Patents by Inventor Bruce CLEMENTS

Bruce CLEMENTS 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).

  • Publication number: 20250368504
    Abstract: The present invention discloses various applications of split hydrocarbon processing (SHCP) across an array of technologies for hydrogen (H2), power and industrial production purposes. These applications generate nearly pure carbon dioxide CO2 with no need for separation, making it ready for compression and storage or utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2025
    Publication date: December 4, 2025
    Inventors: Lijun Wu, Bruce Clements, Ted Herage, Mohammad Asiri, Ligang Zheng
  • Patent number: 12438432
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetohydrodynamics power system which utilizes low temperature heat source. Variable control of the operation of the system, along with determining configurations for specific cases, are made possible by selecting the refrigerant, liquid metal circuit geometry, and by adjusting the system condensing pressure and/or temperature. Adjustable condensing pressure and/or temperature allows the system to react to changing ambient temperature and maximize power output. Adjusting condensing pressure and/or temperature of the system is made possible with a variable condenser pressure controller. The variable condenser pressure controller allows utilization of the physical properties of the refrigerant over a wide range of condensing temperatures/pressures, including pressures in the vacuum range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Lijun Wu, Philip Geddis, Steven Chen, Andrew McDonald, Alex McCready, Bruce Clements
  • Patent number: 12258522
    Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for supplying hot water for primary extraction in the oil sands bitumen extraction process. Direct contact process and method for producing hot water using mature fine tailings are provided by employing a double staged submerge arrangement with a thickener vessel containing a submerged fuel burner and a hot water vessel containing a submerged fuel burner, a flash submerged arrangement with a flash concentrator vessel containing or adjacent to a fuel burner and a hot water vessel containing a submerged fuel burner or a triple cascade arrangement with a flash concentrator vessel, a thickener vessel containing a submerged fuel burner and a hot water vessel containing a submerged fuel burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Quan Zhuang, Phil Geddis, Bruce Clements, Brianna Hataley, Mohammad Asiri, Ted Herage, Steven Chen, Lijun Wu
  • Publication number: 20240171055
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetohydrodynamics power system which utilizes low temperature heat source. Variable control of the operation of the system, along with determining configurations for specific cases, are made possible by selecting the refrigerant, liquid metal circuit geometry, and by adjusting the system condensing pressure and/or temperature. Adjustable condensing pressure and/or temperature allows the system to react to changing ambient temperature and maximize power output. Adjusting condensing pressure and/or temperature of the system is made possible with a variable condenser pressure controller. The variable condenser pressure controller allows utilization of the physical properties of the refrigerant over a wide range of condensing temperatures/pressures, including pressures in the vacuum range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Her Majesty The Queen In Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Lijun Wu, Philip Geddis, Steven Chen, Andrew McDonald, Alex McCeady, Bruce Clements
  • Publication number: 20230115790
    Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for supplying hot water for primary extraction in the oil sands bitumen extraction process. Direct contact process and method for producing hot water using mature fine tailings are provided by employing a double staged submerge arrangement with a thickener vessel containing a submerged fuel burner and a hot water vessel containing a submerged fuel burner, a flash submerged arrangement with a flash concentrator vessel containing or adjacent to a fuel burner and a hot water vessel containing a submerged fuel burner or a triple cascade arrangement with a flash concentrator vessel, a thickener vessel containing a submerged fuel burner and a hot water vessel containing a submerged fuel burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Quan Zhuang, Phil Geddis, Bruce Clements, Brianna Hataley, Mohammad Asiri, Ted Herage, Steven Chen, Lijun Wu
  • Patent number: 11208706
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for using a pressurized oxy-fired configuration to conduct metal reduction. The invention discloses a process for production of metal from metal oxide ore through reduction, comprising: (a) feeding a mixture of metal oxide ore, fuel and supply of oxygen into the inlet of a metallization reactor, (b) heating the mixture of metal oxide ore, oxygen and fuel in a primary reduction zone of the metallization reactor at a pressure exceeding ambient pressure to produce a product mixture; and (c) separating the product mixture in a gas separation unit at the bottom or downstream of the metallization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Mohammad Sameer Asiri, Marc Alexander Duchesne, Robin William Hughes
  • Publication number: 20200001232
    Abstract: A system for carbon dioxide removal from product from a direct contact steam generation system is provided. The system comprises a direct contact steam generation system, a pressurized heat recovery system, and a CO2 separation system, wherein the direct contact steam generation system converts a gaseous, liquid or solid fuel, in the presence of oxygen, using a moderate water, to produce a mixed vapour stream to be then led into the pressurized heat recovery system to produce a partially condensed product, which is led into the CO2 separation system to reduce the CO2 content to produce a CO2-lean liquid product, and the pressurized heat recovery system utilizes latent heat of the mixed vapour stream to produce a lower pressure vapour stream from the CO2-lean liquid product exiting the CO2 separation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Mohammad Asiri, Ted Herage, Bruce Clements, Richard Pomalis, Lijun Wu, Johnny Matta, Steven Chen
