Tracer Patents (Class 166/250.12)
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Patent number: 12152480Abstract: A system for assessing the characteristics of one or more geological formations that includes a programmable processing system configured receive at least one data stream including (1) a stream of well-pressure measurements, where each item of well-pressure measurement data corresponds to the pressure within the geological formation at a given time, (2) a stream of data associated with the flow of water and/or slurry into the geological formation at different times, and (3) a stream of data associated with the flow of sand into the geological formation at different times, where the programmable processing system is further configured to categorize fracturing events into different categories.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Inventor: Wesley W Johnson
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Patent number: 12018561Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring influx of a fluid to a hydrocarbon producing well comprising providing at least one tracer release apparatus (100) in a hydrocarbon producing well at an influx location (14a-14d). The at least one tracer release apparatus comprises a fluid volume (121) and a tracer material (124) located in the fluid volume. The method comprises shutting in the tracer release apparatus during production to increase the concentration of tracer molecules in the fluid volume; releasing the tracer molecules from the tracer release apparatus into the production flow and detecting the presence of tracer downstream of the influx location.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Resman ASInventors: Thomas Sperle, Øystein Mølstre
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Patent number: 11846179Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of charactering and analyzing drill cuttings, such as drill cuttings labeled with fluorescent covalent organic framework tracers.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Vera Solovyeva, Nouf M. Jabri, Alberto F. Marsala
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Patent number: 11760925Abstract: A tracer particle includes a silica core and a plurality of polymer-coated oligonucleotides disposed within the silica core, on a surface of the silica core, or a combination thereof. Each of the polymer-coated oligonucleotides comprise a polymer that at least partially surrounds an oligonucleotide.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2023Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Core Laboratories LPInventors: Feng Li, Joshua Charles Falkner
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Patent number: 11674382Abstract: A method of estimating an influx profile for at least one well fluid to a producing petroleum well with two or more influx zones or influx locations to a production flow, wherein the well comprises tracer sources with distinct tracer materials in known levels of the well, at least one of said tracer sources arranged downstream and exposed to the fluids in at least one of said influx zones, wherein each said tracer source has an even release rate to said well fluid, characterised in that one or more of the tracer sources is provided in one or more delay chambers for ventilating out fluid with leaked tracer material at a time constant which is significantly longer than the diffusion rate from the tracer source to the well fluid, wherein the method further comprises: providing samples, the samples collected from the production flow at a location downstream of the tracer sources during a time period in which the tracer transient is detectable at the downstream location, analysing said samples for concentration anType: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: RESMAN ASInventor: Fridtjof Nyhavn
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Patent number: 11585210Abstract: A well bore logging tool for measuring a pore fluid property of a hydrocarbon reservoir that may include, a tool housing, a vessel containing a tracer, a launcher attached to the vessel that may be configured to inject a tracer into the hydrocarbon reservoir. The well bore logging too may further include a retrieval device configured to extract at least a portion of the tracer from the hydrocarbon reservoir. The well bore logging too may further include a storage canister may be configured to store a portion of the tracer extracted from the hydrocarbon reservoir, and a scanning device may be configured to read a value of at least one fluid saturation property detected by the tracer. The vessel, launcher, retrieval device, storage canister, and scanning device may be enclosed in a tool housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Abdulaziz S. Al-Qasim, Mutaz H. Alsubhi, Khalid I. Alhamed
