| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20100245096 | OPTICAL DATA TRANSFORMATION - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive interacted energy at an optical calculation device attached to a down hole housing to be deployed in a down hole environment. Further activities may include optically compressing data carried by the interacted energy into at least one orthogonal component, using the optical calculation device, sending a signal associated with the at least one orthogonal component to a remote surface computer, and determining a property of petroleum located in the down hole environment using the remote surface computer, based on the signal. The optical calculation device may comprise a multivariate optical element (MOE). Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100265509 | In situ optical computation fluid analysis system and method - A multivariate optical element (MOE) calculation device is used in an apparatus for determining a property of petroleum in real time flowing in a pipe in petroleum field stream pipes or pipe line. Multiple apparatuses are provided for determining the amount of each of a plurality of properties. An internal reflectance element (IRE) is used to determine the property of the petroleum from a surface of the petroleum flowing in a pipe. A cleaning apparatus is provided to clean the surface of the IRE in the pipe and a turbulence generator is provided in the pipe to insure homogeneity of the petroleum being analyzed prior to analysis. A bellows may be provided the apparatus housing to compensate for pressure differentials between the housing and the flowing petroleum in the pipe. Various embodiments are disclosed. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20120018167 | MAXIMIZING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION WHILE CONTROLLING PHASE BEHAVIOR OR PRECIPITATION OF RESERVOIR IMPAIRING LIQUIDS OR SOLIDS - A method of flowing fluid from a formation, the method comprising: sensing presence of a reservoir impairing substance in the fluid flowed from the formation; and automatically controlling operation of at least one flow control device in response to the sensing of the presence of the substance. A well system, comprising: at least one sensor which senses whether a reservoir impairing substance is present; and at least one flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from a formation in response to indications provided by the sensor. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120084021 | Monitoring Flow of Single or Multiple Phase Fluids - Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to monitor flow of single and multiple phase fluids. Sensors of a tool can be dispersed along the tool to collect measurements to be processed using an autocorrelation operation on the collected measurements to provide information relative to the phases of the fluid. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120160018 | MEASUREMENT OF FORMATION ROCK PROPERTIES BY DIFFUSION - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method to determine formation measurements, the method comprising placing a sample in a reservoir, removing aliquots from the reservoir containing the sample or continuously monitoring the reservoir or headspace as the sample and reservoir equilibrate and analyzing the aliquots or readings sufficient to provide diffusion measurements. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120167692 | ENERGY INTENSITY TRANSFORMATION - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive incident energy within a chamber defining a first part of an interaction volume that attenuates the incident energy as a function of path length to provide attenuated energy. Additional activity may include simultaneously transforming the attenuated energy characterized by a substantially exponential intensity function into resultant energy characterized by a substantially polynomial intensity function. The transformation may be accomplished using an interacted energy transformation element that defines a second part of the interaction volume, the transformation element operating to intercept the attenuated energy along a plurality of path lengths. Other activity may include transmitting the resultant energy to a receiver. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120211650 | Downhole Optical Radiometry Tool - Various methods and tools optically analyze downhole fluid properties in situ. Some disclosed downhole optical radiometry tools include a tool body having a sample cell for fluid flow. A light beam passes through the sample cell and a spectral operation unit (SOU) such as a prism, filter, interferometer, or multivariate optical element (MOE). The resulting light provides a signal indicative of one or more properties of the fluid. A sensor configuration using electrically balanced thermopiles offers a high sensitivity over a wide temperature range. Further sensitivity is achieved by modulating the light beam and/or by providing a reference light beam that does not interact with the fluid flow. To provide a wide spectral range, some embodiments include multiple filaments in the light source, each filament having a different emission spectrum. Moreover, some embodiments include a second light source, sample cell, SOU, and detector to provide increased range, flexibility, and reliability. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120223221 | NANOFIBER SPECTRAL ANALYSIS - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to transmit energy to a nanofiber sampling coil and/or a nanofiber reference coil. Further activity may include receiving the energy as modified by evanescent interaction with a sampled material located proximate to the sampling coil and/or as modified by propagation through the reference coil, and comparing the energy modified by evanescent interaction with the energy modified by propagation through the reference coil to determine a spectroscopic property of the sampled material. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods, including the use of nanofibers and fluorescence induced by evanescent radiation to conduct spectroscopic analysis, are disclosed. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120232707 | ADDITIVE PHOTOMETRIC ANALYSIS - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to discharge a plurality of spike fluids into a fluid flowing in a flow channel, transmit energy to the fluid using an energy source coupled to the flow channel, receive the energy modified by the fluid as photometric energy, convert the photometric energy to at least one photometric signal, compare the at least one photometric signal with a reference signal to determine at least one photometric property of the fluid, and determine at least one component of the fluid using the at least one photometric property supplied to a generalized standard addition method (GSAM). Additional apparatus, systems, and methods, including the use of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) to refine GSAM results, are disclosed. