Patents Assigned to Apache Corporation
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Patent number: 9579598Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Apache CorporationInventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Jason G. S. Ho
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Publication number: 20170001170Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to materials for CO2 adsorption at pressures above 1 bar, where the materials include a porous carbon material with a surface area of at least 2800 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 1.35 cm3/g, and a carbon content of 80%-95%. The porous carbon material is prepared by heating organic polymer precursors or biological materials in the presence of KOH at 700° C.-800° C. The present disclosure also pertains to materials for the separation of CO2 from natural gas at partial pressures above 1 bar, where the material includes a porous carbon material with a surface area of at least 2000 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 1.00 cm3/g, and a carbon content of greater than 90%. The porous carbon materials can be prepared by heating organic polymer precursors or biological materials in the presence of KOH at 600° C.-700° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Applicants: William Marsh Rice University, Apache CorporationInventors: Saunab Ghosh, Andrew R. Barron, Jason Ho
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Publication number: 20160271554Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: Apache CorporationInventors: James A. RITTER, Armin D. EBNER, Jason G.S. HO
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Patent number: 9440863Abstract: A method for removing acid-gases from water includes introducing acid into a flow of aqueous solution having acid-gases and associated conjugate bases having an initial pH to lower the pH. The lowered pH solution has a stripping gas passed therethrough, resulting in a vapor phase of liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors, and a liquid phase comprising a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the aqueous solution. The liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors are collected and treated to remove acid-gas components, resulting in clean stripping gas product. The liquid phase is separated and collected with a second treating step, resulting in a final aqueous product having a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the liquid phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: APACHE CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher M. Barnes, Ty Hanna
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Publication number: 20160250581Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: APACHE CORPORATIONInventors: Jason G.S. HO, J. Calvin COOPER
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Patent number: 9416619Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Apache CorporationInventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, William C. Floyd, III, Christopher M. Spadaccini, John J. Vericella, Kenneth Michael Cowan
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Publication number: 20160200592Abstract: A method for removing acid-gases from water includes introducing acid into a flow of aqueous solution having acid-gases and associated conjugate bases having an initial pH to lower the pH. The lowered pH solution has a stripping gas passed therethrough, resulting in a vapor phase of liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors, and a liquid phase comprising a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the aqueous solution. The liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors are collected and treated to remove acid-gas components, resulting in clean stripping gas product. The liquid phase is separated and collected with a second treating step, resulting in a final aqueous product having a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the liquid phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Applicant: Apache CorporationInventors: Christopher M. Barnes, Ty Hanna
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Patent number: 9387430Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Apache CorporationInventors: Jason G. S. Ho, J. Calvin Cooper
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Publication number: 20160109063Abstract: A motor oil change system for an electric submersible pump includes motor oil reservoir disposed proximate an electric motor used to drive a wellbore pump and means for selectively moving oil from the reservoir into the motor to displace oil present in the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: April 21, 2016Applicant: APACHE CORPORATIONInventor: Michael R. Berry
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Publication number: 20160003955Abstract: A method for detemining an optimum spacing of seismic energy sources based on mutual admittance includes deploying a plurality of seismic energy sources along a source line, separated by a selected spacing. Seismic receivers are deployed along a receiver line orthogonal to the source line. Seismic energy is simultaneously transmitted from each of the plurality of seismic energy sources while recording signals from the seismic receivers. The transmitting and recording of signals is repeated for a plurality of different spacings between the energy sources. Seismic energy in the recorded signals is determined in separate time windows selected to represent reflected body wave signal, and source generated ground roll noise, respectively. A signal-to-noise ratio with respect to the spacing of the seismic energy sources is calculated and the optimum spacing between energy sources is selected based on the signal-to-noise ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: January 7, 2016Applicant: APACHE CORPORATIONInventors: Robert H. Brune, Michael Yates
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Publication number: 20160001219Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Applicant: Apache CorporationInventors: Jason G.S. Ho, J. Calvin Cooper
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Publication number: 20150378042Abstract: A method for characterizing subsurface formations penetrated by a wellbore includes accepting as input to a computer measurements of a physical parameter of the formations made over a selected axial interval of the wellbore. At least one attribute of the measurements is determined from a change in the measurements over the selected axial interval. At least one characteristic of the formations in the selected axial interval using the at least one attribute.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: APACHE CORPORATIONInventors: Cameron A Snow, James A Ruiz
