公开(公告)号：US07162918B2

公开(公告)日：2007-01-16

申请号：US11092016

申请日：2005-03-29

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio ,  Arnold Walkow ,  Paul Bergren ,  Peter W. Reittinger

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio ,  Arnold Walkow ,  Paul Bergren ,  Peter W. Reittinger

IPC: G01H3/04 ,  G01H3/14

CPC classification number: G01N33/24 ,  E21B49/10 ,  E21B2049/085 ,  G01N9/002 ,  G01N11/16 ,  G01N2009/006 ,  G01V3/32

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole method and apparatus using a flexural mechanical resonator, for example, a tuning fork to provide real-time direct measurements and estimates of the viscosity, density and dielectric constant of formation fluid or filtrate in a hydrocarbon producing well. The present invention additionally provides a method and apparatus for monitoring cleanup from a leveling off of viscosity or density over time, measuring or estimating bubble point for formation fluid, measuring or estimating dew point for formation fluid, and determining the onset of asphaltene precipitation. The present invention also provides for intercalibration of plural pressure gauges used to determine a pressure differential downhole. A hard or inorganic coating is placed on the flexural mechanical resonator (such as a tuning fork) to reduce the effects of abrasion from sand particles suspended in the flowing fluid in which the flexural mechanical resonator is immersed.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种使用弯曲机械谐振器（例如音叉）的井下方法和装置，以提供实时直接测量和估算烃生产井中地层流体或滤液的粘度，密度和介电常数。 本发明另外提供了一种用于从随着时间的粘度或密度的平滑化来测量清理的方法和装置，测量或估计地层流体的起泡点，测量或估计地层流体的露点，以及确定沥青质沉淀的开始。 本发明还提供用于确定井下压力差的多个压力计的相互校准。 将硬质或无机涂层放置在弯曲机械谐振器（例如音叉）上，以减少悬浮在其中浸入弯曲机械谐振器的流动流体中的砂粒磨损的影响。

公开(公告)号：US07124596B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-24

申请号：US10847243

申请日：2004-05-17

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio ,  Paul Bergren

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio ,  Paul Bergren

IPC: F25D23/12

CPC classification number: E21B47/011 ,  E21B36/003 ,  E21B49/08

Abstract: A cooling system in which an electronic device or other component is cooled by using one or more solid sources of liquid vapor (such as polymeric absorbents, hydrates or desiccants that desorb water at comparatively low temperature) in conjunction with one or more high-temperature vapor sorbents or desiccants that effectively transfer heat from the component to the fluid in the wellbore. Depending on the wellbore temperature, desiccants are provided that release water at various high regeneration temperatures such as molecular sieve (220–250° C.), potassium carbonate (300° C.), magnesium oxide (800° C.) and calcium oxide (1000° C.). A solid water source is provided using a water-absorbent polymer, such as sodium polyacrylate. Heat transfer is controlled in part by a check valve selected to release water vapor at a selected vapor pressure.

Abstract translation: 一种冷却系统，其中电子装置或其它部件通过使用一种或多种液体蒸气固体源（例如聚合物吸收剂，在较低温度下解吸水的水合物或干燥剂）与一种或多种高温蒸气 有效地将热量从组分传递到井眼中的流体的吸附剂或干燥剂。 根据井筒温度，提供干燥剂，可以在各种高再生温度下分离水，如分子筛（220-250℃），碳酸钾（300℃），氧化镁（800℃）和氧化钙 （1000℃）。 使用吸水性聚合物如聚丙烯酸钠提供固体水源。 传热部分地由选定的止回阀控制以在选定的蒸汽压力下释放水蒸汽。

公开(公告)号：US20060139646A1

公开(公告)日：2006-06-29

申请号：US11360542

申请日：2006-02-23

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio

IPC: G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01N21/3504 ,  E21B49/10 ,  G01J3/108 ,  G01J3/26 ,  G01J2003/1213 ,  G01N21/031 ,  G01N33/2823 ,  G01N2201/06186 ,  G02B26/02

Abstract: Thermally tunable optical sensors are used in sampling tools for analysis of samples from a wellbore. The thermally tunable optical sensors generate a series passbands of wavelength emissions and detect attenuation in a signal thereof. The attenuation detected is processed and used to determine aspects of the samples. Analysis may be completed remotely (outside of the wellbore), within the wellbore (during drilling or otherwise), or as a part of another process such as fluid management, transport and refinement.

