Patents by Inventor Bruce Donald Palfreyman

Bruce Donald Palfreyman 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: 7128153
    Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid may be produced from the formation. Such mixture may, in some embodiments, be treated or burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7077198
    Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting migration of fluids into and/or out of a treatment area undergoing an in situ conversion process. Barriers in the formation proximate a treatment area may be used to inhibit migration of fluids. Inhibition of migration of fluids may occur before, during, and/or after an in situ treatment process. For example, migration of fluids may be inhibited while heat is provided from heaters to at least a portion of the treatment area. Barriers may include naturally occurring portions (e.g., overburden, and/or underburden) and/or installed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7032660
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Fluid migration into and/or out of a treatment area in the formation may be inhibited. In some embodiments, a barrier may be used to inhibit migration of fluids into and/or out of the treatment area. Heat may be provided to the treatment area and subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7004251
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a portion of the formation from one or more heat sources. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selection of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. A recovery fluid may be provided to the formation to recover one or more components remaining in the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michael Ward, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Publication number: 20030196810
    Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid may be produced from the formation. Such mixture may, in some embodiments, be treated or burned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie,, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Publication number: 20030192691
    Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting migration of fluids into and/or out of a treatment area undergoing an in situ conversion process. Barriers in the formation proximate a treatment area may be used to inhibit migration of fluids. Inhibition of migration of fluids may occur before, during, and/or after an in situ treatment process. For example, migration of fluids may be inhibited while heat is provided from heaters to at least a portion of the treatment area. Barriers may include naturally occurring portions (e.g., overburden, and/or underburden) and/or installed portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy J. McKinzie,, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Publication number: 20030080604
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Fluid migration into and/or out of a treatments area in the formation may be inhibited. In some embodiments, a barrier may be used to inhibit migration of fluids into and/or out of the treatment area. Heat may be provided to the treatment area and subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington