Patents by Inventor Ricardo Vasques
Ricardo Vasques 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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Patent number: 9322747Abstract: A system and method for collecting a selected phase of a representative sample from a multiphase fluid flowing through a flowline, preferably located subsea. The system includes a multiphase sampling apparatus attachable to the flowline for sampling the representative sample; a vehicle sampling apparatus (e.g., ROV) locatable proximate the flowline having a power supply and a fluid sample collector for storing at least one selected phase of the representative sample; an interface for connecting the multiphase sampling apparatus and the vehicle sampling apparatus; and a temperature control arrangement disposed between the multiphase sampling apparatus and the vehicle sampling apparatus configured to minimize the temperature difference between the representative sample and the multiphase fluid flowing through the flowline.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Asmund Boe, Jonathan W. Brown, Paul B. Guieze, John A. Kerr, Ricardo Vasques
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Patent number: 9316083Abstract: Methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. A testing tool has a plurality of packers spaced apart along the axis of the tool, and at least a testing port. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall, sealing thereby an interval of the wellbore. In some embodiments, the wellbore interval sealed between two packers is adjusted downhole. In one embodiment, the location of the testing port is adjusted between two packers. The methods may be used to advantage for reducing the contamination of the formation fluid by fluids or debris in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Ricardo Vasques, Gustavo Andreolli Ribeiro, Cosan Ayan, Nicolas Adur, Arne Richard Pedersen, Antonio Castilho
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Patent number: 9057250Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation of a wellsite via a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. The apparatus relates to a downhole tool having a probe with at least two intakes for receiving fluid from the subterranean formation. The downhole tool is configured according to a wellsite set up. The method involves positioning the downhole tool in the wellbore of the wellsite, drawing fluid into the downhole tool via the at least two intakes, monitoring at least one wellsite parameter via at least one sensor of the wellsite and automatically adjusting the wellsite setup based on the wellsite parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Ricardo Vasques, Christopher S. Del Campo, Grace Yue Qiu
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Patent number: 8925379Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Kazumasa Kanayama, Yuji Hosoda, Stephane Briquet
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Patent number: 8555968Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation of a wellsite via a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. The apparatus relates to a downhole tool having a probe with at least two intakes for receiving fluid from the subterranean formation. The downhole tool is configured according to a wellsite set up. The method involves positioning the downhole tool in the wellbore of the wellsite, drawing fluid into the downhole tool via the at least two intakes, monitoring at least one wellsite parameter via at least one sensor of the wellsite and automatically adjusting the wellsite setup based on the wellsite parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Ricardo Vasques, Christopher S. Del Campo, Grace Yue Qiu
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Patent number: 8528396Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to detect phase separation in downhole fluid sampling operations are disclosed. An example method to detect a phase separation condition of a fluid from a subterranean involves obtaining a sample of the fluid, measuring a first characteristic value of the sample, measuring a second characteristic value of the sample and comparing the first characteristic value to a first reference value associated with a single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding first comparison result. The example method then compares the second characteristic value to a second reference value associated with the single-phase condition of the fluid to generate a corresponding second comparison result and detects the phase separation condition of the fluid based on the first and second comparison results.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Xu Wu, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Chengli Dong, Peter S. Hegeman
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Publication number: 20130213149Abstract: A system and method for collecting a selected phase of a representative sample from a multiphase fluid flowing through a flowline, preferably located subsea. The system includes a multiphase sampling apparatus attachable to the flowline for sampling the representative sample; a vehicle sampling apparatus (e.g., ROV) locatable proximate the flowline having a power supply and a fluid sample collector for storing at least one selected phase of the representative sample; an interface for connecting the multiphase sampling apparatus and the vehicle sampling apparatus; and a temperature control arrangement disposed between the multiphase sampling apparatus and the vehicle sampling apparatus configured to minimize the temperature difference between the representative sample and the multiphase fluid flowing through the flowline.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventors: Asmund Boe, Jonathan W. Brown, Paul B. Guieze, John A. Kerr, Ricardo Vasques
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Patent number: 8397561Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Tecchnology CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Kazumasa Kanayama, Yuji Hosoda, Stephane Briquet
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Publication number: 20120267115Abstract: A system and method are provided for collecting fluid samples from a fluid flowline located subsea. The system includes a multiphase sampling apparatus attachable to the flowline, and a vehicle sampling apparatus that is connectable to the multiphase sampling apparatus to allow the transfer of the collected fluid sample thereto. The vehicle sampling apparatus is preferably a subsea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) locatable proximate the fluid flowline and having a fluid sample collector and a fluid pump for transferring the collected fluid sample from the multiphase sampling apparatus to the fluid sample collector. The vehicle sampling apparatus includes a fluid analysis sensor capable of extracting information about the collected fluid sample at a subsea location. Optionally, the vehicle sampling apparatus can transport the collected fluid sample to a location remote from the fluid flowline for analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Jonathan W. Brown, Asmund Boe, Paul B. Guieze, John A. Kerr, Ricardo Vasques, Bernard E. Theron