Abstract translation: 用于分析井眼样品的采样工具中使用热可调光学传感器。 热可调光学传感器产生波长发射的串联通带并检测其信号中的衰减。 检测到的衰减被处理并用于确定样本的方面。 分析可以远程完成（井筒外部），井筒内（钻井期间或其他方式），或作为其他流程（如流体管理，运输和细化）的一部分。

公开(公告)号：US06976392B2

公开(公告)日：2005-12-20

申请号：US10992797

申请日：2004-11-19

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio ,  Peter W. Reittinger

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio ,  Peter W. Reittinger

IPC: G01V1/16 ,  G01V1/42 ,  G01V1/46 ,  G01V1/22 ,  G01V1/40

CPC classification number: G01V1/16 ,  G01V1/46

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring seismic data are disclosed. The system comprises a controller for causing the generation of a seismic signal, where the controller has a first clock used for time-stamping a record of the generated seismic signal. A seismic receiver is deployed in a wellbore so as to detect the generated seismic signal. An atomic clock is disposed in or with the seismic receiver for time-stamping a record of the detected seismic signal. The atomic clock is synchronized with the first clock prior to being placed downhole.

公开(公告)号：US20050262936A1

公开(公告)日：2005-12-01

申请号：US10854474

申请日：2004-05-26

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio

IPC: G01V3/12 ,  G01V8/02

CPC classification number: G01V8/02

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for determining a parameter of interest of a formation fluid. The method comprises moving a tool attached to a tubular member along a borehole in a subterranean formation. The tool is used to determine the refractive index, pressure and temperature of a formation fluid sample, in situ, at a predetermined location along the borehole. A refractive index of a reference fluid is calculated at the sample conditions. The parameter of interest of the formation fluid is determined at the predetermined location from a comparison of the corresponding formation fluid refractive index and the reference fluid refractive index at the predetermined location. In another embodiment, the refractive index of a natural gas sample is determined and compared to the refractive index of pure methane, at downhole conditions, to indicate the dryness of the natural gas.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于确定地层流体感兴趣的参数的方法和装置。 该方法包括沿着地层中的钻孔移动连接到管状构件的工具。 该工具用于在沿钻孔的预定位置原位确定地层流体样品的折射率，压力和温度。 在样品条件下计算参考流体的折射率。 根据相应的地层流体折射率和预定位置处的参考流体折射率的比较，在预定位置确定地层流体感兴趣的参数。 在另一个实施方案中，确定天然气样品的折射率，并在井下条件下与纯甲烷的折射率进行比较，以指示天然气的干燥度。

公开(公告)号：US20050205256A1

公开(公告)日：2005-09-22

申请号：US11082424

申请日：2005-03-17

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio

IPC: E21B43/00 ,  E21B49/08

CPC classification number: E21B49/08 ,  G01N33/2823 ,  H01J49/0422

Abstract: A formation fluid sample is exposed to a rigidly-supported semi-permeable membrane such as silicone rubber to permit diffusion of gases and vapors from the formation fluid into a vacuum chamber, while at the same time, blocking the passage of any liquids. The membrane-transmitted gas is analyzed in the vacuum chamber by a residual gas analyzer. An ion pump or sorbent is associated with the evacuated chamber to maintain the vacuum. The ion pump or sorbent removes gases and vapors from the chamber that diffuse into the chamber from the reservoir sample that is on the opposite side of the semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract translation: 地层流体样品暴露于刚性支撑的半透膜如硅橡胶，以允许气体和蒸汽从地层流体扩散到真空室中，同时阻止任何液体的通过。 通过残留气体分析仪在真空室中分析膜透过气体。 离子泵或吸附剂与真空室相关联以维持真空。 离子泵或吸附剂从腔室中吸收气体和蒸汽，这些气体和蒸汽从半渗透膜相反侧的储层样品扩散到室内。

