Vibration Patents (Class 73/152.32)
  • Patent number: 11821305
    Abstract: A method for identifying a flow parameter in a wellbore may comprise identifying a state vector at a moment t, performing a flow simulation using a flow model, predicting the state vector and a covariance matrix at the moment t, updating the state vector with an EnKF algorithm, correcting the state vector at the moment t, and updating the flow simulation model. A system for identifying a flow parameter in a wellbore may comprise a distributed acoustic system into a wellbore and an information handling system. The distributed acoustic system may comprise a fiber optic cable and at least one measurement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrey Filippov, Yevgeniy Zagayevskiy, Vitaly Khoriakov
  • Patent number: 11619125
    Abstract: A device and method for imaging, measuring and identifying multiphase fluid flow in wellbores using phased array Doppler ultrasound. The device includes a radially-configured or ring-shaped ultrasound transducer that when deployed in a well in Doppler mode can measure the velocity of radially flowing fluids in the wellbore and generate a 3D image of radial flow in the wellbore, including flowback into the wellbore after fracturing operations, or flow leaving the wellbore during water injection operations. The ring-shaped ultrasound transducer can also simultaneously operate in a B-mode to generate a B-mode image of the wellbore liner upon which the Doppler image can be overlaid. The device may also include a forward facing ultrasound transducer either instead of or in place of the ring-shaped transducer for obtaining information and images on axial flow in the wellbore in Doppler mode, and the location of phase boundaries and phase locations in B-mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: DarkVision Technologies Inc
    Inventors: Osman S. Malik, Graham T. Manders, Stephen E. Robinson
  • Patent number: 11573341
    Abstract: A device and method used to increase the resolution when imaging, measuring and inspecting wells, pipes and objects located therein. The device comprises an array of acoustic transducers that both transmit and receive acoustic signals. Scan lines may be overlapped by interlacing transmission and receiving windows thus increasing either the resolution or logging speed drastically compared to conventional approaches. The sequence of the scan lines making up an imaging frame is created by stratifying physically close lines and randomly selecting from within each stratum, preventing interference from neighboring transducers, signals and acoustic artifacts that fundamentally limit logging speed and resolution using conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: DARKVISION TECHNOLOGIES INC
    Inventors: Graham Manders, Michael Halpenny-Mason
  • Patent number: 11193911
    Abstract: A method for determining the moisture within a cooking chamber of a cooking device has the following steps: a) an acoustic oscillation generating in a resonance chamber, b) a control unit receiving the signals picked up by a microphone in the resonance chamber, c) the control unit determining the frequency spectrum of the acoustic oscillations present in the resonance chamber on the basis of the received signals and determines the speed of sound within the cooking chamber on the basis of the frequency spectrum, d) the control unit receives receiving a temperature value; and e) the control unit determines the moisture within the cooking chamber by means of the temperature value and the speed of sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: RATIONAL AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Petra Roosen, Thomas Schreiner, Oliver Merker
  • Patent number: 11174724
    Abstract: A downhole tool for investigating an outside fluid flow being adapted to operate in a well bore is presented. The downhole tool comprises a housing surrounded by an outside fluid and at least a first wave generator device. The first wave generator device preferably comprises a directional sound generator, for coupling waves into the surrounding outside fluid. The waves therein are scattered, for example, reflected, at inhomogeneities in the outside fluid, for example particles, scatterers and/or water in oil, thereby generating reflections. Said reflections are measured with a receiver device for receiving said reflections, and are evaluated using an evaluation device for determining first positions of said inhomogeneities in the outside fluid by evaluating said reflections, wherein the evaluation device is adapted to determine the outside fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen, Thomas Hahn-Jose
  • Patent number: 11042674
    Abstract: The description describes one or more processing devices and one or more hardware storage devices storing instructions that are operable, when executed by the one or more processing devices, to cause the one or more processing devices to perform operations including modeling the porous material as a two-dimensional interface, in a simulation space, in which fluid flows and sound waves travel through the porous material and experience pressure and acoustic losses. The operations also include simulating, in the simulation space, fluid flow and propagation of sound waves, the activity of the fluid being simulated so as to simulate movement of elements within the simulation space and across the interface, where the simulation of the movement of the elements across the interface is governed by the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp.
