Geophysical (e.g., Well Bore, Underwater) Patents (Class 374/136)
-
Patent number: 7774164Abstract: A computer which functions by a performance prediction program for a ground source heat pump system of the present invention and a performance prediction system constructed thereby include a dimensionless distance calculating means, a first dimensionless time calculating means, a second dimensionless time calculating means, a boundary time acquiring means, an underground temperature change calculating means, and a tube surface temperature change calculating means. The performance prediction program and performance prediction system can be applied to the design of heat exchange system by obtaining predicted underground temperature data for the ground source heat pump system with high accuracy and predicting the performance for the ground source heat pump system based on the resulting underground temperature changes, etc., in view of the use of a plurality of buried tubes, underground temperature change patterns for buried tubes placed at different intervals, and the use of U-shaped tube heat exchangers.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignees: National University Corporation Hokkaido University, Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsunori Nagano, Takao Katsura
-
Patent number: 7731421Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes changing the temperature of a local environment of a distributed temperature sensor, which is deployed in a region of the well and using the sensor to acquire measurements of a temperature versus depth profile. The region contains at least two different well fluid layers, and the technique includes determining the depth of a boundary of at least one of the well fluid layers based at least in part on a response of the temperature versus depth profile to the changing of the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Maxwell Richard Hadley, Dylan H. Davies
-
Patent number: 7682074Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the true temperature of connate fluid within a subterranean geological formation is provided herein. The method includes generating a flow of connate fluid, measuring the temperature of the flow over time until the measured temperature reaches a limiting value termed the stabilized temperature. Multiple events of temperature sampling events can be conducted at different flow rates of the connate fluid. The stabilized temperature values can then be ascendingly organized based on the value of their respective flow rates. The limiting value reached by the stabilized temperatures is taken to be substantially equal to the actual temperature of the connate fluid residing within the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Michael Shammai
-
Publication number: 20090225807Abstract: Methods and apparatus for discrete point temperature sensing include a temperature sensor that can be part of an array of temperature sensors for location in a wellbore. A single unitary ribbon-like structure can form the temperature sensor that has separate optical cores possessing different characteristics such that one core is unique from another core. Each core has a reflective grating disposed therein such that the wavelength of light reflected by the gratings is in response to temperature and any strain applied to the sensor from a surrounding environment. For some embodiments, the responses to strain from each of the gratings are similar while the responses from each of the gratings to temperature are dissimilar due to the different characteristics of the cores. These responses provided separately by each grating therefore enable compensation for strain in order to provide an accurate temperature measurement at the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: TREVOR MacDougall, Edward Dowd, Domino Taverner
-
Publication number: 20090187369Abstract: A method of determining a subsurface temperature in a body of water is disclosed. The method includes obtaining surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data of the body of water for a region of interest, and also obtaining subsurface temperature anomaly data for the region of interest at a plurality of depths. The method further includes regressing the obtained surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data for the region of interest with the obtained subsurface temperature anomaly data for the plurality of depths to generate regression coefficients, estimating a subsurface temperature at one or more other depths for the region of interest based on the generated regression coefficients and outputting the estimated subsurface temperature at the one or more other depths. Using the estimated subsurface temperature, signal propagation times and trajectories of marine life in the body of water are determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: University of DelawareInventors: Yong Q. Kang, Young-Heon Jo, Xiao-Hai Yan
-
Publication number: 20090151423Abstract: A device to measure a fluid pressure comprises a pressure sensing element 10 and a pressure readout element 20. The pressure sensing element 10 comprises a cavity 11 capped by a flexible membrane 13, the cavity having a length d that varies with the fluid pressure P1 applied on the flexible membrane 13. The pressure readout element 20 comprises a light source 24 for providing an incident beam of a determined wavelength range directed towards the cavity and an optical spectral analyzer 25 for measuring a power spectrum of a return beam reflected by the cavity, and processing means 27 for determining the cavity length d and the fluid pressure P1 based on the power spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Xu Wu, Arthur Hartog, Dimitri Cadere, Tsutomu Yamate
-
Patent number: 7530737Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to measuring temperature in a borehole located below a surface of a landform using high-energy transmission. A sequence of electromagnetic (EM) energy pulses are generated from a signal generator located at the surface of the landform. The energy pulses are reflected at a ring frequency by one or more downhole transducers. The reflected energy pulses are received at a receiver, which is located at the surface, during a predetermined time interval. The receiver detects the received energy pulses through a time domain or frequency domain technique. Each detected ring frequency is correlated to an inductance of the associated downhole transducer. The inductance is correlated to a temperature of the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: M. Clark Thompson, David W. Beck, Don M. Coates
