Patents by Inventor Brandon N. Hinderliter

Brandon N. Hinderliter 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: 11674868
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for monitoring a fracturing operation that includes positioning a pump at a well site where fracturing operations are being conducted. The method also includes arranging one or more sensors at at least one of a pump inlet or a pump outlet, the one or more sensors monitoring a flow rate of a slurry. The method includes receiving flow data from the one or more sensors. The method also includes determining a pump efficiency, based at least in part on the flow data, is below a threshold. The method further includes adjusting one or more operating parameters of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Alexander James Christinzio, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11674484
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system can include a plurality of electric pumps fluidly connected to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure; at least one generator electrically coupled to the plurality of electric pumps so as to generate electricity for use by the plurality of electric pumps; a gas compression system fluidly coupled to the at least one generator so as to provide fuel for use by the at least one generator; and a combustible fuel vaporization system gaseously coupled to the gas compression system so as to provide at least one of vaporized fuel or gasified fuel, or a combination thereof, to the gas compression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Publication number: 20230155358
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system may include a plurality of electric pumps fluidly connected to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the subterranean formation and fractures the subterranean formation; at least one generator electrically coupled to the plurality of electric pumps so as to generate electricity for use by the plurality of electric pumps; and at least one switchgear electrically coupled to the at least one generator and configured to distribute an electrical load between the plurality of electric pumps and the at least one generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Publication number: 20230146951
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes a support structure having a first area at a first height and a second area at a second height, the first and second areas adjacent one another. The system also includes an electric powered, multi-plunger pump with an odd number of plungers, arranged in the first area, the electric powered pump coupled to a well, via outlet piping, and powered by at least one electric motor, also arranged in the first area. The system further includes a variable frequency drive (VFD), arranged in the second area, connected to the at least one electric motor, the VFD configured to control at least a speed of the at least one electric motor. The system also includes a transformer, arranged in the second area, the transformer positioned within an enclosure with the VFD, the transformer distributing power to the electric pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Lon Robinson, Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Publication number: 20230103589
    Abstract: Embodiments include a hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation. The system includes an electric pump, arranged on a first support structure, the electric pump coupled to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the subterranean formation and fractures the subterranean formation. The system also includes support equipment, arranged on a second support structure, electrically coupled to the electric pump, wherein the support equipment includes at least a transformer for distributing power to the electric pump, the power being received from at least one generator at a voltage higher than an operating voltage of the electric pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson
  • Patent number: 11578580
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation includes a support structure that includes an electric powered pump, arranged in a first area, the electric powered pump powered by at least one electric motor, also arranged in the first area. The system further includes a variable frequency drive (VFD), arranged in a second area proximate the first area, connected to the at least one electric motor to control the speed of the at least one electric motor. The system includes a transformer, arranged in a third area proximate the second area. The system also includes a slide out platform integrated into the first area, the slide out platform being driven between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson
  • Patent number: 11555491
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes a turbine generator for producing electricity at a well site, the turbine generator producing electrical energy at a voltage. The system also includes an electric pump electrically coupled to the turbine generator and receiving operative power from the turbine generator. The system further includes switch gear arranged between the electric pump and the turbine generator, the switch gear distributing electrical energy from the turbine generator to the electric pump, wherein the voltage remains substantially constant from the turbine generator to the electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11542786
    Abstract: A system for powering electric hydraulic fracturing equipment, the system including a power storage system and electric powered hydraulic fracturing equipment in selective electrical communication with the power storage system. The system further includes at least one circuit breaker between the power storage system and the electric powered hydraulic fracturing equipment, the circuit breaker configured to facilitate or prevent electrical communication between the power storage system and the electric powered hydraulic fracturing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon N. Hinderliter, Jared Oehring, Steven Riley
  • Publication number: 20220364447
    Abstract: An automated hydraulic fracturing system, including a pump system, a blender configured to form the fracturing fluid, a proppant storage and delivery system, a hydration unit configured to mix an additive into a fluid to form the fluid mixture and provide the fluid mixture to the blender, a fluid storage and delivery system, and an additive storage and delivery system, and an automated control system including a plurality of sensing devices and a plurality of control devices integrated into the pump system, the blender system, the proppant storage and delivery system, the fluid storage and delivery system, and the additive storage and delivery system, the automated control system configured to monitor parameters of the automated hydraulic fracturing system via the plurality of sensing devices and transmit control instructions for one or more of the plurality of control devices to control an aspect of the automated hydraulic fracturing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Alexander James Christinzio
  • Publication number: 20220364448
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation includes a support structure that includes an electric powered pump, arranged in a first area, the electric powered pump powered by at least one electric motor, also arranged in the first area. The system further includes a variable frequency drive (VFD), arranged in a second area proximate the first area, connected to the at least one electric motor to control the speed of the at least one electric motor. The system includes a transformer, arranged in a third area proximate the second area. The system also includes a cooling system, arranged in a fourth area proximate the third area, the cooling system providing a cooling fluid to the VFD via one or more headers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson
  • Publication number: 20220334546
