Patents by Inventor Chester Ledlie Sandberg
Chester Ledlie Sandberg 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: 10760394Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignees: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC., GENERAL ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Patent number: 10557336Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignees: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC., GENERAL ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Patent number: 10273790Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignees: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC., GENERAL ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Publication number: 20190100984Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Publication number: 20180149005Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Publication number: 20150198025Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Patent number: 9051829Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface formation includes a plurality of conduits at least partially located in a portion of a hydrocarbon containing formation. At least part of two of the conduits are aligned in relation to each other such that electrical current will flow from a first conduit to a second conduit. The first and second conduits include electrically conductive material and at least one of the first and second conduits is perforated or configured to be perforated. A power supply is coupled to the first and second conduits. The power supply electrically excites at least one of the conductive sections such that current flows between the first conduit and the second conduit in the formation and heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conduits.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Xueying Xie, Oluropo Rufus Ayodele, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, John Michael Karanikas, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Dhruv Arora
-
Patent number: 8881806Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface formation includes a wellbore at least partially located in a hydrocarbon containing formation. The wellbore includes a substantially vertical portion and at least two substantially horizontal or inclined portions coupled to the vertical portion. A first conductor is at least partially positioned in a first of the two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore. At least the first conductor includes electrically conductive material. A power supply electrically excites the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to a second conductor at least partially positioned in a second of the two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore. The current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two substantially horizontally oriented or inclined portions of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Xueying Xie, Oluropo Rufus Ayodele, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, John Michael Karanikas, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Dhruv Arora
-
Publication number: 20130043029Abstract: A heater system may include an alternating current supply and an electrical conductor. An alternating current may be applied to one or more electrical conductors at a voltage above about 200 volts. The electrical conductors may be located in a formation. The electrical conductors may provide an electrically resistive heat output upon application of the alternating electrical current. At least one of the electrical conductors may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. An electrical conductor may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. Heat may be allowed to transfer from an electrical conductor to a part of the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, James Louis Menotti, Joan Carl
-
Patent number: 8355623Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a heater. The heater includes a ferromagnetic member. The heater also includes an electrical conductor electrically coupled to the ferromagnetic member. The electrical conductor is configured to conduct a majority of time-varying electrical current passing through the heater at about 25° C. The heater is configured to provide a first heat output below the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic member. The heater is configured to automatically provide a second heat output approximately at and above the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic member. The second heat output is reduced compared to the first heat output.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Patent number: 8238730Abstract: A heater system may include an alternating current supply and an electrical conductor. An alternating current may be applied to one or more electrical conductors at a voltage above about 200 volts. The electrical conductors may be located in a formation. The electrical conductors may provide an electrically resistive heat output upon application of the alternating electrical current. At least one of the electrical conductors may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. An electrical conductor may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. Heat may be allowed to transfer from an electrical conductor to a part of the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8224163Abstract: A heater system may include an alternating current supply and an electrical conductor. Alternating current may be applied to one or more electrical conductors at a frequency between about 100 Hz and about 1000 Hz. The electrical conductors may be located in a formation. The electrical conductors may resistively heat upon application of the alternating electrical current. At least one of the electrical conductors may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. The electrical conductor may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. Heat may transfer from the electrical conductor to a part of formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8224164Abstract: A heater may include an electrical conductor. Applying alternating current to the electrical conductor may resistively heat the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material may at least partially surround a non-ferromagnetic material. The heater may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. An electrical insulator may at least partially surround the electrical conductor. A sheath may at least partially surround the electrical insulator.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
-
Patent number: 8200072Abstract: Systems and methods are described for heating a subsurface formation. Alternating electrical current may be applied to one or more electrical conductors. The electrical conductors may be located in a subsurface formation. The electrical conductors may provide an electrically resistive heat output upon application of the alternating electrical current. At least one of the electrical conductors may include an electrically resistive ferromagnetic material. The electrical conductor may provide a reduced amount of heat above or near a selected temperature. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the electrical conductor to a part of the subsurface formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Christopher Kelvin Harris, Jaime Santos Son, James Louis Menotti, Fredrick Gordon Carl, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7831133Abstract: A heating system for a subsurface formation is described. The heating system includes a first heater, a second heater, and a third heater placed in an opening in the subsurface formation. Each heater includes: an electrical conductor; an insulation layer at least partially surrounding the electrical conductor; and an electrically conductive sheath at least partially surrounding the insulation layer. The electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the sheath at a lower end portion of the heater. The lower end portion is the portion of the heater distal from a surface of the opening. The first heater, the second heater, and the third heater are electrically coupled at the lower end portions of the heaters. The first heater, the second heater, and the third heater are configured to be electrically coupled in a three-phase wye configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Publication number: 20100147522Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface formation includes a wellbore at least partially located in a hydrocarbon containing formation. The wellbore includes a substantially vertical portion and at least two substantially horizontal or inclined portions coupled to the vertical portion. A first conductor is at least partially positioned in a first of the two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore. At least the first conductor includes electrically conductive material. A power supply electrically excites the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to a second conductor at least partially positioned in a second of the two substantially horizontal or inclined portions of the wellbore. The current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two substantially horizontally oriented or inclined portions of the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Xueying Xie, Oluropo Rufus Ayodele, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, John Michael Karanikas, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Dhruv Arora
-
Publication number: 20100147521Abstract: A system for treating a subsurface formation includes a plurality of conduits at least partially located in a portion of a hydrocarbon containing formation. At least part of two of the conduits are aligned in relation to each other such that electrical current will flow from a first conduit to a second conduit. The first and second conduits include electrically conductive material and at least one of the first and second conduits is perforated or configured to be perforated. A power supply is coupled to the first and second conduits. The power supply electrically excites at least one of the conductive sections such that current flows between the first conduit and the second conduit in the formation and heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Xueying Xie, Oluropo Rufus Ayodele, Harold J. Vinegar, Christopher Kelvin Harris, John Michael Karanikas, Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Dhruv Arora
-
Patent number: 7575052Abstract: An in situ conversion system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is described. The system includes a plurality of u-shaped wellbores in the formation. Piping is positioned in at least two of the u-shaped wellbores. A fluid circulation system is coupled to the piping. The fluid circulation system is configured to circulate hot heat transfer fluid through at least a portion of the piping to form at least one heated portion of the formation. An electrical power supply is configured to provide electrical current to at least a portion of the piping located below an overburden in the formation to resistively heat at least a portion of the piping. Heat transfers from the piping to the formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Chester Ledlie Sandberg, Thomas David Fowler, Harold J. Vinegar, Willen Jan Antoon Henri Schoeber
-
Publication number: 20090189617Abstract: A method for assessing one or more temperatures of an electrically powered subsurface heater includes accessing an impedance profile of the electrically powered subsurface heater while the heater is being operated in the subsurface. The impedance profile is analyzed with a frequency domain algorithm to assess one or more temperatures of the heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: David Burns, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
-
Patent number: 7559367Abstract: A system for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation is described. A conduit may be located in an opening in the formation. The conduit includes ferromagnetic material. An electrical conductor is positioned inside the conduit, and is electrically coupled to the conduit at or near an end portion of the conduit so that the electrical conductor and the conduit are electrically coupled in series. Electrical current flows in the electrical conductor in a substantially opposite direction to electrical current flow in the conduit during application of electrical current to the system. The flow of electrons is substantially confined to the inside of the conduit by the electromagnetic field generated from electrical current flow in the electrical conductor so that the outside surface of the conduit is at or near substantially zero potential at 25° C. The conduit may generate heat and heat the formation during application of electrical current.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Chester Ledlie Sandberg