Patents by Inventor Oliver C. Mullins

Oliver C. Mullins 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: 20230349881
    Abstract: Processes and systems for determining asphaltene equilibrium between two or more downhole geographic locations are provided. In some embodiments, the process can include measuring one or more fluid properties of a plurality of fluid samples at varying downhole depths to generate a one or more downhole fluid analysis measurement data points; selecting an asphaltene diameter distribution based on prior knowledge; utilizing the asphaltene diameter distribution to fit a first set of one or more equation of state curves to the one or more downhole fluid analysis measurement data points to define a first model of fitted equation of state curves and to determine one or more posterior distributions of asphaltene diameters; and determining if the varying downhole depths are in an asphaltene equilibrium by determining whether the one or more posterior distributions of asphaltene diameters is consistent with that of asphaltenes in equilibrium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Melanie Jensen, Lalitha Venkataramanan, Sandip Bose, Peter Tilke, Oliver C. Mullins, Li Chen, Denise E. Freed
  • Publication number: 20220187495
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include a system and method for modeling and interpreting an evolution of fluids in an oilfield using artificial intelligence. Embodiments may include identifying, using at least one processor, one or more reservoir fluid dynamics processes or properties and generating a model for the one or more reservoir fluid dynamics processes or properties. Embodiments may include receiving, at the model, one or more parameter values corresponding to the one or more reservoir fluid dynamics processes or properties and displaying, at a graphical user interface, one or more results, based upon, at least in part, the model and the one or more parameter values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Denise E. Freed, Harish Baban Datir, Peter Tilke, Oliver C. Mullins, Lalitha Venkataramanan, Sandip Bose
  • Publication number: 20220128727
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting formation analysis. Data from borehole logging tools is used to conduct a petrophysical analysis of the formation in order to determine (quantify) total porosity and formation matrix permittivity for an interval of the formation. Noninvaded zone water saturation and flushed zone water saturation for the interval of the formation is determined using a saturation model of the interval. The noninvaded zone water saturation is compared to the flushed zone water saturation, and the results of the comparison are used to determine that the interval of the formation contains movable hydrocarbon, immobile hydrocarbon or movable formation water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Harish B. Datir, Jean-Marc Donadille, Oliver C. Mullins, Vladislav Achourov, Lalitha Venkataramanan
  • Patent number: 11280191
    Abstract: A methodology that performs fluid sampling within a wellbore traversing a reservoir and fluid analysis on the fluid sample(s) to determine properties (including asphaltene concentration) of the fluid sample(s). At least one model is used to predict asphaltene concentration as a function of location in the reservoir. The predicted asphaltene concentrations are compared with corresponding concentrations measured by the fluid analysis to identify if the asphaltene of the fluid sample(s) corresponds to a particular asphaltene type (e.g., asphaltene clusters common in heavy oil). If so, a viscosity model is used to derive viscosity of the reservoir fluids as a function of location in the reservoir. The viscosity model allows for gradients in the viscosity of the reservoir fluids as a function of depth. The results of the viscosity model (and/or parts thereof) can be used in reservoir understanding workflows and in reservoir simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins, Francois Xavier Dubost, Cosan Ayan, Wael Abdallah, Andrew E. Pomerantz, Dingan Zhang
  • Patent number: 11269113
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product model address a modeling gap existing between basin and reservoir modeling through the use of a Reservoir Fluid Geodynamics (RFG) model usable for simulations conducted at a relatively fine spatial resolution and over a geological timescale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Armin Kauerauf, Oliver C. Mullins, Thomas Hantschel, Kang Wang, Adrian Kleine, Youxiang Zuo
  • Patent number: 11188689
    Abstract: A method includes placing a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation containing a reservoir fluid. The method includes performing downhole fluid analysis using the downhole acquisition tool to determine at least one measurement of the reservoir fluid. The method includes using a processor to estimate at least one fluid component property by using an equation of state based at least in part on the at least one measurement of the reservoir fluid and to simulate a diffusion process using a diffusion model that takes into account the at least one estimated fluid property to generate a composition path. The method includes using a processor to estimate one or more phase envelopes based in part on the at least one fluid property and compare the one or more phase envelopes with the composition path. The method includes outputting a visualization identify potential areas of asphaltene instability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Shu Pan, Yi Chen, Kang Wang, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10989835
    Abstract: A method for deriving VOI for a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir fluid model based on DFA data (“true fluid model”) versus an “incorrect fluid model” includes calculating first, second and third objective functions that are based on NPV(s) of simulated production by a reservoir simulator with different configurations. For the first objective function, the simulator is configured with the incorrect fluid model and control variables that are optimized to derive a first group of control variable values. For the second objective function, the simulator is configured with the true fluid model and the first group of control variable values. For the third objective function, the simulator is configured with the true fluid model and control variables that are optimized to identify a second group of control variable values. The objective functions can be deterministic, or can include statistics that account for uncertainty. A visualization of such results with uncertainty is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. Bailey, Benoit Couet, Peter Kaufman, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20200378249
