Patents by Inventor Christopher HEMSTOCK
Christopher HEMSTOCK 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).
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Publication number: 20220054984Abstract: Stacked-plate filters may include a plurality of stacked filter plates with small gaps therebetween. The present disclosure provides a stacked-plate filter apparatus comprising a plurality of filter plates stacked along a longitudinal axis with the filter plates substantially parallel. Each filter plate has a respective outer rim, first face and second face. Each of the filter plates defines a respective opening therethrough. The outer rim forms a first peripheral edge at the first face and a second peripheral edge at the second face. The first peripheral edge is radially misaligned from the second peripheral edge to form an offset gap interface for each adjacent pair of the filter plates. For each of the filter plates, the respective outer rim may be tapered from the first face to the second face to provide the radial misalignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2020Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventor: Christopher A. HEMSTOCK
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Patent number: 11035216Abstract: Apparatus and method disclosed herein related to first stage gravity separation of liquid and sand from a gaseous fluid stream in an upper portion of a desanding vessel, sand separating from gas along an annular path about a shell, the sand-free gas directed back down into the shell to a fluid outlet for removal as a product stream. A second stage gravity separation of sand from accumulated liquid occurs in a lower section of the vessel. An optional final or polishing stage of the liquid is conduct using a filter. A stacked-plate filter can extend an intake opening of the fluid outlet into the accumulated liquid. Further, the filter plates can be configured with parallel filtering of gas/liquid separation for gas intake above, and with liquid/sand separation below including pressure management of the filter operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.Inventor: Christopher A. Hemstock
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Patent number: 10967305Abstract: Described is a stacked-plate apparatus having a plurality of plates stacked along an axis and having gaps between adjacent plates, each of which act as flow passageways for flow of fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. Pairs of adjacent plates comprise one and optionally two lips, which extend axially into the flow passageway at the fluid inlet, thereby narrowing an inlet gap between the plates at the fluid inlet. The lips enhance the flow of fluid towards the fluid outlet of the flow passageway, for at least a working distance downstream thereof, as compared to a pair of adjacent plates that does not have the lips.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.Inventor: Christopher A. Hemstock
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Patent number: 10807020Abstract: A stacked-plate apparatus and method for separating a first fluid from a multiphase fluid, the apparatus having pairs of adjacent plates spaced apart from one another to form gaps, or flow passageways, between the plates. At a selected pressure, the first fluid of the multiphase fluid can flow along the gaps between the plates, to be collected when it exits the gaps. The other fluids of the multiphase fluid cannot flow along the gaps, and thus the first fluid is separated from the second fluid. The method and apparatus can be used to separate fluids that have different rheological properties, such as air and water, or water and oil.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.Inventor: Christopher A. Hemstock
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Publication number: 20180345177Abstract: A stacked-plate apparatus and method for separating a first fluid from a multiphase fluid, the apparatus having pairs of adjacent plates spaced apart from one another to form gaps, or flow passageways, between the plates. At a selected pressure, the first fluid of the multiphase fluid can flow along the gaps between the plates, to be collected when it exits the gaps. The other fluids of the multiphase fluid cannot flow along the gaps, and thus the first fluid is separated from the second fluid. The method and apparatus can be used to separate fluids that have different rheological properties, such as air and water, or water and oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventor: Christopher A. HEMSTOCK
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Publication number: 20180345180Abstract: Described is a stacked-plate apparatus having a plurality of plates stacked along an axis and having gaps between adjacent plates, each of which act as flow passageways for flow of fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. Pairs of adjacent plates comprise one and optionally two lips, which extend axially into the flow passageway at the fluid inlet, thereby narrowing an inlet gap between the plates at the fluid inlet. The lips enhance the flow of fluid towards the fluid outlet of the flow passageway, for at least a working distance downstream thereof, as compared to a pair of adjacent plates that does not have the lips.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventor: Christopher A. HEMSTOCK
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Publication number: 20180347335Abstract: Apparatus and method disclosed herein related to first stage gravity separation of liquid and sand from a gaseous fluid stream in an upper portion of a desanding vessel, sand separating from gas along an annular path about a shell, the sand-free gas directed back down into the shell to a fluid outlet for removal as a product stream. A second stage gravity separation of sand from accumulated liquid occurs in a lower section of the vessel. An optional final or polishing stage of the liquid is conduct using a filter. A stacked-plate filter can extend an intake opening of the fluid outlet into the accumulated liquid. Further, the filter plates can be configured with parallel filtering of gas/liquid separation for gas intake above, and with liquid/sand separation below including pressure management of the filter operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventor: Christopher A. HEMSTOCK
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Publication number: 20180161705Abstract: A stacked-plate filter removes particulates from a fluid stream. Each plate is a surface of revolution, including an annular plate having a central opening and an outer periphery. A plurality of plates are stacked axially and spaced to form gaps as fluid pathways between the central opening and periphery. Depending on the direction fluid flow, inner or outer edges at the central opening or periphery respectively form inlet edges; the inlet edges of adjacent plates being misaligned to form an offset gap interface for minimizing particulate clogging thereat. The inlet edge can be pleated, forming radially-extending edges for angular misalignment. Identical and adjacent plates can be alternated face-up and face down to form the offset gap interface. The filter can be fit within a housing and forming an annulus therebetween, the central opening and annulus forming one or the other of the fluid inlet and outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventor: Christopher A. HEMSTOCK
