Patents by Inventor Simone Less

Simone Less 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: 11491418
    Abstract: An emulsion separation device including a plurality of inclined plates, a buoyancy device, and an electric field generation system. Also disclosed are systems and methods for the separation of an emulsion into a continuous aqueous phase and a continuous oil phase. The systems may include: a vessel having an emulsion inlet, a continuous aqueous phase outlet, and a continuous oil phase outlet. A separation device may be disposed in the vessel, the separation device including: a plurality of inclined plates and a buoyancy device configured to maintain the plurality of inclined plates between the continuous aqueous phase and the continuous oil phase. An electric field generation system may also be provided and configured to expose the emulsion to an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien Duval, Olanrewaju Malcolm Oshinowo
  • Patent number: 11422122
    Abstract: To measure water content of liquid hydrocarbon using dried liquid hydrocarbon solvent, a liquid hydrocarbon sample is received from a flowline carrying the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon sample includes liquid hydrocarbon and liquid water at a concentration greater than a water saturation level. The liquid hydrocarbon sample is split into a first portion and a remainder portion. The first portion is dried to remove liquid water in the first portion. The remainder portion is mixed with the dried first portion causing the concentration of liquid water in a mixture of the remainder portion and the dried first portion to be below the water saturation level. After mixing the remainder portion with the dried first portion, a water content in the liquid hydrocarbon sample is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Elaf A. Ahmed, Sebastien A. Duval, Simone Less, Ali S. Aldossary
  • Patent number: 11385217
    Abstract: Online measurement of dispersed oil phase in produced water can be implemented a method on-site of a flowline transporting a fluid that includes dispersed oil in water. A sample of the fluid flowed through the flowline is obtained. The sample includes the oil phase and the water phase. The sample is combined with a chemical element that can separate the oil phase in the sample from the water phase in the sample. The separated oil phase and the chemical element are transferred into a measurement cell. The chemical element is removed from the measurement cell. After the chemical element is removed from the measurement cell, a quantity of the oil phase in the sample in the measurement cell is determined by a capacitive measurement technique. The determined quantity of the oil phase in the sample is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Elaf A. Ahmed, Sebastien A. Duval, Simone Less, Ali S. Aldossary
  • Publication number: 20220034863
    Abstract: Online measurement of dispersed oil phase in produced water can be implemented a method on-site of a flowline transporting a fluid that includes dispersed oil in water. A sample of the fluid flowed through the flowline is obtained. The sample includes the oil phase and the water phase. The sample is combined with a chemical element that can separate the oil phase in the sample from the water phase in the sample. The separated oil phase and the chemical element are transferred into a measurement cell. The chemical element is removed from the measurement cell. After the chemical element is removed from the measurement cell, a quantity of the oil phase in the sample in the measurement cell is determined by a capacitive measurement technique. The determined quantity of the oil phase in the sample is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Elaf A. Ahmed, Sebastien A. Duval, Simone Less, Ali S. Aldossary
  • Publication number: 20210396731
    Abstract: To measure water content of liquid hydrocarbon using dried liquid hydrocarbon solvent, a liquid hydrocarbon sample is received from a flowline carrying the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon sample includes liquid hydrocarbon and liquid water at a concentration greater than a water saturation level. The liquid hydrocarbon sample is split into a first portion and a remainder portion. The first portion is dried to remove liquid water in the first portion. The remainder portion is mixed with the dried first portion causing the concentration of liquid water in a mixture of the remainder portion and the dried first portion to be below the water saturation level. After mixing the remainder portion with the dried first portion, a water content in the liquid hydrocarbon sample is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Elaf A. Ahmed, Sebastien A. Duval, Simone Less, Ali S. Aldossary
  • Patent number: 11131660
    Abstract: To measure above-saturation water content of hydrocarbons, a liquid hydrocarbon sample is received from a flowline carrying the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon sample includes liquid hydrocarbon and liquid water at a concentration greater than a water saturation level. The liquid hydrocarbon sample is mixed with a solvent. The concentration of liquid water in a mixture of the solvent and the liquid hydrocarbon sample is below the water saturation level. After mixing the liquid hydrocarbon sample with the solvent, a water content in the liquid hydrocarbon sample is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Elaf A. Ahmed, Sebastien A. Duval, Simone Less
  • Publication number: 20210154599
    Abstract: An emulsion separation device including a plurality of inclined plates, a buoyancy device, and an electric field generation system. Also disclosed are systems and methods for the separation of an emulsion into a continuous aqueous phase and a continuous oil phase. The systems may include: a vessel having an emulsion inlet, a continuous aqueous phase outlet, and a continuous oil phase outlet. A separation device may be disposed in the vessel, the separation device including: a plurality of inclined plates and a buoyancy device configured to maintain the plurality of inclined plates between the continuous aqueous phase and the continuous oil phase. An electric field generation system may also be provided and configured to expose the emulsion to an electric field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien Duval, Olanrewaju Malcom Oshinowo
  • Publication number: 20210080446
    Abstract: To measure above-saturation water content of hydrocarbons, a liquid hydrocarbon sample is received from a flowline carrying the liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon sample includes liquid hydrocarbon and liquid water at a concentration greater than a water saturation level. The liquid hydrocarbon sample is mixed with a solvent. The concentration of liquid water in a mixture of the solvent and the liquid hydrocarbon sample is below the water saturation level. After mixing the liquid hydrocarbon sample with the solvent, a water content in the liquid hydrocarbon sample is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Elaf A. Ahmed, Sebastien A. Duval, Simone Less
  • Patent number: 10926192
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Patent number: 10926195
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Patent number: 10926194
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Patent number: 10926196
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Patent number: 10926193
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Publication number: 20200139267
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Publication number: 20200129885
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Publication number: 20200114281
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Publication number: 20200114280
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Publication number: 20200114279
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Patent number: 10537830
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines
  • Publication number: 20190240596
    Abstract: Separation apparatuses for the separation of a mixture of two fluids, such as a water-in-oil emulsion, via electrocoalescence, are provided. A separation apparatus may include a series of flow conditioners each having a different permittivity, such that the flow conditioner having a permittivity that is similar or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium is selected. Another separation apparatus may include a flow conditioner having a frequency-dependent permittivity, such that the frequency of the electric field generated is selected so that the permittivity of the flow conditioner is as similar as possible to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium. Another separation apparatus may include a replaceable flow conditioner that may be replaced with a flow conditioner having a permittivity that is as similar to or equal to the permittivity of the flowing medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Simone Less, Sebastien A. Duval, Abderrazak Traidia, Regis D. Vilagines