Neal L. Adair is a prominent inventor based in Sugar Land, TX (US), known for his significant contributions to the field of liquid level monitoring and control. With a total of 14 patents to his name, Adair has developed innovative systems that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of liquid level estimation in various wellbore applications.

Latest Patents

Among his latest patents, Adair has introduced groundbreaking methods and systems for estimating and controlling liquid levels. One notable patent focuses on systems and methods for estimating and controlling liquid level using periodic shut-ins. This invention discloses methods for determining a liquid level in a formation between a horizontal segment of an injection wellbore and a horizontal segment of a production wellbore. Under shut-in conditions, local temperatures and pressures are determined for each inflow zone along the production wellbore segment. Local profile values are established based on local shut-in subcool values and liquid levels. After flow resumes, a local liquid level is determined based on the local operating subcool value and the local profile value for that inflow zone. The local profile values can be updated during subsequent shut-ins.

Another significant patent by Adair involves systems and methods for dynamic liquid level monitoring and control. This invention outlines methods for determining a liquid level above a horizontal segment of a wellbore in a formation. Local temperatures and pressures are assessed for each zone along the wellbore segment. For each zone, a local inflow rate is determined for fluids entering the wellbore from the formation. Based on the local inflow rate, temperature, and pressure, a local reservoir pressure is calculated, leading to the determination of a local liquid level based on the local reservoir pressure and a pressure associated with an injector wellbore positioned above the horizontal segment.

Career Highlights

Neal L. Adair is currently associated with ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, where he continues to innovate and contribute to advancements in liquid level monitoring technologies. His work has been instrumental in improving the efficiency of oil and gas extraction processes.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Adair has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Timothy A. Chartrand and Lucas J. Hilliard, who have also made significant contributions to the field.

Conclusion

Neal L. Adair's innovative work

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