Patents by Inventor Curt Graham

Curt Graham 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: 20230349633
    Abstract: A natural gas liquid plant is retrofitted with a bolt-on unit that includes an absorber that is coupled to an existing demethanizer by refrigeration produced at least in part by compression and expansion of the residue gas, wherein ethane recovery can be increased to at least 99% and propane recovery is at least 99%, and where a lower ethane recovery of 96% is required, the bolt-on unit does not require the absorber, which could be optimum solution for revamping an existing facility. Contemplated configurations are especially advantageous to be used as bolt-on upgrades to existing plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: John MAK, Sabrina DEVONE, James SHIH, Curt GRAHAM
  • Patent number: 11725879
    Abstract: A natural gas liquid plant is retrofitted with a bolt-on unit that includes an absorber that is coupled to an existing demethanizer by refrigeration produced at least in part by compression and expansion of the residue gas, wherein ethane recovery can be increased to at least 99% and propane recovery is at least 99%, and where a lower ethane recovery of 96% is required, the bolt-on unit does not require the absorber, which could be optimum solution for revamping an existing facility. Contemplated configurations are especially advantageous to be used as bolt-on upgrades to existing plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John Mak, Sabrina Devone, James Shih, Curt Graham
  • Patent number: 11641804
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor comprising a left camera and a right camera. A processor is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to produce an image and disparity data for the image, and search for a vertical object within the image using the disparity data. The processor is also configured to determine whether the vertical object is a bale of material using the image, and compute an orientation of the bale relative to the sensor using the disparity data. The sensor and processor can be mounted for use on an autonomous bale mover comprising an integral power system, a ground-drive system, a bale loading system, and a bale carrying system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jake Fevold, Edmond Dupont, Kristopher Kozak, Darin L. Dux, Curt Graham, Kent Thompson
  • Patent number: 11365933
    Abstract: A LNG liquefaction plant includes a propane recovery unit including an inlet for a feed gas, a first outlet for a LPG, and a second outlet for an ethane-rich feed gas, an ethane recovery unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the ethane-rich feed gas, a first outlet for an ethane liquid, and a second outlet for a methane-rich feed gas, and a LNG liquefaction unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the methane-rich feed gas, a refrigerant to cool the methane-rich feed gas, and an outlet for a LNG. The LNG plant may also include a stripper, an absorber, and a separator configured to separate the feed gas into a stripper liquid and an absorber vapor. The stripper liquid can be converted to an overhead stream used as a reflux stream to the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Mak, Jacob Thomas, Curt Graham
  • Publication number: 20210342628
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor comprising a left camera and a right camera. A processor is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to produce an image and disparity data for the image, and search for a vertical object within the image using the disparity data. The processor is also configured to determine whether the vertical object is a bale of material using the image, and compute an orientation of the bale relative to the sensor using the disparity data. The sensor and processor can be mounted for use on an autonomous bale mover comprising an integral power system, a ground-drive system, a bale loading system, and a bale carrying system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jake Fevold, Edmond Dupont, Kristopher Kozak, Darin L. Dux, Curt Graham, Kent Thompson
  • Publication number: 20200370824
    Abstract: A method for removing heavy hydrocarbons from a feed gas by: feeding, into an absorber, a top reflux stream and a second reflux stream below the top reflux stream, wherein the absorber produces an absorber bottom product stream and an absorber overhead product stream; depressurizing and feeding the absorber bottom product stream to a stripper to produce a stripper bottom product stream and a stripper overhead product stream; cooling and feeding a portion of the absorber overhead product stream back to the absorber as the top reflux stream; and pressurizing and feeding the stripper overhead product stream back to the absorber as the second reflux stream. Systems for carrying out the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John MAK, Jacob THOMAS, Dhirav PATEL, Curt GRAHAM, Irene ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20200141639
    Abstract: A natural gas liquid plant is retrofitted with a bolt-on unit that includes an absorber that is coupled to an existing demethanizer by refrigeration produced at least in part by compression and expansion of the residue gas, wherein ethane recovery can be increased to at least 99% and propane recovery is at least 99%, and where a lower ethane recovery of 96% is required, the bolt-on unit does not require the absorber, which could be optimum solution for revamping an existing facility. Contemplated configurations are especially advantageous to be used as bolt-on upgrades to existing plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John MAK, Sabrina DEVONE, James SHIH, Curt GRAHAM
