Patents by Inventor Sid A. Mebarkia

Sid A. Mebarkia 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).

  • Publication number: 20240117728
    Abstract: The present embodiments disclose a system and method for generating a predictive model to detect leak in undersea pipes. The system includes an administrator processor and one or more pipe sections. The method proceeds with observing changes in pressure, generating a predictive model configured to determine if a leak has occurred, and closing one or more pipes responsible for the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Baha Tulu Tanju, Matthew R. Kramer, Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Simona Duplat, Joseph E. Patterson, Jeffrey E. Mychaskiw
  • Patent number: 10371288
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for supporting a portion of a pipeline for conveying produced fluids in a subsea environment to facilitate movement of the portion of the pipeline over a seabed in response to stresses on the pipeline. The portion of the pipeline is supported on a rigid support structure having rotatable components that rotate about an axle attached to the rigid support structure such that the rigid support structure and the portion of the pipeline can move over the seabed. The apparatus and method eliminate the need for costly mud mats or suction piles to accommodate movement in the subsea pipeline and prevent pipeline walking. By facilitating movement of the portion of the pipeline, lateral deformation and axial displacement of the portion of the pipeline can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Antonio Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Kale Z. Lundeen
  • Patent number: 9662690
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a multi-diameter functional line with a large range of diameter variation for conveying fluid. The pig assembly includes a central shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end and at least one cylindrical pig body coaxially mounted on the central shaft. Attached to the at least one pig body are a plurality of arms capable of moving between an extended position radiating from the at least one pig body and a retracted position within the at least one pig body. Each of the pluralities of arms includes a spring to enable each arm of the plurality of arms to move into the extended position and to store potential energy when the arm is in the retracted position, and a roller to enable rolling contact between the pig assembly and an interior of a functional line during movement of the pig assembly within the functional line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Parsinejad Farzan, Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia
  • Patent number: 9602045
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a communication that is indicative of the characteristic. The communication may be a radiation output or an acoustic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Sid A. Mebarkia, Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Steven E. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 9303795
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe-in-pipe apparatus comprising an inner pipe disposed within an outer pipe wherein the inner pipe is an engineered pipe or umbilical. The outer pipe will shield the inner pipe. As a result, the design of the inner pipe only needs to address the functions required for the engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus. The end fittings of the system are designed for enabling maximum operation and intervention flexibility. The engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus will allow longer sections of the inner pipe to be used which will reduce the amount of field fabrication and streamline the installation process. The apparatus may be used for both new piping systems as well as the updating or retrofitting of an existing onshore or offshore piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Christopher A. Kassner, Sid A. Mebarkia
  • Publication number: 20160018044
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a multi-diameter functional line with a large range of diameter variation for conveying fluid. The pig assembly includes a central shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end and at least one cylindrical pig body coaxially mounted on the central shaft. Attached to the at least one pig body are a plurality of arms capable of moving between an extended position radiating from the at least one pig body and a retracted position within the at least one pig body. Each of the pluralities of arms includes a spring to enable each arm of the plurality of arms to move into the extended position and to store potential energy when the arm is in the retracted position, and a roller to enable rolling contact between the pig assembly and an interior of a functional line during movement of the pig assembly within the functional line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Parsinejad Farzam, Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia
  • Publication number: 20150159481
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a communication that is indicative of the characteristic. The communication may be a radiation output or an acoustic output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sid A. Mebarkia, Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Steven E. Wooldridge
  • Patent number: 8950499
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which provides fluid communication between the inner bore and the annular space in a pipe-in-pipe system. Other embodiments disclose an apparatus which provides fluid communication between adjacent segments of the annular space, between the inner bore or the annular space and an external source in a pipe-in-pipe type system. Methods and systems are disclosed utilizing the various apparatus embodiments to transport well fluids in an offshore or onshore hydrocarbon production operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Michael Quinney, Miguel Ruiz
  • Patent number: 8950498