-
Publication number: 20090114011Abstract: A sensor for measuring at least one of temperature and pressure in a borehole, the sensor including a mixing medium disposed in a housing adapted for insertion into the borehole, the mixing medium exposed to at least one of the temperature and the pressure; wherein the mixing medium is used for four wave mixing of light to provide a signal that indicates at least one of the temperature and the pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Sebastian Csutak
-
Publication number: 20080285619Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to measuring temperature in a borehole located below a surface of a landform using high-energy transmission. A sequence of electromagnetic (EM) energy pulses are generated from a signal generator located at the surface of the landform. The energy pulses are reflected at a ring frequency by one or more downhole transducers. The reflected energy pulses are received at a receiver, which is located at the surface, during a predetermined time interval. The receiver detects the received energy pulses through a time domain or frequency domain technique. Each detected ring frequency is correlated to an inductance of the associated downhole transducer. The inductance is correlated to a temperature of the borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: M. Clark Thompson, David W. Beck, Don M. Coates
-
Patent number: 7398680Abstract: Tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore using real time temperature measurements. A method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature in real time in the wellbore; and observing in real time a variation in temperature gradient between fluid compositions in the wellbore. Another method of tracking fluid displacement along a wellbore includes the steps of: monitoring temperature along the wellbore; and observing a variation in temperature gradient due to a chemical reaction in the wellbore. Another method includes the step of causing a variation in temperature gradient in the fluid while the fluid flows in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Gerard Glasbergen, Diederik van Batenburg, Mary Van Domelen, David O. Johnson, Jose Sierra, David Ewert, James Haney
-
Patent number: 7325971Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating hydrocarbon deposits includes temperature 16 sensor for measuring earth surface temperature at each of a plurality of locations, and a solar absorption sensor 14 for measuring the absorption coefficient of the earth's surface at each of those plurality of locations. A sky temperature sensor 18 may also be provided. A computer 30 records measurements as a function of location, and outputs a plot of corrected surface temperatures as a function of the geographic location of the measurements. By comparing corrected surface temperature measurements at the plurality of locations, a hydrocarbon deposit may be located and its boundaries determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Inventor: Lloyd C. Fons
-
Patent number: 7246940Abstract: A temperature management system for managing the temperature of a discrete, thermal component. The temperature management system comprises a heat exchanger thermally coupled with the thermal component. The system also comprises a fluid transfer device that circulates a coolant fluid through a thermal conduit system. As the coolant flows through the heat exchanger, it absorbs heat from the component. Upon exiting the heat exchanger, the heated coolant flows to the beat sink where the heat sink absorbs heat from the coolant fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Haoshi Song
-
Patent number: 7008103Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing temperature using optical fiber is provided. In one embodiment, a method for sensing temperature using optical fiber includes launching a polarized optical signal having sufficient intensity to produce Brillouin scattering of the signal into a polarization maintaining optical fiber, receiving a first signal reflected from the launched signal, receiving a second signal reflected from the launched signal; and resolving a metric indicative of temperature from the first and second received signals. The method is particularly useful for sensing temperature in hazardous locations such as down hole gas and oil field applications or other applications where minimization of strain effects to signal transmission is desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Trevor MacDougall
-
Patent number: 7004623Abstract: A disposable sheath for a data logger probe comprises a mounting plate 12 and an elongated sheath 14 attached perpendicularly to the mounting plate for insertion through the wall or top cover and into the interior of a container, the mounting plate having inwardly projecting overlap members 22 and stop bosses 20 for mounting a data logger on the mounting plate, and the sheath having a longitudinal bore 60 in communication with an aperture 48 in the mounting plate for insertion therein of a data logger probe for measuring the environmental conditions on the interior of the container while keeping the data logger on the outside of the container for viewing of displayed information related to those conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Inventors: Jon Nakagawa, Gregory T. Reel
-
Patent number: 6910803Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing temperature using optical fiber is provided. In one embodiment, a method for sensing temperature using optical fiber includes launching a polarized optical signal having sufficient intensity to produce Brillouin scattering of the signal into a polarization maintaining optical fiber, receiving a first signal reflected from the launched signal, receiving a second signal reflected from the launched signal; and resolving a metric indicative of temperature from the first and second received signals. The method is particularly useful for sensing temperature in hazardous locations such as down hole gas and oil field applications or other applications where minimization of strain effects to signal transmission is desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Trevor MacDougall
