Patents by Inventor Nikolaos A. Michael

Nikolaos A. Michael 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: 20250224529
    Abstract: Examples of methods and systems are disclosed. The methods may include obtaining, by a geological modeling system, geological data and seismic data regarding a subsurface region of interest, generating a paleogeographic surface using the geological data and the seismic data, and selecting an adjustable geological attribute from the paleogeographic surface. The methods may also include generating, using a seismic interpretation system coupled to the geological modeling system, a surface of a seismic attribute using the seismic data, where the seismic attribute is related to the adjustable geological attribute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2024
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Wisam AlKawai, Saleh A. Alqahtani
  • Patent number: 12265192
    Abstract: A method of enhancing a gross depositional environment (GDE) map of a subsurface formation. The method includes obtaining the GDE map of the subsurface formation, including a lithology map of a plurality of lithotypes and obtaining a paleo-bathymetric map of the subsurface formation. The method further includes assigning an inverse mobility for each of the lithotypes and determining, using a computer processor, an enhanced GDE map based, at least in part, on the GDE map, the paleo-bathymetric map, and the inverse mobility for each of the lithotypes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Rainer Zuhlke
  • Publication number: 20240320405
    Abstract: A method includes providing of input data relating to one or more hydrocarbon shows, and the input data include descriptors characterizing one or more wells at two or more different depths. The method further includes transforming the input data into numerical data for a first database via a first protocol. The numerical data include numerical indices characterizing the one or more wells at the two or more different depths. A related system includes a sample collector that collects one or more rock samples from a wellbore, each of the one or more rock samples corresponding to one or more hydrocarbon shows. The system also includes an arrangement for analyzing the rock samples. A computer processor, operatively connected to the sample collector and arrangement, includes functionality for carrying out the method steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Ibrahim Atwah, Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20240053506
    Abstract: A method of enhancing a gross depositional environment (GDE) map of a subsurface formation. The method includes obtaining the GDE map of the subsurface formation, including a lithology map of a plurality of lithotypes and obtaining a paleo-bathymetric map of the subsurface formation. The method further includes assigning an inverse mobility for each of the lithotypes and determining, using a computer processor, an enhanced GDE map based, at least in part, on the GDE map, the paleo-bathymetric map, and the inverse mobility for each of the lithotypes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Rainer Zuhlke
  • Patent number: 11867862
    Abstract: A method is claimed that includes obtaining a measured present-day value of at least one parameter for each member of a set of unvalidated geological layers arranged in order of increasing depth and iteratively selecting a member of the set as a current layer. For each current layer in turn, the method further determines an estimated archaic value of at least one parameter of the current layer based on its measured present-day value by applying an alternating cycle of decompaction followed by geomechnical modeling to predict a present-day value of the parameter of the current layer based on its estimated archaic value. The method still further determines a validated archaic value of at least one parameter of each current layer based on a difference between the predicted and the measured present-day values. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions for validating the archaic value for each layer is claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Yaser Abdullah Alzayer, Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Patent number: 11668855
    Abstract: A method may include obtaining geological data and seismic data regarding a geological region of interest, wherein the geological data includes grain size data. The method may further include determining a first set of sedimentary pathways using the grain size data. The method may further include determining a topographical surface for the geological region of interest using the seismic data or/and well data. The method may further include determining, by the computer processor, a second set of sedimentary pathways using the topographical surface. The method may further include generating various output sedimentary pathways based on a combination of the first set of sedimentary pathways and the second set of sedimentary pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20220342105
    Abstract: A method is claimed that includes obtaining a measured present-day value of at least one parameter for each member of a set of unvalidated geological layers arranged in order of increasing depth and iteratively selecting a member of the set as a current layer. For each current layer in turn, the method further determines an estimated archaic value of at least one parameter of the current layer based on its measured present-day value by applying an alternating cycle of decompaction followed by geomechnical modeling to predict a present-day value of the parameter of the current layer based on its estimated archaic value. The method still further determines a validated archaic value of at least one parameter of each current layer based on a difference between the predicted and the measured present-day values. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions for validating the archaic value for each layer is claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Yaser Abdullah Alzayer, Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Patent number: 11428098
    Abstract: A method including obtaining, for a subterranean region, a set of sedimentary pathways, a sediment attribute map, and an area of interest. From these inputs, a sedimentary fairway, and a sedimentary fairway attribute based on the location of the origin point of each member of the set of sedimentary pathways, and a spatial location of the terminal point of each member of the set of sedimentary pathways are determined. Further, the method includes dividing the sedimentary fairway into one or more sedimentary pathway domains and a sediment attribute profile for each sedimentary pathway domain based on a trajectory of each sedimentary pathway, and determining an intersection of the trajectory of each sedimentary pathway with one or more boundaries of the area of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20220228480
    Abstract: A method including obtaining, for a subterranean region, a set of sedimentary pathways, a sediment attribute map, and an area of interest. From these inputs, a sedimentary fairway, and a sedimentary fairway attribute based on the location of the origin point of each member of the set of sedimentary pathways, and a spatial location of the terminal point of each member of the set of sedimentary pathways are determined. Further, the method includes dividing the sedimentary fairway into one or more sedimentary pathway domains and a sediment attribute profile for each sedimentary pathway domain based on a trajectory of each sedimentary pathway, and determining an intersection of the trajectory of each sedimentary pathway with one or more boundaries of the area of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Patent number: 11385214
    Abstract: An elemental analysis of rock samples from outcrop sections or wells is performed. Data quality checks, data analysis, and filtering are performed on the rock samples, including de-spiking of elemental profiles and elemental ratios. First and second derivatives for the elemental profiles and the elemental ratios are calculated. Samples and depths that exceed thresholds are determined. The process is repeated for the elemental profiles and the elemental ratios that are related with boundary determination and carbonate or siliciclastic sediments. Additional filters are applied to at least a subset of the elemental profiles and elemental ratios that are related with boundary determination and carbonate or siliciclastic sediments to enhance the boundary identification. Possible boundaries in depths of the outcrop sections or wells are determined by summarizing the additionally filtered elemental profiles and the additionally filtered elemental ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Neil W. Craigie, Christian Scheibe, Rainer Zuhlke