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120250017 | Interferometry-Based Downhole Analysis Tool - Various systems and methods for performing optical analysis downhole with an interferogram (a light beam having frequency components with a time variation that identifies those frequency components. The interferogram is produced by introducing an interferometer into the light path, with the two arms of the interferometer having a propagation time difference that varies as a function of time. Before or after the interferometer, the light encounters a material to be analyzed, such as a fluid sample from the formation, a borehole fluid sample, a core sample, or a portion of the borehole wall. The spectral characteristics of the material are imprinted on the light beam and can be readily analyzed by processing electronics that perform a Fourier Transform to obtain the spectrum or that enable a comparison with one or more templates. An interferometer designed to perform well in the hostile environments downhole is expected to enable laboratory-quality measurements. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120300200 | OPTICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE - Optical measurement devices including one or more sealing assemblies are described. The sealing assemblies are configured for use at relatively high temperatures and pressures, such as temperatures over 200 degrees F. and pressures over 10,000 psi. The sealing assemblies can include a deformable seal element surrounded on each side by a backup seal element. In some examples, the deformable seal element is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of a fluoroelastomer or polytetrafluoroethylene, and the backup seal elements are formed of a material selected from a group consisting of flexible graphite or metal foil. Optionally, at least one additional seal element functioning as an extrusion barrier can be placed on the opposite side of one or both backup seal elements from the deformable seal element. The additional seal element can be formed of polyether ether ketone or flexible graphite, for example. Additional devices and assemblies are described. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130031970 | METHODS FOR MONITORING THE FORMATION AND TRANSPORT OF A FRACTURING FLUID USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing at least one fracturing fluid component; combining the at least one fracturing fluid component with a base fluid to form a fracturing fluid; and monitoring a characteristic of the fracturing fluid using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the fracturing fluid. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130031971 | METHODS FOR MONITORING FLUIDS WITHIN OR PRODUCED FROM A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION DURING FRACTURING OPERATIONS USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one fracturing fluid component; introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, thereby performing a fracturing operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the fracturing fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the fracturing fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130031972 | METHODS FOR MONITORING A WATER SOURCE USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing water from a water source; monitoring a characteristic of the water using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the water; and introducing the water into a subterranean formation. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032334 | METHODS FOR MONITORING THE FORMATION AND TRANSPORT OF A TREATMENT FLUID USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing at least one source material; combining the at least one source material with a base fluid to form a treatment fluid; and monitoring a characteristic of the treatment fluid using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the treatment fluid. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032340 | METHODS FOR MONITORING THE FORMATION AND TRANSPORT OF AN ACIDIZING FLUID USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing at least one acid; combining the at least one acid with a base fluid to form an acidizing fluid; and monitoring a characteristic of the acidizing fluid using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the acidizing fluid. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032344 | METHODS FOR MONITORING FLUIDS WITHIN OR PRODUCED FROM A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one additional component; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; allowing the treatment fluid to perform a treatment operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the treatment fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the treatment fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032345 | METHODS FOR MONITORING FLUIDS WITHIN OR PRODUCED FROM A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION DURING ACIDIZING OPERATIONS USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing an acidizing fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one acid; introducing the acidizing fluid into a subterranean formation; allowing the acidizing fluid to perform an acidizing operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the acidizing fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the acidizing fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032545 | METHODS FOR MONITORING AND MODIFYING A FLUID STREAM USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. The opticoanalytical devices can be used for monitoring various processes in which fluids are used. The methods can comprise providing a fluid in a fluid stream and monitoring a characteristic of the fluid using a first opticoarialytical device that is in optical communication with the fluid in the fluid stream. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130034842 | Systems and Methods for Analyzing Microbiological Substances - Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a fluid for the purpose of identifying microbiological content and/or microorganisms and determining the effectiveness of a microbiological treatment. One method of monitoring a fluid includes containing the fluid within a flow path, the fluid including at least one microorganism present therein, optically interacting electromagnetic radiation from the fluid with at least one integrated computational element, thereby generating optically interacted light, receiving with at least one detector the optically interacted light, and generating with the at least one detector an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid, the characteristic of the fluid being a concentration of the at least one microorganism within the fluid. