Patents Assigned to Apache Corporation
  • Publication number: 20200179865
    Abstract: A method for continuous pressure swing adsorption separation of a pressurized feed gas stream, including separating hydrocarbons heavier than methane from the pressurized feed gas stream by applying an adsorbent porous material to produce at least two product streams, a first product stream being substantially pure methane suitable for transport by natural gas pipeline, and a second product stream being substantially comprised of components with a greater molecular weight than methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G.S. Ho, J Calvin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20190351365
    Abstract: A method for continuous pressure swing adsorption separation of a pressurized feed gas stream, including separating hydrocarbons heavier than methane from the pressurized feed gas stream by applying an adsorbent porous material to produce at least two product streams, a first product stream being substantially pure methane suitable for transport by natural gas pipeline, and a second product stream being substantially comprised of components with a greater molecular weight than methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G.S. Ho, J Calvin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20190134556
    Abstract: Methods and systems for continuous pressure swing adsorption separation of a pressurized feed gas stream, the method including separating hydrocarbons heavier than methane from the pressurized feed gas stream to produce at least two product streams, a first product stream being substantially pure methane, and a second product stream being substantially comprised of components with a greater molecular weight than methane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G.S. Ho, J. Calvin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20180169611
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to methods of capturing CO2 from an environment at pressures above 1 bar by associating the environment with a porous material that has a surface area of at least 2,800 m2/g, and a total pore volume of at least 1.35 cm3/g, where a majority of pores of the porous material have diameters of less than 2 nm. The present disclosure also pertains to methods for the separation of CO2 from natural gas in an environment at partial pressures of either component above 1 bar by associating the environment with a porous material that has a surface area of at least 2,200 m2/g, and a total pore volume of at least 1.00 cm3/g, where a majority of pores of the porous material have diameters of greater than 1 nm and less than 2 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicants: William Marsh Rice University, Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Saunab Ghosh, Andrew R. Barron, Jason Ho
  • Patent number: 9921329
    Abstract: A method for selecting core points in subsurface formations includes selecting a zone from at least one subsurface formation. At least one statistical measure of at least one petrophysical measurement with respect to position along the selected zone is calculated. A predetermined number of core points at randomly selected positions along the selected zone is selected The at least one statistical measure is calculated for the randomly selected positions. Using a Monte Carlo iteration, the positions along the selected zone are randomly reselected and the at least one statistical measure is recalculated for the randomly reselected points until the at least one statistical measure for the randomly selected points is a maximum for a user selected statistical criterion applied to the at least one statistical measure of at least one petrophysical measurement with respect to position along the selected zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan Banas
  • Patent number: 9908078
    Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G. S. Ho, J. Calvin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20170304801
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to materials for CO2 adsorption at pressures above 1 bar, where the materials include a porous material with a surface area of at least 2,800 m2/g, and a total pore volume of at least 1.35 cm3/g, where a majority of pores of the porous material have diameters of less than 2 nm as measured from N2 sorption isotherms using the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) method. The present disclosure also pertains to materials for separation of CO2 from natural gas at partial pressures of either component above 1 bar, where the materials include a porous material with a surface area of at least 2,200 m2/g, and a total pore volume of at least 1.00 cm3/g, where a majority of pores of the porous material have diameters of greater than 1 nm and less than 2 nm as measured from N2 sorption isotherms using the BET method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicants: William Marsh Rice University, Apache corporation
    Inventors: Saunab Ghosh, Andrew R. Barron, Jason Ho
  • Patent number: 9593552
    Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, William C. Floyd, III, Christopher M. Spadaccini, John J. Vericella, Kenneth Michael Cowan
  • Patent number: 9579598
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Armin D. Ebner, Jason G. S. Ho
  • Publication number: 20170001170
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to materials for CO2 adsorption at pressures above 1 bar, where the materials include a porous carbon material with a surface area of at least 2800 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 1.35 cm3/g, and a carbon content of 80%-95%. The porous carbon material is prepared by heating organic polymer precursors or biological materials in the presence of KOH at 700° C.-800° C. The present disclosure also pertains to materials for the separation of CO2 from natural gas at partial pressures above 1 bar, where the material includes a porous carbon material with a surface area of at least 2000 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 1.00 cm3/g, and a carbon content of greater than 90%. The porous carbon materials can be prepared by heating organic polymer precursors or biological materials in the presence of KOH at 600° C.-700° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicants: William Marsh Rice University, Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Saunab Ghosh, Andrew R. Barron, Jason Ho
  • Publication number: 20160271554
    Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: James A. RITTER, Armin D. EBNER, Jason G.S. HO
  • Patent number: 9416619
    Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, William C. Floyd, III, Christopher M. Spadaccini, John J. Vericella, Kenneth Michael Cowan