公开(公告)号：US06714872B2

公开(公告)日：2004-03-30

申请号：US10229228

申请日：2002-08-27

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio ,  Jaedong Lee

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio ,  Jaedong Lee

IPC: G01V800

CPC classification number: G01N33/2823 ,  G01N21/41 ,  G01N21/534 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/6428

Abstract: The present invention provides method of quantifying sample clean up in real time by providing curve-fitting measurements of optical or physical properties of fluid samples in boreholes. Sample fluid is extracted from the formation surrounding the borehole. As fluid continues to be extracted the composition of the extracted sample changes, altering the values of physical properties of the sample being measured. Measurements are made of optical or physical properties of the sampled fluid, and regression analysis is performed on the acquired measured data points. In one embodiment of the invention, iterative methods enable a user to determine an asymptotic value of a physical property, i.e. absorbance, as well as the percent of the progress that the current sample has obtained toward reaching the asymptotic property value and a projected time to reach the asymptotic property value. If the projected time required to reach that asymptotic value is too long, the operator may decide to abandon extracting fluid from the region. In another embodiment, a more general method enables the user to estimate, through the value of a variable, the speed at which cleanup can occur. The physical properties of the sample may be fit as a function of pumping time or volume.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了通过提供钻孔中流体样品的光学或物理性质的曲线拟合测量来实时定量样品清理的方法。 样品流体从钻孔周围的地层中提取出来。 随着流体继续被提取，提取的样品的组成发生变化，改变被测样品的物理性质的值。 测量采样流体的光学或物理性质，并对采集的测量数据点进行回归分析。 在本发明的一个实施例中，迭代方法使得用户能够确定物理属性的渐近值，即吸光度，以及当前样本在达到渐近属性值时获得的进展的百分比，以及预计的时间 达到渐近属性值。 如果达到渐近值所需的预计时间太长，操作者可能决定放弃从该地区提取液体。 在另一个实施例中，更通用的方法使得用户能够通过变量的值来估计可能发生清理的速度。 样品的物理性质可以作为泵送时间或体积的函数拟合。

公开(公告)号：US06683681B2

公开(公告)日：2004-01-27

申请号：US10119492

申请日：2002-04-10

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio ,  Arnold Walkow ,  Paul Bergren

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio ,  Arnold Walkow ,  Paul Bergren

IPC: G01N2141

CPC classification number: E21B47/102 ,  G01N21/03 ,  G01N21/3577 ,  G01N21/359 ,  G01N21/41 ,  G01N21/552

Abstract: The invention relates to refractometry and attenuated reflectance spectrometry in a wellbore environment. Specifically, it pertains to a robust apparatus and method for measuring refractive index of fluids along a continuum (rather than in steps), and for measuring attenuated reflectance spectra, and for interpreting the measurements made with this apparatus to determine a variety of formation fluid parameters. The present invention provides a method and apparatus to distinguish between gas and liquid based on the much lower index of refraction of gas. It can also be used to monitor fluid sample clean up over time. The refractive index of a wellbore fluid is determined from the fraction, R, of light reflected off the interface between a transparent window that has a known refractive index and this fluid. Preferably, the refractive index is measured at some wavelength of light for which the fluid is not highly attenuating. However, the adjacent transmission spectrometer can be used to correct the refractive index measurement for attenuation at those wavelengths, which it monitors. Also, this reflection-based refractometer design can be used as an attenuated reflectance spectrometer at highly attenuating wavelengths.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及井眼环境中的折射测定和衰减反射光谱法。 具体地，它涉及用于测量沿着连续体（而不是步骤）的流体的折射率的鲁棒设备和方法，并且用于测量衰减的反射光谱，并且用于解释用该装置进行的测量以确定各种地层流体参数 。 本发明提供一种基于气体折射率较低的气体和液体区别的方法和装置。 它也可用于监测流体样品随时间的清洁。 井眼流体的折射率由从具有已知折射率的透明窗口与该流体之间的界面反射的光的分数R确定。 优选地，在流体不是高度衰减的某些波长的光下测量折射率。 然而，相邻的透射光谱仪可用于校正其监测的那些波长的衰减的折射率测量。 此外，这种基于反射的折射计设计可以用作衰减衰减波长的衰减反射光谱仪。