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130046473 | Analyzing Fluid Within a Context - A processor accepts sensor data about a geological formation from a sensor. The sensor data is such that processing the sensor data using a processing technique to estimate a parameter of the geological formation without a constraint, whose value is not yet known, produces a plurality of non-unique estimates of the parameter. The processor accepts more than two time-displaced images of fluid sampled from the geological formation. The time displacements between the images are substantially defined by a mathematical series. The processor processes the images to determine the constraint. The processor processes the sensor data using the processing technique constrained by the constraint to estimate the parameter of the geological formation. The processor uses the estimated parameter to affect the drilling of a well through the geological formation. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130056626 | Downhole Spectroscopic Detection of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide - The present invention relates to a method for measuring the characteristics of a downhole fluid. The method for measuring the characteristics of a downhole fluid includes passing a downhole fluid sample through an analyzer, analyzing the downhole fluid sample by illuminating the downhole fluid sample with light from a light source and detecting light that interacts with the fluid sample. The method is applicable to detecting carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide directly in a downhole environment. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130068940 | SPECTROSCOPIC NANOSENSOR LOGGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Logging systems and methods that employ nanosensors to obtain spectral measurements downhole. The nanosensors can be dispersed in borehole fluids (including cement slurries) that circulate, diffuse, or get injected in a borehole. Because the nanosensors have diameters on the order of | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130087723 | DOWNHOLE SOURCES HAVING ENHANCED IR EMISSION - Light sources are provided with enhanced low-frequency (e.g., near infrared) emission. Some disclosed embodiments include a filament and at least one re-radiator element. The filament heats the re-radiator element to a steady-state temperature that is at least one quarter of the filament's absolute temperature. As disclosed herein, the increased surface area provided by the re-radiator element provides enhanced IR radiation from the light source. Patterning or texturing of the surface can further increase the re-radiator element's surface area. Various shapes such as disks, collars, tubes are illustrated and can be combined to customize the spectral emission profile of the light source. Some specific embodiments employ a coating on the bulb as the re-radiator element. The coating can be positioned to occlude light from the filament or to augment light from the filament, depending on the particular application. The various re-radiator elements can be positioned inside or outside the bulb. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130104642 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DETERMINING CONSTITUENT COMPONENTS OF A FLUID SAMPLE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130122595 | DETERMINING FORMATION FLUID COMPOSITION - Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130197809 | RECONSTRUCTING DEAD OIL - A computer accepts dead-oil properties of a reservoir fluid sampled from a well. The dead-oil properties are the measured composition of the reservoir fluid after volatile components of the reservoir have substantially vaporized. The computer analyzes the dead-oil properties and a constraint to produce estimated live-oil properties of the reservoir fluid. The live-oil properties are the composition of the reservoir before the volatile components have substantially vaporized. The computer uses the estimated live-oil properties to make a decision regarding the well. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130295677 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING FORMATION FLUID COMPOSITION - In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient, to detect the differentiated gas components, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130312481 | FLUID PROPERTIES INCLUDING EQUATION OF STATE MODELING WITH OPTICAL CONSTRAINTS - The invention relates to a method of determining an unknown property or information of a reservoir fluid. The method includes measuring a set of responses of a measuring instrument to the fluid and measuring one or more physical or chemical properties of the fluid. The method further includes determining the unknown property or information of the fluid based on the relationship between the instrument responses and the measured properties of the fluid using equation-of-state (EOS) model. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130314709 | OPTICAL DATA TRANSFORMATION - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive interacted energy at an optical calculation device attached to a down hole housing to be deployed in a down hole environment. Further activities may include optically compressing data carried by the interacted energy into at least one orthogonal component, using the optical calculation device, sending a signal associated with the at least one orthogonal component to a remote surface computer, and determining a property of petroleum located in the down hole environment using the remote surface computer, based on the signal. The optical calculation device may comprise a multivariate optical element (MOE). Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20140070083 | METHODS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FILTERS PER OPTICAL PATH IN A DOWNHOLE SPECTROMETER - Downhole spectrometer tools are provided with two ways to increase the number of filters on an optical path. A first approach employs multiple filter wheels that rotate alternately in a common plane to intersect the optical path. Portions of the wheels are cut out to avoid mechanical interference between the wheels. A second approach drives the one or more filter wheels with a wobble that causes the filters to trace one or more hypocycloidal curves that each intersect the optical path. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140078499 | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline - Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline, one or more optical computing devices arranged on the pig adjacent the inner surface of the pipeline for monitoring at least one substance present on the inner surface. The optical computing devices include at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the at least one substance and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the at least one substance. A signal processor is communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device for receiving the output signal of each optical computing device and determining the characteristic of the at least one substance. