Patents by Inventor David W. Larkin

David W. Larkin 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: 20230323220
    Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
  • Patent number: 11713423
    Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul R. Davies, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, David W. Larkin, Qi Ma
  • Publication number: 20220260311
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Dale L. EMBRY, Paul R. DAVIES, Qi MA, David W. LARKIN, Michael J. CALDERON
  • Patent number: 11320197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, David W. Larkin, Michael J. Calderon
  • Publication number: 20210108147
    Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
  • Patent number: 10899974
    Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Paul R. Davies, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry, David W. Larkin, Qi Ma
  • Publication number: 20180273858
    Abstract: The invention relates to various nonlimiting embodiments that include methods, apparatuses or systems for processing natural gas comprising a heavies removal column processing natural gas and light oil reflux. The overhead stream goes to heavies treated natural gas storage. The heavies removal column reboiler bottoms stream product is input to a debutanizer column. The debutanizer column overhead lights are input to a flash drum where the bottoms is pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the debutanizer reboiler bottoms product is stored as stabilized condensate. Alternatively, debutanizer column overhead lights are sent to heavies treated gas storage and the bottoms stream product goes to a depentanizer column, the overhead lights are pumped through a heat exchanger as a light oil reflux input to the heavies removal column, while the depentanizer reboiler bottoms product is stabilized condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Paul R. DAVIES, Michael J. CALDERON, Dale L. EMBRY, David W. LARKIN, Qi MA
  • Publication number: 20180266757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Dale L. EMBRY, Paul R. DAVIES, Qi MA, David W. LARKIN, Michael J. CALDERON
  • Publication number: 20150308231
    Abstract: Methods and systems generate steam for oil recovery operations. The systems may limit feedwater pretreatment expenses and fouling issues. In the method, dirty feedwater introduced into a vessel containing a hot liquid hydrocarbon, e.g., an already hot produced hydrocarbon, contacts the hydrocarbon and is vaporized into steam. The steam collects in a top of the vessel and may be conveyed to the wellhead for downhole injection. The hydrocarbon remains heated by a closed circulation loop passing back and forth through a lower half of the vessel containing the hydrocarbon. The fluid in this loop remains isolated from contaminates in the water to limit fouling in tubes, which form the loop and can employ normal metallurgy to save on capital costs. The hydrocarbon can be treated as needed to remove accumulating salts and/or entrained water and recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventor: David W. LARKIN
  • Publication number: 20150096754
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to vaporizing water into steam, which may be utilized in applications such as bitumen production. Initial indirect vaporization of the water at a first pressure for treatment precedes a steam generator boiling the water at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. The indirect vaporization of the water occurs in a vessel upon contact of the water with a substance such as solid particulate heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Impurities in the water deposit on the solid particulate and/or combust limiting pass through of the impurities to the steam generator given that a vapor output of the vessel from the initial indirect vaporization condenses and is pressurized before being supplied to the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: David W. LARKIN, Peter N. SLATER, Kening GONG
  • Publication number: 20140165929
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to vaporizing water into steam, which may be utilized in applications such as bitumen production. The methods rely on indirect boiling of the water by contact with a substance such as solid particulate heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Heating of the solid particulate may utilize pressure isolated heat exchanger units or a hot gas recirculation circuit at a pressure corresponding to that desired for the steam. Further, the water may form part of a mixture that contacts the solid particulate and includes a solvent for the bitumen in order to limit vaporization energy requirements and facilitate the production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventor: David W. LARKIN
  • Publication number: 20140166538
    Abstract: Systems and methods generate steam in hydrocarbon recovery operations and may further enable emulsion separation and product upgrading. The methods rely on indirect boiling of water by contact with a thermal transfer liquid heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Examples of the liquid include oils, recovered hydrocarbons, liquid metals and brine. Heating of the liquid may utilize circulation of the liquid across or through a furnace, heat exchangers, or a gas-liquid contactor supplied with hot gas. Further, a solvent for bitumen introduced into the water may also vaporize upon contact with the thermal transfer liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. LARKIN, Peter N. SLATER, Richard D. SADOK