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Patent number: 9938812Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.Inventor: Christopher Hemstock
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Patent number: 9909405Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.Inventor: Christopher Hemstock
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Patent number: 9861921Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus has a vessel enclosed by walls, and the vessel has a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream, a fluid outlet spacing from the fluid inlet for discharging gas phase matter, and a passage, such as a spiral path, in the vessel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The length of the passage is longer than the distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hemstock, Warren Kmicik
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Patent number: 9695661Abstract: A particulate-accommodating fluid flow directing apparatus comprises a failure detection housing containing a flow directing insert, the housing serving as a pressure boundary; failure at any location along the insert being detectable by means associated with the housing. The insert can be manufactured of erosion resistant materials, including non-ductile materials such as ceramics. The insert is sealed to the housing at an inlet and a discharge forming a pressure chamber between the insert and housing. The pressure chamber can be maintained at a pad pressure complementary to the process pressure, the pad pressure being maintained and monitored for indication of insert failure.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Hemstock
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Patent number: 9327214Abstract: A desanding system has an elongated vessel that is tilted at a non-zero inclination angle. The vessel has an upper end that tilts downwardly towards a distal end and has a diverging bounding wall so as to define a top wall having a first inclination angle and a bottom wall having a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle. A fluid inlet interface at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream, having entrained liquids and particulates, into a freeboard portion formed adjacent the top wall above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A cross-sectional area of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom for collection in a belly storage portion formed below the interface. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through a fluid outlet adjacent the distal base.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.Inventor: Christopher Hemstock
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Publication number: 20160082377Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventor: Christopher HEMSTOCK
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Publication number: 20160024866Abstract: A particulate-accommodating fluid flow directing apparatus comprises a failure detection housing containing a flow directing insert, the housing serving as a pressure boundary; failure at any location along the insert being detectable by means associated with the housing. The insert can be manufactured of erosion resistant materials, including non-ductile materials such as ceramics. The insert is sealed to the housing at an inlet and a discharge forming a pressure chamber between the insert and housing. The pressure chamber can be maintained at a pad pressure complementary to the process pressure, the pad pressure being maintained and monitored for indication of insert failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventor: Christopher A. HEMSTOCK
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Patent number: 9182066Abstract: A particulate-accommodating fluid flow directing apparatus comprises a failure detection housing containing a flow directing insert, the housing serving as a pressure boundary; failure at any location along the insert being detectable by means associated with the housing. The insert can be manufactured of erosion resistant materials, including non-ductile materials such as ceramics. The insert is sealed to the housing at an inlet and a discharge forming a pressure chamber between the insert and housing. The pressure chamber can be maintained at a pad pressure complementary to the process pressure, the pad pressure being maintained and monitored for indication of insert failure.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.Inventor: Christopher A Hemstock
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Publication number: 20150165358Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus has a vessel enclosed by walls, and the vessel has a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream, a fluid outlet spacing from the fluid inlet for discharging gas phase matter, and a passage, such as a spiral path, in the vessel extending from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The length of the passage is longer than the distance between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2014Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Christopher HEMSTOCK, Warren KMICIK
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Publication number: 20150090122Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Christopher HEMSTOCK
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Patent number: 8945256Abstract: A desanding system has an elongated vessel that is tilted at a non-zero inclination angle. A fluid inlet at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream having entrained liquids and particulates and a fluid outlet into a freeboard portion formed adjacent an upper portion of the vessel above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A belly storage portion is formed below the interface. The freeboard portion of the vessel has a freeboard cross-sectional area that diminishes along the interface from the fluid inlet to a fluid outlet spaced away from and lower than the fluid inlet. The cross-sectional are of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom and collect in the belly portion of the vessel. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through the fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.Inventor: Christopher A. Hemstock
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Publication number: 20140216256Abstract: A desanding system has an elongated vessel that is tilted at a non-zero inclination angle. The vessel has an upper end that tilts downwardly towards a distal end and has a diverging bounding wall so as to define a top wall having a first inclination angle and a bottom wall having a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle. A fluid inlet interface at the vessel's upper end discharges a gas stream, having entrained liquids and particulates, into a freeboard portion formed adjacent the top wall above a gas/liquid interface formed below the fluid outlet. A cross-sectional area of the freeboard portion causes precipitation of the entrained liquids and particulates therefrom for collection in a belly storage portion formed below the interface. A desanded gas stream, being free of a substantial portion of the particulates is removed from the vessel through a fluid outlet adjacent the distal base.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: SPECIALIZED DESANDERS INC.Inventor: Christopher HEMSTOCK