Patents by Inventor George Leo Stegemeier

George Leo Stegemeier 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).

  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using pressure and/or temperature control
    Patent number: 6877554
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Pressure within the formation may be controlled as a function of temperature or temperature within the formation may be controlled as a function of pressure to yield a desired mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation with carbon dioxide sequestration
    Patent number: 6871707
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The portion may be allowed or forced to cool after mixture production is ended. Carbon dioxide may be stored within the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michael Karanikas, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Lanny Gene Schoeling, Phillip Temmons Baxley
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to increase a permeability/porosity of the formation
    Patent number: 6866097
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may increase a permeability of the formation. The permeability may increase uniformly throughout the treated formation. The permeability of the treated portion may increase to a relatively high permeability as compared to an initial permeability of the untreated coal formation. The porosity of the treated formation may also uniformly increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Wireless downwhole measurement and control for optimizing gas lift well and field performance
    Patent number: 6840317
    Abstract: A method for optimizing the production of a petroleum well is provided. The petroleum well includes a borehole, a piping structure positioned within the borehole, and a tubing string positioned within the borehole for conveying a production fluid. Production of the well is optimized by determining a flow rate of the production fluid within the tubing string and determining a lift-gas injection rate for the gas being injected into the tubing string. The flow rate and injection rate data is communicated along the piping structure of the well to a selected location, where the data is collected and analyzed. After analysis of the data, an optimum operating point for the well can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michele Hirsch, George Leo Stegemeier, James William Hall, Robert Rex Burnett, William Mountjoy Savage, Frederick Gordon Carl, Jr.
  • Tracker injection in a production well
    Patent number: 6840316
    Abstract: A petroleum well having a well casing, a production tubing, a source of time-varying current, a downhole tracer injection device, and a downhole induction choke. The casing extends within a wellbore of the well. The tubing extends within the casing. The current source is located at the surface. The current source is electrically connected to, and adapted to output a time-varying current into, the tubing and/or the casing, which act as electrical conductors for providing downhole power and/or communications to the injection device. The injection device having a communications and control module, a tracer material reservoir, and an electrically controllable tracer injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Robert Rex Burnett, William Mountjoy Savage, Frederick Gordon Carl, Jr., John Michele Hirsch
  • In situ thermal processing of coal formation with a selected hydrogen content and/or selected H/C ratio
    Patent number: 6820688
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A formation may be selected that will produce a relatively large amount of condensable hydrocarbons and/or a relatively large amount of non-condensable hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons within the formation may have a relatively high initial elemental hydrogen weight percentage. Hydrocarbons within the formation may have an initial hydrocarbon to carbon ratio within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce hydrocarbon fluids and synthesis gas
    Patent number: 6805195
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After pyrolysis, the portion may be heated to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the portion to generate synthesis gas. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation in a batch manner or in a substantially continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • In situ thermal processing of a relatively impermeable formation to increase permeability of the formation
    Patent number: 6782947
    Abstract: A method for treating a relatively low permeability formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In some embodiments, the permeability of a portion of the formation may be increased relative to an initial permeability of the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Etuan Zhang
  • In situ production of synthesis gas from a coal formation through a heat source wellbore
    Patent number: 6769485
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. Production wells may be operated at selected temperatures to obtain a desired synthesis gas composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with carbon dioxide sequestration
    Patent number: 6763886
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The portion may be allowed or forced to cool after mixture production is ended. Carbon dioxide may be stored within the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Lanny Gene Schoeling, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Phillip Temmons Baxley
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to produce hydrocarbon fluids and synthesis gas
    Patent number: 6761216
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. After pyrolysis, the portion may be heated to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the portion to generate synthesis gas. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation in a batch manner or in a substantially continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a relatively slow heating rate
    Patent number: 6758268
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise the temperature of portion at a selected rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using a controlled heating rate
    Patent number: 6749021
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A heating rate to a selected volume of the formation may be controlled by altering an amount of heating energy per day that is provided to the selected volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation to increase a permeability/porosity of the formation
    Publication number: 20040108111
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may increase a permeability of the formation. The permeability may increase uniformly throughout the treated formation. The permeability of the treated portion may increase to a relatively high permeability as compared to an initial permeability of the untreated coal formation. The porosity of the treated formation may also uniformly increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation using a controlled heating rate
    Patent number: 6745837
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A heating rate to a selected volume of the formation may be controlled by altering an amount of heating energy per day that is provided to the selected volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • Situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to control product composition
    Patent number: 6745832
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat and pressure applied to the formation may be controlled so that a majority of the hydrocarbons produced from the formation have carbon numbers less than 25. Conditions may be controlled to produce low quantities of olefins in non-condensable hydrocarbons produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation by controlling a pressure of the formation
    Patent number: 6745831
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A pressure within a majority of the portion may be controlled and/or maintained to alter a composition of the produced mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation using repeating triangular patterns of heat sources
    Patent number: 6742589
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat sources may be used to heat the formation. The heat sources may be positioned within the formation in a pattern. The pattern may be a repeating pattern of triangles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ilya Emil Berchenko, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, George Leo Stegemeier, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a hydrocarbon containing formation to produce formation fluids having a relatively low olefin content
    Patent number: 6742588
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A hydrocarbon condensate produced from the formation may be a high quality oil that has a low olefin content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Etuan Zhang, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan
  • In situ thermal processing of a coal formation and tuning production
    Patent number: 6739393
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture may be produced from the formation through production wells. A spacing between production wells, and operating conditions of production wells and heat injection wells, may allow the produced mixture to have a desired ratio of condensable hydrocarbons to non-condensable hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Gordon Thomas Shahin, Jr., Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Thomas David Fowler, Robert Charles Ryan