Patents by Inventor Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh

Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh 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: 11795808
    Abstract: A method comprises operating an electric submersible pump (ESP) motor downhole in a well. The ESP motor is electrically connected to a variable speed drive (VSD) proximate to the well. The operating comprises measuring a revolution rate and a motor current of the ESP motor for a first period of time and performing a first adjustment of a voltage output of the VSD. The method comprises measuring, after the first adjustment, the revolution rate and the motor current of the ESP motor for a second period of time determining a difference between the motor current measured for the first period of time and the motor current measured for the second period of time; and performing a second adjustment of the voltage output of the VSD based on a change in the revolution rate and the motor current between the first period of time and the second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Golden Janger, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David Linn Self, Wesley John Nowitzki, David C. Beck
  • Publication number: 20230184071
    Abstract: A method comprises operating an electric submersible pump (ESP) motor downhole in a well. The ESP motor is electrically connected to a variable speed drive (VSD) proximate to the well. The operating comprises measuring a revolution rate and a motor current of the ESP motor for a first period of time and performing a first adjustment of a voltage output of the VSD. The method comprises measuring, after the first adjustment, the revolution rate and the motor current of the ESP motor for a second period of time determining a difference between the motor current measured for the first period of time and the motor current measured for the second period of time; and performing a second adjustment of the voltage output of the VSD based on a change in the revolution rate and the motor current between the first period of time and the second period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Luke Golden Janger, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David Linn Self, Wesley John Nowitzki, David C. Beck
  • Patent number: 11613974
    Abstract: A system comprises an electric submersible pump (ESP) motor electrically coupled to a variable speed drive (VSD) that outputs voltage to the ESP motor. The system comprises a magnet on a shaft of the ESP motor and a downhole sensor coupled to the magnet, wherein the downhole sensor is to measure a magnetic flux of the magnet. The system comprises a VSD controller to control the VSD, wherein the VSD controller comprises a processor and a non-transitory memory storage having instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining a measurement of at least one pump performance variable and a motor current for a first period of time to establish a first data set and making a first adjustment to a voltage output from the VSD to the ESP motor, the first adjustment having a first adjustment type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Golden Janger, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David Linn Self, Wesley John Nowitzki, David C. Beck
  • Publication number: 20220341300
    Abstract: A system comprises an electric submersible pump (ESP) motor electrically coupled to a variable speed drive (VSD) that outputs voltage to the ESP motor. The system comprises a magnet on a shaft of the ESP motor and a downhole sensor coupled to the magnet, wherein the downhole sensor is to measure a magnetic flux of the magnet. The system comprises a VSD controller to control the VSD, wherein the VSD controller comprises a processor and a non-transitory memory storage having instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining a measurement of at least one pump performance variable and a motor current for a first period of time to establish a first data set and making a first adjustment to a voltage output from the VSD to the ESP motor, the first adjustment having a first adjustment type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Luke Golden Janger, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David Linn Self, Wesley John Nowitzki, David C. Beck
  • Patent number: 11480047
    Abstract: One or more sensors are mounted on a collar proximate to a motor shaft of a motor. The motor is associated with an electric submersible pump (ESP) located in a wellbore of a geological formation. The one or more sensors sense one or more identifiers located on the motor shaft of the motor. One or more of a rotation direction and rotation speed of the motor shaft is determined based on the sensing of the one or more identifiers. The motor is powered to pump fluid from a reservoir in the geological formation to a surface of the geological formation based on the one or more of the rotation direction and rotation speed of the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Clay Courtwright, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Dustin Campbell, Carl Albert Palmgren, III
  • Patent number: 11466547
    Abstract: Permanent magnet motors (PMMs) can develop oscillations during motor startup that can cause damage to electric submersible pump (ESP) components. A system and method are presented for identifying mechanical and/or electrical caused oscillations in a PMM through the analysis of oscillations in current and torque measurements. A control system within a surface motor controller receives current and/or torque measurements from downhole sensors. The control system employs one or more algorithms designed to detect oscillations in the measurements. Upon detecting oscillations that are consistent with oscillations in the motor from mechanical or electrical causes, the control system automatically initiates protective action to prevent damage to the ESP components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David C. Beck
  • Patent number: 11414967