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Patent number: 9188693Abstract: A method for acquiring marine seismic data includes towing a seismic energy source in a body of water and towing a seismic sensor at a selected distance from the seismic energy source. The seismic energy source is actuated a plurality of positions, a distance between each of the plurality of actuations being randomly different than any other such distance. Seismic energy detected by the seismic sensor is substantially continuously recorded through a plurality of actuations of the at least one seismic energy source. The recording includes recording a geodetic position of the at least one seismic energy source and the at least one seismic sensor at each actuation.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Apache CorporationInventors: David J. Monk, Michael S. Bahorich
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Publication number: 20150273412Abstract: A stored fluid treatment manifold includes a frame and a fluid transfer conduit extending from proximate one end of the frame to the other end of the frame. The fluid transfer conduit has a T outlet conduit coupled thereto proximate one end thereof and a T inlet conduit coupled thereto such that the T inlet conduit is disposed above the surface of stored fluid in a tank when the frame is disposed in the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: APACHE CORPORATIONInventor: Grant Defosse
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Publication number: 20150239784Abstract: A cement composition for sealing leaks in a wellbore includes at least one of an alkali and a transition metal oxide and an acid. A method for using the cement composition includes pumping the at least one of an alkali and a transition metal oxide and an acid as separate components into a wellbore so that a setting reaction begins after pumping is initiated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: APACHE CORPORATIONInventor: Michael Cowan
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Patent number: 8833463Abstract: A whipstock system for drilling a wellbore from a water bottom supported platform having wellbores with conductor pipes disposed through guide slots in a template on the bottom of a body of water includes a whipstock pipe extending from an equipment deck surface on the platform to a stab in sub. The whipstock pipe includes a window and j-slot mechanism for releasably engaging a scab liner. A stab in sub is configured to make mechanical connection between the whipstock pipe and a surface of a wellbore conductor pipe cut proximate the water bottom. The system includes a scab liner extending from the window to the water bottom when the stab in sub is engaged to the cut conductor pipe. The window is disposed above the water bottom. The scab liner configured to enable drilling a wellbore surface hole therethrough to a selected depth of a surface casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Apache CorporationInventor: Kyle S. Graves
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Publication number: 20140064026Abstract: A wave glider system includes a float having geodetic navigation equipment for determining a geodetic position and heading thereof. The glider includes an umbilical cable connecting the float to a sub. The sub has wings operable to provide forward movement to the float when lifted and lowered by wave action on the surface of a body of water. At least one geophysical sensor streamer is coupled to the sub. The at least one geophysical sensor streamer has a directional sensor proximate a connection between the sub and one end of the at least one geophysical sensor streamer to measure an orientation of the streamer with respect to a heading of the float.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Apache CorporationInventors: David J. Monk, Michael S. Bahorich
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Patent number: 8517091Abstract: A method for creating a drainage network in a subsurface rock formation includes drilling a first plurality of wellbores extending laterally in a first direction. Each wellbore includes a main portion and an extension portion extending therefrom. A second plurality of wellbores is drilled laterally in a second direction substantially opposed to the first direction. Each of the second plurality of wellbores includes a main portion and an extension portion extending therefrom. The extension portions of the first plurality of wellbores are disposed adjacent main portions of the second plurality of wellbores. The extension portions of the second plurality of wellbores are disposed adjacent main portions of the first plurality of wellbores. Each main portion is hydraulically isolated from each associated extension portion. Each main portion of each of the first and second plurality of wellbores is stimulated.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Apache CorporationInventors: Michael S. Bahorich, Mark E. Bahorich, Benjamin L. Bahorich, Eric J. Bahorich
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Patent number: 8490695Abstract: A method for drilling and completing multiple wellbores in a subsurface rock formation includes drilling a first wellbore along a first selected trajectory through the rock formation. The first wellbore is fracture treated and then abandoned. A second wellbore is drilled along a second selected trajectory through the rock formation. The second trajectory is laterally spaced from the first trajectory. The second wellbore is then fracture treated and abandoned. A third wellbore is drilled along a third selected trajectory through the rock formation. The third trajectory is disposed between the first and second trajectories. The third wellbore is fractured treated such that a fracture network extending therefrom hydraulically connects to fracture networks extending from the first and second wellbores.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Apache CorporationInventors: Michael S. Bahorich, Mark E. Bahorich, Benjamin L. Bahorich, Eric J. Bahorich
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Patent number: 8077545Abstract: A method for identifying gas in a wellbore includes imparting acoustic energy into the wellbore at a first selected position and detecting the acoustic energy at a second position in the wellbore spaced apart from the first position. Acoustic velocity of fluid in the wellbore from the detected acoustic energy. Presence of gas in the fluid is determined from the velocity.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Apache CorporationInventor: Werner M. Heigl