Patents by Inventor Edward A. Woerheide

Edward A. Woerheide 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).

  • Method and apparatus to maintain index steam quality in both outlet legs of a horizontal impact T junction
    Patent number: 5551469
    Abstract: Steam quality is maintained substantially equal in the two outlet legs of a horizontal impact T junction, as the mass extraction ratio in each leg varies, by orifice plates fixed in each outlet leg and bypass pipes connected between a point upstream of the junction and down stream of the respective orifice plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Woerheide
  • Method and apparatus for controlling phase splitting at branch T pipe junctions
    Patent number: 5415195
    Abstract: Unequal phase splitting at branch T pipe junctions, wherein the branch line is of substantially lesser diameter than the main line, is substantially eliminated by structure (either a weir or sump) in the main line which collects at least a portion of the liquid phase and a bypass line which connects the weir or sump to the branch line downstream of a constriction creating a reduced pressure section in the branch pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Stoy, Eric L. Berger, Edward A. Woerheide, James L. G. Schrodt
  • Device to equalize steam quality in pipe networks
    Patent number: 5407274
    Abstract: Steam quality at both outlets of a T junction is equalized by a static mixer immediately adjacent the inlet to the junction causing substantial homogenization of the liquid and vapor phases of wet steam entering the junction so that the steam exiting both legs of the junction will have substantially the same quality as the steam entering the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Woerheide, James R. Stoy, Mark T. Rubel
  • Method and apparatus to recycle production well casing vapor
    Patent number: 5390740
    Abstract: In a steam flood enhanced oil recovery operation, vapor and liquid in the casing annulus of the production wells is forwarded through a liquid separator with the thus separated vapor being forwarded to an eductor at the injection well where the vapor is mixed with incoming steam for injection and circulation through the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Woerheide