Patents by Inventor Ana L. Braun

Ana L. Braun has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9512699
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process. The methods may include producing a product fluid stream from an active pyrolysis region of a subterranean formation. The methods further may include detecting a concentration of a first component in the product fluid stream and/or detecting a concentration of a second component in the product fluid stream. The concentration of the first component may be indicative of an intensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The concentration of the second component may be indicative of an extensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The methods further may include regulating at least one characteristic of the pyrolyzed fluid production system based upon the concentration of the first component and/or based upon the concentration of the second component. The systems may include systems that are configured to perform the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Lloyd M. Wenger, Jr., William P. Meurer, Ana L Braun, Ana Maria Dos Santos Carmo, Michael W. Lin, Zhibin Wei
  • Publication number: 20150107828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating an in situ pyrolysis process. The methods may include producing a product fluid stream from an active pyrolysis region of a subterranean formation. The methods further may include detecting a concentration of a first component in the product fluid stream and/or detecting a concentration of a second component in the product fluid stream. The concentration of the first component may be indicative of an intensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The concentration of the second component may be indicative of an extensive property of the pyrolyzed fluid production system. The methods further may include regulating at least one characteristic of the pyrolyzed fluid production system based upon the concentration of the first component and/or based upon the concentration of the second component. The systems may include systems that are configured to perform the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Lloyd M. Wenger, Jr., William P. Meurer, Ana L. Braun, Ana Maria Dos Santos Carmo, Michael W. Lin, Zhibin Wei
  • Publication number: 20120267110
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids with improved hydrocarbon compound properties from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, such as an oil shale formation, is provided. The method may include the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation may pyrolyze at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids with improved hydrocarbon compound properties are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: William P. Meurer, Robert D. Kaminsky, Glenn A. Otten, William A. Symington, Jesse D. Yeakel, Ana L. Braun, Lloyd M. Wenger
  • Publication number: 20080207970
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids with improved hydrocarbon compound properties from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, such as an oil shale formation, is provided. The method may include the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation may pyrolyze at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids may be produced from the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids with improved hydrocarbon compound properties are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: William P. Meurer, Robert D. Kaminsky, Glenn A. Otten, William A. Symington, Jesse D. Yeakel, Ana L. Braun, Lloyd M. Wenger