-
Publication number: 20040190589Abstract: A method for determining virgin formation temperature of earth formations surrounding a borehole is provided. The time duration of drilling fluid circulation and the time after cessation of drilling fluid circulation at the borehole depth regions of interest are tracked. At a particular borehole depth region of interest, fluid flows from the formations into a device in the borehole, and the temperature of the fluid as a function of time with respect to initiation of fluid flow is measured. The thermal history of formations surrounding the particular borehole depth region is modeled for a cooling phase during drilling fluid circulation, a temperature build-up phase after cessation of drilling fluid circulation, and a formation fluid flow phase after initiation of fluid flow. The model and temperature measurements are used to determine a trend of temperature evolution and the virgin formation temperature by extrapolation from the trend.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Sammy S. Haddad
-
Patent number: 6789937Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of calculating a static formation temperature in a reservoir penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the present invention comprises estimating the static formation temperature and calculating a formation fluid temperature at the wellbore, the calculation based, in part, on the estimated static formation temperature. The temperature of a sample of formation fluid at the wellbore is measured. The calculated formation fluid temperature at the wellbore is compared with the measured temperature of the sample of formation fluid. The static formation temperature is predicted by altering the estimate of the static formation temperature until an error between the calculated formation fluid temperature at the wellbore and the measured fluid formation temperature is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Sammy Haddad, Yueming Cheng
-
Patent number: 6719068Abstract: Geological probing device comprising a hollow probing rod to be extended into the geological matter to be probed, and a measuring probe fitted to the probing rod, said measuring probe comprising sensors for obtaining information about the matter. The measuring probe further comprises a microwave transmitter, arranged to transmit microwaves carrying data from said sensors, said hollow probing rod being adapted to act as a waveguide, guiding the microwaves to an upper orifice of said hollow probing rod. Compared to previously known techniques, the device according to the invention offers a reliable transmission of data under normal working conditions, and without substantive modifications of the probing rod or other equipment.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Ingenjorsfirman Geotech ABInventor: Lennart Jönsson
-
Patent number: 6589449Abstract: A high-melting-point conductive oxide includes a mixture of a powdered Sr compound and Ru compound and/or Ru metal. The mixture is sintered at a primary temperature of 900° C. to 1300° C. in an atmosphere containing oxygen to form a sintered body that is pulverized back to a powder. The powder is given a desired shape that is again sintered, this time at a secondary temperature of 1000° C. to 1500° C. higher than the primary temperature, again in an atmosphere containing oxygen. The high-melting point conductive oxide is used as a heating element for high-temperature use, an electrode material for high-temperature use, a material for high-temperature thermocouple use and a light-emitting material for high-temperature use.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Shinichi Ikeda, Naoki Shirakawa, Hiroshi Bando
-
Patent number: 6585036Abstract: An earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system, in certain aspects, having apparatus and related items for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and apparatus and related items for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for calculating a price for the amount of energy transferred, said invoicing based on said price. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for transmitting a signal indicative of a measured amount of energy transferred from the apparatus and related items for measuring to the apparatus and related items for invoicing. Methods are disclosed for using such systems to measure and calculate an amount of energy transferred and/or to invoice an entity for the transferred energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Enlink Geoenergy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Amerman, Howard E. Johnson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6585410Abstract: A self-calibrating nulling radiometer for non-contact temperature measurement of an object, such as a body of water, employs a black body source as a temperature reference, an optomechanical mechanism, e.g., a chopper, to switch back and forth between measuring the temperature of the black body source and that of a test source, and an infrared detection technique. The radiometer functions by measuring radiance of both the test and the reference black body sources; adjusting the temperature of the reference black body so that its radiance is equivalent to the test source; and, measuring the temperature of the reference black body at this point using a precision contact-type temperature sensor, to determine the radiative temperature of the test source.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Robert Ryan
-