    Abstract: A dynamic power optimization system and method for electric submersible motors. A system to optimize operation of an electric submersible motor electrically coupled to a variable speed drive controlled by a computer performing dynamically in a loop the steps of obtaining measurement of a pump performance variable and motor current to establish a first data set, making a motor voltage adjustment of a first type including either an increase or a decrease, establishing a second data set after the adjustment, differencing the first data set with the second data set, and making a second adjustment to the motor voltage of the first adjustment type if the current drops and the pump performance variable is maintained within thresholds, or opposite the first adjustment type if the current rises and the pump performance variable is maintained, or if the current drops and the pump performance variable deviates outside the thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Golden Janger, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David Linn Self, Wesley John Nowitzki, David C. Beck
  • Patent number: 11391096
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump used to pump fluids inside a borehole during operation is described. The electric submersible pump and its motor can be powered using an inductive power coupling. The electric submersible pump comprises a sealed extension that houses a pickup inductive coil assembly that is electrically coupled to a power source at a surface of the borehole. Power runs through the primary inductive coil assembly and the primary inductive coil is positioned relative to the pickup inductive coil assembly such that the electrical current flowing in the primary inductive coil assembly from the power source and through the power cable induces a voltage in the pickup inductive coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Christopher Beck, Walter Dinkins, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Robert Charles De Long
  • Patent number: 11248459
    Abstract: Selectively automating the powering of downhole equipment during run-in-hole (RIH) operations provides a means of safely installing and monitoring downhole equipment. Selective automation comprises monitoring lowering of a pump assembly into a borehole as part of an installation process. In response to determining that the lowering of the pump assembly into the borehole has stopped, an output of power from a power source to a cable coupled to the pump assembly is allowed. A data transmission is communicated from a downhole gauge in the pump assembly to a communication device at a surface of the borehole via the cable. In response to not receiving a valid data transmission at the communication device, it is determined that the cable may be damaged, and that further cable testing should occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Albert Palmgren, III, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Mark Dale Stewart
  • Publication number: 20210189805
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump used to pump fluids inside a borehole during operation is described. The electric submersible pump and its motor can be powered using an inductive power coupling. The electric submersible pump comprises a sealed extension that houses a pickup inductive coil assembly that is electrically coupled to a power source at a surface of the borehole. Power runs through the primary inductive coil assembly and the primary inductive coil is positioned relative to the pickup inductive coil assembly such that the electrical current flowing in the primary inductive coil assembly from the power source and through the power cable induces a voltage in the pickup inductive coil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: David Christopher Beck, Walter Dinkins, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Robert Charles De Long
  • Publication number: 20210140289
    Abstract: A dynamic power optimization system and method for electric submersible motors. A system to optimize operation of an electric submersible motor electrically coupled to a variable speed drive controlled by a computer performing dynamically in a loop the steps of obtaining measurement of a pump performance variable and motor current to establish a first data set, making a motor voltage adjustment of a first type including either an increase or a decrease, establishing a second data set after the adjustment, differencing the first data set with the second data set, and making a second adjustment to the motor voltage of the first adjustment type if the current drops and the pump performance variable is maintained within thresholds, or opposite the first adjustment type if the current rises and the pump performance variable is maintained, or if the current drops and the pump performance variable deviates outside the thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Luke Golden Janger, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David Linn Self, John Wesley Nowitzki, David C. Beck
  • Publication number: 20210131241
    Abstract: Permanent magnet motors (PMMs) can develop oscillations during motor startup that can cause damage to electric submersible pump (ESP) components. A system and method are presented for identifying mechanical and/or electrical caused oscillations in a PMM through the analysis of oscillations in current and torque measurements. A control system within a surface motor controller receives current and/or torque measurements from downhole sensors. The control system employs one or more algorithms designed to detect oscillations in the measurements. Upon detecting oscillations that are consistent with oscillations in the motor from mechanical or electrical causes, the control system automatically initiates protective action to prevent damage to the ESP components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, David C. Beck
  • Publication number: 20210102456
    Abstract: One or more sensors are mounted on a collar proximate to a motor shaft of a motor. The motor is associated with an electric submersible pump (ESP) located in a wellbore of a geological formation. The one or more sensors sense one or more identifiers located on the motor shaft of the motor. One or more of a rotation direction and rotation speed of the motor shaft is determined based on the sensing of the one or more identifiers. The motor is powered to pump fluid from a reservoir in the geological formation to a surface of the geological formation based on the one or more of the rotation direction and rotation speed of the motor shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Tyler Clay Courtwright, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Dustin Campbell Bosworth, Carl Albert Palmgren