公开(公告)号：US06627873B2

公开(公告)日：2003-09-30

申请号：US09836044

申请日：2001-04-16

Applicant: Borislav J. Tchakarov ,  Rocco DiFoggio ,  Stanislav W. Forgang ,  Otto N. Fanini ,  Marcelo F. Civarolo ,  James C. Hunziker

Inventor： Borislav J. Tchakarov ,  Rocco DiFoggio ,  Stanislav W. Forgang ,  Otto N. Fanini ,  Marcelo F. Civarolo ,  James C. Hunziker

IPC: G01V800

CPC classification number: E21B49/08 ,  G01N21/3504 ,  G01N21/552 ,  G01V8/02

Abstract: A logging while drilling and wire line system for analyzing the concentration of carbon dioxide or another substance, in a sample down hole in a bore hole. A chamber is filled with a sample that may be fluid, or condensate and gas. The interior chamber volume is selectably expandable for decompression of the sample. The sample may alternately be decompressed by allowing a sample at formation pressure to enter the chamber at a lower pressure, thereby decompressing the sample. A sensor measures the absorbance, transmittance or attenuated total reflectance of the infrared light. Mid and near infrared light is utilized to identify carbon dioxide, water and a plurality of hydrocarbons. A wiper cleans the transmitter and sensor between readings to reduce measurement error caused by fluid sample contamination.

公开(公告)号：US5179598A

公开(公告)日：1993-01-12

申请号：US531128

申请日：1990-05-31

Applicant: Rocco DiFoggio ,  Kathryn Burleigh

Inventor： Rocco DiFoggio ,  Kathryn Burleigh

IPC: G06T7/40

CPC classification number: G06T7/408 ,  G06T2207/10024 ,  G06T2207/20101

Abstract: A method for highlighting particular features of an image photographically captured and stored in a computer is disclosed. The method essentially comprises capturing an image of an object using a video or similar electronic camera and storing the image as a series of numbers in the memory of a computer. The computer contains an image capture board and a graphics board so as to acquire and display the image on a monitor. The operator enlarges a region of the image of interest so as to display the individual pixels comprising the image. The operator, through the computer, selects individual pixels from the image to comprise a test set of pixels to be used to discriminate against all of the pixels comprising the image. Once the test set is defined, the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the test set are calculated to define an ellipsoid encompassing substantially all of the test set data points. In essence, the ellipsoid defines an envelope in color space. The image is scanned using the test set to either accept or reject each of the pixels comprising the image. The accepted or rejected pixels are assigned a value to be used in producing a second display which highlights the desired pixels. The operator may alter the test set by adding more pixels or change the dimensions of the ellipsoid to produce a different display. Certain operations and calculations may be performed on the second image highlighting characteristics of the first image produced of object.

Abstract translation: 用于突出显示拍摄并存储在计算机中的图像（48）的特定特征的方法包括使用相机拍摄对象的图像（50）并将图像作为一系列数字存储在计算机的存储器中。 计算机包含图像捕获板和图形卡，以便在监视器上获取和显示图像。 操作者放大感兴趣的图像区域以显示各个像素，然后通过计算机从该区域中选择各个像素以给出像素的测试集合。 然后计算测试集的特征向量和特征值以定义包含基本上所有测试集并且在颜色空间中定义信封的椭圆体。 使用椭圆体扫描图像以接受或拒绝其每个像素。 所接收或被拒绝的像素被分配用于产生突出所需像素的第二显示器（56）所使用的值。