By Measuring An Opposed Drag Force Patents (Class 73/54.32)
  • Patent number: 12222270
    Abstract: Described herein is a rheometer comprising a rotor comprising a rotary shaft and at least two screws extending longitudinally along a first portion of said shaft; a motor coupled to said shaft and adapted to rotatably drive said rotor; a stator having a cylindrical shape and adapted to contain a fluid; wherein said at least two screws form a cylindrical twin helix; wherein said cylindrical twin helix has an inside radius of 2 mm to 10 mm and an outside radius of 10 to 20 mm; wherein said stator has a radius which is longer than the outside radius of said cylindrical twin helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: Geolog S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Calleri
  • Patent number: 12174102
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the disclosed embodiments include a rheometer having a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a cylinder with a cavity located to receive fluid that passes into the fluid inlet, a motor configured to rotate the cylinder, a torsion bob within the cavity, and a controller located remotely from the rheometer. The controller includes a pressure regulator configured to pressurize fluid to power the motor, a rotation sensor configured to receive an optical rotation signal indicating a rotation speed of the cylinder, and a torque sensor configured to receive an optical signal indicating a torque on the torsion bob. The controller may be configured to receive a rotation speed signal from the rotation sensor, a torque signal from the torque sensor, and to calculate a shear stress for the fluid based on the rotation speed signal and the torque signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Sandeep D. Kulkarni, John L. Maida, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12102601
    Abstract: A viscous liquid supply apparatus includes a storage tank (10) that stores viscous liquid, and a pump (14) that supplies the viscous liquid stored in the storage tank to a use point, wherein the viscous liquid supply apparatus is configured with a viscometer (20) that measures a viscosity of the viscous liquid stored in the storage tank, and a replenishment device (30) that supplies replenishment liquid to the storage tank based on the viscosity measured with the viscometer. The viscometer (20) is a rotary type viscometer that has a rotor (23) in a cylindrical shape wherein the rotor is immersed in the viscous liquid and rotates therein, and the rotor is configured with a stirring blade that agitates the viscous liquid inside the storage tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: QUALICAPS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Hazama, Kenichi Kasai
  • Patent number: 12050165
    Abstract: A drag reducing efficiency test is performed on a sample. The sample includes a crude-oil based fluid and a drag reducing agent. The sample is placed within an inner volume defined by a sample housing. A sensing portion of a sensor is submerged in the sample within the sample housing. The sensor includes a disk (sensing portion) and a supporting rod. A lid is placed on the sample housing to isolate the sample within the inner volume. The sensor is coupled to an air bearing motor. The sensor is rotated by the air bearing motor at a plurality of shear rates. For each shear rate, the sensor measures a torque applied by the sample on the disk in response to the disk rotating while submerged in the respective sample at the respective shear rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Nagoorpitchai S. Meeranpillai, Ali Almuhaimeed, Osama Alzahrani
  • Patent number: 12038363
    Abstract: A bob for a viscometer in a portable rheology unit is provided. The bob may include a bob portion having a cylindrical portion and a first end portion, the cylindrical portion defining a first end of the bob. The bob may also include a plastic portion interfacing with an interior surface of the first end portion, wherein the plastic portion includes a conical area extending from a conical area first end to a conical area second end, and the conical second end is connected to an interior surface of the cylindrical portion. The bob may also include a sleeve portion connected to the plastic portion and a bob second end portion connected to the sleeve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry Connaughton, Zakhar Chizhov, Colin Stewart
  • Patent number: 11740225
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining malignancy in a cyst by measuring viscosity of cyst fluid while under stain. The invention further provides devices, and computer program products for determining same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: TECHNION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD., RAMBAM MED-TECH LTD.
