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: 20030094281Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6531694Abstract: 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: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20020109080Abstract: 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: April 12, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: 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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Patent number: 6434435Abstract: The systems and the methods relating to process control optimizations systems useful to manage oilfield hydrocarbon production. The systems and the methods utilize intelligent software objects which exhibit automatic adaptive optimization behavior. The systems and the methods can be used to automatically manage hydrocarbon production in accordance with one or more production management goals using one or more adaptable software models of the production processes.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Lynn B. Hales, Randy A. Ynchausti, Donald G. Foot, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020057211Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Clark Bergeron, Clarence V. Griffin
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Patent number: 6378627Abstract: An autonomous downhole oilfield tool having its own mobility and decision making capability so that it may be deployed in a downhole environment to monitor and control said environment by modifying operations of other devices and maintaining downhole structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Intelligent Inspection CorporationInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Jeffrey E. Johnson, Colin M. Angle, Thomas W. McIntyre
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Patent number: 6302204Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at surface receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, Paulo S. Tubel
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Publication number: 20010020675Abstract: 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: February 6, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Glynn Williams, Michael H. Johnson, John W. Harrell, Jeffrey J. Lembecke, Kurt A. Hickey, Nigel Leggett
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Patent number: 6281489Abstract: 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 1, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: 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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Patent number: 6253848Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at s receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, James V. Leggett, III, Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6209640Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at surface receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, James V. Leggett, III, Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6192983Abstract: This invention provides oilfield spooled coiled tubing production and completion strings assembled at the surface to include sensors and one or more controlled devices which can be tested from a remote location. The devices may have upsets in the coiled tubing. The strings preferably include conductors and hydraulic lines in the coiled tubing. The conductors provide power and data communication between the sensors, devices and surface instrumentation. The coiled tubing strings are preferably tested at the assembly site and transported to the well site one reels. The coiled tubing strings are inserted and retrieved from the wellbores utilizing an adjustable opening injector head system. This invention also provides method of making electro-coiled-tubing wherein upper and lower adapters are connected to the coiled tubing and tested prior to transporting the string to the wellbore. The string preferably includes pressure barriers at both ends of the string.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: David H. Neuroth, Earl B. Brookbank, Eugene D. Bespalov, Tim Jackson, Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6192980Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Albert A. Mullins, II, Kevin R. Jones
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Patent number: 6176312Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Paulo S. Tubel, Albert A. Mullins, II, Kevin R. Jones
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Patent number: 6167965Abstract: An improved electrical submersible pump is disclosed in which a processor downhole is utilized to monitor one or more subsurface conditions, to record data, and to alter at least one operating condition of the electrical submersible pump. Novel uses are described for downhole gas compression, the delivery of particulate matter to wellbore sites, and for the disposal of waste.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: John L. Bearden, John W. Harrell, Jerald R. Rider, Gordon L. Besser, Michael H. Johnson, Paulo S. Tubel, Larry A. Watkins, Daniel J. Turick, Joseph F. Donovan, J. V. Henry, Dick L. Knox
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Patent number: 6082454Abstract: This invention provides oilfield spooled coiled tubing production and completion strings assembled at the surface to include sensors and one or more controlled devices which can be tested from a remote location. The devices may have upsets in the coiled tubing. The strings preferably include conductors and hydraulic lines in the coiled tubing. The conductors provide power and data communication between the sensors, devices and surface instrumentation. The coiled tubing strings are preferably tested at the assembly site and transported to the well site one reels. The coiled tubing strings are inserted and retrieved from the wellbores utilizing an adjustable opening injector head system.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6065538Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming wellbores. In one method, one or more wellbores are drilled along preplanned paths based in part upon seismic surveys performed from the surface. An acoustic transmitter conveyed in such wellbores transmits acoustic signals at a one or more frequencies within a range of frequencies at a plurality of spaced locations. A plurality of substantially serially spaced receivers in the wellbores and/or at surface receive signals reflected by the subsurface formations. The sensors may be permanently installed in the boreholes and could be fiber optic devices. The receiver signals are processed by conventional geophysical processing methods to obtain information about the subsurface formations. This information is utilized to update any prior seismographs to obtain higher resolution seismographs. The improved seismographs are then used to determine the profiles of the production wellbores to be drilled.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes CorporationInventors: Nils Reimers, John W. Harrell, James V. Leggett, III, Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6041860Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole service tool for imaging a location constituting a work site of interest downhole at which a tool operation is to be performed in a preexisting wellbore and for performing a tool operation at the work site during a single trip of the tool, The downhole service tool includes an imaging device which sensors properties associated with the work site and generates data representative of the work site. The imaging date is transmitted to the surface via a two-way telemetry system. An end work device in the downhole service tool performs the desired tool operation at the desired work site. The service tool images the work site, communicates imaging data to the surface and performs the desired operation during a single trip into the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Gregory R. Nazzal, Paulo S. Tubel, Gerald D. Lynde, John W. Harrell, James V. Leggett, III
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Patent number: 6021095Abstract: A wellbore remote control system is disclosed which includes (1) a transmission apparatus for generating at least one acoustic transmission having a particular transmission frequency, (2) a reception apparatus which includes an electronic circuit (preferably digital) which detects and identifies the acoustic transmissions, and which provides an actuation signal to an electrically-actuated wellbore tool if a match is detected.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes Inc.Inventors: Paulo S. Tubel, David Eugene Rothers, Michael Wayne Holcombe, Albert A. Mullins, II, Mark McCorry
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Patent number: 6009948Abstract: The present invention provides a system for performing a suitable operation in a wellbore utilizing a resonator. The system includes a resonator for generating pulses of mechanical energy, an engaging device for securely engaging an object in the wellbore and a sensor for detecting the response of the object to pulses generated by the resonator. The resonator is placed at a suitable location in the wellbore and the engaging device is attached to the object. The resonator is operated at an effective frequency to induce pulses into the object. The sensor detects the response of the object to the induced pulses, which information is utilized to adjust the operating frequency. The system in different configurations can be used to fish, free a stuck drill string, aid drilling of wellbores and to perform a cementing operation. A control circuit controls the operation of the system according to programmed instructions.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Bruce A. Flanders, Gerald D. Lynde, Paulo S. Tubel, Ray Ballantyne