Publication number: 20030103551Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of calculating a static formation temperature in a reservoir penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the present invention comprises estimating the static formation temperature and calculating a formation fluid temperature at the wellbore, the calculation based, in part, on the estimated static formation temperature. The temperature of a sample of formation fluid at the wellbore is measured. The calculated formation fluid temperature at the wellbore is compared with the measured temperature of the sample of formation fluid. The static formation temperature is predicted by altering the estimate of the static formation temperature until an error between the calculated formation fluid temperature at the wellbore and the measured fluid formation temperature is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Sammy Haddad, Yueming Cheng
-
Patent number: 6558036Abstract: An apparatus for sensing the temperature of a fluid being drawn from a well includes a pipe having a wall, a sensor mounted on the outer surface of the pipe wall, an insulator, and a housing attached to the pipe that encloses the sensor and the insulator. The fluid to be sensed is drawn from the well through the pipe. The thermal conductivity of the pipe wall is greater than that of the insulator.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Richard T. Jones, Allen R. Davis
-
Publication number: 20030048831Abstract: The invention relates to an optical method and to an optical device based on a laser source for implementing the optical method for nonintrusively measuring the temperature of a flowing liquid by using the fluorescence induced by a laser beam in a measurement volume (3) of the liquid, the process consisting in using a single temperature-sensitive fluorescent tracer and at least two separate spectral detection windows on this same tracer, after molecular dilution of said tracer in said liquid medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventors: Fabrice Lemoine, Pascal La Vielle
-
Patent number: 6276438Abstract: An earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system, in certain aspects, having apparatus and related items for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and apparatus and related items for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for calculating a price for the amount of energy transferred, said invoicing based on said price. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for transmitting a signal indicative of a measured amount of energy transferred from the apparatus and related items for measuring to the apparatus and related items for invoicing. Methods are disclosed for using such systems to measure and calculate an amount of energy transferred and/or to invoice an entity for the transferred energy.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventors: Thomas R. Amerman, Howard E. Johnson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6250371Abstract: An earth energy loop transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system having means for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and means for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system including means for calculating a price for the amount of energy transferred, said invoicing based on said price. The system including means for transmitting a signal indicative of a measured amount of energy transferred from the means for measuring to the means for invoicing. Methods are disclosed for using such systems to measure and calculate an amount of energy transferred and/or to invoice an entity for the transferred energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Enlink Geoenergy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas R. Amerman, Howard E. Johnson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6227045Abstract: A probe for monitoring groundwater flow seepage velocity and direction has an electrical heater and a plurality of temperature sensors located equidistant from the heater. The probe with the heater and temperature sensors is lowered into a monitoring well and positioned so as to be immersed in the groundwater. Energy is sent to the heater, and the temperature response at the temperature sensors is measured and recorded. From the measured response to temperature, the groundwater flow velocity and direction are computed and recorded. The temperature sensors may be resistance temperature detectors, thermocouples, or any other state-of-the-art temperature sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: US Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: James S. Morse, Christopher R. Williams, Daniel E. Lawson, Donald E. Garfield, Thomas J. Tantillo
-
Patent number: 5964530Abstract: A method for compensating measured earth surface temperatures for the effects which skyward temperatures have upon such measured temperatures. Also, methods for employing compensated earth surface temperatures to determine the likelihood of subsurface features existing beneath locations within a selected geographical area.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Inventor: Lloyd C. Fons
-
Patent number: 5954430Abstract: The invention relates to a method and temperature sensor structure for compensating radiation error particularly in a radiosonde, rocket sonde or dropsonde. According to the method, each sonde carries at least one temperature sensor. According to the invention, the temperature measurement is carried out by means of two temperature sensors, both having low emissivities but different absorption coefficients for solar radiation.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Vaisala OyInventors: Heikki Turtiainen, Veijo Antikainen
-
Patent number: 5834641Abstract: The invention relates to a depth gauge for use in angling or sports fishery. The depth of a body of water may be measured therewith from its surface to its bottom, and/or the depth and the size of strata of water of different temperatures for the purpose of offering bait to different species of fish in their preferred environments, for instance at the bottom of a water or at a thermocline stratum. In accordance with the invention, a water-proof housing a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a digital evaluation circuit, a display and a program switch are provided within a water-proof housing and electrically interconnected in such a manner, that the measurement value about the depth of the water to its bottom and/or water strata marked by temperature differences of more than 3.degree. Kelvin are processed and stored by the digital evaluation circuit. By means of the program switch, the stored measurement data may be called up and rendered visible in the display.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Inventor: Bernd Sternal