    Inventors: Iyad Khamaysi, Eyal Zussman
  • Patent number: 11698311
    Abstract: A torque measurement system includes an outer rotational shaft and an inner rotational shaft both configured to rotate about a rotational axis. A rotation of the inner rotational shaft causes a rotation of the outer rotational shaft via a coupling structure. At least one torque applied to the inner rotational shaft is translated into a first torque-dependent angular shift between the shafts. A first metamaterial track is coupled to the outer rotational shaft and configured to co-rotate with the outer rotational shaft. A second metamaterial track is coupled to the inner rotational shaft and configured to co-rotate with the inner rotational shaft. The tracks are configured to convert an electro-magnetic transmit signal into a first electro-magnetic receive signal based on the first torque-dependent angular shift and a receiver is configured to receive the electro-magnetic receive signal and measure the at least one torque based on the electro-magnetic receive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Alexander Schossmann, Alexander Bergmann, Franz Michael Darrer, Dirk Hammerschmidt, Christof Michenthaler
  • Patent number: 11661805
    Abstract: A flow measurement apparatus can include a main flow passage, a bypass flow passage having an inlet and an outlet connected with the main flow passage, a mass flowmeter connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, and a flow restrictor connected in the bypass flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A method can include connecting the flow measurement apparatus, so that a fluid flow in the well also flows through the flow measurement apparatus, and determining at least one rheological parameter of a non-Newtonian fluid, based on an output of the flow measurement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Northam, Pravin Sadashiv Naphade, Kedar M. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 11340151
    Abstract: A rotational viscometer for measuring a viscosity of substances contains a measuring shaft and a hollow shaft which is driven by a drive. The measuring shaft is arranged within the hollow shaft. A measuring body is arranged at one end of the measuring shaft and can be supplied with a sample. A coupling element is provided for connecting the hollow shaft to the measuring shaft. An angle measuring unit is arranged relative to the measuring shaft such that an angular difference and/or a rotational phase difference between the hollow shaft and the measuring shaft can be measured. The hollow shaft and the measuring shaft end opposite the measuring body and protrude into a housing. The coupling element is arranged in the housing, and the housing and the coupling element are connected to the measuring shaft and to the hollow shaft such that the housing is removable from the rotational viscometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Schmidegg, Peter Kraxner, Rupert Gruellenberger
  • Patent number: 10983080
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for quantitively supplying a high-viscosity fluid sample, the apparatus including a cylinder body in which a high-viscosity fluid is to be stored, a cylinder head detachably attached to the cylinder body, a piston configured to slide in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder body, and a cutter disposed below the cylinder head and configured to cut a high-viscosity fluid discharged from the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA BASIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yeon Suk Choi, Soo Yeol Jeong
  • Patent number: 10520410
    Abstract: The probe can include a base and a resistance member extending from the base and onto which a resistance pressure is imparted by a rheological substance when the resistance member is submerged and moved therein. Rheological properties can be obtained using values indicative of the resistance pressure both in a low speed range and in a high speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Command Alkon Incorporated
    Inventors: Denis Beaupre, Jerome Chapdelaine, Frederic Chapdelaine
  • Patent number: 10495558
    Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the viscosity of a fluid may comprise a rotor cup having an inner chamber; a first bob rotatably disposed within a first region of the inner chamber; and a second bob rotatably disposed within a second region of the inner chamber, wherein the second bob rotates relative to the first bob based on a difference in viscosity of fluid in the first region and the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhargav Gajji, Ketan Chimanlal Bhaidasna, Richard Gary Morgan, Subrahmanyam Surya Venkata Sista
  • Patent number: 8904852
    Abstract: A method establishes rheometric parameters of samples using a rotational rheometer. A thickness of a measurement gap delimited by measurement parts is measured by a measuring unit and a predetermined thickness value is adjusted, readjusted or kept constant when the measurement temperature is changed or set to a predetermined measurement temperature setpoint value. Accordingly, starting at a time at which at least one region of a measurement part has reached the predetermined measurement temperature, measurement values to be established, more particularly continuously, at predetermined measurement times and/or for predetermined time intervals delimited by predetermined measurement times, for the changing thickness of the measurement gap and/or for the rate of change in thickness or readjustment of thickness, and for the measurement of the rheological parameters only to be commenced once these measurement values have dropped below a specific predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Wollny
  • Publication number: 20140290346
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a viscometer or a rheometer including a touch screen interface. The touch screen interface enables a wider variety of user interface options and functions that would otherwise be cumbersome to implement. These options and functions include a wide variety of settings, security features, and the ability to manipulate test definitions and test data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Salomon, Alex H. Mak, Robert P. Bishop, Charles J. Falzarano, Teresa L. McKim, Jason P. Hartshorn, David A. DiCorpo
  • Patent number: 8347693