    Inventors: Adrien Mann, Chenghai Sun, Hudong Chen, Raoyang Zhang, Franck Léon Pérot
  • Patent number: 10920581
    Abstract: A flow velocity meter, for measuring flow velocity of a fluid, has a distributed acoustic sensor along aq longitudinal direction, which has a distributed sensing element. The distributed sensing element is acoustically coupled to a distributed fluid-contact surface via a distributed acoustic path extending between the distributed fluid-contact surface and the distributed sensing element. Moreover the distributed acoustic path is fully bypassing the fluid. At least a part of the fluid-contact surface is provided with a flow-disturbing surface texture having a surface relief with a pre-determined pattern in said longitudinal direction. Acoustic flow noise, emitted as a result of the fluid flowing along and in contact with the flow-disturbing surface texture, is picked up by the distributed sensing element as a distributed acoustic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Dhruv Arora, Matheus Norbertus Baaijens, Stephen Palmer Hirshblond
  • Patent number: 10876941
    Abstract: A system may include a strain gauge and a pulse detection system positionable on a fluid end of a pressure pump. The strain gauge may generate a strain signal representing strain in the chamber. The pulse detection system may include a pulse generator and a pulse detector for generating timing signals that are useable to determine a travel time of a corresponding pulse generated by the pulse generator. The strain signal and the timing signals may be useable to determine a density of the fluid in the pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Beisel
  • Patent number: 10401205
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve including: a body; a closure member; and a closure member control rod, the control rod extending inside the body at least partially within a fluid flow area. The control rod includes, in the fluid flow area, at least one flowmeter including: a tubular body having two axial ends; a flow measuring device supported by the tubular body and associated with the tubular body so as to enable a flow of fluid flowing outside the tubular body to be measured, and the electrical connection; and an electrical connection extending outside of the tubular body and passing through the tubular body by at least one fluid-tight passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: YZATEC
    Inventors: Mathieu Poque, Alain Ramond
  • Patent number: 10247840
    Abstract: A method of logging a well can include conveying an optical waveguide and at least one signal generator with a conveyance into the well, causing the signal generator to generate at least one signal in the well, and receiving the signal as distributed along the optical waveguide. A well logging system can include a conveyance with an optical waveguide, and at least one signal generator which is conveyed by the conveyance into a well with the optical waveguide, whereby the signal generator generates at least one signal received with the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Etienne M. Samson, Christopher L. Stokely, David A. Barfoot, John L. Maida, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9915143
    Abstract: A downhole tool may include a tool housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a circumference which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the tool housing being adapted to be lowered into the inside of the borehole or borehole casing. The downhole tool may include a longitudinal transducer for transmitting a probing signal longitudinally from an end part of the tool housing into a fluid flowing in said borehole or borehole casing and for receiving a reflected signal reflected from reflective entrained surfaces in the fluid flowing along a longitudinal direction towards the end part of the tool housing. The downhole tool may include a plurality of electrodes arranged spaced apart around the longitudinal axis in the periphery of the downhole tool so that the fluid flows between the electrodes and a borehole wall or borehole casing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Jimmy Kjærsgaard-Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9850749
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of distributed optical fiber sensors for distributed acoustic sensing, and in particular, modal analysis of distributed acoustic data obtained in-well to monitoring well integrity. By determining one or more acoustic modes corresponding to distributed speed of sound measurements within the wellbore, and analyzing variations in the distributed speed of sound measurement it is possible to derive information relating to a formation and/or fluid in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Silixa Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Finfer, Kjetil Johannessen
  • Patent number: 9726589
    Abstract: A method includes disposing an open end of a housing in a wellbore fluid, flowing the wellbore fluid into the housing though the open end, rotating an impeller disposed within the housing at a first rotational speed with a motor coupled to the impeller, and determining at least one of viscosity and rheology of the wellbore fluid based on the rotating an impeller. An apparatus includes a housing, a mechanical agitator disposed in the housing, a motor operatively coupled to the mechanical agitator, a first sensor coupled to at least one of the mechanical agitator and the motor, and a second sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a fluid property or characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mario Zamora
  • Patent number: 9631474
