembly is connected with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled via a wet mate system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Michele Arena, Gary L. Rytlewski, William D. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20090056947
    Abstract: A technique is provided for engaging and disengaging an upper completion with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. The upper completion comprises an upper communication line, and the lower completion comprises a lower communication line. The upper completion is mechanically latched with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled in a manner that enables selective engagement and disengagement. A communication line union is used to connect the upper communication line and the lower communication line in a plurality of rotational orientations of the upper completion relative to the lower completion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael H. Du, Gary L. Rytlewski, William D. Chapman