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Patent number: 11572752Abstract: A method of deploying a flexible cable in a wellbore includes carrying, by a tubular assembly, a cable spool cartridge into the wellbore. The cable spool cartridge is attached to an exterior of the tubular assembly and contains the flexible cable. A first end of the flexible cable is attached to a buoyancy device, and the buoyancy device is releasably attached to the cable spool cartridge. A fluid is flowed by the tubular assembly in a downhole direction through an interior of the tubular assembly and in an uphole direction within an annulus at least partially defined by the exterior of the tubular assembly. The fluid has a greater density than the buoyancy device. The buoyancy device is released by the cable spool cartridge, and the buoyancy device is configured to travel after release in the uphole direction with the fluid and thereby pull the flexible cable from the cable spool cartridge and into the annulus.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Timothy E. Moellendick, Amjad Alshaarawi, Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne, Bodong Li, Richard Mark Pye
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Patent number: 11408276Abstract: Hydrocarbon wells and methods that utilize a plug with an included tracer material. The hydrocarbon wells include a wellbore that extends within a subsurface region and a downhole tubular that extends within the wellbore and defines a tubular conduit. The hydrocarbon wells also include a plug positioned within the wellbore and a tracer detection structure. The plug forms a fluid seal and includes a tracer material. The tracer detection structure is configured to detect the tracer material within a produced fluid stream that is produced from the hydrocarbon well. The methods include releasing the tracer material from the plug and producing the produced fluid stream. The methods also include detecting the tracer material within the produced fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Rami Jabari, Maciej Lukawski
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Patent number: 11326443Abstract: Reservoir sweep efficiency includes obtaining fluid front arrival times for streamlines in a reservoir. A wellbore is partitioned into independent production zones, and a target flow rate is allocated to each of the independent production zones based on the fluid front arrival times. Partition choke parameters complying with the target flow rates are allocated to generate a completion design, which is presented.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Shingo Watanabe, Frode Bratvedt, Matthew Worthington, Vadim Blekhman
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Patent number: 11292960Abstract: A release system for releasing a released material into a release fluid is disclosed. The release system comprises a matrix. The matrix comprises at least one first matrix material and at least one second matrix material. The second matrix material is configured to at least partially erode when exposed to the release fluid. The releasable material is held in the matrix such that the at least partial erosion of the second matrix material causes the releasable material to be at least partially released from the matrix.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2018Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Miquel Planells, Chun-tian Zhao
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Patent number: 11255190Abstract: Hydrocarbon wells and methods of interrogating fluid flow within hydrocarbon wells. The hydrocarbon wells include a wellbore and downhole tubing that defines a tubing conduit and extends within the wellbore. The hydrocarbon wells also include an interrogation device. The interrogation device is configured to indicate at least one property of fluid flow within the hydrocarbon wells. The hydrocarbon wells also include a downhole location at which the interrogation device is released into the tubing conduit and a detection structure configured to query the interrogation device to determine the at least one property of fluid flow within the hydrocarbon wells. The methods include releasing an interrogation device at a downhole location within a hydrocarbon well and flowing the interrogation device from the downhole location to a surface region. The methods also include querying the interrogation device to determine at least one property of fluid flow within the hydrocarbon well.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Michael C. Romer, Ted A. Long, Tony W. Hord
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Patent number: 11193368Abstract: Tracers for oil recovery, particularly fluorescent nanotracers comprising polynucleotides such as DNA strands. The tracer comprises a core-shell nanoparticle tailored according to the operation to be traced. It contains a fluorescent core comprising a target polynucleotide that allows the detection thereof in the field and a functionalized polymeric shell that provides increased stability in high salinity aqueous phases. A method for preparing said nanotracer by encapsulation of a polynucleotide.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: YPF TECNOLOGIA S.A.Inventors: María Laura Vera, Juan Ignacio Quelas, Maria Pilar Cadierno, Walter Alberto Vargas, María Leticia Legarto, Isabel Natalia Vega, Juan Martín Giussi
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Patent number: 11162022Abstract: Electrically conductive proppants and methods for detecting, locating, and characterizing same are provided. The electrically conductive proppant can include a substantially uniform coating of an electrically conductive material having a thickness of at least 500 nm. The method can include injecting a hydraulic fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein, injecting into the fracture a fluid containing the electrically conductive proppant, electrically energizing the earth at or near the fracture, and measuring three dimensional (x, y, and z) components of electric and magnetic field responses at a surface of the earth or in an adjacent wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignees: CARBO CERAMICS INC., Sandia CorporationInventors: Chad Cannan, Lewis Bartel, Terrence Palisch, David Aldridge