  • Publication number: 20200332644
    Abstract: Selectively automating the powering of downhole equipment during run-in-hole (RIH) operations provides a means of safely installing and monitoring downhole equipment. Selective automation comprises monitoring lowering of a pump assembly into a borehole as part of an installation process. In response to determining that the lowering of the pump assembly into the borehole has stopped, an output of power from a power source to a cable coupled to the pump assembly is allowed. A data transmission is communicated from a downhole gauge in the pump assembly to a communication device at a surface of the borehole via the cable. In response to not receiving a valid data transmission at the communication device, it is determined that the cable may be damaged, and that further cable testing should occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Carl Albert Palmgren, III, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Mark Dale Stewart
  • Patent number: 10374542
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) variable speed drive (VSD) controller is described. A VSD control system includes a pump assembly including an induction motor operatively coupled to a pump, a power cable and a transformer electrically coupled between the induction motor and a VSD controller that controls a speed of the induction motor, the VSD controller including a converter section that sends a direct current (DC), a DC link including a DC smoothing capacitor that smooths the DC, an inverter that converts the smoothed DC to a pulse width modulated (PWM) output voltage, the inverter including at least one silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor module, and a PWM filter that filters the PWM output voltage to produce near sinusoidal voltages, the PWM filter including inductors, and the PWM filter sending voltage to the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom G. Yohanan, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, John Vanderstaay Kenner
  • Patent number: 10212861
    Abstract: A variable frequency drive (VFD) cabinet ventilation system, apparatus and method is described. A VFD cabinet includes an internal air circulating closed circuit that extends through an inside of an air-to-air heat exchanger and an external air open circuit extending around an outside of the heat exchanger. The circulating internal air closed circuit extends through a chamber closed to ingress of external air, the chamber including electrical components of a VFD system. The external air open circuit makes a turn from downwards to upwards before flowing through a VFD chassis including a drive of the VFD system. A VFD cabinet ventilation method includes turning a flow of cabinet ventilation air from downwards to upwards to separate dirt from the ventilation air, passing the separated ventilation air through a VFD chassis, and circulating internal cabinet air through a closed circuit including an inside of a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Tyler Clay Courtwright, Casey Laine Newport, David Reagan Manen, Thomas John Gottschalk
  • Publication number: 20180249595
    Abstract: A variable frequency drive (VFD) cabinet ventilation system, apparatus and method is described. A VFD cabinet includes an internal air circulating closed circuit that extends through an inside of an air-to-air heat exchanger and an external air open circuit extending around an outside of the heat exchanger. The circulating internal air closed circuit extends through a chamber closed to ingress of external air, the chamber including electrical components of a VFD system. The external air open circuit makes a turn from downwards to upwards before flowing through a VFD chassis including a drive of the VFD system. A VFD cabinet ventilation method includes turning a flow of cabinet ventilation air from downwards to upwards to separate dirt from the ventilation air, passing the separated ventilation air through a VFD chassis, and circulating internal cabinet air through a closed circuit including an inside of a heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, Tyler Clay Courtwright, Casey Laine Newport, David Reagan Manen, Thomas John Gottschalk
  • Publication number: 20180234044
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) variable speed drive (VSD) controller is described. A VSD control system includes a pump assembly including an induction motor operatively coupled to a pump, a power cable and a transformer electrically coupled between the induction motor and a VSD controller that controls a speed of the induction motor, the VSD controller including a converter section that sends a direct current (DC), a DC link including a DC smoothing capacitor that smooths the DC, an inverter that converts the smoothed DC to a pulse width modulated (PWM) output voltage, the inverter including at least one silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor module, and a PWM filter that filters the PWM output voltage to produce near sinusoidal voltages, the PWM filter including inductors, and the PWM filter sending voltage to the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Tom G. Yohanan, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, John Vanderstaay Kenner
  • Patent number: 9998054
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) variable speed drive (VSD) controller is described. A VSD control system includes a pump assembly including an induction motor operatively coupled to a pump, a power cable and a transformer electrically coupled between the induction motor and a VSD controller that controls a speed of the induction motor, the VSD controller including a converter section that sends a direct current (DC), a DC link including a DC smoothing capacitor that smooths the DC, an inverter that converts the smoothed DC to a pulse width modulated (PWM) output voltage, the inverter including at least one silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor module, and a PWM filter that filters the PWM output voltage to produce near sinusoidal voltages, the PWM filter including inductors, and the PWM filter sending voltage to the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Summit ESP, LLC
    Inventors: Tom G. Yohanan, Ryan Bridwell Ashbaugh, John Vanderstaay Kenner