  • Patent number: 10590358
    Abstract: A system for processing a gas stream can include an acid gas removal unit comprising a first absorber unit, a compressor, and a second absorber unit. The first absorber unit is configured to receive a feed gas stream containing organic sulfur species and acid gas components, remove at least a portion of the organic sulfur species and acid gas components using a semi-rich solvent at a first pressure, produce a semi-treated gas stream, and produce a rich solvent stream. The compressor unit is configured to compress the semi-treated gas stream from the first pressure to a higher second pressure. The second absorber unit is configured to receive the compressed semi-treated gas stream, remove at least a portion of any organic sulfur species and acid gas components present in the compressed semi-treated gas stream using a lean solvent, produce the semi-rich solvent stream, and produce a treated gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven van Wagensveld, Curt Graham, Dave Schulte, Bryant Lynch
  • Publication number: 20190294914
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sensor (102) comprising a left camera (102a) and a right camera (102b). A processor (104) is coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to produce an image and disparity data for the image, and search for a vertical object (122a, 122b) within the image using the disparity data. The processor is also configured to determine whether the vertical object is a bale of material using the image, and compute an orientation of the bale relative to the sensor using the disparity data. The sensor and processor can be mounted for use on an autonomous bale mover comprising an integral power system, a ground-drive system, a bale loading system, and a bale carrying system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jake Fevold, Edmond Dupont, Kristopher Kozak, Darin L. Dux, Curt Graham, Kent Thompson
  • Publication number: 20190292474
    Abstract: A system for processing a gas stream can include an acid gas removal unit comprising a first absorber unit, a compressor, and a second absorber unit. The first absorber unit is configured to receive a feed gas stream containing organic sulfur species and acid gas components, remove at least a portion of the organic sulfur species and acid gas components using a semi-rich solvent at a first pressure, produce a semi-treated gas stream, and produce a rich solvent stream. The compressor unit is configured to compress the semi-treated gas stream from the first pressure to a higher second pressure. The second absorber unit is configured to receive the compressed semi-treated gas stream, remove at least a portion of any organic sulfur species and acid gas components present in the compressed semi-treated gas stream using a lean solvent, produce the semi-rich solvent stream, and produce a treated gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven van Wagensveld, Curt Graham, Dave Schulte, Bryant Lynch
  • Publication number: 20190242645
    Abstract: A LNG liquefaction plant includes a propane recovery unit including an inlet for a feed gas, a first outlet for a LPG, and a second outlet for an ethane-rich feed gas, an ethane recovery unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the ethane-rich feed gas, a first outlet for an ethane liquid, and a second outlet for a methane-rich feed gas, and a LNG liquefaction unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the methane-rich feed gas, a refrigerant to cool the methane-rich feed gas, and an outlet for a LNG. The LNG plant may also include a stripper, an absorber, and a separator configured to separate the feed gas into a stripper liquid and an absorber vapor. The stripper liquid can be converted to an overhead stream used as a reflux stream to the absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John MAK, Jacob THOMAS, Curt Graham
  • Patent number: 10358614
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for processing a gas stream and for removing mercaptans from a feed stream. A method may comprise compressing a semi-treated gas stream, wherein the semi-treated gas stream comprises organic sulfur species and acid gas components; contacting the semi-treated gas stream with a lean solvent; removing at least a portion of the organic sulfur species and acid gas components from the semi-treated gas stream to produce a treated gas stream and a semi-rich solvent stream; contacting a feed gas stream with the semi-rich solvent, wherein the feed gas stream comprises organic sulfur species and acid gas components; and removing at least a portion of the organic sulfur species and acid gas components from the feed gas stream to produce the semi-treated gas stream based on contacting the semi-rich solvent with the feed gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven van Wagensveld, Curt Graham, Dave Schulte, Bryant Lynch
  • Patent number: 10330382
