Patents by Inventor Ruijian Li

Ruijian Li 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).

  • Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations
    Patent number: 7562706
    Abstract: A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ruijian Li, John Michael Karanikas
  • Systems and methods for producing hydrocarbons from tar sands formations
    Publication number: 20070131427
    Abstract: A system for treating a tar sands formation is disclosed. A plurality of heaters are located in the formation. The heaters include at least partially horizontal heating sections at least partially in a hydrocarbon layer of the formation. The heating sections are at least partially arranged in a pattern in the hydrocarbon layer. The heaters are configured to provide heat to the hydrocarbon layer. The provided heat creates a plurality of drainage paths for mobilized fluids. At least two of the drainage paths converge. A production well is located to collect and produce mobilized fluids from at least one of the converged drainage paths in the hydrocarbon layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Ruijian Li, John Karanikas