    Abstract: A matrix acidizing monitoring system wherein a sensor array is operably associated with a matrix acidizing bottom hole assembly and contains first and second sets of sensors that detect a matrix acidizing operational parameter at different times at one or more particular locations along the wellbore. This allows the effectiveness of the acidizing to be modeled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, Trevor A. Sturgeon, Thomas J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9631478
    Abstract: Methods for acquiring and interpreting operating parameter data during an operation to inject a work fluid into a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Patent number: 9568489
    Abstract: A three-dimensional flow velocity vector, energy and mass gauge is provided, wherein it comprises an elastic leather cover, both ends of which are mounted with a rigid sealing plug, separately, the elastic leather cover and the rigid sealing plug forming a cylindrical sealing cavity, in which a cable connecting line hole is installed on the upper rigid sealing plug, while an injection hole for injecting liquid into the cylindrical sealing cavity, on which a sealing plug is provided, is installed on the lower rigid sealing plug; and a measuring device for measuring the flow velocity vector and energy and a device for measuring the mass are installed in the cylindrical sealing cavity. The gauge has the advantages of a simple structure, convenient manufacturing and comprehensive detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NANJING EMPERODAM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guoping Du, Jiajia Du, Xiaofeng Song, Guanglin Du
  • Patent number: 9109433
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for detecting a gas influx event in a borehole fluid during a drilling operation is disclosed. A measurement of an acoustic velocity of the borehole fluid is obtained at an acoustic sensor disposed in a borehole. A measurement of temperature of the borehole fluid is obtained at a temperature sensor disposed in the borehole. A process compares the measurement of the acoustic velocity of the borehole fluid to the measurement of the temperature of the borehole fluid to detect the gas influx event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Daniel Duncan Blue
  • Publication number: 20150013446
    Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for monitoring flow at a given location downwell. The method of comprises performing fibre optic sensing on an optical fibre 204 deployed within the well 101. The optical fibre is attached to first tubing (201) that extends into the well to at least a first location (110a-c) at which it is wished to monitor inflow. The first tubing comprises at least one aperture (202a-c) having known properties at said first location. The first tubing is in fluid communication with flow tubing (107) that provides flow to/from the top (108) of the well. In use fluid therefore flows into the first tubing via the apertures (202a-c) which, having known properties, provide a calibrated response that can be detected by a fibre optic sensor unit (205).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Alastair Godfrey
  • Publication number: 20140260589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool for determining flow velocity of fluid in an inside of a borehole or borehole casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Jimmy Kjærsgaard-Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20140260588
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring oil flow rates at multiple points in production wells using a flow sensing fiber optic cable. An illustrative system embodiment includes: a fiber optic sensing system housed within a tube suitable for a downhole environment; and a flow to signal conversion device attached to the tube and deployed in the oil flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES
    Inventors: Mikko Jaaskelainen, Ian Bradford Mitchell, Brian V. Park
  • Publication number: 20140216151
    Abstract: This application describes methods and apparatus for monitoring flow of fluids within conduits using fibre optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). The method can determine flow rate and/or flow regime within a conduit such as within a production well or a pipeline. Embodiments involve introducing an acoustic stimulus (802) into the fluid within the conduit (801); interrogating an optical fibre (104) deployed along the path of the conduit to provide a DAS sensor; and analysing the acoustic signals detected by a plurality of channels of the DAS sensor to determine at least one flow characteristic. Analysing the acoustic signal comprises identifying reflections (804) of said acoustic stimulus caused by the fluid within the conduit and analysing said reflections to determine any Doppler shift (?f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Optasense Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Alastair Godfrey, Roger Ian Crickmore
  • Publication number: 20140202240
    Abstract: A well flow velocity measurement method can include transmitting an acoustic signal through at least one fluid composition in a well, detecting velocities of the acoustic signal in both opposite directions along an optical waveguide in the well, the optical waveguide being included in a distributed acoustic sensing system, and determining an acoustic velocity in the fluid composition based on the velocities of the acoustic signal. Another well flow velocity measurement method can include propagating at least one pressure pulse through at least one fluid composition in a well, detecting a velocity of the pressure pulse along an optical waveguide in the well, the optical waveguide being included in a distributed acoustic sensing system, and determining an acoustic velocity in the fluid composition based on the velocity of the pressure pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Neal G. SKINNER, Etienne M. SAMSON, Christopher L. STOKELY, John L. MAIDA, JR.
  • Patent number: 8635907
    Abstract: A method for monitoring fluid flow through a downhole device, comprises a) providing an acoustic tube wave in fluid in the device; b) measuring the acoustic tube wave after it has passed through the fluid in the device; and c) assessing the permeability of the device by measuring the attenuation of the acoustic signal. Changes in velocity of the acoustic signal may also be measured. The device may be a permeable downhole device such as a sand screen the measurements in step b) are made using a plurality of sensors deployed in the hole. The method may further including the step of cross-correlating a signal received at a first receiver with signals received at additional sensors so as to obtain an effective response as if the signal had been emitted from a source at the position of said first receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Andrey Victorovich Bakulin
  • Patent number: 8456159
    Abstract: A stabilized field sensor apparatus collects field data, in particular magnetic field data, with reduced motion noise. The apparatus includes a tear drop shaped housing, a tow frame in the housing, a plurality of vibration isolating dampers spaced around the frame, a base assembly mounted to the dampers, a support pedestal having a bottom end fixed to the base assembly and an upper free end, a single spherical air bearing connected to the upper free end of the pedestal, an instrument platform with a lower hollow funnel having an upper inside apex supported on the air bearing for a one point support, principal and secondary gyro stabilizers for maintaining pivotal and rotational stability, and at least one field sensor mounted to the instrument platform for collecting the field data while being stabilized against motion noise including vibration, pivoting and rotation from the base assembly, from the tow frame and from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Vale S.A.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Polzer, Gordon Fox West, Peter Whyte Walker, Peter Anthony Hurley, Robert Leslie Scott Hogg
  • Patent number: 8322196
    Abstract: Vibrating wire viscometers are described. Some example vibrating wire viscometer housings include a flowline through the housing to expose a first wire to a downhole fluid, a cavity in the housing to hold a magnet and to conduct one or more additional wires from the flowline to a signal generator, first and second electrically conductive posts mechanically coupled to the housing to hold the first wire in tension within the flowline, and a seal mechanically coupled to the housing to prevent access to the magnet by the downhole fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Raghu Madhavan, Yu Hatori, Mami Nishida, Sophie Nazik Godefroy, Michael Stangeland, Go Fujisawa
  • Publication number: 20120291539
    Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Michael L. Connell, Andrew M. Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20120255351
    Abstract: A variable flow resistance system can include a vortex device, with resistance to flow of a fluid composition through the vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at an inlet to the vortex device. Another system can include a second vortex device which receives a fluid composition from an outlet of a first vortex device, a resistance to flow of the fluid composition through the second vortex device being dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet. Another system can include a first vortex device which causes increased rotation of a fluid composition at an outlet thereof in response to an increase the fluid composition velocity, and a second vortex device which receives the fluid composition from the outlet, a flow resistance through the second vortex device being dependent on the rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Jason DYKSTRA
  • Patent number: 8122905
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an arrangement for diagnosis of a final control element, which is actuated by a pneumatically operated actuating mechanism under the control of a control device, and which emits acoustic signals during conventional use. It is proposed to detect acoustic signals fed back into the pneumatic system of the actuating mechanism, and to derive from them the status data of the final control element. For this purpose, an acoustic sensor is arranged in the pneumatic-fluid supply line of the actuating mechanism, with the acoustic sensor being electrically connected to an analysis device. A pressure sensor is used as the acoustic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Detlef Pape, Urs E. Meier, Andreas Stelter
  • Publication number: 20110100112
    Abstract: A flow meter is provided for disposing downhole in a well. The flow meter includes a resonator beam that is integrated with piezo-material to generate a voltage in response to the downhole flow. A resonator head may be incorporated with the resonator beam so as to enhance the generated voltage where appropriate. Configurations of flow meters employing such piezo-material may substantially avoid the use of moving parts susceptible to corrosion and other downhole conditions. These configurations may be particularly useful for long term downhole use such as for production monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael H. Du
  • Publication number: 20110030467
    Abstract: A method for monitoring fluid flow through a downhole device, comprises a) providing an acoustic tube wave in fluid in the device; b) measuring the acoustic tube wave after it has passed through the fluid in the device; and c) assessing the permeability of the device by measuring the attenuation of the acoustic signal. Changes in velocity of the acoustic signal may also be measured. The device may be a permeable downhole device such as a sand screen the measurements in step b) are made using a plurality of sensors deployed in the hole. The method may further including the step of cross-correlating a signal received at a first receiver with signals received at additional sensors so as to obtain an effective response as if the signal had been emitted from a source at the position of said first receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Andrey Victorovich Bakulin
  • Publication number: 20090165547
    Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides for detecting a flow of a formation fluid entering into a wellbore. An ultrasonic sensor is placed in a wellbore. The sensor has a resonant member that is exposed to a fluid in the wellbore. At a location in the wellbore, acoustic energy is measured wherein the acoustic energy is related to turbulence from formation fluid entering the wellbore. In another embodiment of the invention a tool is provided for detecting a flow of a formation fluid into a downhole location in a wellbore. The ultrasonic sensor has a resonant member that is adapted to be in contact with a fluid in the wellbore. The sensor generates electrical signals when exposed to ultrasonic turbulences caused by a formation fluid entering into the wellbore. A processor processes the electrical signals to detect the flow of the formation fluid entering into the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roger Steinsiek
  • Patent number: 7357021
    Abstract: Methods of monitoring various downhole conditions are described, including a system for determining and/or identifying the flow of fluid in a well, determining sand production in a well, identifying localized events in a well, determining the apparent flow velocity of fluid flowing through a downhole conduit, and/or monitoring the strain in downhole tubulars. These determinations may be made by monitoring signals received from one or more sensors located in a well and analysing the signals, such as their frequency and timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Welldynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: David William Blacklaw
  • Patent number: 7249500
    Abstract: A measurement system (200) is disclosed comprising a Coriolis flow meter (222) and a control system (224). A base fluid (250) is first flowed through the Coriolis flow meter. The Coriolis flow meter measures a density of the base fluid and transmits a base fluid density measurement to the control system. A proppant (252) is then added to the base fluid to create a fracture fluid (202). The fracture fluid is then flowed through the Coriolis flow meter. The Coriolis flow meter measures a density of the fracture fluid and transmits a fracture fluid density measurement to the control system. The control system determines an amount of proppant in the fracture fluid based on the base fluid density measurement, the fracture fluid density measurement, and a density of the proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dutton, Christopher M. Russell
  • Patent number: 7162918
    Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole method and apparatus using a flexural mechanical resonator, for example, a tuning fork to provide real-time direct measurements and estimates of the viscosity, density and dielectric constant of formation fluid or filtrate in a hydrocarbon producing well. The present invention additionally provides a method and apparatus for monitoring cleanup from a leveling off of viscosity or density over time, measuring or estimating bubble point for formation fluid, measuring or estimating dew point for formation fluid, and determining the onset of asphaltene precipitation. The present invention also provides for intercalibration of plural pressure gauges used to determine a pressure differential downhole. A hard or inorganic coating is placed on the flexural mechanical resonator (such as a tuning fork) to reduce the effects of abrasion from sand particles suspended in the flowing fluid in which the flexural mechanical resonator is immersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Arnold Walkow, Paul Bergren, Peter W. Reittinger
  • Patent number: 7069776
    Abstract: In a well bore operation in which a particulate is added to a fluid stream, a method of determining the concentration of said particulate in said fluid stream comprising the steps of measuring the rate of flow of the fluid stream, determining the rate of particulate flow in the fluid stream using an acoustic sensor and calculating the concentration of particulate in the fluid stream using results from the measuring and determining steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: ILI Technologies,Corp.
    Inventor: Robin Tudor
  • Patent number: 6956791
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for receiving downhole acoustic signals, processing the signals into electric signals, then transmitting the signals wirelessly to a remote above-surface monitoring station. The apparatus is mountable to an above-surface rotatable component used in borehole application. The apparatus includes an instrument housing, and a clamping assembly attached to the housing and having sufficient length and flexibility to enable the apparatus to surround the perimeter of the rotatable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: XAcT Downhole Telemetry Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony R. Dopf, Paul L. Camwell, Wendall L. Siemens, Derek W. Logan
  • Patent number: 6951262
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suppression of wave energy within a fluid-filled borehole using a low pressure acoustic barrier. In one embodiment, a flexible diaphragm type device is configured as an open bottomed tubular structure for disposition in a borehole to be filled with a gas to create a barrier to wave energy, including tube waves. In another embodiment, an expandable umbrella type device is used to define a chamber in which a gas is disposed. In yet another embodiment, a reverse acting bladder type device is suspended in the borehole. Due to its reverse acting properties, the bladder expands when internal pressure is reduced, and the reverse acting bladder device extends across the borehole to provide a low pressure wave energy barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip B. West
  • Patent number: 6874361
    Abstract: A distributed flow properties wellbore measurement system. In a described embodiment, a system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid in a tubular string includes a pressure pulse generator attached to the tubular string and a set of sensors. The generator transmits a pressure pulse through the fluid. The set of sensors is used to determine a velocity of the pressure pulse transmitted through the fluid, and to determine a velocity of the pressure pulse reflected back through the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Meltz, Neal G. Skinner