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Patent number: 11149540Abstract: Embedding tracer material within a frac tool. More specifically, directly mixing a tracer material with dissolvable materials that are then positioning with a frac tool, positioning tracer material within a dissolvable chamber within the frac tool, coating down hole tools with tracer material, forming portions of down hole tools with tracer materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: Vertice Oil ToolsInventors: Hossam Elbadawy, Richard Gaut
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Patent number: 11008505Abstract: Electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles and methods for producing such electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles from an alumina-containing raw material. Methods for using such electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles in hydraulic fracturing operations.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignees: CARBO CERAMICS INC., NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA, LLCInventors: Chad Cannan, Lewis Bartel, Terry Palisch, David Aldridge, Todd Roper
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Patent number: 10995610Abstract: Tracers for oil recovery, particularly fluorescent nanotracers conservative in aqueous phases. The tracer comprises a core-shell nanoparticle tailored according to the operation to be traced. It contains a fluorescent core that allows the detection thereof in the field and a functionalized polymeric shell that provides increased stability in high salinity aqueous phases. A method for preparing said nanotracer. Given the nanotracer versatility, it can be used both for tracing fracking steps as well as meshes of secondary and tertiary recovery.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignees: YPF Technologia S.A., Consejo Nacional De Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (Conicet)Inventors: Alejandra Calvo, María Laura Vera, María Laura Dell'Archiprete, Melina Vanesa Cozzarin, Juan Martín Giussi, Mónica Gonzalez, Félix Gregorio Requejo, Omar Azzaroni
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Patent number: 10975295Abstract: Electrically conductive proppant particles having non-uniform electrically conductive coatings are disclosed. The non-uniform electrically conductive coatings can have a thickness of at least about 10 nm formed on an outer surface of a sintered, substantially round and spherical particle, wherein less than 95% of the outer surface of the sintered, substantially round and spherical particle is coated with the electrically conductive material. Methods for making and using such electrically conductive proppant particles having non-uniform electrically conductive coatings are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.Inventors: Chad Cannan, Lewis Bartel, Todd Roper
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Patent number: 10961842Abstract: A method of estimating an influx profile for at least one well fluid to a producing petroleum well with two or more influx zones or influx locations to a production flow, wherein the well comprises tracer sources with distinct tracer materials in known levels of the well, at least one of said tracer sources arranged downstream and exposed to the fluids in at least one of said influx zones, wherein each said tracer source has an even release rate to said well fluid, characterised in that one or more of the tracer sources is provided in one or more delay chambers for ventilating out fluid with leaked tracer material at a time constant which is significantly longer than the diffusion rate from the tracer source to the well fluid, wherein the method further comprises: providing samples, the samples collected from the production flow at a location downstream of the tracer sources during a time period in which the tracer transient is detectable at the downstream location, analysing said samples for concentration anType: GrantFiled: May 11, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: RESMAN ASInventor: Fridtjof Nyhavn
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Patent number: 10920537Abstract: A shroud assembly having two semi-cylindrical covers having a connector at each end; a plurality of receiver rings for supporting the covers and engaging the connector; and an extender ring configured to move a first receiver ring toward a second receiver ring.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Michael Joseph Sessa, Scott Crowley, Jason Brasseaux, Joshua Hornsby, Chris Hall, James Reginald Boggs
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Patent number: 10914165Abstract: A method includes collecting tracer concentration measurements from a flow stream in a borehole as a function of time. The method also includes recovering an uplink telemetry signal from the collected tracer concentration measurements, wherein the uplink telemetry signal conveys a downhole tool measurement or communication. The method also includes performing an operation in response to the recovered uplink telemetry signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Pelletier, Li Gao, Christopher M. Jones