  • Publication number: 20140166281
    Abstract: Systems and methods generate steam in hydrocarbon recovery operations and may further enable emulsion separation and product upgrading. The methods rely on indirect boiling of water by contact with a thermal transfer liquid heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Examples of the liquid include oils, recovered hydrocarbons, liquid metals and brine. Heating of the liquid may utilize circulation of the liquid across or through a furnace, heat exchangers, or a gas-liquid contactor supplied with hot gas. Further, a solvent for bitumen introduced into the water may also vaporize upon contact with the thermal transfer liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. LARKIN, Peter N. SLATER, Christopher R. COPELAND, Richard D. SADOK
  • Publication number: 20140165928
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to vaporizing water into steam, which may be utilized in applications such as bitumen production. The methods rely on indirect boiling of the water by contact with a substance such as solid particulate heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Heating of the solid particulate may utilize pressure isolated heat exchanger units or a hot gas recirculation circuit at a pressure corresponding to that desired for the steam. Further, the water may form part of a mixture that contacts the solid particulate and includes a solvent for the bitumen in order to limit vaporization energy requirements and facilitate the production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. LARKIN, Scott D. LOVE, Scott MACADAM, Peter N. SLATER, Edward G. LATIMER, Richard B. MILLER
  • Publication number: 20140165930
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to vaporizing water into steam, which may be utilized in applications such as bitumen production. The methods rely on indirect boiling of the water by contact with a substance such as solid particulate heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Heating of the solid particulate may utilize pressure isolated heat exchanger units or a hot gas recirculation circuit at a pressure corresponding to that desired for the steam. Further, the water may form part of a mixture that contacts the solid particulate and includes a solvent for the bitumen in order to limit vaporization energy requirements and facilitate the production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. LARKIN, Scott D. LOVE, Scott MACADAM, Peter N. SLATER
  • Publication number: 20130244312
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to removal of carbon dioxide from industrial gas streams. Processes and systems are disclosed for capturing carbon dioxide from a combustion flue gas or from uncombusted natural gas by contacting with an amine blend in a first step, and an advanced solvent in a second step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. Larkin, Clint P. Aichele, Debangshu Guha
  • Patent number: 8182672
    Abstract: A process for preparing basestocks having superior low temperature properties at high viscosity index (VI). More particularly, a waxy feedstock is contacted with a first dewaxing catalyst having a refined constraint index (CI*) 2.0 or less followed by contacting with a second dewaxing catalyst having a refined constraint index greater than 2.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michel Daage, David W. Larkin, William J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7662273
    Abstract: A process for producing lube oil basestocks wherein a wax containing lube oil boiling range feedstream is converted into a basestock suitable for use in motor oil applications by contacting it with a hydrodewaxing catalyst containing a medium pore molecular sieve having deposited thereon an active metal oxide and at least one hydrogenation metal selected from the Group VIII and Group VIB metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William J. Murphy, Stuart L. Soled, Ian A. Cody, David W. Larkin, Terry E. Helton, Gary B. McVicker
  • Patent number: 7638453
    Abstract: A catalyst composition containing a medium pore molecular sieve having deposited thereon an active metal oxide and at least one hydrogenation metal selected from the Group VIII and Group VIB metals for use in hydrodewaxing lube oil boiling range feedstreams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William J. Murphy, Stuart L. Soled, Ian A. Cody, David W. Larkin, Terry E. Helton, Gary B. McVicker
  • Publication number: 20090166252
    Abstract: A process for preparing basestocks having superior low temperature properties at high viscosity index (VI). More particularly, a waxy feedstock is contacted with a first dewaxing catalyst having a refined constraint index (CI*) 2.0 or less followed by contacting with a second dewaxing catalyst having a refined constraint index greater than 2.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Michel Daage, David W. Larkin, William J. Murphy