Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Hussein Alboudwarej

Ahmed Hammami

Shawn David Taylor

Abdel Kharrat

Scott Jacobs

Moin Muhammad

Geza Horvath Szabo

Dmitry Eskin

Terry Sopkow

Joao Felix

Jiasen Tan

Compositions and methods of using same are described for negating asphaltene deposition in a formation, wellbore, near wellbore region, and production tubing. Compositions of the invention comprise an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent, the asphaltene solvent and viscosity reducing agent present in a ratio so as to substantially reduce viscosity of an asphaltene-containing material while substantially negating deposition of asphaltenes either in a reservoir, in production tubing, or both when mixed or otherwise contacting the asphaltene-containing material. Methods of the invention comprise forcing a composition comprising an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent to contact an asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon in an underground geologic formation, and producing from the formation a production composition comprising at least some of the treatment composition and at least some of the asphaltene-containing hydrocarbon under conditions sufficient to substantially negate deposition of asphaltenes in the formation.

Compositions and methods of using same in producing heavy oil and bitumen

A method for generating and characterizing an emulsion. The method provides a Couette device having first and second cylindrical members that define an annulus between them. The second cylindrical member is rotatably driven with respect to the first cylindrical member. Two or more substances each in a non-emulsified state are injected into the annulus. The Couette device is operated in a first mode to generate an emulsion from the two or more substances. The Couette device is also operated in a second mode to measure various attributes of the emulsion.

Method for operating a couette device to create and study emulsions

Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Apparatus and methods for sample handling and rheology analysis

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Edmonton, Canada

Hussein Alboudwarej