Patents by Inventor Bryan Virge Butler

Bryan Virge Butler 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: 7175394
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulically driven multiphase pump system and methods for pumping a fluidstream from the surface of a well. The hydraulically driven multiphase pump system consists of two vertically disposed plungers. The plungers are hydraulically controlled and actuated to work in alternate directions during a cycle using a closed loop hydraulic system. Each cycle is automatically re-indexed to assure volumetric balance in the circuits. An indexing circuit ensures that each plunger reaches its full extended position prior to the other plunger reaching its preset retracted position. A power saving circuit is used to transfer energy from the extending plunger to the retracting plunger. A trim circuit is used to ensure a proper fluid level in the indexing circuit and the power saving circuit. Additionally, a rapid reversal circuit may be employed to increase the rate of the two vertically disposed plungers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Virge Butler
  • Publication number: 20040091363
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulically driven multiphase pump system and methods for pumping a fluidstream from the surface of a well. The hydraulically driven multiphase pump system consists of two vertically disposed plungers. The plungers are hydraulically controlled and actuated to work in alternate directions during a cycle using a closed loop hydraulic system. Each cycle is automatically re-indexed to assure volumetric balance in the circuits. An indexing circuit ensures that each plunger reaches its full extended position prior to the other plunger reaching its preset retracted position. A power saving circuit is used to transfer energy from the extending plunger to the retracting plunger. A trim circuit is used to ensure a proper fluid level in the indexing circuit and the power saving circuit. Additionally, a rapid reversal circuit may be employed to increase the rate of the two vertically disposed plungers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan Virge Butler
  • Patent number: 6592334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulically driven multiphase pump system and methods for pumping a fluidstream from the surface of a well. The hydraulically driven multiphase pump system consists of two vertically disposed plungers. The plungers are hydraulically controlled and actuated to work in alternate directions during a cycle using a closed loop hydraulic system. Each cycle is automatically re-indexed to assure volumetric balance in the circuits. An indexing circuit ensures that each plunger reaches its full extended position prior to the other plunger reaching its preset retracted position. A bias member and an acceleration valve are used to prime the indexing circuit for use in low or variable inlet pressure situations. A power saving circuit is used to transfer energy from the extending plunger to the retracting plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Virge Butler
  • Publication number: 20030118452
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulically driven multiphase pump system and methods for pumping a fluidstream from the surface of a well. The hydraulically driven multiphase pump system consists of two vertically disposed plungers. The plungers are hydraulically controlled and actuated to work in alternate directions during a cycle using a closed loop hydraulic system. Each cycle is automatically re-indexed to assure volumetric balance in the circuits. An indexing circuit ensures that each plunger reaches its full extended position prior to the other plunger reaching its preset retracted position. A bias member and an acceleration valve are used to prime the indexing circuit for use in low or variable inlet pressure situations. A power saving circuit is used to transfer energy from the extending plunger to the retracting plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Virge Butler