  • Publication number: 20160200592
    Abstract: A method for removing acid-gases from water includes introducing acid into a flow of aqueous solution having acid-gases and associated conjugate bases having an initial pH to lower the pH. The lowered pH solution has a stripping gas passed therethrough, resulting in a vapor phase of liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors, and a liquid phase comprising a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the aqueous solution. The liberated acid-gas and stripping gas vapors are collected and treated to remove acid-gas components, resulting in clean stripping gas product. The liquid phase is separated and collected with a second treating step, resulting in a final aqueous product having a lower concentration of acid-gases and associated conjugate bases than the liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Barnes, Ty Hanna
  • Patent number: 9387430
    Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G. S. Ho, J. Calvin Cooper
  • Publication number: 20160001219
    Abstract: Methods and systems of enhanced carbon dioxide recovery from an inlet gas stream are provided, by introducing the gas stream to one or more membrane-based separation units to produce a permeate byproduct gas stream having increased concentration of carbon dioxide compared to the inlet gas stream and then introducing the permeate byproduct gas stream to one or more pressure swing adsorption units or trains to enhance recovery of hydrocarbons, such as methane, lost in the byproduct stream and to produce a substantially pure carbon dioxide stream, while minimizing process compression and eliminating process heat for process regeneration. The methods introduced herein are for enhancing product recovery by enhancing carbon dioxide recovery from gas streams with pressures greater than atmospheric conditions. Further refinement to the methods would be the introduction of hydrogen sulfide polishing units within the process to produce product that meets or exceeds sales quality specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Jason G.S. Ho, J. Calvin Cooper
  • Patent number: 9188693
    Abstract: A method for acquiring marine seismic data includes towing a seismic energy source in a body of water and towing a seismic sensor at a selected distance from the seismic energy source. The seismic energy source is actuated a plurality of positions, a distance between each of the plurality of actuations being randomly different than any other such distance. Seismic energy detected by the seismic sensor is substantially continuously recorded through a plurality of actuations of the at least one seismic energy source. The recording includes recording a geodetic position of the at least one seismic energy source and the at least one seismic sensor at each actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Monk, Michael S. Bahorich
  • Patent number: 8833463
    Abstract: A whipstock system for drilling a wellbore from a water bottom supported platform having wellbores with conductor pipes disposed through guide slots in a template on the bottom of a body of water includes a whipstock pipe extending from an equipment deck surface on the platform to a stab in sub. The whipstock pipe includes a window and j-slot mechanism for releasably engaging a scab liner. A stab in sub is configured to make mechanical connection between the whipstock pipe and a surface of a wellbore conductor pipe cut proximate the water bottom. The system includes a scab liner extending from the window to the water bottom when the stab in sub is engaged to the cut conductor pipe. The window is disposed above the water bottom. The scab liner configured to enable drilling a wellbore surface hole therethrough to a selected depth of a surface casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle S. Graves
  • Publication number: 20140064026
    Abstract: A wave glider system includes a float having geodetic navigation equipment for determining a geodetic position and heading thereof. The glider includes an umbilical cable connecting the float to a sub. The sub has wings operable to provide forward movement to the float when lifted and lowered by wave action on the surface of a body of water. At least one geophysical sensor streamer is coupled to the sub. The at least one geophysical sensor streamer has a directional sensor proximate a connection between the sub and one end of the at least one geophysical sensor streamer to measure an orientation of the streamer with respect to a heading of the float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Monk, Michael S. Bahorich
  • Patent number: 8517091
    Abstract: A method for creating a drainage network in a subsurface rock formation includes drilling a first plurality of wellbores extending laterally in a first direction. Each wellbore includes a main portion and an extension portion extending therefrom. A second plurality of wellbores is drilled laterally in a second direction substantially opposed to the first direction. Each of the second plurality of wellbores includes a main portion and an extension portion extending therefrom. The extension portions of the first plurality of wellbores are disposed adjacent main portions of the second plurality of wellbores. The extension portions of the second plurality of wellbores are disposed adjacent main portions of the first plurality of wellbores. Each main portion is hydraulically isolated from each associated extension portion. Each main portion of each of the first and second plurality of wellbores is stimulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Bahorich, Mark E. Bahorich, Benjamin L. Bahorich, Eric J. Bahorich
  • Patent number: 8490695
    Abstract: A method for drilling and completing multiple wellbores in a subsurface rock formation includes drilling a first wellbore along a first selected trajectory through the rock formation. The first wellbore is fracture treated and then abandoned. A second wellbore is drilled along a second selected trajectory through the rock formation. The second trajectory is laterally spaced from the first trajectory. The second wellbore is then fracture treated and abandoned. A third wellbore is drilled along a third selected trajectory through the rock formation. The third trajectory is disposed between the first and second trajectories. The third wellbore is fractured treated such that a fracture network extending therefrom hydraulically connects to fracture networks extending from the first and second wellbores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Bahorich, Mark E. Bahorich, Benjamin L. Bahorich, Eric J. Bahorich