Patents by Inventor Duc Thanh Tran

Duc Thanh Tran 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: 11940084
    Abstract: A monolithic metal thermal insulating sleeve liner for fluid flow devices such as valves and piping used in severe industrial applications is additively manufactured (e.g., by 3D printing) to fit the bore of a protected fluid flow device. Tessellated support structures obliquely extending between inside surfaces of inner and outer shells provide increased resistance to thermal conduction while also providing increased strength against compression forces. Example support structures include an array of four obliquely oriented elongated members mutually intersecting mid-way between the inside surfaces of inner and outer cylindrical shells. If internal interstices are sealed they can be vacuumed or pressurized to enhance thermal insulating properties. A pressure equalizing aperture can be provided on or through the sleeve if needed in some applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: VELAN INC.
    Inventors: Luc David Vernhes, Fadila Khelfaoui, Alfredo Vincenzo Costantini, Duc Thanh Tran
  • Publication number: 20230204116
    Abstract: A two-piece valve shell (body and bolted-on top bonnet) structure reduces possible leakage paths while also providing a top-side ball/stem installation/removal path (when the bonnet piece is not present) to facilitate initial valve assembly as well as subsequent inspection/removal of the ball/stem and other valve internals for conducting valve maintenance without requiring the valve body to be removed from its process connections. Internal wetted valve surfaces are coated with tantalum to provide a tantalum ball valve suitable for use as a sulfuric acid feed valve in severe high-temperature high-pressure industrial processes such as HPAL processes. Sealing cavities created by spaced-apart body-to-bonnet and/or stem-to-bonnet sealing structures can be inertly pressurized to hermetically isolate the sealing structures from ingress/leakage of corrosive process materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Nicolas Hervé François LOURDEL, Michel Sylvain Mario PAQUIN, Fadila KHELFAOUI, Luc David VERNHES, Vinh Van NGUYEN, Duc Thanh TRAN
  • Publication number: 20230074937
    Abstract: A two-piece valve shell (body and bolted-on top bonnet having external fins to dissipate heat) structure reduces possible leakage paths while also providing a top-side ball/stem installation/removal path (when the bonnet piece is not present) to facilitate initial valve assembly as well as subsequent inspection/removal of the ball/stem and other valve internals for conducting valve maintenance without requiring the valve body to be removed from its process connections. In some implementations, a second/bottom bonnet is also attached to the body such that it covers another opening to the ball cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Nicolas Hervé François LOURDEL, Michel Sylvain Mario PAQUIN, Fadila KHELFAOUI, Luc David VERNHES, Vinh Van NGUYEN, Duc Thanh TRAN
  • Patent number: 11530591
    Abstract: A plug valve including a valve body defining an internal cavity, a first passage, and a second passage, a plug defining a third passage and being rotatable within the internal cavity, and an insert extending within the internal cavity between the valve body and the plug. The insert defines an interior surface and an opening aligned with the first passage of the valve body. The insert may also define a sealing surface extending around the opening and standing in relief against the interior surface to sealingly engage the plug. In addition to, or instead of, the sealing surface, the insert may define a projection at least partially defining the interior surface. In addition, a boot may be connected to the valve body and interlocked with the projection to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of the insert relative to the valve body when the plug rotates within the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran
  • Patent number: 11448032
    Abstract: A system for supplying fracturing fluid to a fracturing tree coupled to a wellhead comprising: a zipper module having a lower block with a first opening configured to receive the fracturing fluid, the lower block being independently rotatable at a swivel assembly around a vertical axis relative to the lower block; an upper block with a second opening configured to dispel the fracturing fluid, the upper block being independently rotatable at a swivel connection around the vertical axis; an internal flow path between the upper block and the lower block; and a fluid conduit between the zipper module and the fracturing tree comprising at least one pipe, wherein the at least one pipe defines a first straight flow path between the zipper module and the fracturing tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas PC LLC
    Inventors: Duc Thanh Tran, Matthew Thomas Robinson Webster, Ray Dicksang Pang, Keith Murdoch
  • Patent number: 11421504
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20220252206
    Abstract: A thermal insulating sleeve liner for fluid flow devices such as valves and piping used in severe industrial applications is preferably additively manufactured (e.g., by 3D printing) to fit into the bore of a protected fluid flow device. Internal interstices and/or external ribs provide added thermal insulation. An integrally formed end-lip or a separate end-cap secures and/or locates the sleeve liner within the protected fluid flow device between different diameter distal and proximal portions of the bore. If internal interstices are sealed they can be vacuumed or pressurized to enhance thermal insulating properties. Fitted dimensions are sufficiently small to prevent ingress of thermally conductive particles circulating in use within the flow path of the protected flow device. A pressure equalizing aperture can be provided on or through the sleeve if needed in some applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Luc David VERNHES, Fadila KHELFAOUI, Alfredo Vincenzo COSTANTINI, Duc Thanh TRAN
  • Patent number: 11149514
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SPM Oil & Gas Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20210215014
    Abstract: A system for supplying fracturing fluid to a fracturing tree coupled to a wellhead comprising: a zipper module having a lower block with a first opening configured to receive the fracturing fluid, the lower block being independently rotatable at a swivel assembly around a vertical axis relative to the lower block; an upper block with a second opening configured to dispel the fracturing fluid, the upper block being independently rotatable at a swivel connection around the vertical axis; an internal flow path between the upper block and the lower block; and a fluid conduit between the zipper module and the fracturing tree comprising at least one pipe, wherein the at least one pipe defines a first straight flow path between the zipper module and the fracturing tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Seaboard International LLC
