Patents Assigned to Kinder Morgan, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10546372
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, machines, and a computer medium or media having computer programs to determine presence anomalies in circumferential welds of one or more pipelines transporting fluids associated with energy therethrough. Wave form analysis or pattern recognition in pipeline data such as magnetic flux leakage data is employed. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded such as in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the machines, methods, and computer medium having computer programs can be used to screen for anomalies potentially threatening the structural integrity of the one or more pipelines so that site excavation can occur for confirmation and validation of the output results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Tony Wright
  • Patent number: 10352902
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs to determine presence of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines or portions thereof such as pipeline joints by utilizing pattern recognition in pipeline data such as magnetic flux leakage data. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded such as in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs can be used to screen for potential locations of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines so that site excavation can occur for confirmation and validation of the output results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel Duckworth
  • Patent number: 9581520
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems to detect crack-like features in pipeline welds using magnetic flux leakage data and pattern recognition. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to screen for very narrow axial anomalies in the pipeline welds, and may also be used to predict the length of such anomalies. Embodiments of the present invention also produce a listing of the anomalies based on their relative signal characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
  • Patent number: 9243972
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide computer-implemented methods to detect crack-like features in pipeline welds using magnetic flux leakage data and pattern recognition. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to screen for very narrow axial anomalies in the pipeline welds, and may also be used to predict the length of such anomalies. Embodiments of the present invention also produce a listing of the anomalies based on their relative signal characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
  • Publication number: 20140088889
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs to determine presence of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines or portions thereof such as pipeline joints by utilizing pattern recognition in pipeline data such as magnetic flux leakage data. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded such as in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the systems, methods, and computer medium having computer programs can be used to screen for potential locations of stress corrosion cracking in one or more pipelines so that site excavation can occur for confirmation and validation of the output results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: Noel Duckworth
  • Publication number: 20110068782
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide computer-implemented methods to detect crack-like features in pipeline welds using magnetic flux leakage data and pattern recognition. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to screen for very narrow axial anomalies in the pipeline welds, and may also be used to predict the length of such anomalies. Embodiments of the present invention also produce a listing of the anomalies based on their relative signal characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicants: Kinder Morgan, Inc., Knight, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
  • Patent number: 7899628
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, program product and methods to detect crack-like features in pipeline welds using magnetic flux leakage data and pattern recognition. A screening process, for example, does not affect or change how survey data is recorded in survey tools; only how it is analyzed after the survey data is completed. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to screen for very narrow axial anomalies in the pipeline welds, and may also be used to predict the length of such anomalies. Embodiments of the present invention also produce a listing of the anomalies based on their relative signal characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
  • Patent number: 7231331
    Abstract: A method for predicting the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline in which in-line stress corrosion cracking smart tool data, external low level metal loss data and soil characterization data are compiled to predict the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Davis
  • Publication number: 20060100834
    Abstract: A method for predicting the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline in which in-line stress corrosion cracking smart tool data, external low level metal loss data and soil characterization data are compiled to predict the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: James Davis
  • Patent number: 7013249
    Abstract: A method for predicting the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline in which in-line stress corrosion cracking smart tool data, external low level metal loss data and soil characterization data are compiled to predict the location of stress corrosion cracking in a steel gas pipeline segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Davis
  • Patent number: 6608395
    Abstract: A hybrid combined cycle power generation system for producing alternating current electric power. The system includes at least one industrial gas turbine and at least one aeroderivative turbine. The system may also include an HRSG and a steam turbine. Use of both an industrial gas turbine and an aeroderivative turbine permits the system to take advantage of the benefits of each type of turbine while diminishing the drawbacks associated with each type of turbine. The aeroderivative turbine is capable of quick startup and can therefore provide power relatively quickly. Thus the aeroderivative gas turbine can be relied on at startup to quickly begin producing power, while the industrial gas turbine, while the industrial gas turbine and steam turbine are brought online. Once online, the industrial gas turbine can be utilized for greater power production and longer running time. The aeroderivative turbine(s) may be used during periods of peak power demand and then shutdown when the demand decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Steinway
  • Patent number: 6183540
    Abstract: A method is provided for the extraction of aromatic hydrocarbons, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, collectively known as “BTEX,” in a continuous process utilizing a glycol contactor to cause absorption of the BTEX upstream of an amine-based gas sweetening process. The preferred glycol for BTEX absorption is triethylene glycol. The glycol used in the glycol contactor for BTEX extraction may either be fully regenerated (dry), or wet glycol from a downstream gas dehydration system. The method may be achieved with the use of a number of separate absorber/contactor vessels, or the method may be achieved within one combination vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Thonsgaard