Patents by Inventor Christopher G. Holt

Christopher G. Holt 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: 11644234
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). An exemplary method includes flowing a high-pressure stream of LNG through a first series of liquid turbines. The exemplary method also includes generating electricity by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure stream of LNG to form a low-pressure stream of LNG. The exemplary method additionally includes bypassing any one the liquid turbines that has a failure while continuing to produce electricity from the first series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Enginering Company
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, Todd S. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20200232704
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). An exemplary method includes flowing a high-pressure stream of LNG through a first series of liquid turbines. The exemplary method also includes generating electricity by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure stream of LNG to form a low-pressure stream of LNG. The exemplary method additionally includes bypassing any one the liquid turbines that has a failure while continuing to produce electricity from the first series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, Todd S. Griffith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10648729
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). An exemplary method includes flowing a high-pressure stream of LNG through a first series of liquid turbines. The exemplary method also includes generating electricity by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure stream of LNG to form a low-pressure stream of LNG. The exemplary method additionally includes bypassing any one the liquid turbines that has a failure while continuing to produce electricity from the first series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, Todd S. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20170003072
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). An exemplary method includes flowing a high-pressure stream of LNG through a first series of liquid turbines. The exemplary method also includes generating electricity by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure stream of LNG to form a low-pressure stream of LNG. The exemplary method additionally includes bypassing any one the liquid turbines that has a failure while continuing to produce electricity from the first series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, Todd S. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8517693
    Abstract: Starter arrangement for high power rotating equipment strings with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine or motor includes multiple variable fluid drive torque converters (CSTCs) to start the compressors in a pressurized start. The string can use a single CSTC for each compressor or a single CSTC for more than one compressor with at least two CSTCs for a given string. The starting procedure is sequential. After the turbine or motor is started and brought up to speed, successive CSTCs are operated from zero to lock-up speed sequentially to start each compressor or group of compressors in turn. In order to cool the working fluid of the CSTCs, a single heat exchanger is provided and the working fluid of each CSTC in turn is circulated through the heat exchanger as they are sequentially started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: William L. Martin, Christopher G. Holt
  • Publication number: 20130119666
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). An exemplary method includes flowing a high-pressure stream of LNG through a first series of liquid turbines. The exemplary method also includes generating electricity by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure stream of LNG to form a low-pressure stream of LNG. The exemplary method additionally includes bypassing any one the liquid turbines that has a failure while continuing to produce electricity from the first series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, Todd S. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8381617
    Abstract: A compressor starting torque converter method and apparatus for high power rotating equipment strings includes a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) (16) and gearing to make the input and output speed conform to the speed and power requirements of the at least one compressor (4) at the end of the string. The string also includes a prime mover (10), either a motor or gas turbine with a starter motor. The CSTC is driven by a prime mover that has been geared down (via 18) to an appropriate speed for efficient power transfer, followed by a gear increasing unit (20) to allow the output of the CSTC to be increased to conform to the necessary requirements of a high speed compressor. The gearing can be two separate units with their own housings, or incorporated in a single housing with the CSTC. The CSTC may be a CSTC used in pressurized starts high compressor load strings for LNG refrigeration service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, William L. Martin
  • Publication number: 20090260367
    Abstract: Starter arrangement for high power rotating equipment strings with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine or motor includes multiple variable fluid drive torque converters (CSTCs) to start the compressors in a pressurized start. The string can use a single CSTC for each compressor or a single CSTC for more than one compressor with at least two CSTCs for a given string. The starting procedure is sequential. After the turbine or motor is started and brought up to speed, successive CSTCs are operated from zero to lock-up speed sequentially to start each compressor or group of compressors in turn. In order to cool the working fluid of the CSTCs, a single heat exchanger is provided and the working fluid of each CSTC in turn is circulated through the heat exchanger as they are sequentially started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: William L. Martin, Christopher G. Holt
  • Publication number: 20090054191
    Abstract: A compressor starting torque converter method and apparatus for high power rotating equipment strings includes a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) (16) and gearing to make the input and output speed conform to the speed and power requirements of the at least one compressor (4) at the end of the string. The string also includes a prime mover (10), either a motor or gas turbine with a starter motor. The CSTC is driven by a prime mover that has been geared down (via 18) to an appropriate speed for efficient power transfer, followed by a gear increasing unit (20) to allow the output of the CSTC to be increased to conform to the necessary requirements of a high speed compressor. The gearing can be two separate units with their own housings, or incorporated in a single housing with the CSTC. The CSTC may be a CSTC used in pressurized starts high compressor load strings for LNG refrigeration service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher G. Holt, William L. Martin