    Inventors: Duc Thanh Tran, Matthew Thomas Robinson Webster, Ray Dicksang Pang, Keith Murdoch
  • Patent number: 10968717
    Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which a hydraulic fracturing fluid is communicated to a wellhead, the apparatus including a fracturing tree connected to the wellhead and into which the hydraulic fracturing fluid is adapted to flow, a fluid conduit connected to the fracturing tree and through which the hydraulic fracturing fluid is adapted to flow before flowing into the fracturing tree, the fluid conduit defining a straight fluid flow path, and a zipper module connected to the fluid conduit and out of which the hydraulic fracturing fluid is adapted to flow before flowing through the fluid conduit. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the straight fluid flow path of the fluid conduit upon flowing out of the zipper module, and continues to so flow along the straight fluid flow path until the hydraulic fracturing fluid flows into the fracturing tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Seaboard International, LLC
    Inventors: Duc Thanh Tran, Matthew Thomas Robinson Webster, Ray Dicksang Pang, Keith Murdoch
  • Publication number: 20210018136
    Abstract: A monolithic metal thermal insulating sleeve liner for fluid flow devices such as valves and piping used in severe industrial applications is additively manufactured (e.g., by 3D printing) to fit the bore of a protected fluid flow device. Tessellated support structures obliquely extending between inside surfaces of inner and outer shells provide increased resistance to thermal conduction while also providing increased strength against compression forces. Example support structures include an array of four obliquely oriented elongated members mutually intersecting mid-way between the inside surfaces of inner and outer cylindrical shells. If internal interstices are sealed they can be vacuumed or pressurized to enhance thermal insulating properties. A pressure equalizing aperture can be provided on or through the sleeve if needed in some applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Luc David VERNHES, Fadila KHELFAOUI, Alfredo Vincenzo COSTANTINI, Duc Thanh TRAN
  • Publication number: 20210017830
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20200362666
    Abstract: An oil and gas configuration is disclosed that creates and uses a single straight-line fluid path between a zipper module and a fracturing (or Christmas) tree. The single straight-line fluid path is created through connecting a series of valves (e.g., manual or automatic gate or plug valves) that coaxially share inner fluid passageways for transporting hydraulic fracturing fluid between the zipper module and the fracturing tree. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the single straight-line fluid path upon from the zipper module to the fracturing tree. The fracturing tree is equipped with a multi-way block that directs—through one or more internal angled walls—the hydraulic fracturing fluid downward and toward a wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: SEABOARD INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Duc Thanh Tran
  • Patent number: 10808488
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20200256149
    Abstract: A plug valve including a valve body defining an internal cavity, a first passage, and a second passage, a plug defining a third passage and being rotatable within the internal cavity, and an insert extending within the internal cavity between the valve body and the plug. The insert defines an interior surface and an opening aligned with the first passage of the valve body. The insert may also define a sealing surface extending around the opening and standing in relief against the interior surface to sealingly engage the plug. In addition to, or instead of, the sealing surface, the insert may define a projection at least partially defining the interior surface. In addition, a boot may be connected to the valve body and interlocked with the projection to prevent, or at least reduce, rotation of the insert relative to the valve body when the plug rotates within the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. WITKOWSKI, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh TRAN
  • Patent number: 10738569
    Abstract: An oil and gas configuration is disclosed that creates and uses a single straight-line fluid path between a zipper module and a fracturing (or Christmas) tree. The single straight-line fluid path is created through connecting a series of valves (e.g., manual or automatic gate or plug valves) that coaxially share inner fluid passageways for transporting hydraulic fracturing fluid between the zipper module and the fracturing tree. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the single straight-line fluid path upon from the zipper module to the fracturing tree. The fracturing tree is equipped with a multi-way block that directs—through one or more internal angled walls—the hydraulic fracturing fluid downward and toward a wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Seaboard International Inc.
    Inventor: Duc Thanh Tran
  • Publication number: 20200115986
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL, INC.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Patent number: 10526862
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20190234171
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
  • Publication number: 20190010781
    Abstract: An oil and gas configuration is disclosed that creates and uses a single straight-line fluid path between a zipper module and a fracturing (or Christmas) tree. The single straight-line fluid path is created through connecting a series of valves (e.g., manual or automatic gate or plug valves) that coaxially share inner fluid passageways for transporting hydraulic fracturing fluid between the zipper module and the fracturing tree. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the single straight-line fluid path upon from the zipper module to the fracturing tree. The fracturing tree is equipped with a multi-way block that directs—through one or more internal angled walls—the hydraulic fracturing fluid downward and toward a wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventor: Duc Thanh Tran