Patents by Inventor Dale L. Embry
Dale L. Embry 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).
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Publication number: 20230323220Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
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Publication number: 20230251032Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a solvent is injected into a feed of natural gas at a solvent injection point. A mixed feed is produced from a dispersal of the solvent into the feed of natural gas. The mixed feed contains heavy components. A chilled feed is produced by chilling the mixed feed. The chilled feed includes a vapor and a condensed liquid. The condensed liquid contains a fouling portion of the heavy components condensed by the solvent during chilling. The liquid containing the fouling portion of the heavy components is separated from the vapor. The vapor is directed into a feed chiller heat exchanger following separation of the liquid containing the fouling portion of the heavy components from the vapor, such that the vapor being directed into feed chiller heat exchanger is free of freezing components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Attilio J. Praderio
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Patent number: 11713423Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Paul R. Davies, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, David W. Larkin, Qi Ma
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Publication number: 20230194161Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a dry feed gas is received. The dry feed gas is chilled with clean vapor from a heavies removal column to form a chilled feed gas. The chilled feed gas is partially condensed into a vapor phase and a liquid phase. The liquid phase retains freezing components. The freezing components are extracted using a reflux stream in the heavies removal column. The freezing components are removed as a condensate. The vapor phase is compressed into a clean feed gas. The clean feed gas is free of the freezing components for downstream liquefaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma, Dale L. Embry, Attilio J. Praderio
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Patent number: 11662141Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a solvent is injected into a feed of natural gas at a solvent injection point. A mixed feed is produced from a dispersal of the solvent into the feed of natural gas. The mixed feed contains heavy components. A chilled feed is produced by chilling the mixed feed. The chilled feed includes a vapor and a condensed liquid. The condensed liquid contains a fouling portion of the heavy components condensed by the solvent during chilling. The liquid containing the fouling portion of the heavy components is separated from the vapor. The vapor is directed into a feed chiller heat exchanger following separation of the liquid containing the fouling portion of the heavy components from the vapor, such that the vapor being directed into feed chiller heat exchanger is free of freezing components.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Attilio J. Praderio
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Patent number: 11604025Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a dry feed gas is received. The dry feed gas is chilled with clean vapor from a heavies removal column to form a chilled feed gas. The chilled feed gas is partially condensed into a vapor phase and a liquid phase. The liquid phase retains freezing components. The freezing components are extracted using a reflux stream in the heavies removal column. The freezing components are removed as a condensate. The vapor phase is compressed into a clean feed gas. The clean feed gas is free of the freezing components for downstream liquefaction.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma, Dale L. Embry, Attilio J. Praderio
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Publication number: 20220260311Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Dale L. EMBRY, Paul R. DAVIES, Qi MA, David W. LARKIN, Michael J. CALDERON
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Patent number: 11320197Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, David W. Larkin, Michael J. Calderon
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Publication number: 20220062811Abstract: Production equipment and methods which reduce “gray” or off-specification production and improve central processing facility (CPF) efficiency. The process is a combination of unit operations (heat exchange, pumping, and separation) to produce an on-spec gas product, an on-spec condensate product, and/or on-spec oil product. It does so by placing the feed under pressure and heating it to the point that it can be vaporized and separated. The blended components are modulated dependent upon the composition of the produced fluids, produced gas, and off-specification fluid to efficiently produce on-specification products.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Travis O. DINSDALE, James KADAR, Jonathan J. KIESEWETTER, Dale L. EMBRY
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Publication number: 20210116173Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a dry feed gas is received. The dry feed gas is chilled with clean vapor from a heavies removal column to form a chilled feed gas. The chilled feed gas is partially condensed into a vapor phase and a liquid phase. The liquid phase retains freezing components. The freezing components are extracted using a reflux stream in the heavies removal column. The freezing components are removed as a condensate. The vapor phase is compressed into a clean feed gas. The clean feed gas is free of the freezing components for downstream liquefaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma, Dale L. Embry, Attilio J. Praderio
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Publication number: 20210108147Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
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Publication number: 20210095918Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and processes for removing heavies during the liquefaction of a natural gas. The processes include dissolving the heavies in the natural gas by adding external natural gas liquid (NGL), followed by a staged removal of the natural gas liquid (NGL) and dissolved heavies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Will T. James, Dale L. Embry, Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma
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Patent number: 10899974Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Paul R. Davies, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, David W. Larkin, Qi Ma
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Publication number: 20200386474Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a feed gas is received and partially condensed into a two-phase stream by expanding the feed gas. A liquid containing fouling components is removed from the two-phase stream. A vapor generated from the two-phase stream is compressed into a compressed feed gas. The compressed feed gas is directed into a feed chiller heat exchanger. The compressed feed gas is free of the fouling components.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry
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Publication number: 20200340741Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a solvent is injected into a feed of natural gas at a solvent injection point. A mixed feed is produced from a dispersal of the solvent into the feed of natural gas. The mixed feed contains heavy components. A chilled feed is produced by chilling the mixed feed. The chilled feed includes a vapor and a condensed liquid. The condensed liquid contains a fouling portion of the heavy components condensed by the solvent during chilling. The liquid containing the fouling portion of the heavy components is separated from the vapor. The vapor is directed into a feed chiller heat exchanger following separation of the liquid containing the fouling portion of the heavy components from the vapor, such that the vapor being directed into feed chiller heat exchanger is free of freezing components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Attilio J. Praderio
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Publication number: 20180273858Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
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Publication number: 20180266757Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Dale L. EMBRY, Paul R. DAVIES, Qi MA, David W. LARKIN, Michael J. CALDERON
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Patent number: 8430947Abstract: A method of introducing flue gas, from a flue stack in a steam-assisted production facility, into a heat exchanger. The flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline gas and produced gas. The method begins by cooling a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas in the heat exchanger to produce flue gas water. This flue gas water is then collected and removed as make-up water.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Edward G. Latimer, Christopher R. Copeland, Ryan K. Davis, James Scinta, Dale L. Embry, David C. Lamont, Charles J. Murray, Ryan D. Donahe
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Patent number: 8387545Abstract: A method for introducing flue gas in a steam-assisted production facility into a vapor-liquid contactor. In this method the flue gas comprises boiler combustion products selected from at least one of commercial pipeline natural gas and produced gas. The flue gas is cooled with the vapor-liquid contactor to condense a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas to produce a water stream. The water stream is then recirculated and cooled in an air cooler to produce recirculating water exiting the bottom of the vapor-liquid contactor. A water slipstream is then taken off the recirculating water to be used as make-up water.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Edward G. Latimer, Christopher R. Copeland, Ryan K. Davis, James Scinta, Dale L. Embry, David C. Lamont, Charles J. Murray, Ryan D. Donahe
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Patent number: 8371380Abstract: Methods and systems relate to generating a flow of steam and splitting the flow of steam to enable both its injection into a formation to assist in oil recovery and its introduction into a pathway where the steam is used for generating electricity and capturing carbon dioxide (CO2). At least part of the CO2 that is captured comes from burning of fuel used to generate the steam. Steam assisted gravity drainage requires the steam that is injected to have a higher pressure than the steam that is needed for CO2 capture. Exhaust steam from a steam turbine used to generate the electricity reduces pressure of the steam prior to use of the steam for capturing CO2.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Dale L. Embry, David C. LaMont, James P. Seaba, Kristin Ruth Anderson