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Patent number: 10890052Abstract: A downhole power generation device and a separate-zone waterflooding device, which relate to the field of oil and gas development technologies. The downhole power generation device comprises a housing extended axially and a rotating wheel, a striking mechanism and a piezoelectric bimorph provided in the housing. The piezoelectric bimorph is axially extended and circumferentially distributed around an axis of the housing, with one end of the piezoelectric bimorph being fixed. The rotating wheel is in transmission connection with the striking mechanism and can be rotated by fluid to drive the striking mechanism to rotate. The striking mechanism can touch the other end of the piezoelectric bimorph during rotation so that the piezoelectric bimorph vibrates back and forth.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: PETROCHINA COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Xiaohan Pei, Qinghai Yang, Dongbai Shan, Tao Li, Eryang Ming, Ming Li
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Patent number: 10877017Abstract: A plurality of sensing devices are inserted into a concrete mixture to be used at a construction site. The concrete mixture is poured to form one or more structural elements, wherein one or more sensing devices are embedded in the concrete of each structural element. Data relating to a first characteristic of the concrete in each structural element is received from the sensing devices. For each structural element, a second characteristic of the concrete of the associated structural element is determined, based on the first characteristic. A map showing the one or more structural elements is generated. For each of the one or more structural elements, a respective graphical indicator indicating the second characteristic associated with the respective structural element is displayed on the map. The map is displayed on a user device.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: QUIPIP, LLCInventors: Farrokh F. Radjy, Anousha Radjy
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Patent number: 10760411Abstract: A method involving introducing a perforation string into a wellbore passing through a subterranean formation, the perforation string having a perforation gun and a releasable tracer, the releasable tracer being releasable in response to a fluid produced from the subterranean formation contacting the nearby perforation string. The method includes perforating, with the perforation gun, a surface of the wellbore and withdrawing fluid from a wellbore. The method further includes allowing the releasable tracer to release from the perforation string after the fluid produced from the formation contacts the perforation string and flows toward an entrance of the wellbore. Finally, measuring at least one of an amount or presence of the releasable tracer thereby indicating at least one of an amount or presence of the fluid produced from the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Richard E. Robey, Justin L. Mason
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Patent number: 10689975Abstract: A petroleum well tracer release flow shunt chamber in an annulus space about a base pipe and method of estimating one or more pressure differences or gradients, wherein the flow shunt chamber extending generally axial-parallel with the base pipe, and provided with a shunt flow passage for holding a shunt chamber fluid, and including: a tracer carrying system designed to release shots of tracer molecules or particles according to some control to the shunt chamber fluid, a first inlet aperture for receiving a first fluid, a second outlet aperture for releasing the shunt chamber fluid to a fluid, a flow restrictor nozzle unit allowing a pressure gradient between the inlet and outlet apertures driving the shunt chamber fluid out via the flow restrictor nozzle unit, topside recording the tracer transient response from the shunt chamber after tracer shots, extracting pressure gradients from recoded tracer transient response and tracer transient model, deriving wellbore inflow profile information from pressure gradiType: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: RESMAN ASInventors: Fridtjof Nyhavn, Christian Andresen, Gaute Oftedal
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Patent number: 10655466Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the hydrocarbon production, in particular to measuring the fracture closure pressure in a formation penetrated by a wellbore using marker agents.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Artem Valeryevich Kabannik
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Patent number: 10641083Abstract: A method of treating a multi-zoned subterranean formation with composites having well treatment agents is disclosed. The well treatment agent treated in each zone is distinguishable. At least a portion of the well treatment agent is released from one of the composites into the well or formation. The formation of undesirable contaminants may be inhibited or prevented in the well or in the formation by the release of the well treatment agent from one or more of the composites. The well treatment agent also serves as a tracer. When fluid transported from the formation or well is collected, the source of the transported fluid may be determined by comparing a chemical or physical parameter of the well treatment agent with a working set of known taggants.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLCInventors: Dong Shen, Stephen J. Szymczak, William H. Steiner, Dora V. Galvan