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080223 | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline - Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline and having first and second ends, one or more optical computing devices arranged on at least one of the first and second ends for monitoring a fluid within the pipeline. The optical computing devices including at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid. The system also includes a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device for receiving the output signal of each optical computing device and determining the characteristic of the fluid as detected by each optical computing device. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080224 | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline - Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline and having a housing that defines a conduit therein for providing fluid communication through the pig, one or more optical computing devices arranged on the conduit for monitoring a bypass fluid flowing through the conduit. The one or more optical computing devices including at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the bypass fluid and generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the bypass fluid. A signal processor is communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device for receiving the corresponding output signals and determining the characteristic of the fluid. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081594 | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline - Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline, the pipeline being divided into first and second radial divisions, and first and second sets of optical computing devices arranged on the pig adjacent the inner surface of the pipeline, the first set being configured to monitor a first substance on the first radial division and the second set being configured to monitor a second substance on the second radial division. Each optical computing device includes an integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the first or second substance and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the first or second substance. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140252251 | Systems and Methods for Inspecting and Monitoring a Pipeline - An example method includes introducing a movable inline inspection device into a pipeline, the movable inline inspection device having a housing that defines a conduit therein which provides fluid communication through the movable inline inspection device in the form of a bypass fluid, the conduit having one or more optical computing devices arranged thereon for monitoring the bypass fluid, wherein each optical computing device has at least one integrated computational element arranged therein, generating an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the bypass fluid with at least one detector arranged within each optical computing device, receiving the output signal from each optical computing device with a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device, and determining with the signal processor the characteristic of the bypass fluid detected by each optical computing device. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140338900 | MEASURING AN ADSORBING CHEMICAL IN DOWNHOLE FLUIDS - Interaction of adsorbing chemicals with a downhole tool presents inaccuracies in the adsorbing chemical measurement and analysis. The principles of the present disclosure provide a method and system of sampling fluids including an adsorbing chemical in a subterranean reservoir. One method may include modeling an interaction between the adsorbing chemical and a downhole tool, applying the model to a measurement of the adsorbing chemical, and adjusting the measurement in response to applying the model. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20150247755 | Pulse Width Modulation of Continuum Sources for Determination of Chemical Composition - A light source and a method for its use in an optical sensor are provided, the light source including a resistively heated element. The light source includes a power circuit configured to provide a pulse width modulated voltage to the resistively heated element, the pulse width modulated voltage including: a duty cycle with a first voltage; and a pulse period including a period with a second voltage, wherein: the duty cycle, the first voltage, and the pulse period are selected so that the resistively heated element is heated to a first temperature; and the first temperature is selected to emit black body radiation in a continuum spectral range. Also provided is an optical sensor for determining a chemical composition including a light source as above. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150300944 | Pulse Width Modulation of Continuum Sources for Determination of Chemical Composition - A light source and a method for its use in an optical sensor are provided, the light source including a resistively heated element. The light source includes a power circuit configured to provide a pulse width modulated voltage to the resistively heated element, the pulse width modulated voltage including: a duty cycle with a first voltage; and a pulse period including a period with a second voltage, wherein: the duty cycle, the first voltage, and the pulse period are selected so that the resistively heated element is heated to a first temperature; and the first temperature is selected to emit black body radiation in a continuum spectral range. Also provided is an optical sensor for determining a chemical composition including a light source as above. | 10-22-2015 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20120242822 | MONITORING AND DETECTION OF MATERIALS USING HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING - Apparatus and methods for imaging and characterizing materials when performing subterranean operations are disclosed. A method for analyzing gaseous emissions from a subterranean formation comprises positioning a hyperspectral image capturing mechanism to monitor an area of interest and detecting presence of one or more materials of interest in the area of interest using the hyperspectral image. The amount of the one or more materials of interest in the area of interest is then quantified. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20130032333 | METHODS FOR MONITORING BACTERIA USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. Specifically, bacteria can be monitored in fluids using opticoanalytical devices. The methods can comprise exposing water to a bactericidal treatment, and after exposing the water to the bactericidal treatment, monitoring live bacteria in the water using an opticoanalyfical device that is in optical communication with the water. Optionally, the water can be introduced into a subterranean formation. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130284894 | Devices Having One or More Integrated Computational Elements and Methods for Determining a Characteristic of a Sample by Computationally Combining Signals Produced Therewith - Optical computing devices containing one or more integrated computational elements may be used to produce two or more detector output signals that are computationally combinable to determine a characteristic of a sample. The devices may comprise a first integrated computational element and a second integrated computational element, each integrated computational element having an optical function associated therewith, and the optical function of the second integrated computational element being at least partially offset in wavelength space relative to that of the first integrated computational element; an optional electromagnetic radiation source; at least one detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with each integrated computational element and produce a first signal and a second signal associated therewith; and a signal processing unit operable for computationally combining the first signal and the second signal to determine a characteristic of a sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284895 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and at least two integrated computational elements. The at least two integrated computational elements are configured to produce optically interacted light and further configured to be associated with a characteristic of the sample. The optical computing device further includes a first detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least two integrated computational elements and thereby generate a first signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284896 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and at least two integrated computational elements. The at least two integrated computational elements may be configured to produce optically interacted light, and at least one of the at least two integrated computational elements may be configured to be disassociated with a characteristic of the sample. The optical computing device further includes a first detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least two integrated computational elements and thereby generate a first signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284897 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and at least two integrated computational elements. The at least two integrated computational elements are configured to produce optically interacted light and further configured to be associated with a characteristic of the sample. The optical computing device further includes a first detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least two integrated computational elements and thereby generate a first signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284898 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and at least two integrated computational elements. The at least two integrated computational elements may be configured to produce optically interacted light, and at least one of the at least two integrated computational elements may be configured to be disassociated with a characteristic of the sample. The optical computing device further includes a first detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least two integrated computational elements and thereby generate a first signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284899 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284900 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284901 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively, the first and second computational elements are configured to be either positively or negatively correlated to the characteristic of the sample. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284904 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining A Characteristic of a Substance - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively, the first and second computational elements are configured to be either positively or negatively correlated to the characteristic of the sample. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286398 | Imaging Systems for Optical Computing Devices - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation into an optical train to optically interact with a sample and at least one integrated computational element, the sample being configured to generate optically interacted radiation. A sampling window is arranged adjacent the sample and configured to allow transmission of the electromagnetic radiation therethrough and has one or more surfaces that generate one or more stray signals. A first focal lens is arranged to receive the optically interacted radiation and the one or more stray signals and generate a primary focal point from the optically interacted radiation. A structural element defines a spatial aperture aligned with the primary focal point such that the optically interacted radiation is able to pass therethrough while transmission of the one or more stray signals is substantially blocked by the structural element. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286399 | Imaging Systems for Optical Computing Devices - Optical computing devices are disclosed. One optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation into an optical train to optically interact with a sample and at least one integrated computational element, the sample being configured to generate optically interacted radiation. A sampling window is arranged adjacent the sample and configured to allow transmission of the electromagnetic radiation therethrough and has one or more surfaces that generate one or more stray signals. A first focal lens is arranged to receive the optically interacted radiation and the one or more stray signals and generate a primary focal point from the optically interacted radiation. A structural element defines a spatial aperture aligned with the primary focal point such that the optically interacted radiation is able to pass therethrough while transmission of the one or more stray signals is substantially blocked by the structural element. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130287061 | Devices Having an Integrated Computational Element and a Proximal Interferent Monitor and Methods for Determining a Characteristic of a Sample Therewith - The output of optical computing devices containing an integrated computational element can be corrected when an interferent substance or condition is present. The devices may comprise an optional electromagnetic radiation source; a sample detection unit comprising an integrated computational element and a detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation that has optically interacted with the integrated computational element and produce a sample signal associated therewith; an interferent monitor located proximal to the sample detection unit, the interferent monitor being configured to produce an interferent signal associated with an interferent substance; and a signal processing unit operable to convert the interferent signal into an interferent input form suitable for being computationally combined with the sample signal, the signal processing unit being further operable to computationally combine the sample signal and the interferent input form to determine a characteristic of a sample in real-time or near real-time. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130323484 | METHOD FOR FABRICATION OF A MULTIVARIATE OPTICAL ELEMENT - A method for fabricating an optical element including selecting a lamp spectrum and bandpass filter spectrum, obtaining a spectral characteristics vector to quantify the concentration of a component in a sample and obtaining a target spectrum from the lamp spectrum, the bandpass filter spectrum, and the spectral characteristics vector, is provided. Further including selecting a number of layers less than a maximum value, and performing an optimization routine using the index of refraction and thickness of each of the number of layers until an error between a model spectrum and the target spectrum is less than a tolerance value, or a number of iterations is exceeded. And reducing the number of layers if the error is less than a tolerance and stopping the procedure if the number of iterations is exceeded. A device using an optical element for optically-based chemometrics applications fabricated using the method above is also provided. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130340518 | DOWNHOLE FORMATION FLUID CONTAMINATION ASSESSMENT - The present invention relates to a method of detecting synthetic mud filtrate in a downhole fluid including placing a downhole tool into a wellbore, introducing a downhole fluid sample into the downhole tool, analyzing the downhole fluid sample in the downhole tool, producing at least two filtrate markers from the analyzing of the downhole fluid sample and converting the at least two filtrate markers by vector rotation to a sufficiently orthogonal signal. The first pumped fluid sample giving initial plateau readings can be a proxy for 100% drilling fluid having an initial orthogonal signal and subsequent samples can be converted to orthogonal signals that are referenced to the first pumped fluid signal to give a calculation of percent contamination of the formation fluid. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140020954 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR LITHOLOGY AND MINERALOGY DETERMINATIONS - A method of characterizing a formation is disclosed. A well bore is drilled in the formation. Cuttings are retrieved from the well bore while drilling the formation and a hyperspectral image of the cuttings is continuously obtained. The hyperspectral image of the cuttings is analyzed to determine formation characteristics. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140042323 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO USE MULTIPLE SPECTROSCOPIC ENVELOPES TO DETERMINE COMPONENTS WITH GREATER ACCURACY AND DYNAMIC RANGE - A method of using spectroscopic envelopes for determining components in a sample may include selecting spectroscopic envelopes and passing input light through a sample comprising at least one absorbing component is provided. The method includes measuring throughput light with a photo-detector and determining the concentration of the at least one absorbing component in the sample using the measured throughput, wherein at least one of the plurality of spectroscopic envelopes overlaps at least one absorption band of the at least one absorbing component in the sample. An apparatus for determining components in a sample including an input light source having a spectrum and a sample container having a fixed optical path-length is also provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of pre-selected spectroscopic envelopes to select spectral portions of the throughput light from the sample; and at least one photo-detector to measure the throughput light selected by the spectroscopic envelopes. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140076549 | Systems and Methods for In Situ Monitoring of Cement Slurry Locations and Setting Processes Thereof - Optical analysis systems may be useful in monitoring fluids relating to cementing operations in or near real-time, e.g., for location and/or the status of a cement setting process. For example, method may involve containing a cement slurry within a flow path, the cement slurry having a chemical reaction occurring therein; and optically interacting the cement slurry with an integrated computational element, thereby generating an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the chemical reaction. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076550 | Systems and Methods for Detecting Microannulus Formation and Remediation - Optical analysis systems may be useful in detecting microannulus formation in a wellbore casing and remediating a microannulus. In some instances, a system may include a cement sheath disposed about and in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of a casing; and at least one optical computing device arranged coupled to the casing, the at least one optical computing device having at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with a material of interest and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the material of interest, the material of interest comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of the cement sheath, a displacement composition disposed between the cement sheath and the exterior surface of the casing, and any combination thereof. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076551 | Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for In Situ Monitoring of Cement Fluid Compositions and Setting Processes Thereof - Optical analysis systems, methods, and apparatuses for analyzing fluids may be useful for in situ monitoring fluids that relate to cementing operations. For example, a method may include containing a cement fluid composition in a flow path comprising a wellbore; and optically interacting the cement fluid composition with an integrated computational element, thereby generating an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the cement fluid composition, the integrated computational element being coupled to a tool. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140110105 | Systems and Methods of Monitoring a Multiphase Fluid - Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a multiphase fluid and determining a characteristic of the multiphase fluid. One system includes a flow path containing a fluid, at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby generate optically interacted light, at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least one integrated computational element and generate an output signal corresponding to at least one characteristic of a phase of the fluid, and a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector and configured to determine the at least one characteristic of the phase of the fluid. