Patents Assigned to Kinder Morgan, Inc.
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Patent number: 10546372Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Tony Wright
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Patent number: 10352902Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: Noel Duckworth
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Patent number: 9581520Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
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Patent number: 9243972Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
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Publication number: 20140088889Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: Noel Duckworth
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Publication number: 20110068782Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicants: Kinder Morgan, Inc., Knight, Inc.Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
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Patent number: 7899628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventors: Noel Duckworth, Ron Sherstan
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Patent number: 7231331Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: James D. Davis
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Publication number: 20060100834Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2005Publication date: May 11, 2006Applicant: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: James Davis
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Patent number: 7013249Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: James D. Davis
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Patent number: 6608395Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: Paul Steinway
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Patent number: 6183540Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Kinder Morgan, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan E. Thonsgaard