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a likelihood that a reservoir of a geological formation received a secondary charge of hydrocarbons of relatively very different thermal maturity of composition are provided. One method includes positioning a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation and testing one or more fluid properties of the formation fluid. Data processing circuitry may identify whether a relationship of the one or more fluid properties exceeds a first threshold that indicates likely asphaltene instability. When this is the case, data processing circuitry may be used to model the geological formation using a realization scenario in which multiple charges of hydrocarbons of substantially different thermal maturity or substantially different composition, or both, filled a reservoir of the geological formation over geologic time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Hadrien Dumont, Vinay K. Mishra, German Garcia, Li Chen, Thomas Pfeiffer, Soraya S. Betancourt Pocaterra, Jerimiah Forsythe, Andrew Emil Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10746017
    Abstract: A method includes receiving first fluid property data from a first location in a hydrocarbon reservoir and receiving second fluid property data from a second location in the hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes performing a plurality of realizations of models of the hydrocarbon reservoir according to a respective plurality of one or more plausible dynamic processes to generate one or more respective modeled fluid properties. The method includes selecting the one or more plausible dynamic processes based at least in part on a relationship between the first fluid property data, the second fluid property data, and the modeled fluid properties obtained from the realizations to identify potential disequilibrium in the hydrocarbon reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Kang Wang, Andrew E. Pomerantz, Soraya S. Betancourt Pocaterra, Jerimiah Forsythe, Cosan Ayan, Hadrien Dumont, Vinay Mishra, Jesus Alberto Canas, Daniel M. Tetzlaff, Anish Kumar, Vladislav Achourov, Thomas Pfeiffer, Shu Pan, Yi Chen, Armin Kauerauf, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10746018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a likelihood that a reservoir of a geological formation received a secondary charge of hydrocarbons of relatively very different thermal maturity of composition are provided. One method includes positioning a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation and testing one or more fluid properties of the formation fluid. Data processing circuitry may identify whether a relationship of the one or more fluid properties exceeds a first threshold that indicates likely asphaltene instability. When this is the case, data processing circuitry may be used to model the geological formation using a realization scenario in which multiple charges of hydrocarbons of substantially different thermal maturity or substantially different composition, or both, filled a reservoir of the geological formation over geologic time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hadrien Dumont, Vinay K. Mishra, German Garcia, Li Chen, Thomas Pfeiffer, Soraya S. Betancourt Pocaterra, Jerimiah Forsythe, Andrew Emil Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10738606
    Abstract: A method includes identifying linearly behaving data within obtained data associated with fluid obtained from a subterranean formation. Shrinkage factor is determined based on the linearly behaving data. A function relating GOR data of the obtained fluid with the determined shrinkage factor is determined. A first linear relationship between optical density (OD) data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. A second linear relationship between density data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. An oil-based mud (OBM) filtrate contamination property of OBM filtrate within the obtained fluid based on the first linear relationship is determined. A native formation property of native formation fluid within the obtained fluid based on the second linear relationship is determined. A volume fraction of OBM filtrate contamination within the obtained fluid based on the OBM filtrate contamination property and the native formation property is estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Kang Wang, Adriaan Gisolf, Ryan Sangjun Lee, Oliver C. Mullins, Shu Pan
  • Patent number: 10605797
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for determining a gas-oil ratio based on downhole fluid analysis measurements and calibrated gas-oil ratio parameters. According to certain embodiments, the parameters for calculating the gas-oil ratio may be calibrated using historical data from the reservoir. For example, previously determined gas-oil ratios may be employed to calibrate the parameters to the reservoir. The calibrated parameters may then be employed during sampling operations to determine the gas-oil ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Vinay K. Mishra, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10534871
    Abstract: Fluid property modeling that employs a model that characterizes asphaltene concentration gradients is integrated into a reservoir modeling and simulation framework to allow for reservoir compartmentalization (the presence or absence of flow barrier in the reservoir) to be assessed more quickly and easily. Additionally, automated integration of the fluid property modeling into the reservoir modeling and simulation framework allows the compositional gradients produced by the fluid property modeler (particularly asphaltene concentration gradients) to be combined with other data, such as geologic data and other petrophysical data, which allows for more accurate assessment of reservoir compartmentalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew E. Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, John Waggoner, Zulfiquar Ail Reza, Sophie Nazik Godefroy, Thomas Pfeiffer, Denise E. Freed, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20190293835
