Patents by Inventor Paulo S. Tubel
Paulo S. Tubel 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).
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Publication number: 20090217960Abstract: A thermoelectric generator for producing electric power from heat in fluids produced from a subsurface wellbore includes a conduit for moving therethrough fluids produced from the Earth's subsurface and at least one thermoelectric module affixed to an exterior of the conduit. The at least one thermoelectric module includes a collimating heat transfer device in contact with the conduit on a first side and in contact with a first side of a thermoelectric generator thermocouple on a second side. A second side of the thermocouple is in contact with a contact surface of a heat sink. The heat sink is exposed to ambient atmosphere at the Earth's surface to conduct heat away from the thermocouple.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Peter Sauermilch, Clark Bergeron, Andy Cantrelle
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Publication number: 20090079199Abstract: An electrical system for use with a sucker rod pump includes an electric generator configured to be operated by motion of a sucker rod string. The rod string is configured to transfer motive power to the sucker rod pump disposed in a wellbore. The generator is disposed in the wellbore. The system includes at least one electrically powered device electrically coupled to the generator and disposed in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Publication number: 20090080291Abstract: A downhole gauge telemetry system for a multilateral well includes a first wireless transceiver located in a primary borehole of the multilateral well, a second wireless transceiver located in a lateral borehole of the multilateral well, a wireless connection between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver through which the first and second wireless transceivers exchange data, and a surface transceiver communicatively coupled to the first wireless transceiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Peter Sauermilch, Clark Bergeron, Andy Cantrelle, Scott Kruegel
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Publication number: 20090078413Abstract: A wireless casing collar locator includes a pipe coupling detector configured to be conveyed through a wellbore. A detection device is associated with the pipe coupling detector. The detection device generates an output indicative of detection of a pipe coupling in response to the output of the pipe coupling detector. The locator includes an acoustic transmitter functionally associated with the detection device. The transmitter is configured to apply an acoustic impulse to a conveyance device used to move the locator along the wellbore in response to communication to the transmitter of the output of the detection device. A surface receiver and processing unit used to convert acoustic energy into electrical energy for processing in real time to determine the location of the pipe detector in wellbores.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Kelly Jackson, Clark Bergeron, Andy Cantrelle, Scott Kruegel
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Patent number: 7234524Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a subsea well. The system includes a chemical injection unit and a controller positioned at a remote subsea location. The injection unit uses a pump to supply one or more selected additives from a subsea and/or remote supply unit. The controller operates the pump to control the additive flow rate based on signals provided by sensors measuring a parameter of interest. A one mode system includes a surface facility for supporting the subsea chemical injection and monitoring activities. In one embodiment, the surface facility is an offshore rig that provides power and has a chemical supply that provides additives to one or more injection units. In another embodiment, the surface facility includes a relatively stationary buoy and a mobile service vessel. When needed, the service vessel transfers additives to the chemical injection units via the buoy.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Christopher Kempson Shaw, Cindy L. Crow, William Edward Aeschbacher, Jr., Sunder Ramachandran, Mitch C. Means, Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 7201221Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
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Patent number: 7040390Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
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Patent number: 6977367Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Sensor Highway LimitedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Patent number: 6943340Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforation device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Sensor Highway LimitedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Patent number: 6913079Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring a predetermined set of physical characteristics associated with a structure using the monitoring system. The system is distributed in the structure and comprises a distributed optical sensing device (30), further comprising a fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light source (18a) operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light detection device (18b), operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22), for measuring the light received at the light detection device (18b) from the fiber optic cable (20, 22); and a data processor (18) capable of using the light measured to calculate a predetermined set of physical parameters describing the predetermined set of physical characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6899178Abstract: The present invention comprises tools (20) for deployment downhole in a wellbore for aiding in the production of hydrocarbons. In an exemplary embodiment, the tools (20) comprise a tool body (24); an electrically powered device (22) disposed proximate the tool body (24); a removable power source (26) for providing power to the device disposed in the tool body (24), the power source connected to or mounted into or about the tool body (24), the power source (26) further being fixed or replaceable downhole; and a wireless communications device (57) operatively connected to the electrically powered device.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Publication number: 20040256100Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforation, device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Publication number: 20040246141Abstract: A device, system, and methods of use for wireless transmission of a detected parameter obtained from inside a wellbore is disclosed. The wireless device comprises an acoustic wireless transceiver and a selectively expandable acoustic coupler operatively in communication with the acoustic wireless transceiver, the acoustic coupler adapted to physically couple the acoustic wireless transceiver with an interior of a tubular and acoustically transmit and/or receive data. The wireless monitoring device is deployed through a tubular to a predetermined position within the tubular, a predetermined portion physically coupled to the tubular once the monitoring device reaches the predetermined position, and data transmission acoustically coupled between the monitoring device and a remote receiver through the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Charles A. Cantrelle, Scott L. Kruegel, Clarks J. Bergeron
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Patent number: 6828547Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Sensor Highway LimitedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Patent number: 6787758Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Publication number: 20040168811Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a subsea well. The system includes a chemical injection unit and a controller positioned at a remote subsea location. The injection unit uses a pump to supply one or more selected additives from a subsea and/or remote supply unit. The controller operates the pump to control the additive flow rate based on signals provided by sensors measuring a parameter of interest. A one mode system includes a surface facility for supporting the subsea chemical injection and monitoring activities. In one embodiment, the surface facility is an offshore rig that provides power and has a chemical supply that provides additives to one or more injection units. In another embodiment, the surface facility includes a relatively stationary buoy and a mobile service vessel. When needed, the service vessel transfers additives to the chemical injection units via the buoy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Bake Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Christopher Kempson Shaw, Cindy L. Crow, William Edward Aeschbacher, Sunder Ramachandran, Mitch C. Means, Paulo S. Tubel
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Publication number: 20040065439Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey
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Publication number: 20030192692Abstract: The present invention comprises tools (20) for deployment downhole in a wellbore for aiding in the production of hydrocarbons. In an exemplary embodiment, the tools (20) comprise a tool body (24); an electrically powered device (22) disposed proximate the tool body (24); a removable power source (26) for providing power to the device disposed in the tool body (24), the power source connected to or mounted into or about the tool body (24), the power source (26) further being fixed or replaceable downhole; and a wireless communications device (57) operatively connected to the electrically powered device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6624759Abstract: A communication system is disclosed enabling communication from a surface location to a downhole location where instructions communicated are executed. The system employs accelerometers to sense vibrations traveling within the annulus fluid or the tubing string. The accelerators provide signals representative of the vibration generated at the surface of the well to a microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to energize a nichrome element to actuate the downhole tool in response to a user-defined vibration sequence. The vibration sequence includes a defined number of vibration cycles. Each cycle includes alternating periods of vibration and no vibrations with each period lasting for a defined length of time. The user may program the parameters of the sequence and arm the vibration receiving unit on site through a handheld terminal that interfaces with the microcontroller.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Clark Bergeron, Clarence V. Griffin
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Publication number: 20030131990Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating, device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembcke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett