Patents by Inventor James E. Feather

James E. Feather 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: 8906511
    Abstract: Provided is a bimetallic tube for transport of hydrocarbon feedstocks in a petrochemical process unit and/or refinery process unit, including: i) an outer tube layer being formed from a steam cracker alloy including at least 18.0 wt. % Cr and at least 10.0 wt. % Ni; ii) an inner tube layer being formed from an alumina forming bulk alloy including 5.0 to 10.0 wt. % of Al, 18.0 wt. % to 25.0 wt. % Cr, less than 0.5 wt. % Si, and at least 35.0 wt. % Fe with the balance being Ni, wherein the inner tube layer is formed plasma powder welding the alumina forming bulk alloy on the inner surface of the outer tube layer; and iii) an oxide layer formed on the surface of the inner tube layer, wherein the oxide layer is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: ChangMin Chun, D. Samuel Deutsch, James E. Feather, Jeffrey P. Jones, David B. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20140246013
    Abstract: Fired heater tubes with improved resistance to corrosion and fouling suitable for use in thermal processing units of petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants are fabricated from a bulk alloy of an alumina-forming alloy which is capable of forming a stable oxide film on the surfaces of the tubes. The bulk alloy comprising about 3 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of Al, about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % Cr and at least one alloying component selected from Fe, Ni, Co, Si, Mn, B, C, N, P, Ga, Ge, As, In, Sn, Sb, Pb, Sc, La, Y, Ce, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Re, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au and mixtures of these components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: ChangMin Chun, David Samuel Deutsch, Mark A. Greaney, James E. Feather
  • Patent number: 8808867
    Abstract: Provided is a bimetallic tube for transport of hydrocarbon feedstocks in refinery process furnaces, and more particularly in furnace radiant coils, including: i) an outer tube layer being formed from carbon steels or low chromium steels comprising less than 15.0 wt. % Cr based on the total weight of the steel; ii) an inner tube layer being formed from an alumina forming bulk alloy including 5.0 to 10.0 wt. % of Al, 20.0 wt. % to 25.0 wt. % Cr, less than 0.4 wt. % Si, and at least 35.0 wt. % Fe with the balance being Ni, wherein the inner tube layer is formed plasma powder welding the alumina forming bulk alloy on the inner surface of the outer tube layer; and iii) an oxide layer formed on the surface of the inner tube layer, wherein the oxide layer is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Exxonmobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Changmin Chun, D. Samuel Deutsch, Vance A. McCray, James E. Feather
  • Patent number: 8349267
    Abstract: Targeted application of anti-fouling mechanisms in a heat exchange system produces higher rates of energy recovery. The anti-fouling mechanisms with high mitigation rates can be deployed at only the hottest portions of a pre-heat train that experience the highest rates of fouling and heat loss. In application, bundles of corrosion resistant smoothed tubes are deployed in the late pre-heat train to significantly reduce the formation of harder deposits. Vibration can be used as an adjunct approach in conjunction with the corrosion resistant, smooth tubes, or deployed alone on existing bundles. The use of high performing, more durable exchangers in select locations justifies the increased cost of these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ian A Cody, Amar S. Wanni, Robert C. Welch, James E. Feather, Mark A. Greaney, Limin Song, Jasmina Poturovic
  • Patent number: 8286695
    Abstract: An insert for reducing sulfidation corrosion and depositional fouling is disclosed. The insert is formed from a corrosion and fouling resistant steel composition containing a Cr-enriched layer and having a surface roughness of less than 40 micro inches (1.1 ?m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Greaney, James E. Feather, Thomas Bruno, ChangMin Chun, Clifford Hay
  • Publication number: 20120198923
    Abstract: The present invention describes the connecting of a corrodible material with a non-corrodible material by electron beam welding so that the corrodible material is not affected by non-corrodible material during the welding process. Employing an electron beam welding process not only minimizes unintended alloying of the corrodible element but also minimizes the width of the weld heat affected and fusion zones. This fabrication method is necessary to ensure that the corrodible element faithfully replicates the wastage of the subject metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Henry Alan Wolf, Alan Mark Schilowitz, James E. Feather, Manuel S. Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20120097289
    Abstract: Provided is a bimetallic tube for transport of hydrocarbon feedstocks in a petrochemical process unit and/or refinery process unit, including: i) an outer tube layer being formed from a steam cracker alloy including at least 18.0 wt. % Cr and at least 10.0 wt. % Ni; ii) an inner tube layer being formed from an alumina forming bulk alloy including 5.0 to 10.0 wt. % of Al, 18.0 wt. % to 25.0 wt. % Cr, less than 0.5 wt. % Si, and at least 35.0 wt. % Fe with the balance being Ni, wherein the inner tube layer is formed plasma powder welding the alumina forming bulk alloy on the inner surface of the outer tube layer; and iii) an oxide layer formed on the surface of the inner tube layer, wherein the oxide layer is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: ChangMin Chun, D. Samuel Deutsch, James E. Feather, Jeffrey P. Jones, David B. Spicer
  • Publication number: 20120097581
    Abstract: Provided is a bimetallic tube for transport of hydrocarbon feedstocks in refinery process furnaces, and more particularly in furnace radiant coils, including: i) an outer tube layer being formed from carbon steels or low chromium steels comprising less than 15.0 wt. % Cr based on the total weight of the steel; ii) an inner tube layer being formed from an alumina forming bulk alloy including 5.0 to 10.0 wt. % of Al, 20.0 wt. % to 25.0 wt. % Cr, less than 0.4 wt. % Si, and at least 35.0 wt. % Fe with the balance being Ni, wherein the inner tube layer is formed plasma powder welding the alumina forming bulk alloy on the inner surface of the outer tube layer; and iii) an oxide layer formed on the surface of the inner tube layer, wherein the oxide layer is substantially comprised of alumina, chromia, silica, mullite, spinels, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: ChangMin Chun, D. Samuel Deutsch, Vance A. McCray, James E. Feather
  • Publication number: 20100275689
    Abstract: The present invention is a tuning fork oscillator for detection and measurement of corrosive or foreign materials. The elements include a means for mechanical excitation, and a mechanical oscillator, wherein said mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. A fuse fixed to the oscillator to change oscillator amplitude to or from essentially zero to resonance amplitude. In a preferred embodiment, the tuning fork has one region compatible with the service fluid and the other region is incompatible with the service fluid or other contaminant. The sensor alarms when a measured amount of the incompatible material has been removed or deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Henry A. Wolf, Manuel S. Alvarez, James E. Feather, Dalia Yablon, Mark A. Schilowitz, Jean Grabowski
  • Patent number: 7721605
    Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical oscillator for detection and measurement of corrosive foreign materials. The elements include a mechanical oscillator that is mechanically excited, wherein the mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. A fuse fixed to the oscillator to change oscillator amplitude to and from essentially zero to resonance amplitude. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork where one region is compatible with the service fluid and the other region is incompatible with the service fluid or other contaminant. The sensor alarms when a measured amount of the incompatible material has been removed or the physical strength of the material has been compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Exxonmobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Henry Alan Wolf, Manuel S. Alvarez, James E. Feather, George P. Akehurst
  • Patent number: 7681449
    Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical oscillator metal loss sensor for use in a corrosive or erosive environment. The elements include a mechanical oscillator that is mechanical excited with two regions that corrode differently, where the regions are determined to affect specific influences on the resonance parameters, wherein said mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Henry Alan Wolf, Manuel S. Alvarez, James E. Feather, Philip J. Cacciatore, Jason B. English
  • Publication number: 20090090613
    Abstract: Targeted application of anti-fouling mechanisms in a heat exchange system produces higher rates of energy recovery. The anti-fouling mechanisms with high mitigation rates can be deployed at only the hottest portions of a pre-heat train that experience the highest rates of fouling and heat loss. In application, bundles of corrosion resistant smoothed tubes are deployed in the late pre-heat train to significantly reduce the formation of harder deposits. Vibration can be used as an adjunct approach in conjunction with the corrosion resistant, smooth tubes, or deployed alone on existing bundles. The use of high performing, more durable exchangers in select locations justifies the increased cost of these components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ian A. Cody, Amar S. Wanni, Robert C. Welch, James E. Feather, Mark A. Greaney, Limin Song, Jasmina Poturovic
  • Publication number: 20080314150
    Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical oscillator for detection and measurement of corrosive or foreign materials. The elements include a means for mechanical excitation, and a mechanical oscillator, wherein said mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. A fuse fixed to the oscillator to change oscillator amplitude to or from essentially zero to resonance amplitude. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork where one region is compatible with the service fluid and the other region is incompatible with the service fluid or other contaminant. The sensor alarms when a measured amount of the incompatible material has been removed or the physical strength of the material has been compromised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Henry Alan Wolf, Manuel S. Alvarez, James E. Feather, George P. Akehurst