    Abstract: A system and method that remotely monitors and controls proppant usage in a fracturing operation. The system and method allow operators to wirelessly monitor and control proppant storage units from inside a datavan through sensors and control mechanisms that interface with fracturing software to schedule the flow of the proppant. A sensor monitors the weight, container level, or volume of the proppant being used to keep the induced hydraulic fracture open. A serial to Ethernet converter converts this information and sends it wirelessly to a datavan. A user at the datavan controls the proppant usage through a display in the datavan of the storage units with the appropriate weight. The container monitoring software links with the fracturing software, providing real-time information about proppant usage so that the user can properly schedule proppant flow to the well through valves, conveyor belts, and other control mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Arthur Baron
  • Publication number: 20220333594
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes a turbine generator for producing electricity at a well site, the turbine generator producing electrical energy at a voltage. The system also includes an electric pump electrically coupled to the turbine generator and receiving operative power from the turbine generator. The system further includes switch gear arranged between the electric pump and the turbine generator, the switch gear distributing electrical energy from the turbine generator to the electric pump, wherein the voltage remains substantially constant from the turbine generator to the electric pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11459863
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes a support structure having a first area at a first height and a second area at a second height, the first and second areas adjacent one another. The system also includes an electric powered, multi-plunger pump with an odd number of plungers, arranged in the first area, the electric powered pump coupled to a well, via outlet piping, and powered by at least one electric motor, also arranged in the first area. The system further includes a variable frequency drive (VFD), arranged in the second area, connected to the at least one electric motor, the VFD configured to control at least a speed of the at least one electric motor. The system also includes a transformer, arranged in the second area, the transformer positioned within an enclosure with the VFD, the transformer distributing power to the electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Lon Robinson, Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11454170
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system may include a plurality of electric pumps configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with a well at a high pressure; at least one turbine generator electrically coupled to the plurality of electric pumps so as to generate electricity for use by the plurality of electric pumps, each turbine generator having at least one air intake channel; and an air chiller system associated with the at least one turbine generator, the air chiller system comprising: a chiller unit configured to chill a fluid; and at least one coil in fluid communication with the chiller unit and positioned adjacent to the at least one air intake channel, wherein the air chiller system is configured to increase a power output of the at least one turbine generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11451016
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation is disclosed. In an embodiment, the system may include a plurality of electric pumps fluidly connected to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the subterranean formation and fractures the subterranean formation; at least one generator electrically coupled to the plurality of electric pumps so as to generate electricity for use by the plurality of electric pumps; and at least one switchgear electrically coupled to the at least one generator and configured to distribute an electrical load between the plurality of electric pumps and the at least one generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Patent number: 11434737
    Abstract: Embodiments include a hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation. The system includes an electric pump, arranged on a first support structure, the electric pump coupled to a well associated with the subterranean formation and powered by at least one electric motor, and configured to pump fluid into a wellbore associated with the well at a high pressure so that the fluid passes from the wellbore into the subterranean formation and fractures the subterranean formation. The system also includes support equipment, arranged on a second support structure, electrically coupled to the electric pump, wherein the support equipment includes at least a transformer for distributing power to the electric pump, the power being received from at least one generator at a voltage higher than an operating voltage of the electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson
  • Publication number: 20220239100
    Abstract: A system for completing a well, including a generator, and a plurality of electric load components, each electric load component powered by the generator. The system further includes a load shedding control panel that monitors the generator and, if the generator loses functionality, is capable of deactivating one or more of the plurality of electric load components to reduce the electric load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon N. Hinderliter, Jared Oehring
  • Publication number: 20220187171
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for monitoring a fracturing operation that includes positioning a pump at a well site where fracturing operations are being conducted. The method also includes arranging one or more sensors at at least one of a pump inlet or a pump outlet, the one or more sensors monitoring a flow rate of a slurry. The method includes receiving flow data from the one or more sensors. The method also includes determining a pump efficiency, based at least in part on the flow data, is below a threshold. The method further includes adjusting one or more operating parameters of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Alexander James Christinzio, Brandon N. Hinderliter
  • Publication number: 20220094173
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system is disclosed as including a singular mobile platform of at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear that is configured to handle electric power from the MPU. The MPU is configured to generate voltage that matches the capabilities of an electrical bus from the at least one switch gear such that a combined electrical current generated as a result of the generated voltage and required load is provided to the electrical bus to the components of the hydraulic fracturing system. Further, the hydraulic fracturing system may include electrical fracturing equipment with at least one second switch gear to support the at least one first switch gear in handling electric power from the MPU. A datavan may be included in the system to control load shedding, load sharing, and power distribution for the electrical fracturing equipment comprising the at least one second switch gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon N. Hinderliter, Jared Oehring
  • Publication number: 20220018232
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation includes a support structure that includes an electric powered pump, arranged in a first area, the electric powered pump powered by at least one electric motor, also arranged in the first area. The system further includes a variable frequency drive (VFD), arranged in a second area proximate the first area, connected to the at least one electric motor to control the speed of the at least one electric motor. The system includes a transformer, arranged in a third area proximate the second area. The system also includes a slide out platform integrated into the first area, the slide out platform being driven between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: U.S. Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter, Lon Robinson