  • Publication number: 20190368003
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for using a pressurized oxy-fired configuration to conduct metal reduction. The invention discloses a process for production of metal from metal oxide ore through reduction, comprising: (a) feeding a mixture of metal oxide ore, fuel and supply of oxygen into the inlet of a metallization reactor, (b) heating the mixture of metal oxide ore, oxygen and fuel in a primary reduction zone of the metallization reactor at a pressure exceeding ambient pressure to produce a product mixture; and (c) separating the product mixture in a gas separation unit at the bottom or downstream of the metallization reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Mohammad Sameer Asiri, Marc Alexander Duchesne, Robin William Hughes
  • Patent number: 9920923
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor and steam generator and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor is delivered to the direct contact steam generator at pressure, and upon direct contact with water produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial application. The combustor can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventor: Bruce Clements
  • Publication number: 20170108208
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor and steam generator and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor is delivered to the direct contact steam generator at pressure, and upon direct contact with water produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial application. The combustor can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce Clements
  • Patent number: 9512999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor (10) and a steam generator (70) and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor (10) is delivered to the direct contact steam generator (70) at pressure, and upon direct contact with water, produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial applications. The combustor (10) can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventor: Bruce Clements
  • Patent number: 9448009
    Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA AS REPRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Richard Pomalis
  • Publication number: 20150219396
    Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Richard Pomalis
  • Patent number: 9033704
    Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Richard Pomalis
  • Publication number: 20150040807
    Abstract: A conversion burner, a system of conversion burners, and a method of conversion of a solid fuel selected from at least one of biomass and peat. The burner is constructed and arranged to be affixed to a combustor, and comprises a housing defining a burner chamber; a grate within the burner chamber defining an upper chamber region and a lower chamber region; at least a first solid fuel inlet; at least a first air inlet operatively connected to the upper chamber region and connectable to a first air source; a product gas outlet operatively connected to the combustion region of the combustor; and at least one waste outlet. The product gas is delivered to the combustor for firing or co-firing, overcoming fouling problems which result from direct delivery of solid fuel to the combustor, and problems raised by remote conversion or storage of solid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Ted Herage, Richard Pomalis
  • Publication number: 20120301834
    Abstract: A combustion system, and method. A combustor oxy-fired at high pressure delivers flue gas at pressure to a condensing means, such as a condensing heat exchanger, to produce a high temperature condensate for delivering thermal energy to an industrial process system, particularly for power generation, including a Brayton cycle, a Rankine cycle, or a binary fluid cycle system such as a Kalina cycle, and in particular as a bottoming cycle for an organic Rankine cycle. The combustor can concurrently provide direct heat to a secondary system, including a Brayton cycle system, a Rankine cycle system, and a binary fluid cycle system such as a Kalina cycle, without requiring significant modifications to the secondary system. The system and method provide for efficient and advantageous use of the higher temperature condensate produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventor: Bruce Clements
  • Publication number: 20120237882
    Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Her Majesty The Queen in Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Bruce Clements, Richard Pomalis
  • Publication number: 20110232545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct contact steam generation for a variety of industrial processes including heavy oil recovery, power generation and pulp and paper applications. The steam generation system consists of a combustor (10) and a steam generator (70) and is constructed to be operable at elevated pressures. The fuel, at least one oxidant and a fluid supply including water are supplied at pressure to the combustor. Flue gas from the combustor (10) is delivered to the direct contact steam generator (70) at pressure, and upon direct contact with water, produces a flue gas stream consisting primarily of steam. This product stream can then be cleansed and used for industrial applications. The combustor (10) can be operated with low grade fuel and low quality water with high solids and hydrocarbon contents. The apparatus and method reduce the environmental footprint by reducing air emission, concentrating CO2 to enable capture and reducing clean water requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce Clements
  • Publication number: 20110143291
    Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce CLEMENTS, Richard POMALIS