  • Publication number: 20210389498
    Abstract: A method may include obtaining geological data and seismic data regarding a geological region of interest, wherein the geological data includes grain size data. The method may further include determining a first set of sedimentary pathways using the grain size data. The method may further include determining a topographical surface for the geological region of interest using the seismic data or/and well data. The method may further include determining, by the computer processor, a second set of sedimentary pathways using the topographical surface. The method may further include generating various output sedimentary pathways based on a combination of the first set of sedimentary pathways and the second set of sedimentary pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Patent number: 11199640
    Abstract: For a specified stratigraphic interval, well data is received for a plurality of wells. An average grain size for each of the plurality of wells is determined based on the received data. A location or multiple locations of a grain source is determined based on the average grain sizes for the stratigraphic interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Christos Saragiotis
  • Patent number: 10858899
    Abstract: A core sampling apparatus includes an inner tube configured to collect a core sample by means of a core catcher attached to one end of the core sampling apparatus, and an outer tube co-axially disposed on the outside of the inner tube, wherein the inner tube includes a plurality of impregnation windows configured to allow resin to flow into the core sample, each window including a window opening and a window cover configured to cover the window opening. A method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a core sampler, transporting the inner tube containing the core sample to the surface, impregnating the core sample with a resin by allowing the resin to flow into the core sample through a plurality of impregnation windows formed on the inner tube, and allowing for the resin to cure, thereby stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Nikolaos A. Michael
  • Patent number: 10774605
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-situ stabilization of unconsolidated sediment in core samples are disclosed. The core sampling apparatus includes a corer having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the inner and the outer wall, wherein the impregnation tubes are parallel to a central axis of the corer. The method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a corer, and in-situ stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample within the corer by impregnating the core sample with a resin. The resin is supplied through a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the walls of the corer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Maher I. Marhoon, Peng Lu
  • Patent number: 10641055
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-situ stabilization of unconsolidated sediment in core samples are disclosed. The core sampling apparatus includes a corer having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the inner and the outer wall, wherein the impregnation tubes are parallel to a central axis of the corer. The method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a corer, and in-situ stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample within the corer by impregnating the core sample with a resin. The resin is supplied through a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the walls of the corer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Maher I. Marhoon, Peng Lu
  • Publication number: 20200049685
    Abstract: An elemental analysis of rock samples from outcrop sections or wells is performed. Data quality checks, data analysis, and filtering are performed on the rock samples, including de-spiking of elemental profiles and elemental ratios. First and second derivatives for the elemental profiles and the elemental ratios are calculated. Samples and depths that exceed thresholds are determined. The process is repeated for the elemental profiles and the elemental ratios that are related with boundary determination and carbonate or siliciclastic sediments. Additional filters are applied to at least a subset of the elemental profiles and elemental ratios that are related with boundary determination and carbonate or siliciclastic sediments to enhance the boundary identification. Possible boundaries in depths of the outcrop sections or wells are determined by summarizing the additionally filtered elemental profiles and the additionally filtered elemental ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Neil W. Craigie, Christian Scheibe, Rainer Zuhlke
  • Publication number: 20190360291
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-situ stabilization of unconsolidated sediment in core samples are disclosed. The core sampling apparatus includes a corer having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the inner and the outer wall, wherein the impregnation tubes are parallel to a central axis of the corer. The method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a corer, and in-situ stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample within the corer by impregnating the core sample with a resin. The resin is supplied through a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the walls of the corer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Maher I. Marhoon, Peng Lu
  • Publication number: 20190360290
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-situ stabilization of unconsolidated sediment in core samples are disclosed. The core sampling apparatus includes a corer having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the inner and the outer wall, wherein the impregnation tubes are parallel to a central axis of the corer. The method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a corer, and in-situ stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample within the corer by impregnating the core sample with a resin. The resin is supplied through a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the walls of the corer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Maher I. Marhoon, Peng Lu
  • Patent number: 10428611
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-situ stabilization of unconsolidated sediment in core samples are disclosed. The core sampling apparatus includes a corer having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the inner and the outer wall, wherein the impregnation tubes are parallel to a central axis of the corer. The method for sampling a core includes extracting a core sample using a corer, and in-situ stabilizing unconsolidated sediment in the core sample within the corer by impregnating the core sample with a resin. The resin is supplied through a plurality of impregnation tubes disposed between the walls of the corer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Maher I. Marhoon, Peng Lu
  • Patent number: 10415337
    Abstract: A core sampler including an inner wall, an outer wall, a plurality of membranes disposed between the inner wall and outer wall, the plurality of membranes attached to the inner wall and outer wall at one or more attachment points, and a rotating knob attached to the inner wall or outer wall, the rotating knob configured to rotate the inner wall relative to the outer wall when the rotating knob is attached to the inner wall and to rotate the outer wall relative to the inner wall when the rotating knob is attached to the outer wall, wherein the membranes reside between the inner wall and the outer wall when the core sampler is fully open, and wherein the membranes come together and fully close the core sampler when the rotating knob is rotated 180 degrees or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nikolaos A. Michael, Peng Lu