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Patent number: 10613053Abstract: An automated method and system for identifying one or more chemical tracers present in a sample drawn downstream from the well head from a produced hydrocarbon oil/water stream in a pipeline from a downhole well completion, the one or more chemical tracers having originally been applied to the outer surface of one or more lengths of tubing placed at known locations in the assembly of the downhole well completion, the chemical identification of each of the tracers and the location of each of the tracers having been retrievably recorded for the well completion in the form of a relational database, by in situ testing of a portion of the aqueous layer of the sample following settling by means of an electrophoresis analysis system that includes a micro-fluidic chip and an electronic data information collection unit and signal communication means for transmitting conditioned data from the electronic data information collection unit to the central control station for comparison with, and identification of data assocType: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Alwaleed A. Al-Gouhi, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
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Patent number: 10570727Abstract: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements from a downhole well tool in a wellbore are obtained to identify length of fractures adjacent the wellbore. A ground penetrating radar transmitter of the downhole tool emits an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic wave of the ground penetrating radar is diffracted on encountering an end or tip of a fracture, which acts as a secondary source. The diffracted signal is then collected by downhole receiver(s) of the downhole tool. Length of the fracture is determined based on the time of travel of the electromagnetic wave from its emission until its collection as a diffracted signal by the downhole receiver(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Jesus Manuel Felix Servin, Erika Shoemaker Ellis, Ersan Turkoglu, Howard Khan Schmidt
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Patent number: 10502040Abstract: A method of fracturing multiple productive zones of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is disclosed. The method comprises injecting a fracturing fluid into each of the multiple production zones at a pressure sufficient to enlarge or create fractures in the multiple productive zones, wherein the fracturing fluid comprises an upconverting nanoparticle that has a host material, a dopant, and a surface modification such that the upconverting nanoparticle is soluble or dispersible in water, a hydrocarbon oil, or a combination thereof; recovering a fluid from one or more of the multiple production zones; detecting the upconverting nanoparticle in the recovered fluid by exposing the recovered fluid to an excitation radiation having a monochromatic wavelength; and identifying the zone that produces the recovered fluid or monitoring an amount of water or oil in the produced fluid by measuring an optical property of the upconverting nanoparticle in the recovered fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Sankaran Murugesan, Valery Khabashesku, Qusai Darugar
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Patent number: 10494562Abstract: The flow modifier particle composition contain a viscoelastic base agent, a selective solubilizer, a density modifier, a sweller, and an optional plasticizer, wherein based on the total weight of the flow modifier particle composition, the content of the viscoelastic base agent is 30-90 wt %, the content of the selective solubilizer is 3-30 wt %, the content of the density modifier is 0.1-30 wt %, the content of the sweller is 1-30%, and the content of the plasticizer is 0-10 wt %. The present invention further discloses a flow modifier, which contains the flow modifier particle composition and a carrying fluid that contains water and a surfactant. The present invention further discloses a preparation method of the flow modifier, and a use of the flow modifier and the flow modifier particle composition in exploitation of fracture-cave reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignees: China University of Petroleum (East China), China University of Geosciences (Beijing)Inventors: Caili Dai, Qing You, Jichao Fang, Guang Zhao, Yifei Liu, Mingwei Gao, Jiaping Tao, Pan Wang
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Patent number: 10358894Abstract: It has been found that in many instances it is desirable to be able to determine where fluid in a well originates. To that end a tracer assembly is provided where the tracer assembly becomes a portion of the tubular that is run into the wellbore. Preferably the tracer assembly provides an exterior barrier whether permanent or temporary to fluid flow outside of the tubular and also provides an interior barrier to fluid flow as it passes through the inner bore of the tubular. The interior barrier is adjustable so that upon command it provides access from the interior of the tubular to at least a portion of a cavity within the tracer assembly. The cavity is provided with a tracer or tracers so that as fluid is allowed within the interior cavity portion of the tracer is eroded, dissolved, or otherwise mixed with the fluid and the tracer that is now mixed with the fluid is transported to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: DRECO ENERGY SERVICES ULCInventor: Vincenzo Barbato
