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).

  • Patent number: 7784564
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sami Iskander, Ricardo Vasques, Tribor Rakela
  • Publication number: 20100192684
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Xu Wu, Tsutomu Yamate, Toru Terabayashi, Ricardo Vasques, Chengli Dong, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Publication number: 20100155061
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Ricardo Vasques, Christopher S. Del Campo, Grace Yue Qiu
  • Publication number: 20100126731
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Ricardo Vasques, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Patent number: 7711488
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to monitor contamination levels in a formation fluid arc 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Peter S. Hegeman, Chengli Dong, Ricardo Vasques
  • Publication number: 20100071910
    Abstract: A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power generator sub is coupled at one end to a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wellbore instrument is coupled to the other end of the adapter sub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: NICHOLAS ELLSON, Erik Quam, Sylvain Bedouet, Dudi Rendusara, Ricardo Vasques, Nathan Landsiedel
  • Patent number: 7677307
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ricardo Vasques, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Publication number: 20100059221
    Abstract: Subsea apparatus and a method for sampling and analysing fluid from a subsea fluid flowline proximate a subsea well is provided, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one housing located in close proximity to said subsea fluid flowline; at least one fluid sampling device located in the housing in fluid communication with a said subsea fluid flowline for obtaining a sample of fluid from the subsea fluid flowline; at least one fluid processing apparatus located in the housing in fluid communication with said subsea fluid flowline for receiving and processing a portion of the fluid flowing through said fluid flowline or in fluid communication with the fluid sampling device, for processing the sample of fluid obtained from the subsea fluid flowline for analysis, while keeping the sample of fluid at subsea conditions; a fluid analysis device located in the housing, the fluid analysis device being in fluid communication with the fluid processing device and/or with the fluid sampling device, the fluid analysis de
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephane Vannuffelen, Ricardo Vasques, Tsutomu Yamate, Akira Kamiya, Kentaro Indo, Gary Oddie, Jonathan Machin, Julie Morgan, Morten Stenhaug, Graham Birkett, Oliver C. Mullins, Lars Mangal, Pascal Panetta
  • Publication number: 20100024540
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ricardo Vasques, Gustavo Andreolli Ribeiro, Cosan Ayan, Nicolas Adur, Arne Richard Pedersen, Antonio Castilho
  • Patent number: 7614294
    Abstract: Methods for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include obtaining an downhole fluid sample, mixing it with a test fluid, and detecting a reaction between the fluids. Tools for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include a plurality of fluid chambers, a reversible pump and one or more sensors capable of detecting a reaction between the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Hegeman, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Moin Muhammad, Ricardo Vasques, Cosan Ayan, Michael O'Keefe, Tsutomu Yamate
  • Publication number: 20090211756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony R.H. Goodwin, Julian J. Pop, Stephane Briquet, Ricardo Vasques, Alexander Zazovsky
  • Publication number: 20090150079
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Peter S. Hegeman, Chengli Dong, Ricardo Vasques
  • Publication number: 20090101339
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation drawn into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation is provided. The method involves drawing fluid from a formation into an evaluation flowline, drawing fluid from a formation into a cleanup flowline, measuring a property of the fluid in the evaluation flowline and detecting stabilization of the property of the fluid in the evaluation flowline. Fluid properties in a combined flowline may be generated from the evaluation and cleanup flowlines. The fluid properties of the combined flowline may be used to project future evaluation flowline fluid properties. Contamination levels for a given fluid property of a given flowline may also be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Christopher S. Del Campo, Ricardo Vasques
  • Patent number: 7484563
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a fluid from a subterranean formation drawn into a downhole tool positioned in a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation is provided. The method involves drawing fluid from a formation into an evaluation flowline, drawing fluid from a formation into a cleanup flowline, measuring a property of the fluid in the evaluation flowline and detecting stabilization of the property of the fluid in the evaluation flowline. Fluid properties in a combined flowline may be generated from the evaluation and cleanup flowlines. The fluid properties of the combined flowline may be used to project future evaluation flowline fluid properties. Contamination levels for a given fluid property of a given flowline may also be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander F. Zazovsky, Christopher S. Del Campo, Ricardo Vasques
  • Publication number: 20090025941
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sami Iskander, Ricardo Vasques, Tribor Rakela
  • Publication number: 20080245569
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ray Nold, Alexander Zazovsky, Ricardo Vasques, Steven G. Villareal, Reinhart Ciglenec, Albert Hoefel
  • Publication number: 20080156088
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to monitor contamination levels in a formation fluid arc 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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kai Hsu, Peter S. Hegeman, Chengli Dong, Ricardo Vasques
  • Publication number: 20080093078
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ricardo Vasques, Peter S. Hegeman
  • Publication number: 20080078581
    Abstract: 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. Preferably the tool introduces a mechanism into the drilled hole for enhancing the mobility of the reservoir fluid. In one embodiment the mechanism is a heating element on the drill. In another embodiment, the mechanism is hot fluid which is generated in the tool and injected into the drilled hole. In another embodiment, the mechanism is a solvent which is stored in the tool and injected by the tool into the drilled hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony R.H. Goodwin, Peter S. Hegeman, Julian J. Pop, Ashley C. Kishino, Gary J. Tustin, Raymond V. Nold, Kai Hsu, Christopher S. Del Campo, Ricardo Vasques
  • Publication number: 20080066537
    Abstract: Methods for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include obtaining an downhole fluid sample, mixing it with a test fluid, and detecting a reaction between the fluids. Tools for performing downhole fluid compatibility tests include a plurality of fluid chambers, a reversible pump and one or more sensors capable of detecting a reaction between the fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Hegeman, Anthony R. H. Goodwin, Moin Muhammad, Ricardo Vasques, Cosan Ayan, Michael O'Keefe, Tsutomu Yamate