    Abstract: Disclosed are pipeline systems, methods and apparatus for handling fluids in offshore oil and gas production. The systems disclosed allow subsea functional lines having diameters which differ by more than 2 standard API 5L pipeline diameters to be placed in fluid communication in such a way that the systems are piggable. Pipeline connection terminations are installed to facilitate connection of such functional lines. Such systems offer solutions to problems related to installing subsea pipeline in rough terrain, over subsea canyons and subsea scarps, installing marine risers, and long tiebacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Farzan Parsinejad, Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Christopher Allen Kassner, Brooks Gerard Johnson
  • Patent number: 8813770
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid. In one aspect, the pig assembly includes a larger diameter pig having an internal compartment and at least one smaller diameter pig adapted to fit therein. The larger diameter pig is capable of passing through a larger diameter functional line and the smaller diameter pig is capable of passing through a smaller diameter functional line. In another aspect, a method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid is provided which includes pigging a subsea line having at least a larger diameter functional line and a smaller diameter functional line in fluid communication with one another using a pig assembly as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Farzan Parsinejad, Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Christopher Allen Kassner
  • Publication number: 20140190574
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid. In one aspect, the pig assembly includes a larger diameter pig having an internal compartment and at least one smaller diameter pig adapted to fit therein. The larger diameter pig is capable of passing through a larger diameter functional line and the smaller diameter pig is capable of passing through a smaller diameter functional line. In another aspect, a method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid is provided which includes pigging a subsea line having at least a larger diameter functional line and a smaller diameter functional line in fluid communication with one another using a pig assembly as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Farzan Parsinejad, Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Christopher Allen Kassner
  • Publication number: 20140193205
    Abstract: Disclosed are pipeline systems, methods and apparatus for handling fluids in offshore oil and gas production. The systems disclosed allow subsea functional lines having diameters which differ by more than 2 standard API 5L pipeline diameters to be placed in fluid communication in such a way that the systems are piggable. Pipeline connection terminations are installed to facilitate connection of such functional lines. Such systems offer solutions to problems related to installing subsea pipeline in rough terrain, over subsea canyons and subsea scarps, installing marine risers, and long tiebacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Farzan Parsinejad, Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Christopher Allen Kassner, Brooks Gerard Johnson
  • Patent number: 8721222
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sid A. Mebarkia, Antonio C. F. Critsinelis, Dane Drew, Michael J. Quinney, Lynn Wang
  • Publication number: 20140116556
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe-in-pipe apparatus comprising an inner pipe disposed within an outer pipe wherein the inner pipe is an engineered pipe or umbilical. The outer pipe will shield the inner pipe. As a result, the design of the inner pipe only needs to address the functions required for the engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus. The end fittings of the system are designed for enabling maximum operation and intervention flexibility. The engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus will allow longer sections of the inner pipe to be used which will reduce the amount of field fabrication and streamline the installation process. The apparatus may be used for both new piping systems as well as the updating or retrofitting of an existing onshore or offshore piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Christopher A. Kassner, Sid A. Mebarkia
  • Patent number: 8708602
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling axial, lateral and/or vertical movements of subsea pipelines which reduce the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. The pipeline is connected to a stabilizing structure generally adjacent to the pipeline using a plurality of load-bearing members attached to the pipeline and the stabilizing structure at a plurality of predetermined locations. Also described are systems and methods for monitoring operating parameters of the pipeline over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Robert L. Foster, Jr., Michael J. Quinney
  • Publication number: 20130170914
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for stabilizing a subsea pipeline such that movements of the pipeline in the axial, lateral and/or vertical directions are restrained. The pipeline is connected to a stabilizing structure generally adjacent to the pipeline using one or more load-bearing members attached to the pipeline and the stabilizing structure at one or more predetermined locations. Also disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring operating parameters of the pipeline over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Robert L. Foster, JR., Michael J. Quinney
  • Publication number: 20130115009
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sid A. Mebarkia, Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Dane Drew, Michael J. Quinney, Lynn Wang
  • Publication number: 20130025875
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which provides fluid communication between the inner bore and the annular space in a pipe-in-pipe system. Other embodiments disclose an apparatus which provides fluid communication between adjacent segments of the annular space, between the inner bore or the annular space and an external source in a pipe-in-pipe type system. Methods and systems are disclosed utilizing the various apparatus embodiments to transport well fluids in an offshore or onshore hydrocarbon production operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio C.F. Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Michael Quinney, Miguel Ruiz