Patents by Inventor Chad C. Rasmussen

Chad C. Rasmussen 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: 20210131613
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cryogenically separating contaminants and regasification of LNG utilizing common refrigeration equipment and/or fuel. An integrated system includes: a component for separating contaminants from an input feed stream; a heat exchanger coupled to a first line, wherein: the first line is coupled to the component for separating contaminants, and the heat exchanger cools a first feed stream of the first line; and a LNG regasification system comprising a vaporizer, wherein: the vaporizer heats a LNG stream of the LNG regasification system, and the heat exchanger functions as the vaporizer. A process includes: separating contaminants from an input feed stream with a component for separating contaminants; cooling a first feed stream with a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is coupled to the component for separating contaminants; and heating a LNG stream with a vaporizer of a LNG regasification system, wherein the heat exchanger functions as the vaporizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: David W. MAHER, Chad C. RASMUSSEN, Richard Perry CONNELL
  • Patent number: 10570825
    Abstract: A fuel, an oxidant, and a diluent can be introduced to a combustion zone, wherein the oxidant comprises air, oxygen-enriched air, or oxygen-lean air. At least a portion of the fuel can be combusted to produce an exhaust gas comprising, nitrogen, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. The exhaust gas can be expanded to produce mechanical power and an expanded exhaust gas. A concentration of at least one of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, in the exhaust gas or the expanded exhaust gas or both can be determined, and an amount of the oxidant or the fuel introduced to the combustion zone, or both, can be adjusted based on the determined concentration to produce an exhaust gas containing a combined amount of oxygen and carbon monoxide of less than about 2 mol % and a nitrogen concentration ranging from 20 mol % to 75 mol %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignees: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Huntington, Chad C. Rasmussen, Franklin F. Mittricker, Tim Lieuwen, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Himanshu Gupta, Moses K. Minta, Loren K. Starcher
  • Patent number: 10378817
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a flexible liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant that may be tied to an external electric grid for importing or exporting electric power. Exemplary embodiments provide a method for producing LNG that includes producing a base load capacity of refrigeration capacity for LNG production from a first compression system. Electricity may be produced from a second compressor string if electricity is needed by an external power grid, or a second amount of refrigeration capacity may be provided by the second compressor string is natural gas feed is available and the external grid does not need power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Chad C. Rasmussen, Garth M. Norman, Michael R. Miller, Justin G. Brennan
  • Patent number: 9719682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling a combustion reaction and the products thereof. One embodiment includes a combustion control system having an oxygenation stream substantially comprising oxygen and CO2 and having an oxygen to CO2 ratio, then mixing the oxygenation stream with a combustion fuel stream and combusting in a combustor to generate a combustion products stream having a temperature and a composition detected by a temperature sensor and an oxygen analyzer, respectively, the data from which are used to control the flow and composition of the oxygenation and combustion fuel streams. The system may also include a gas turbine with an expander and having a load and a load controller in a feedback arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Franklin F. Mittricker, Loren K. Starcher, Chad C. Rasmussen, Richard A. Huntington, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 9353940
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an oxy-fuel type combustion reaction are provided. In one or more embodiments, a combustion system can include at least two mixing zones, where a first mixing zone at least partially mixes oxygen and carbon dioxide to produce a first mixture and a second mixing zone at least partially mixes the first mixture with a fuel to produce a second mixture. The combustion system can also include a combustion zone configured to combust the second mixture to produce a combustion product. In one or more embodiments, the first mixture can have a spatially varied ratio of oxygen-to-carbon dioxide configured to generate a hot zone in the combustion zone to increase flame stability in the combustion zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Franklin F. Mittricker, Dennis M. O'Dea, Harry W. Deckman, Chad C. Rasmussen, David R. Noble, Jerry M. Seitzman, Timothy C. Lieuwen, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Richard Huntington
  • Publication number: 20160040928
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a flexible liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant that may be tied to an external electric grid for importing or exporting electric power. Exemplary embodiments provide a method for producing LNG that includes producing a base load capacity of refrigeration capacity for LNG production from a first compression system. Electricity may be produced from a second compressor string if electricity is needed by an external power grid, or a second amount of refrigeration capacity may be provided by the second compressor string is natural gas feed is available and the external grid does not need power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Chad C. Rasmussen, Garth M. Norman, Michael R. Miller, Justin G. Brennan
  • Patent number: 8984857
    Abstract: Methods and systems for low emission power generation in hydrocarbon recovery processes are provided. One system includes integrated pressure maintenance and miscible flood systems with low emission power generation. An alternative system provides for low emission power generation, carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), or carbon dioxide sales using a hot gas expander and external combustor. Another alternative system provides for low emission power generation using a gas power turbine to compress air in the inlet compressor and generate power using hot carbon dioxide laden gas in the expander. Other efficiencies may be gained by incorporating heat cross-exchange, a desalination plant, co-generation, and other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Moses Minta, Franklin F. Mittricker, Peter C. Rasmussen, Loren K. Starcher, Chad C. Rasmussen, James T. Wilkins, Richard W. Meidel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140318427
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling a combustion reaction and the products thereof. One embodiment includes a combustion control system having an oxygenation stream substantially comprising oxygen and CO2 and having an oxygen to CO2 ratio, then mixing the oxygenation stream with a combustion fuel stream and combusting in a combustor to generate a combustion products stream having a temperature and a composition detected by a temperature sensor and an oxygen analyzer, respectively, the data from which are used to control the flow and composition of the oxygenation and combustion fuel streams. The system may also include a gas turbine with an expander and having a load and a load controller in a feedback arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Franklin F. Mittricker, Loren K. Starcher, Chad C. Rasmussen, Richard A. Huntington, Frank Hershkowitz
