Patents by Inventor Karen Todal

Karen Todal 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: 11846290
    Abstract: A method of operating a system (16) for pumping a fluid, which system comprises a pump (17) comprising a suction side (18) and a discharge side (19); a motor (20) for driving the pump, which motor is drivingly connected to the pump via a shaft; a recirculation conduit (23) providing a fluid path for the fluid from the discharge side to the suction side of the pump; and a control valve controlling the flow of the fluid through the recirculation conduit, which method comprises the steps of: mapping a plurality of minimum torque diagrams for the pump, where each minimum torque diagram identifies the minimum allowable torque of the pump as a function of an operational parameter of the pump, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Karen Todal
  • Publication number: 20210340985
    Abstract: A method of operating a system (16) for pumping a fluid, which system comprises a pump (17) comprising a suction side (18) and a discharge side (19); a motor (20) for driving the pump, which motor is drivingly connected to the pump via a shaft; a recirculation conduit (23) providing a fluid path for the fluid from the discharge side to the suction side of the pump; and a control valve controlling the flow of the fluid through the recirculation conduit, which method comprises the steps of: mapping a plurality of minimum torque diagrams for the pump, where each minimum torque diagram identifies the minimum allowable torque of the pump as a function of an operational parameter of the pump, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Karen Todal
  • Patent number: 10815987
    Abstract: Protecting a hydrocarbon pump from excessive flow rates in a hydrocarbon fluid system comprising an electrical motor for driving the pump. For each of a plurality of gas volume fraction values of the hydrocarbon fluid, establishing a maximum torque limit for the pump by mapping the maximum allowable torque of the pump as a function of the differential pressure, thereby creating a plurality of maximum torque curves, each representing the maximum torque limit for a unique gas volume fraction value. Establishing a master maximum torque curve which represents the maximum torque limit for all gas volume fraction values. Monitoring the torque of the pump and the differential pressure across the pump. Based on the monitored differential pressure and using the master maximum torque curve, establishing a maximum allowable torque for the pump. Taking action if the monitored torque exceeds the established maximum allowable torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Karen Todal, Helge Grøtterud
  • Publication number: 20180313349
    Abstract: A method of protecting a hydrocarbon pump (6) from excessive flow rates in a system for pumping a hydrocarbon fluid, which system comprises said pump and an electrical motor (10) for driving the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Karen Todal, Helge Grøtterud