  • Publication number: 20040007059
    Abstract: In a well bore operation in which a particulate is added to a fluid stream, a method of determining the concentration of said particulate in said fluid stream comprising the steps of measuring the rate of flow of the fluid stream, determining the rate of particulate flow in the fluid stream using an acoustic sensor and calculating the concentration of particulate in the fluid stream using results from the measuring and determining steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: ILI Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Robin Tudor
  • Publication number: 20040003658
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for in situ measurement of downhole fluid flow using Doppler techniques. First, a baseline speed of sound is established as close to the desired measurement point as possible. This speed of sound measurement is then used in Doppler calculations for determining flow velocities based from induced Doppler shift resulting from fluid flow. A heterodyne receiver arrangement is preferably used for processing so that the flow direction can be determined and the detection sensitivity for low flow velocities can be enhanced. From in situ measurements, well kicks may be spotted and dealt with in real-time. In addition, current theoretical models of Theological properties may be verified and expounded upon using in situ downhole measurement techniques. Furthermore, the velocity measurements described herein can be used to recognize downhole lost circulation and/or gas/water/oil influxes as early as possible, even when the mud recirculation pumps are turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Han, Jean M. Beique, James R. Birchak, Alan T. Hemphill, Tim Wiemers, Paul F. Rodney
  • Patent number: 6650280
    Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for fluid measurements which may be utilized to determine mass flow rates such as instantaneous mass flow of a fluid stream. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be utilized to compare an input mass flow to an output mass flow of a drilling fluid circulation stream. In one embodiment, a fluid flow rate is determined by utilizing a microwave detector in combination with an acoustic sensor. The acoustic signal is utilized to eliminate 2&pgr; phase ambiguities in a reflected microwave signal. In another embodiment, a fluid flow rate may be determined by detecting a phase shift of an acoustic signal across two different predetermined transmission paths. A fluid density may be determined by detecting a calibrated phase shift of an acoustic signal through the fluid. In another embodiment, a second acoustic signal may be transmitted through the fluid to define a particular 2&pgr; phase range which defines the phase shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: G. Dickey Arndt, Phong H. Ngo, James R. Carl, Kent A. Byerly
  • Patent number: 6308562
    Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry adaptive noise canceler (ANC) employs a primary transducer and a reference transducer downstream from a position of the primary transducer. The primary transducer receives a primary signal based on a combination of a transmitted pulse and a reflected pulse, and the reference transducer receives a reference signal based on the transmitted pulse. The ANC linearly relates the secondary signal to the primary signal by means of a fast recursive least squares algorithm and calculates a set of weighting coefficients. The finite impulse response (FIR) filter of the ANC uses the set of weighting coefficients to adaptively noise cancel correlated portions between the primary signal and the secondary signal to produce an ANC output signal based on uncorrelated portions between the primary signal and the secondary signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: W-H Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali H. Abdallah, Mark S. Beattie
  • Patent number: 6272916
    Abstract: An acoustic wave transmission system comprises an acoustic wave generating metal tubular member for converting information about the bottom of a borehole, which is obtained by a bottom hole sensor, into an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave generating metal tubular member includes a acoustic wave generating mechanism having at least a magnetostrictive oscillator which is mounted in a recess formed in an outer wall of the acoustic wave generating metal tubular member, and on which a compressive load is imposed by means of a pre-load mechanism using a vise. The magnetostrictive oscillator is constructed of a stack of thin plates each made of a metal magnetostrictive material having a property of increasing its dimensions when magnetized, the thin plates being bonded together by a heat-resistant adhesive. The magnetostrictive oscillator can thus have a buckling strength large enough to resist the compressive load imposed thereon by the pre-load mechanism and a stress due to a strain caused in itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignees: Japan National Oil Corporation, Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryosuke Taniguchi, Takashi Shimada, Takahiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6189383
    Abstract: A method of determining the acoustic impedance of a fluid in a borehole, by gating a reflected acoustic signal into a plurality of time slots, and comparing received energies of the signal for the time slots to obtain a value indicative of the acoustic impedance of the fluid. The value may be normalized to yield the acoustic impedance of the fluid using the acoustic impedance of, e.g., water as a calibration point. The comparison is performed by comparing a ratio of an integration of a first ring down time slot and a second ring down time slot, to an integration of an internal reflection time slot. The acoustic pulse may be generated using a transducer immersed in an intermediate fluid contained within a chamber defined in part by a plate in contact with the borehole fluid and having a thickness such that a mechanical resonance frequency of the plate in a thickness mode is substantially equal to a resonance frequency of the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Computalog Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucio Nelson Tello, Thomas Jay Blankinship, Edwin Kamm Roberts