  • Publication number: 20140250908
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the composition of a combustion exhaust gas are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: ExxonMobil Upsteam Research Company, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Huntington, Chad C. Rasmussen, Franklin F. Mittricker, Tim Lieuwen, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Himansh Gupta, Moses K. Minta, Loren K. Starcher
  • Publication number: 20130145794
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a flexible liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant that may be tied to an external electric grid for importing or exporting electric power. Exemplary embodiments provide a method for producing LNG that includes producing a base load capacity of refrigeration capacity for LNG production from a first compression system. Electricity may be produced from a second compressor string if electricity is needed by an external power grid, or a second amount of refrigeration capacity may be provided by the second compressor string is natural gas feed is available and the external grid does not need power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Chad C. Rasmussen, Garth M. Norman, Michael R Miller, Justin Brennan
  • Publication number: 20120131925
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an oxy-fuel type combustion reaction are provided. In one or more embodiments, a combustion system can include at least two mixing zones, where a first mixing zone at least partially mixes oxygen and carbon dioxide to produce a first mixture and a second mixing zone at least partially mixes the first mixture with a fuel to produce a second mixture. The combustion system can also include a combustion zone configured to combust the second mixture to produce a combustion product. In one or more embodiments, the first mixture can have a spatially varied ratio of oxygen-to-carbon dioxide configured to generate a hot zone in the combustion zone to increase flame stability in the combustion zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY
    Inventors: Franklin F. Mittricker, Dennis M. O'Dea, Harry W. Deckman, Chad C. Rasmussen, David R. Noble, Jerry M. Seitzman, Timothy C. Lieuwen, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Richard Huntington
  • Patent number: 8151877
    Abstract: A method for in situ heating of an organic-rich rock formation is provided. Preferably the organic-rich rock formation comprises kerogen. The method may include the steps of providing a first wellbore extending at least to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation, and providing a second wellbore also extending to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation and intersecting the first wellbore. The method may also include injecting air and a combustible fuel into the first wellbore, and providing a downhole burner in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The method may further include, circulating combustion products into and up the second wellbore such that a pyrolysis zone is created from the first wellbore and second wellbores that provides substantially complete pyrolysis of the organic-rich rock formation between the first wellbore and the second wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, Chad C. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8122955
    Abstract: A method for in situ heating of a selected portion of a targeted organic-rich rock formation such as an oil shale formation is provided. The method includes the steps of providing casing in a wellbore extending to a depth within or below the selected portion of the organic-rich rock formation, and also providing a tubing within the casing. An annular region is formed between the tubing and the surrounding casing. Air or other oxidant and a combustible fuel are injected into the wellbore. Either the air or the combustible fuel is in stoichiometric combustion excess. The method also includes providing hardware in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The hardware may include more than one burner. Insulation may be placed along the tubing adjacent the first burner in order to reduce the heat transfer coefficient within the tubing and to provide a more uniform temperature within the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, Chad C. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20110000221
    Abstract: Methods and systems for low emission power generation in hydrocarbon recovery processes are provided. One system includes integrated pressure maintenance and miscible flood systems with low emission power generation. An alternative system provides for low emission power generation, carbon sequestration, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), or carbon dioxide sales using a hot gas expander and external combustor. Another alternative system provides for low emission power generation using a gas power turbine to compress air in the inlet compressor and generate power using hot carbon dioxide laden gas in the expander. Other efficiencies may be gained by incorporating heat cross-exchange, a desalination plant, co-generation, and other features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Moses Minta, Franklin F. Mittricker, Peter Rasmussen, Loren K. Starcher, Chad C. Rasmussen, James T. Wilkins, Richard W. Meidel Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090050319
    Abstract: A method for in situ heating of a selected portion of a targeted organic-rich rock formation such as an oil shale formation is provided. The method includes the steps of providing casing in a wellbore extending to a depth within or below the selected portion of the organic-rich rock formation, and also providing a tubing within the casing. An annular region is formed between the tubing and the surrounding casing. Air or other oxidant and a combustible fuel are injected into the wellbore. Either the air or the combustible fuel is in stoichiometric combustion excess. The method also includes providing hardware in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The hardware may include more than one burner. Insulation may be placed along the tubing adjacent the first burner in order to reduce the heat transfer coefficient within the tubing and to provide a more uniform temperature within the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, Chad C. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20080283241
    Abstract: A method for in situ heating of an organic-rich rock formation is provided. Preferably the organic-rich rock formation comprises kerogen. The method may include the steps of providing a first wellbore extending at least to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation, and providing a second wellbore also extending to a depth of the organic-rich rock formation and intersecting the first wellbore. The method may also include injecting air and a combustible fuel into the first wellbore, and providing a downhole burner in the wellbore so as to cause the air and the combustible fuel to mix and to combust at substantially the depth of the organic-rich rock formation. The method may further include, circulating combustion products into and up the second wellbore such that a pyrolysis zone is created from the first wellbore and second wellbores that provides substantially complete pyrolysis of the organic-rich rock formation between the first wellbore and the second wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, Chad C. Rasmussen