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140158876 | Methods for Analyzing Substances Containing One or More Organosulfur Compounds Using an Integrated Computational Element - The presence of organosulfur compounds in a substance may make analyses of the substance difficult, particularly in the presence of interfering compounds. Methods for analyzing a substance may comprise: providing a substance comprising an organosulfur compound; optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with the substance and an integrated computational element; and analyzing for the organosulfur compound in the substance using the integrated computational element. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140195215 | MODELING WELLBORE FLUIDS - Techniques for modeling a wellbore fluid that includes a base fluid and one or more fluid additives includes identifying a target viscosity profile of the wellbore fluid; determining an initial set of values of the fluid additives that are based at least in part on the target viscosity profile; determining, with one or more non-linear predictive models, a computed viscosity profile of the wellbore fluid and a computed set of values of the fluid additives based, at least in part, on the initial set of values of the fluid additives; comparing the computed viscosity profile and at least one of the computed set of values with a specified criteria of the wellbore fluid; and preparing, based on the comparison, an output including the computed viscosity profile and at least one of the computed set of values of a resultant wellbore fluid. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140263974 | Methods and Devices for Optically Determining a Characteristic of a Substance - Using an optical computing device includes optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with a sample and a first integrated computational element arranged within a primary channel, optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with the sample and a second integrated computational element arranged within a reference channel, producing first and second modified electromagnetic radiations from the first and second integrated computational elements, respectively, receiving the first modified electromagnetic radiation with a first detector, and receiving the second modified electromagnetic radiation with a second detector, generating a first output signal with the first detector and a second output signal with the second detector, and computationally combining the first and second output signals with a signal processor to determine the characteristic of interest of the sample. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140294356 | Packaging Systems and Methods for Optical Light Pipes - Disclosed are robust packaging systems and methods for optical elements used in optical light pipes. One optical light pipe includes a housing having opposing first and second ends and a body that extends therebetween, an optical element arranged within the housing, and a reflective coating applied about an outer surface of the optical element. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140306096 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR OPTICALLY DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A SUBSTANCE - An exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source that optically interacts with a sample having a characteristic of interest, a first integrated computational element arranged within a primary channel to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation source and produce a first modified electromagnetic radiation, wherein the first integrated computational element is configured to be positively or negatively correlated to the characteristic of interest, a second integrated computational element arranged within a reference channel to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation source and produce a second modified electromagnetic radiation, wherein the second integrated computational element is configured to correlated to the characteristic of interest with an opposite sign relative to the first integrated computational element, and a first detector arranged to generate a first signal from the first modified electromagnetic radiation and a second signal from the second modified electromagnetic radiation. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140311803 | Directing a Drilling Operation Using an Optical Computation Element - Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to operate a tool downhole in a well, where the tool has an optical computation element to determine different properties of downhole structures. Such an optical computation element can be structured to provide optical analysis of fluid and material composition of the downhole environment associated with a drilling operation. The data measurements from the optical computation element can be used in a geosteering operation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140352953 | Integrated Computational Element Analysis of Production Fluid in Artificial Lift Operations - A downhole pump assembly for pumping production fluid to a surface of a well. The downhole pump assembly includes a fluid pump that is operable to pump the production fluid to the surface. An optical computing device having at least one integrated computational element and at least one detector. The at least one integrated computational element is configured to optically interact with the production fluid proximate the fluid pump and is configured to generate optically interacted light. The at least one detector is arranged to receive the optically interacted light and to generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the production fluid. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150007631 | SENSOR CONDITIONING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article may operate to move fluid from at least one fluid container into a flow line so as to cause the fluid to contact at least one surface having a condition affecting sensor information provided by a sensor. Additional activities may include adjusting operation of a fluid transport mechanism based on the sensor information and baseline information, to continue moving the fluid and change the condition until the fluid is depleted from the at least one fluid container or the sensor information conforms to the baseline information to a selected degree. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150115146 | NANOFIBER SPECTRAL ANALYSIS - Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to transmit energy to a nanofiber sampling coil and/or a nanofiber reference coil. Further activity may include receiving the energy as modified by evanescent interaction with a sampled material located proximate to the sampling coil and/or as modified by propagation through the reference coil, and comparing the energy modified by evanescent interaction with the energy modified by propagation through the reference coil to determine a spectroscopic property of the sampled material. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods, including the use of nanofibers and fluorescence induced by evanescent radiation to conduct spectroscopic analysis, are disclosed. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150127262 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMATION TESTER DATA INTERPRETATION WITH DIVERSE FLOW MODELS - Improved systematic inversion methodology applied to formation testing data interpretation with spherical, radial and/or cylindrical flow models is disclosed. A method of determining a parameter of a formation of interest at a desired location comprises directing a formation tester to the desired location in the formation of interest and obtaining data from the desired location in the formation of interest. The obtained data relates to a first parameter at the desired location of the formation of interest. The obtained data is regressed to determine a second parameter at the desired location of the formation of interest. Regressing the obtained data comprises using a method selected from a group consisting of a deterministic approach, a probabilistic approach, and an evolutionary approach. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150176403 | Apparatus and Method for Pulse Testing a Formation - A system for pressure testing a formation includes a downhole tool configured to measure formation pressure, storage containing pressure parameters of a plurality of simulated formation pressure tests, and a formation pressure test controller coupled to the downhole tool and the storage. For each of a plurality of sequential pressure testing stages of a formation pressure test, the formation pressure test controller 1) retrieves formation pressure measurements from the downhole tool; 2) identifies one of the plurality of simulated formation pressure tests comprising pressure parameters closest to corresponding formation pressure values derived from the formation pressure measurements; and 3) determines a flow rate to apply by the downhole tool in a next stage of the test based on the identified one of the plurality of simulated formation pressure tests. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150184510 | Apparatus and Method for Downhole In-Situ Determaination of Fluid Viscosity - An apparatus to determine fluid viscosities downhole in real-time includes a housing and an excitation element positioned therein. Electrical circuitry provides a drive signal that excites movement of the excitation element. A detector produces a response signal correlating to the detected rotational or oscillating movement of the excitation element. Circuitry onboard the apparatus utilizes the drive and response signals to determine the fluid viscosity. | 07-02-2015 |
| 20150192773 | VARIABLE MODULATION OF RADIATION AND COMPONENTS - Various embodiments include systems and methods to provide selectable variable gain to signals in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be used to normalize signals modulated in measurements using incident radiation. The selectable variable gain may be attained using a number of different techniques or various combinations of these techniques. These techniques may include modulating a modulator having modulating elements in which at least one modulating element acts on incident radiation differently from another modulating element of the modulator, modulating the use of electronic components in electronic circuitry of a detector, modulating a source of radiation or combinations thereof. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150205000 | Discrimination Analysis Used with Optical Computing Devices - Disclosed are systems and methods that use discriminant analysis techniques and processing in order to reduce the time required to determine chemical and/or physical properties of a substance. One method includes optically interacting a plurality of optical elements with one or more known substances, each optical element being configured to detect a particular characteristic of the one or more known substances, generating an optical response from each optical element corresponding to each known substance, wherein each known substance corresponds to a known spectrum stored in an optical database, and training a neural network to provide a discriminant analysis classification model for an unknown substance, the neural network using each optical response as inputs and one or more fluid types as outputs, and the outputs corresponding to the one or more known substances. | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150212232 | Microfluidic Optical Computing Device - Various embodiments of microfluidic optical computing devices coupled with Integrated Computational Element cores are described. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150226060 | SELECTABLE SIZE SAMPLING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to terminate sampling of fluid into one of a set of fluid sampling chambers sharing a common inflow sampling line by operating a set of closure mechanisms. Further activity may include initiating sampling of the fluid into another one of the set of fluid sampling 5 chambers, wherein the fluid sampling chambers are configured to sample the fluid in the sampling line in a selected sequence, such that filling a prior fluid sampling chamber as part of the sequence enables sampling in the next fluid sampling chamber as part of the sequence, and wherein the closure mechanisms comprise individual check valves | 08-13-2015 |
| 20150234976 | System, Method and Computer Program Product For Integrated Computational Element Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation - A system for integrated computational element (“ICE”) design optimization and analysis utilizes a genetic algorithm to evolve layer thickness of each fixed ICE structure using a constrained multi-objective merit function. The system outputs a ranked representative group of ICE design candidates that may be used for further fabricability study, ICE combination selection, efficient statistical analysis and/or feature characterization. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150277438 | OPTICAL SENSOR OPTIMIZATION AND SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION WITH SIMPLIFIED LAYER STRUCTURE - This disclosure includes methods for designing a simplified Integrated Computational Element (ICE) and for optimizing a selection of a combination of ICE designs. A method for fabricating a simplified ICE having one or more film layers includes predicting an optimal thickness of each of the one or more film layers of the simplified ICE using a neural network. A method for re-calibrating the fabricated ICE elements for system implementation is also disclosed. The disclosure also includes the simplified ICE designed by and the ICE combination selected by the disclosed methods. The disclosure also includes an information handling system with machine-readable instructions to perform the methods disclosed herein. | 10-01-2015 |