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product model address a modeling gap existing between basin and reservoir modeling through the use of a Reservoir Fluid Geodynamics (RFG) model usable for simulations conducted at a relatively fine spatial resolution and over a geological timescale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Armin Kauerauf, Oliver C. Mullins, Thomas Hantschel, Kang Wang, Adrian Kleine, Youxiang Zuo
  • Publication number: 20190264560
    Abstract: A method includes identifying linearly behaving data within obtained data associated with fluid obtained from a subterranean formation. Shrinkage factor is determined based on the linearly behaving data. A function relating GOR data of the obtained fluid with the determined shrinkage factor is determined. A first linear relationship between optical density (OD) data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. A second linear relationship between density data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. An oil-based mud (OBM) filtrate contamination property of OBM filtrate within the obtained fluid based on the first linear relationship is determined. A native formation property of native formation fluid within the obtained fluid based on the second linear relationship is determined. A volume fraction of OBM filtrate contamination within the obtained fluid based on the OBM filtrate contamination property and the native formation property is estimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Kang Wang, Adriaan Gisolf, Ryan Sangjun Lee, Oliver C. Mullins, Shu Pan
  • Patent number: 10392936
    Abstract: A downhole tool, surface equipment, and/or remote equipment are utilized to obtain data associated with a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir, fluid contained therein, and/or fluid obtained therefrom. At least one condition indicating that a density inversion exists in the fluid contained in the reservoir is identified from the data. Molecular sizes of fluid components contained within the reservoir are estimated from the data. A model of the density inversion is generated based on the data and molecular sizes. The density inversion model is utilized to estimate the density inversion amount and depth and time elapsed since the density inversion began to form within the reservoir. A model of a gravity-induced current of the density inversion is generated based on the data and the density inversion amount, depth, and elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shu Pan, Youxiang Zuo, Yi Chen, Kang Wang, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 10345481
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for developing an equation of state model for petroleum fluids. In one embodiment, formation fluid from a plurality of depths within a wellbore may be analyzed to determine a change in a gas oil ratio with respect to depth. The change in the gas oil ratio may be employed to determine a ratio of solubility and entropy terms to a gravity term. The resulting ratio can be used to develop the equation of state model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Denise E. Freed, Oliver C. Mullins, Youxiang Zuo
  • Patent number: 10330665
    Abstract: Upper and lower asphaltene weight fractions of fluid proximate ends of an oil column are obtained based on measured OD. Upper and lower maltene partial densities are obtained based on the asphaltene weight fractions. A maltene partial density distribution is obtained utilizing the maltene partial densities and a predetermined diffusion model. An asphaltene partial density distribution is obtained based on the maltene partial density distribution and an estimated mass density gradient. An asphaltene weight percentage is obtained based on the asphaltene partial density distribution and the mass density gradient. The asphaltene weight percentage distribution is converted to an OD distribution utilizing a predetermined correlation. An optimization then reduces differences between the OD distribution and the measured OD data to within a predetermined range to refine a biodegradation time of the predetermined diffusion model. A viscosity distribution may be obtained based on the optimized OD distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins, Richard Jackson, Ankit Agarwal
  • Patent number: 10316656
    Abstract: A method includes identifying linearly behaving data within obtained data associated with fluid obtained from a subterranean formation. Shrinkage factor is determined based on the linearly behaving data. A function relating GOR data of the obtained fluid with the determined shrinkage factor is determined. A first linear relationship between optical density (OD) data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. A second linear relationship between density data of the obtained fluid and the function is determined. An oil-based mud (OBM) filtrate contamination property of OBM filtrate within the obtained fluid based on the first linear relationship is determined. A native formation property of native formation fluid within the obtained fluid based on the second linear relationship is determined. A volume fraction of OBM filtrate contamination within the obtained fluid based on the OBM filtrate contamination property and the native formation property is estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Kang Wang, Adriaan Gisolf, Ryan Sangjun Lee, Oliver C. Mullins, Shu Pan
  • Patent number: 10228325
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a downhole fluid analysis method that includes withdrawing formation fluid into a downhole tool at a plurality of stations within a wellbore, analyzing the formation fluid within a fluid analyzer of a downhole tool to determine properties of the formation fluid for the plurality of stations, and developing, based on the determined properties of the formation fluid, a relationship for predicting viscosity from a measured optical density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youxiang Zuo, Hadrien Dumont, Richard Jackson, Ilaria De Santo, Oliver C. Mullins, Cosan Ayan