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Patent number: 10344200Abstract: Resin coatings are frequently formed in conjunction with performing a subterranean treatment operation. However, poor thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of resin coatings can be problematic in a downhole environment and eventually lead to their breakdown. Methods for enhancing a resin coating in a downhole environment can comprise: introducing a treatment fluid comprising a curable resin and a carbon nanomaterial into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; forming a coating of the curable resin on a surface in the wellbore, the carbon nanomaterial being dispersed throughout the coating; and curing the curable resin to form a cured resin coating.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Rajender Salla, Neelam Deepak Raysoni, Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 10309183Abstract: Plugs for deployment downhole include a body composed of a first material and include an activating element disposed internally in the body. The activating element has an agent configured to degrade the body. However, the agent is kept from degrading the body until occurrence of an activating trigger. The activating element can include a shell enclosing the agent therein and keeping the agent from reacting with the body's material. The shell can be composed of a breachable material that is breached to allow the agent to react with the first material. To breach the shell, the activating element can further include a breaching element that breaches the shell in response to the activating trigger.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventor: I. Marc Cutler
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Patent number: 10215882Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying chemical diverter material placed in a borehole region and provides chemical diverter material. In one embodiment, a method for detecting diverter material placed in a borehole region includes (a) obtaining a first data set by: emitting pulses of neutrons from the pulsed neutron source into the borehole region and detecting capture gamma rays resulting from nuclear reactions in the borehole region; (b) placing a diverter material comprising aqueous-swellable particles and a thermal neutron absorbing material into the borehole region; (c) obtaining a second data set by: emitting pulses of neutrons from the first pulsed neutron source or a second pulsed neutron source into the borehole region, and detecting capture gamma rays in the borehole; and (d) comparing the first data set and the second data set to determine the location of diverter material placed in the borehole region.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.Inventors: Lyle V. Lehman, Bradley Todd, Don Conkle
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Patent number: 10100632Abstract: A petroleum well formation pressure meter system includes a petroleum fluid conducting tubing in a borehole through a reservoir rock formation. The tubing includes a blank pipe section forming a blank-pipe-isolated first annulus section isolated by a first and a second packer and an adjacent non-blank pipe section beyond said first packer forming a tubing-communicating petroleum producing second annulus section. The first packer includes a tracer-conducting channel allowing through passage of tracer material from an inlet from a bellows including a fluid tracer in pressure communication with said blank-pipe-isolated annulus section, to an outlet to said tubing-communicating annulus section.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: RESMAN ASInventors: Fridtjof Nyhavn, Christian Andresen
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Patent number: 10060252Abstract: A method and system for performing fluid flow tracing through a medium, such as the geologic formation surrounding a subterranean borehole, or the environment around a pipe or conduit. A transparent liner is everted into the borehole. A marker fluid from the surrounding medium emerges from the wall of the borehole and is allowed to contact the liner, or a cover of the liner, to create a stain thereon that is visible with a camera lowered into the liner interior.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Inventor: Carl E. Keller
