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).

  • Publication number: 20230323220
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
  • Publication number: 20230251032
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Attilio J. Praderio
  • Patent number: 11713423
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul R. Davies, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, David W. Larkin, Qi Ma
  • Publication number: 20230194161
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma, Dale L. Embry, Attilio J. Praderio
  • Patent number: 11662141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Attilio J. Praderio
  • Patent number: 11604025
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma, Dale L. Embry, Attilio J. Praderio
  • Publication number: 20220260311
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Dale L. EMBRY, Paul R. DAVIES, Qi MA, David W. LARKIN, Michael J. CALDERON
  • Patent number: 11320197
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, David W. Larkin, Michael J. Calderon
  • Publication number: 20220062811
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Travis O. DINSDALE, James KADAR, Jonathan J. KIESEWETTER, Dale L. EMBRY
  • Publication number: 20210116173
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma, Dale L. Embry, Attilio J. Praderio
  • Publication number: 20210108147
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
  • Publication number: 20210095918
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Will T. James, Dale L. Embry, Jinghua Chan, Qi Ma
  • Patent number: 10899974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul R. Davies, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, David W. Larkin, Qi Ma
  • Publication number: 20200386474
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry
  • Publication number: 20200340741
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Attilio J. Praderio
  • Publication number: 20180273858
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
  • Publication number: 20180266757
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Dale L. EMBRY, Paul R. DAVIES, Qi MA, David W. LARKIN, Michael J. CALDERON
  • Patent number: 8430947
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Edward G. Latimer, Christopher R. Copeland, Ryan K. Davis, James Scinta, Dale L. Embry, David C. Lamont, Charles J. Murray, Ryan D. Donahe
  • Patent number: 8387545
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Edward G. Latimer, Christopher R. Copeland, Ryan K. Davis, James Scinta, Dale L. Embry, David C. Lamont, Charles J. Murray, Ryan D. Donahe
  • Patent number: 8371380
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Dale L. Embry, David C. LaMont, James P. Seaba, Kristin Ruth Anderson