-
Patent number: 5743642Abstract: A method for compensating measured earth surface temperatures for the effects which skyward temperatures have upon such measured temperatures. Also, methods for employing compensated earth surface temperatures to determine the likelihood of subsurface features existing beneath locations within a selected geographical area.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Lloyd C. Fons
-
Patent number: 5731517Abstract: A measuring device used in a four parameter measuring system for measuring simultaneously temperature, pressure, flow rate and steam quality of steam injection profiles during heavy oil recovery by steam injection, comprising: a cable cap, arranged at the top of the device; a measuring section, connected with the cable cap and comprising a metal case, three first pressure sensors and a thermoelectric couple; the first pressure sensors and the thermoelectric couple being longitudinally arranged in the case; a thermal protection section used for safe transmission of the data measured by the sensors and the couple; a thermal isolating section connected to the lower part of the section and a data acquisition, conversion and storage system under the control of the single-chip processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Liaohe Petroleum Exploration BureauInventors: Donglan Ma, Zonghu Lin, Zulian Qiu, Dong Wang, Baoyan Xu, Dazhong Chen, Yewei Zhao, Yu Zheng
-
Patent number: 5704713Abstract: The invention relates to a multivariate method of inverting paleothermometer and age indicator data to derive the temperature history of rocks. The method uses kinetic models of geologic material transformations and a simple but flexible representation of bed temperature history to invert the paleothermometer data. The method inverts the data by employing a genetic algorithm computation and kinetic model S. The result is a family of temperature histories which more accurately and more completely characterize temperature histories consistent with the rock samples than is possible by prior art methods.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Exxon Production Research CompanyInventors: Chul-Sung Kim, William S. Clendenen, Christopher S. Tapscott, William R. James, William G. Powell
-
Patent number: 5553940Abstract: A water temperature gauge includes a first timer circuit in which a time for submerging the water temperature gauge to a position of a desired depth for measurement, and a measuring circuit for measuring the water temperature with the water temperature gauge after a lapse of the time set in the first timer circuit. A time which is obtained by adding a time required for the measuring circuit to measure the water temperature to the time set in the first timer circuit is set in a second timer circuit so that the measurement with the measuring circuit is automatically terminated after a lapse of the time set in the second timer circuit and the as-measured value is stored in a memory circuit and displayed on a liquid crystal display. A fisherman can confirm the underwater temperature of his fishing place by lifting up the water temperature gauge on the water surface and recognizing the display.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1994Date of Patent: September 10, 1996Inventor: Susumu Nishihara
-
Patent number: 5524483Abstract: A method for predicting the likelihood of encountering oil or gas deposits below a location and determining the areal extent and magnitude (economic value) of such deposit. The earth's surface temperature at selected points within a location is compared to the earth's surface temperature at a plurality of points in the surrounding geographic area to determine locations having anomalously low surface temperatures which are indicative of the presence of oil or gas deposits. Representative earth surface temperatures for all locations under consideration and reference temperatures in the geographic area are obtained, under similar ambient conditions, at points having similar topography, vegetative cover and surface features for minimizing extraneous factors which affect earth surface temperature, such that the earth surface temperatures may all be compared with each other to determine locations which have low earth surface temperatures, and therefore are more likely to have oil or gas deposits beneath them.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1993Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Inventor: Lloyd C. Fons
-
Patent number: 5445453Abstract: A method for airborne surveying is disclosed to acquire, process and calculate the apparent thermal inertia of earth surface materials during flight and by post-flight processing. Two separate airborne surveys are conducted during a diurnal solar cycle to determine the maximum and the minimum radiant temperatures of the earth surface materials. The albedo of the earth material is determined and is used to calculate the apparent thermal inertia of the earth surface materials. Spatial rectification of the two surveys is accomplished by use of differential global positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventor: Alfredo E. Prelat
-
Patent number: 5351531Abstract: A depth measuring system for a slickline utilized in a well bore operation where the slickline is in a non-slip relationship with the circumference of a calibrated measuring wheel and the revolutions of the wheel are utilized to provide a first length measurement. A load cell is provided to measure tension in the slickline so that length elongation of the slickline due to tension can be determined. A temperature differential determination is made so that corrections in length can be made for the temperature effects. The temperature differential can be temperature effects on the measuring wheel and/or temperature effects of the slickline in the well bore. The measuring wheel determination of length is algebraically summed with the tension elongation and changes due to temperature to provide a more accurate indication of the depth measurement in the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1993Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: Kerr Measurement Systems, Inc.Inventor: Wayne L. Kerr