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid testing device which utilizes a small, cross-section fluid interface to separate a test fluid chamber from a drive and measuring chamber. The test fluid chamber contains the test fluid and a paddle-type fluid test assembly. The drive and measuring chamber contains a second fluid and assemblies for moving the paddle and for determining the resistance movement. The two chambers are connected together by a narrow cross-section passageway allowing for continuous testing while test fluids are flowed through the test chamber and for successive testing of different samples without breaking down the device between tests. A pair of coaxial shafts extends between the test fluid chamber and the drive and measuring chamber. The shafts are connected together by a spring located in the drive chamber whereby the resistance to movement is determined by measuring the deflection in the spring. The shafts are magnetically coupled to a motor to rotate the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam K S Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Christopher Lynn Gordon, Balasundaram Balaraman
  • Patent number: 8266949
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The apparatus and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip C. Harris, Harold G. Walters
  • Patent number: 8230723
    Abstract: A couette viscometer used to determine the rheological properties of Newtonian or non-Newtonian solid-laden or non-solid-laden fluids used as completion or treatment fluids in oil and/or gas wells. The instrument is capable of measuring the properties of a heated, e.g., 600° F./316° C., and pressurized sample, e.g., 30,000 psig/207 MPa, at a variety of temperatures, pressures, and shear rates. The pressure vessel is mounted in the chassis of the instrument and the vessel plug containing the viscometer components and sample may be removed as an assembly. This arrangement reduces the mass of the plug assembly, eliminating the need to transport the pressure vessel and assists in separating the sample from the pressurizing fluid. Ultimately, this arrangement improves the usability, convenience and maintenance associated with operating the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Chandler Instruments Company, LLC
    Inventors: John Jeffery Moon, Brian Roland Ainley
  • Patent number: 7992427
    Abstract: Methods and devices for testing friction reduction systems are described herein. Embodiments of the disclosed devices allow direct measurement of fluid or rheological properties of friction reduction systems in a “one pot” or integrated device while maintaining the particles in suspension. In an embodiment, a device for testing a friction reduction system comprises an outer chamber. The device also comprises an impeller disposed at the bottom of the outer chamber for mixing the friction reduction system. In addition, the device comprises an inner chamber fixedly disposed within the outer chamber. The inner chamber has an inlet and an outlet such that the inner chamber is in fluid communication with the outer chamber. The device further comprises a bob rotatably disposed within the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.,
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Jason Bryant, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7882734
    Abstract: A mixing system comprising a bowl, mixing element and motor. A mixing element is located within the bowl and is driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the foodstuff being mixed upon contact. A method for predicting instantaneous loading on the mixing system motor. A method for increasing the power to the motor comprises introducing additional current in advance of instantaneous loading. A method for identifying the foodstuff being mixed to control operation of the mixer either by allowing user interaction or increasing the current to the motor in advance of instantaneous loading and demands on the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rosario Ciancimino, Wayne W. Conard, Noah David Zelvis, Ryan W. Mill
  • Patent number: 7568380
    Abstract: A turbine viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluid flowing through a conduit, such as a pipe or manifold. The viscometer has a viscosity turbine positionable in the pipe or manifold. The viscosity turbine has a central portion and a plurality of blades extending therefrom such that fluid flow does not induce any rotational movement of the viscosity turbine. The viscometer also has a drive device for rotating the viscosity turbine so that fluid drag on the viscosity turbine can be measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid. In one embodiment, the drive device creates a rotational magnetic field around the viscosity turbine so that it is rotated. In a second embodiment, the drive device is a drive turbine connected to the viscosity turbine and rotated by fluid flowing through the pipe or conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Bivens, James L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090000357
    Abstract: The method measures consistency with a rotating consistency meter. The method comprises chopping with the teeth of a chopper structure optical radiation transmitted by an optical source to an optical detector while the shafts of the rotating consistency meter rotate. In addition, a chopper reference of the chopper structure chops optical radiation to form at least one reference pulse independent of the swivel between the shafts. The duration of each reference pulse is measured when measuring consistency. The change in the reference pulse is defined by comparing the duration of the measured reference pulse with the duration of the predefined reference pulse. The durations of the measuring pulses are corrected according to the change in the duration of the reference pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Lauri Uusivirta, Juhani Kangas
  • Publication number: 20080168827
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring in-situ applied torque in tubular operations. A torque cylinder has a first end and a second end. A torque rod is at least partially contained in the torque cylinder and is coupled to the first end of the torque cylinder. The torque rod extends longitudinally outward from the second end of the torque cylinder. A strain gauge is connected to the torque rod at a predetermined distance from the first end of the torque cylinder. The strain gauge is configured to measure in-situ the applied torque between two tubular drill string segments each coupled to a respective one of the torque cylinder and the torque rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: NABORS GLOBAL HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventor: Craig Currie Weems
  • Patent number: 7055376