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Patent number: 9840902Abstract: Preparing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and magnetic proppant particulates, wherein the magnetic proppant particulates comprise proppant particulates at least partially coated with a stabilization agent and magnetic particles, and preparing a spacer fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent, and a breaker. Introducing the treatment fluid and the spacer fluid intermittently into a subterranean formation comprising a fracture so as to alternate placement of the magnetic proppant particulates in the treatment fluid with the spacer fluid in the fracture, and activating the magnetic particles, wherein the activated magnetic particles cause the magnetic proppant particulates to agglomerate. Propping open the fracture with the magnetic proppant particulates, and activating the breaker in the spacer fluid so as to at least partially remove the spacer fluid from the fracture, thereby leaving behind substantially magnetic proppant particulate-free channels between the magnetic proppant particulates.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 9745835Abstract: A screen assembly can include a tracer retaining mechanism for retaining a tracer in an annular area defined between a screen portion and a base pipe. The tracer retaining mechanism can be coupled to the screen portion, the base pipe, or the tracer. The tracer retaining mechanism can allow fluid flow in and out of the annular area.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INCInventors: Gregory Scott Cunningham, Travis Thomas Hailey, Jr., Ryan Michael Novelen, Stephen Michael Greci, James Jun Kang
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Patent number: 9146333Abstract: A system and method collects one or more measurements within a borehole formed in a subsurface reservoir. The system and method provides a first downhole component having an expandable element and a first port formed in a layer of the expandable element. A wireless transceiver is connected to the first downhole component, wherein the wireless transceiver is adapted to transmit one or more wireless signals within the borehole. A first wireless sensor located at the first port and remotely with respect to the wireless transceiver, wherein the first wireless sensor is configure to receive the one or more wireless signals and collect at least one measurement within the borehole or perform at least one task related to the borehole or subsurface reservoir about the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Miroslav Slapal, Julian Pop, Jean Louis Pessin, Stephen Yeldell, Ramon Hernandez-Marti
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Patent number: 9140111Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The currently preferred embodiments use substantially spherical thermoset nanocomposite particles where the matrix comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior is incorporated to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Sun Drilling Products CorporationInventor: Jozef Bicerano
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Patent number: 9068439Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of positive indication of the proper actuation of a downhole tool. One system includes a work string providing a flow path therein, a downhole tool coupled to the work string and having a body fluidly coupled to the flow path, an indicator chamber defined in the body and configured to retain a substance therein until the downhole tool is actuated, whereupon the indicator chamber becomes exposed and the substance is released into the flow path, and an optical computing device in optical communication with the flow path and configured to detect a characteristic of the substance in the flow path and communicate a signal when the characteristic is detected, the signal being indicative that the downhole tool has been actuated.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Zachary W. Walton, Michael L. Fripp
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Patent number: 8973656Abstract: Systems and methods for using very small devices, “McNano devices,” to facilitate and enhance operations in the oilpatch. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Guy L. McClung, III
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Publication number: 20150060059Abstract: A technique facilitates detection of specific constituents in a well fluid as it is produced from a reservoir. The technique employs a screen assembly having a base pipe and a filter media coupled with the base pipe. An access opening is provided in the screen assembly for insertion of a tracer into a region between the base pipe and the filter media. The tracer is then secured in the region between the base pipe and the filter media. The technique enables selection and application of specific, interchangeable tracers while in the field, e.g. at a well site.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Michael D. Langlais, Andrzej T. Tunkiel, Edvin E. Riisem
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Patent number: 8967252Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for tagging carbon dioxide to be stored in a geologic formation. In some embodiments, a method includes: providing a carbon dioxide tracer that is quantifiable and distinguishable versus non-anthropogenic produced carbon dioxide; providing carbon dioxide to be stored in the geologic formation; determining what portion of the carbon dioxide is anthropogenic produced carbon dioxide; and mixing a predetermined quantity of the carbon dioxide tracer with the carbon dioxide stored to develop a tagged quantity of carbon dioxide for storage in the geologic formation. In some embodiments, a system for tagging a stream of carbon dioxide includes a tagging module and a mixing module. Tagging module includes a carbon dioxide tracer that is quantifiable and distinguishable versus non-anthropogenic produced carbon dioxide. Mixing module includes mechanisms for containing and injecting the carbon dioxide tracer into a stream of carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Juerg M. Matter, Ah-Hyung Alissa Park