-
Patent number: 5346307Abstract: A method is provided for measuring subsurface soil or rock temperatures remotely using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Electrical resistivity measurements are made using electrodes implanted in boreholes driven into the soil and/or at the ground surface. The measurements are repeated as some process changes the temperatures of the soil mass/rock mass. Tomographs of electrical resistivity are calculated based on the measurements using Poisson's equation. Changes in the soil/rock resistivity can be related to changes in soil/rock temperatures when: (1) the electrical conductivity of the fluid trapped in the soil's pore space is low, (2) the soil/rock has a high cation exchange capacity and (3) the temperature changes are sufficiently high. When these three conditions exist the resistivity changes observed in the ERT tomographs can be directly attributed to changes in soil/rock temperatures. This method provides a way of mapping temperature changes in subsurface soils remotely.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Abelardo L. Ramirez, Dwayne A. Chesnut, William D. Daily
-
Patent number: 5321612Abstract: A method for exploring and finding a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir by modeling of temperature and/or thermal anomalies within a geologic volume of the earth's crust. The geologic volume is subdivided into a plurality of laterally disposed and aligned, and vertically disposed and aligned, volumetric cells. Geologic properties are assigned for each of the volumetric cells, and a normal gradient temperature is determined and generated for the geologic volume. An x, y, z temperature is assigned for each volumetric cell based on the normal gradient temperature of the geologic volume. A hypothetical hydrocarbon reservoir is disposed in the geologic volume by varying the geologic properties of some of the plurality of volumetric cells; and a true x, y, z temperature is computed for each volumetric cell caused by the hypothetical hydrocarbon reservoir. A true hydrocarbon reservoir in the geologic volume is determined from the true x, y, z temperature of each volumetric cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1991Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Swift Energy CompanyInventor: Charles H. Stewart
-
Patent number: 5277495Abstract: A temperature to frequency converter includes two temperature detectors having an electrical characteristic, such as resistance, that varies proportionally with sensed temperature. These devices are connected into an oscillator circuit that provides an electrical signal output having a frequency inversely proportional to sensed temperature. An amplitude control feedback loop connected to the oscillator circuit maintains the amplitude of the output signal constant.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventor: Gilbert H. Forehand
-
Patent number: 5191790Abstract: An assembly capable of being launched from a submarine to carry into seawater an element responsive to a property of the water to be measured, comprising a carrier member coupled to the element, a lifting body shaped to provide hydrodynamic lift, a tether for mechanically connecting the lifting body to the submarine, the lifting body and the tether being constructed and arranged so that the lifting body, when connected to a moving submarine, will move through the water at a distance above the submarine, a supply of electrically conductive cable connected to the element and stored at least in part by the lifting body for payout to accommodate movement of the submarine relative to the member and releasable coupling means for holding the member and the lifting body together during their launch from the submarine and there after releasing the lifting body from the member.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Sippican, Inc.Inventor: John L. Layport
-
Patent number: 5163321Abstract: A system is provided for measuring both the temperature and pressure of fluid in a borehole utilizing a single small diameter tube extending from the surface to the desired downhole test location in a borehole. Downhole fluid pressure is transmitted through the small diameter tube, while a sheathed thermocouple or fibre optic line extending along the flow path of the tube is used for transmitting downhole fluid temperature information to the surface. A continuous surface read-out of both pressure and temperature is thus possible, and the temperature read-out may be used to both monitor downhole fluid temperature and increase the accuracy of the fluid pressure measurement system.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1990Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Baroid Technology, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth L. Perales
-
Patent number: 5159569Abstract: A method for determining thermal characteristics of a geological formation from observations of temperature relaxation in a formation after a temperature perturbation, such as that resulting from circulation of drilling mud. A method of determining petrophysical properties from these thermal characteristics. A method of determining thermal characteristics from petrophysical properties.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1990Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeInventors: Hui Xu, Robert Desbrandes
-
Patent number: 5136525Abstract: A self-contained, programmable temperature sensor is positioned within a suitable pressure housing affixed to a borehole tool to record and store temperature data at predetermined times during operations of the borehole tool in a borehole penetrating a subsurface formation. The depth of the temperature sensor within the borehole corresponding to each temperature reading is recorded. After the borehole tool is removed from the borehole, the temperature sensor is removed from the pressure housing and the stored temperature data is retrieved for use in producing a record of borehole temperature versus depth within the borehole at the programmed times.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1991Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: Mobil Oil CorporationInventor: Wayne B. Cloud