    Abstract: A LNG liquefaction plant includes a propane recovery unit including an inlet for a feed gas, a first outlet for a LPG, and a second outlet for an ethane-rich feed gas, an ethane recovery unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the ethane-rich feed gas, a first outlet for an ethane liquid, and a second outlet for a methane-rich feed gas, and a LNG liquefaction unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the methane-rich feed gas, a refrigerant to cool the methane-rich feed gas, and an outlet for a LNG. The LNG plant may also include a stripper, an absorber, and a separator configured to separate the feed gas into a stripper liquid and an absorber vapor. The stripper liquid can be converted to an overhead stream used as a reflux stream to the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John Mak, Jacob Thomas, Curt Graham
  • Publication number: 20180222822
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for processing a gas stream and for removing mercaptans from a feed stream. A method may comprise compressing a semi-treated gas stream, wherein the semi-treated gas stream comprises organic sulfur species and acid gas components; contacting the semi-treated gas stream with a lean solvent; removing at least a portion of the organic sulfur species and acid gas components from the semi-treated gas stream to produce a treated gas stream and a semi-rich solvent stream; contacting a feed gas stream with the semi-rich solvent, wherein the feed gas stream comprises organic sulfur species and acid gas components; and removing at least a portion of the organic sulfur species and acid gas components from the feed gas stream to produce the semi-treated gas stream based on contacting the semi-rich solvent with the feed gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Steven van Wagensveld, Curt Graham, Dave Schulte, Bryant Lynch
  • Patent number: 9884291
    Abstract: A system for reducing SO2 emissions comprises a hydrogenation reactor, a tail gas cooler, a contact condenser, a hydrolysis reactor, and an absorber. The hydrogenation reactor is configured to receive a Claus tail gas and convert at least a portion of SO2 in the Claus tail gas to H2S to produce a hydrogenated Claus tail gas stream. The hydrolysis reactor is configured to convert at least a portion of COS to H2S. The absorber comprises an amine-based solvent and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the H2S and recycle the H2S to the Claus plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas King Chow, Curt Graham
  • Publication number: 20170370641
    Abstract: A system for the removal of nitrogen from a liquid natural gas (LNG) stream. The system. comprises a feed heat changer and a stripper column. The heat receives the LNG stream and cools the LNG stream via heat exchange with a stripper column side-draw stream to yield a cooled LNG stream and a heated side-draw stream. The stripper column receives the cooled LNG stream at a first tray and the heated side-draw stream. The stripper column produces the stripper column side-draw stream, a stripper column overhead stream, and a stripper column bottom stream. The stripper column side-draw stream is taken from the stripper column at a second tray. The second tray is at least about 15 feet higher than the feed heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: John Mak, Jacob Thomas, Curt Graham
  • Publication number: 20170336137
    Abstract: A LNG liquefaction plant includes a propane recovery unit including an inlet for a feed gas, a first outlet for a LPG, and a second outlet for an ethane-rich feed gas, an ethane recovery unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the ethane-rich feed gas, a first outlet for an ethane liquid, and a second outlet for a methane-rich feed gas, and a LNG liquefaction unit including an inlet coupled to the second outlet for the methane-rich feed gas, a refrigerant to cool the methane-rich feed gas, and an outlet for a LNG. The LNG plant may also include a stripper, an absorber, and a separator configured to separate the feed gas into a stripper liquid and an absorber vapor. The stripper liquid can be converted to an overhead stream used as a reflux stream to the absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: John Mak, Jacob Thomas, Curt Graham
  • Patent number: 9821267
    Abstract: Elemental sulfur carrying capacity of a hydrocarbonaceous solvent is improved by first loading the solvent with sulfur and subsequent hydrotreatment under conditions that convert at least some of the elemental sulfur in the sulfur loaded solvent to hydrogen sulfide while preserving at least 95% of the monoaromatic and polyaromatic components in the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Curt Graham, Garry Jacobs, Jesus Cabrera, Ghaith Aljazzar
  • Publication number: 20170036163
    Abstract: A system for reducing SO2 emissions comprises a hydrogenation reactor, a tail gas cooler, a contact condenser, a hydrolysis reactor, and an absorber. The hydrogenation reactor is configured to receive a Claus tail gas and convert at least a portion of SO2 in the Claus tail gas to H2S to produce a hydrogenated Claus tail gas stream. The hydrolysis reactor is configured to convert at least a portion of COS to H2S. The absorber comprises an amine-based solvent and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the H2S and recycle the H2S to the Claus plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas King Chow, Curt Graham
  • Patent number: 9560806
    Abstract: Apparatus for gathering bales that substantially match conveyor speed to ground speed. Methods for gathering bales that use such apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Forage Innovations B.V.
    Inventors: Darin Dux, Kent Thompson, Curt Graham