    Abstract: A method and a pump apparatus are provided for the generation of an adjustable, substantially constant volume flow of a fluid by means of a pump apparatus, wherein the fluid (5) is forwarded by the pump apparatus (1) from a reservoir (2) into a flow connection (4). A rotary pump (1) is used as the pump apparatus and the rotary pump (1) is operated at an efficiency which is less than half the maximum efficiency (?max) of the rotary pump (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Levitronix LLC
    Inventor: Reto Schoeb
  • Patent number: 7051581
    Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Mansky, Damian A. Hajduk
  • Patent number: 6854349
    Abstract: A device is provided which determines the end of the processsing time for hardening masses, in particular dental molding masses. The device comprises a display unit and a sensor unit which record the change in at least one of the rheological properties of the mass. A method that can be used with such a device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Gerd Brandhorst, Hermann Nirschl, Mark Peuker, Ingo Wagner
  • Patent number: 6836362
    Abstract: This invention provides methodology for the measurement of both low and high levels of scattered radiation produced by decorative and barrier coatings and plastics. Measurements of low levels are especially important for coatings used in automotive applications. The method is based on the illumination of the sample with radiation and collection of only the portion of the radiation scattered from the coating before, during and after the testing step and relating the optical signal from the tested portion of the sample material to the untested portion of the material and/or a standard. Through the practice of the invention, a large number of coating samples, as in an array, may be analyzed for their optical quality, principally haze, either after coating and curing, and/or after subjection of such coatings samples to elongation stresses, and/or abrasion testing, solvent exposure, hydrolytic stability testing, and temperature exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo, Michael Jarlath Brennan, Daniel Robert Olson
  • Patent number: 6769292
    Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, INC
    Inventors: Paul Mansky, Damian A. Hajduk
  • Publication number: 20030192366
    Abstract: The current invention provides a method for determining the rheology of a mixture of gelled hydrocarbon and liquid carbon dioxide. The method of the current invention precludes the negative impact of the Weissenberg effect when determining the rheology of a non-Newtonian fluid. Additionally, the method of the current invention produces a homogenous mixture without generating the Weissenberg effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20020148283
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring viscosity of a sample of material includes a mold assembly, a rotor assembly, and a torque measuring device. The mold assembly includes upper and lower mold members that cooperate to form a chamber to hold the sample of material therein. The upper mold member includes an outer mold portion formed with a mold opening to receive an inner mold portion therein such that the inner mold portion is surrounded by the outer mold portion and is movable relative to the outer mold portion. The rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft having a first end portion coupled to a rotor member in the chamber and a second end portion that extends through a shaft hole in the lower mold member, and a drive unit coupled to the second end portion of the rotor shaft. A torque measuring device measures the amount of torque induced by the sample of material on the inner mold portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Yau-Dong Chang
  • Patent number: 6463793
    Abstract: Physical property of a liquid sample to include a viscometric and/or rheological property if not a structural property such as gelation and/or crystallization can be determined with a rotating viscometer employed in a Scanning Brookfield technique. The viscometer and technique employ a Brookfield-type head having a high torque capacity. Low temperatures may be employed in the scan. For example, properties of a motor oil having a very high viscosity and/or a gelation point owing to its intrinsic properties, oxidation and/or sooting and so on, can be accurately, precisely, rapidly, and repeatably determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore W. Selby
  • Patent number: 6282948
    Abstract: Low heat-transmissible spindle for rotary viscometry includes an elongate, radially balanced, straight shaft made of a suitably stiff material having a low heat-transmission value, with a head monolithic with the shaft which can contact and interface with a test fluid to yield drag from the contact and interface when the spindle is rotated in the fluid; and a spindle coupling nut attached to the shaft opposite the head. For example, the shaft may be made of a woven glass fabric cylinder laminated with a synthetic resin, and the head made of stainless steel. A rotary viscometer can be equipped with the spindle, and fluid viscosity can be determined by employing the same in a rotary viscometric protocol, for example, ASTM D 2983.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Tannas Company
    Inventors: Patrick T. O'Dell, Gregory C. Miiller, Theodore W. Selby, Robert H. Seer
  • Publication number: 20010015094
    Abstract: A viscosity measuring apparatus of the invention is provided with a memory for storing numeric data corresponding to a plurality of sampling conditions set in advance, and an operating device or a data calling key for calling data in the memory. By operating the operating device or key, the necessary data, such as a plurality of Mooney values or plurality of scorch times set in advance, is displayed as numeric values in a display at any time during the test. Therefore, during the test, a user of the apparatus can determine whether the test should be continued or not, or analyze the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasunori Konaka
  • Publication number: 20010015095
    Abstract: In a viscosity measuring apparatus, a time for restoring to a set temperature from a lowered temperature in a material chamber when a material is filled in the chamber can be selected. Thus, a temperature rising speed of the material can be freely set to measure a viscosity. Therefore, it is possible to measure the viscosity when the material, such as rubber, is heated at the temperature rising speed in conformity with an actual molding condition. Also, in order to compare a result measured in the past, it is possible to measure the viscosity when the material is heated at the temperature rising speed in conformity with the past measuring condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasunori Konaka