-
Patent number: 5121993Abstract: A triaxial thermopile array geothermal heat flow sensor is designed to measure heat flow in three dimensions in a reconstituted or unperturbed subsurface regime. Heat flow can be measured in conductive or permeable convective media. The sensor may be encased in protective pvc tubing and includes a plurality of thermistors and an array of heat flow transducers arranged in a vertical string. The transducers produce voltage proportional to heat flux along the subsurface regime and permit direct measurement of heat flow in the subsurface regime. The presence of the thermistor array permits a comparison to be made between the heat flow estimates obtained from the transducers and heat flow calculated using temperature differences and Fourier's Law. The device is extremely sensitive with an accuracy of less than 0.1 Heat Flow Units (HFU) and may be used for long term readings.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1990Date of Patent: June 16, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventors: Charles R. Carrigan, Harry C. Hardee, Gerald D. Reynolds, Terry D. Steinfort
-
Patent number: 5110217Abstract: A method for remotely measuring an unknown temperature Ts of a transparent medium by comparison with the known temperature Tr of a transparent reference material consisting of the steps ofcombining the outputs of a continuous-wave (CW) laser and a high intensity pulsed laser to form a combined laser output beam, wherein the high intensity pulse component of the output beam exceeds the intensity required to produce stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the transparent medium;splitting the combined laser output beam into first and second sub-beams;amplifying the CW components of the first sub-beam to an intensity exceeding the intensity required to produce stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in the reference material while simultaneously suppressing the pulse components in the first sub-beam;directing the first sub-beam with the amplified CW component into the reference material and thereby generating a CW phase-conjugate beam;directing the second sub-beam into the transparent medium and generating a pulseType: GrantFiled: October 31, 1990Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: GTE Government Systems CorporationInventor: Harold E. Sweeney
-
Patent number: 5046359Abstract: An assembly capable of being launched from a submarine to carry into seawater an element responsive to a property of the water to be measured, comprising a carrier member coupled to the element, a lifting body shaped to provide hydrodynamic lift, a tether for mechanically connecting the lifting body to the submarine, the lifting body and the tether being constructed and arranged so that the lifting body, when connected to a moving submarine, will move through the water at a distance above the submarine, a supply of electrically conductive cable connected to the element and stored at least in part by the lifting body for payout to accommodate movement of the submarine relative to the member, and releasable coupling means for holding the member and the lifting body together during their launch from the submarine and thereafter releasing the lifting body from the member.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1975Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: The Sippican CorporationInventor: John L. Layport
-
Patent number: 5040901Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a metallic heating member, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and an electrical insulating thin film formed on the inner surface of the heating member, the temperature sensor being fixedly mounted on the inner closed-end surface of the heating member, the outer closed-end surface of which faces an object to be measured. The arrangement enables blood temperature to be highly accurately and effectively measured without the need of deeply inserting the heating member into the blood flow passageway and without being influenced by undesirable ambient temperature because the temperature sensor is enclosed by the heating member have a closed-end cylindrical construction. Furthermore, the arrangement can prevent extraneous voltage from being applied on the blood through the use of the electrical insulating film.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1989Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Seigo Suzuki
-
Patent number: 5026999Abstract: A technique for measuring the unknown subsurface temperature T of a bulk transparent medium such as sea water by focussing a high intensity pulsed laser beam in a first direction into the water to a predetermined depth D, producing stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and generating from the SBS stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in the second direction, analyzing the spectra of the SRS and determining therefrom the temperature T. The depth D is is selected to insure that the entire SBS pulse is in the water.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1990Date of Patent: June 25, 1991Assignee: GTE Government Systems CorporationInventor: Donald A. Leonard
-
Patent number: 5014553Abstract: The temperature of one or several sensors which are electrically heated or cooled to a temperature substantially different from a stagnant or running fluid surrounding the said sensor or sensors by applying an electric current to the said sensor or sensors, and the temperature of the said fluid are measured simultaneously to calculate the temperature difference between the said sensor or sensors and the said fluid at an equilibrium state of heat transfer at the surface of the said sensor or sensors, thereby measuring a change in state of the said fluid collectively on an in-line processing basis without disturbing the said fluid; a change in this state results in a change in heat transfer coefficient at the surface of the said sensor or sensors, the coefficient being collectively correlated with the viscosity, density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, coefficient of volumetric expansion, flow speed or flow direction of the said fluid at a given temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoshige Hori, Kensuke Itoh