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Patent number: 8283174Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ronald E. G. Van Hal, Anthony Goodwin, Oliver C. Mullins, Peter S. Hegeman, Bhavani Raghuraman, Soraya S. Betancourt, Cosan Ayan, Ricardo Vasques, Francois Xavier Dubost, Christopher Scott Del Campo
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Patent number: 8162052Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well may comprise a vessel having a piston or a valve disposed therein and defining first and second volumes wherein the first volume is configured to receive formation fluid from an inlet port, and an actuator configured to extract formation fluid, the actuator being fluidly isolated from a fluid flow path extending between the inlet port and the first volume. The downhole tool may also comprise a flow-line configured to deliver formation fluid to the vessel, and an actuator configured to register an end of the flow-line with the inlet of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Julian J. Pop, Stephane Briquet, Ricardo Vasques, Alexander Zazovsky
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Patent number: 8091635Abstract: Apparatus and methods to remove impurities at a sensor in a downhole tool are disclosed. During the testing and/or sampling of formation fluid in a borehole, the downhole tool creates a transient high rate of fluid flow of the formation fluid to remove impurities at the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ricardo Vasques, Peter S. Hegeman
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Patent number: 8024125Abstract: Apparatus and methods to monitor contamination levels in a formation fluid are disclosed. An example method involves obtaining first property data indicative of a first fluid property of a formation fluid and second property data indicative of a second fluid property of the formation fluid. A correlation between the first and second property data is generated and third data is fitted to the correlation. A fitting parameter is determined based on the third data indicative of an amount of change of the first property data relative to an amount of change of the second property data.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Kai Hsu, Peter S. Hegeman, Chengli Dong, Ricardo Vasques
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Publication number: 20110139450Abstract: Methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. A testing tool has a plurality of packers spaced apart along the axis of the tool, and at least a testing port. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall, sealing thereby an interval of the wellbore. In some embodiments, the wellbore interval sealed between two packers is adjusted downhole. In one embodiment, the location of the testing port is adjusted between two packers. The methods may be used to advantage for reducing the contamination of the formation fluid by fluids or debris in the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Ricardo Vasques, Gustavo Andreolli Ribeiro, Cosan Ayan, Nicolas Adur, Arne Richard Pedersen, Antonio Castiho
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Publication number: 20110132609Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ronald E. G. Van Hal, Anthony Goodwin, Oliver C. Mullins, Peter S. Hegeman, Bhavani Raghuraman, Soraya S. Betancourt, Cosan Ayan, Ricardo Vasques, Francois Xavier Dubost, Christopher Scott Del Campo
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Patent number: 7913557Abstract: Methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. A testing tool has a plurality of packers spaced apart along the axis of the tool, and at least a testing port. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall, sealing thereby an interval of the wellbore. In some embodiments, the wellbore interval sealed between two packers is adjusted downhole. In one embodiment, the location of the testing port is adjusted between two packers. The methods may be used to advantage for reducing the contamination of the formation fluid by fluids or debris in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ricardo Vasques, Gustavo Andreolli Ribeiro, Cosan Ayan, Nicolas Adur, Arne Richard Pedersen, Antonio Castilho
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Patent number: 7886825Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ronald E. G. Van Hal, Anthony Goodwin, Oliver C. Mullins, Peter S. Hegeman, Bhavani Raghuraman, Soraya S. Betancourt, Cosan Ayan, Ricardo Vasques, Francois Xavier Dubost, Christopher Scott Del Campo
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Patent number: 7878244Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform focused sampling of reservoir fluid are described. An example method couples a sampling probe to a subterranean formation and, while the sampling probe is coupled to the subterranean formation, varies a pumping ratio of at least two displacement units to reduce a contamination level of a formation flu id extracted via the sampling probe from the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ray Nold, III, Alexander Zazovsky, Ricardo Vasques, Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Albert Hoefel
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Patent number: 7878243Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with a drill which drills into the formation in a manner perpendicular or oblique to the borehole wall. The tool comprises a mechanism for enhancing the mobility of the reservoir fluid, such as a heating element on the drill, hot fluid which is generated in the tool and injected into the drilled hole, or a solvent which is stored in the tool and injected by the tool into the drilled hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Peter S. Hegeman, Julian J. Pop, Ashley C. Kishino, Gary J. Tustin, Raymond V. Nold, III, Kai Hsu, Christopher S. Del Campo, Ricardo Vasques
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Publication number: 20100257926Abstract: A sensor module for a sensing apparatus configured for operation downhole, within a borehole. The sensor module comprises a sensor array having a plurality of sensors to sense selected formation parameters and a control system for selective and independent operation of each sensor of the sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is configured or designed as a discrete sensor unit for individual and independent communication and control. Each sensor of the sensor array may have an associated electronics module that provides standardized electronic connectivity with the control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: TSUTOMU YAMATE, TORU TERABAYASHI, RICARDO VASQUES, KAZUMASA KANAYAMA, YUJI HOSODA, STEPHANE BRIQUET