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Publication number: 20150041121Abstract: A localized inflow tracer (112) may be flushed from a gravel pack (104) surrounding a base pipe (102) of a production well by outwardly venting the inflow tracer. The base pipe (102) may include a non-perforated section (106) disposed adjacent to one or more perforated sections (108). A tracer carrier (110) may be disposed circumferentially about at least a portion of the non-perforated section (106) of the base pipe (102). An inflow tracer (112) may be released from the tracer carrier (110) into production fluid within the gravel pack (104) proximate to the non-perforated section (106) of the base pipe (102) such that the inflow tracer is flushed from the gravel pack (104) into individual ones of the one or more perforated sections (108) of the base pipe (102) and transported with the production fluid. The inflow tracer (112) may be prevented from being flushed directly from the tracer carrier (110) into the base pipe (102) due to a lack of permeability of the non-perforated section of the base pipe (102).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Chevron U.S. A. IncInventors: Daniel Francis Alan Hunt, Luis Carlos Baralho Bianco, Christian André Andresen, Jomar Skalmerås
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Publication number: 20150034310Abstract: Described herein are compounds, compositions, and methods for enhancing oil recovery.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Joan F. Brennecke, Edward J. Maginn, Mark J. McCready, William F. Schneider, Mauricio Quiroz Guzman
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Publication number: 20150034309Abstract: Tracing fracking liquid in oil and gas wells using unique DNA sequences. For each of the DNA sequences, bonding to magnetic core particles, and encapsulating them with silica. Pumping the volumes of fracking liquid, each marked with one of the unique DNA sequences, into the well. Pumping fluids out of the well while taking fluid samples. For each of the plural fluid samples, gathering the silica encapsulated DNA using magnetic attraction with the magnetic core particles, dissolving away the silica shells, thereby separating the plural unique DNA sequences form the magnetic core particles, and analyzing the concentration of the unique DNA sequences in each of the plural fluid samples. Then, calculating the ratio of each of the volumes of fracking liquid recovered for each of the fluid samples, and thereby establishing the quantity of the volumes of fracking liquids removed from the fracture zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Tyler W. Blair
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Publication number: 20150034308Abstract: Methods of tracing fracking liquid in oil or gas bearing formations using plural unique oligonucleotide markers. Method includes pumping the plural volumes of fracking liquid, each marked with a unique oligonucleotide, into the formation, thereby defining plural fracture zones in the formation, and, pumping fluids out of the formation while taking plural fluid samples. Then, analyzing the concentration of the unique oligonucleotides in each of the plural fluid samples, and, calculating the ratio of each of the plural volumes of fracking liquid recovered for each of the plural fluid samples according to the concentration of the unique oligonucleotides present in each of the plural samples. And, then, establishing the quantity of the plural volumes of fracking liquids removed from the plural fracture zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: TRACE LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Tyler W. Blair, J. Lynn Myers
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Publication number: 20150013972Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method of using the apparatus for surface confirmation of opening of downhole ports in a downhole environment. The apparatus includes a tubular region that has an inner diameter. The tubular region includes at least two production ports and at least one non-production port. The non-production port includes a housing that has at least one chemical tracer. The apparatus also includes a cutter operable for opening the production ports and non-production port. The apparatus further includes a launcher for launching the cutter and a receiver for receiving the cutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Majed N. Al-Rabeh
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Publication number: 20140377871Abstract: It is described a method and a system for wireless in-situ sampling of a reservoir fluid from a hydrocarbon reservoir comprising obtaining a number of local samples of the reservoir fluid from different zones of the reservoir at given times. Local characterization of production fluid is obtained based on identifying chemical fingerprints of each of the number of local samples. This information can be used to determine local production rates from different zones in the well or from coming led wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: SINVENT ASInventors: Kolbjorn Zahlsen, Lars Kilaas, Paal Skjetne