Patents by Inventor Eric Prim
Eric Prim 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: 20230072750Abstract: A method for carbon dioxide recycle stream processing with ethylene glycol dehydrating in an enhanced oil recovery process includes receiving a first carbon dioxide recycle stream from a hydrocarbon formation, adding ethylene glycol to the first carbon dioxide recycle stream to produce an ethylene glycol and carbon dioxide recycle stream, condensing the ethylene glycol and carbon dioxide stream to produce a multiphase stream, separating the multiphase stream into a water and ethylene glycol stream and a second carbon dioxide recycle stream, separating the water and ethylene glycol stream into a water stream and an ethylene glycol stream, and separating the second carbon dioxide recycle steam into a carbon dioxide reinjection stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2021Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Eric Prim, Mark Mathias
-
Publication number: 20210381759Abstract: A set of process equipment for use in an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process comprises first piping, a dehydrator, second piping, and a natural gas liquids recovery column. The first piping is configured to receive a wet carbon dioxide recycle stream from a recovery well. The dehydrator is configured to receive the wet carbon dioxide stream from the first piping and configured to dehydrate the wet carbon dioxide recycle stream using ethylene glycol to produce a dry carbon dioxide recycle stream. The second piping is configured to receive the dry carbon dioxide recycle stream from the dehydrator. The natural gas liquids recovery column is configured to receive the dry carbon dioxide recycle stream from the second piping and configured to separate the dry carbon dioxide recycle stream into a carbon dioxide reinjection stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Eric Prim, Mark Mathias
-
Patent number: 11125495Abstract: A method for recovering natural gas liquids from a recycle stream having natural gas liquids includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas, and the natural gas liquids. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide and the natural gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream, and the separator is coupled to the piping and is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 10995981Abstract: A method for recovering natural gas liquids from a recycle stream having natural gas is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas, and natural gas liquids is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide and the natural gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream, and the separator is coupled to the piping and is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20210102134Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream includes carbon dioxide and a first portion of C3 hydrocarbons from the carbon dioxide recycle stream. The natural gas liquids stream includes natural gas liquids and a second portion of the C3 hydrocarbons from the carbon dioxide recycle stream. The second portion of the C3 hydrocarbons contains a molar percentage of C3 hydrocarbons that is greater than a molar percentage of C3 hydrocarbons of the first portion of the C3 hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 10899987Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons with two multistage columns includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated in a first multistage column to produce a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated in a second multistage column to produce a liquefied petroleum stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The first multistage column and the second multistage column are the only two multistage columns used in the method.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 10852060Abstract: A process comprising separating a hydrocarbon feed stream into a natural gas-rich stream and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-rich stream using process equipment comprising only one multi-stage separation column, wherein the natural gas-rich stream has an energy content of less than or equal to about 1,300 British thermal units per cubic foot (Btu/ft3), and wherein the LPG-rich stream has a vapor pressure less than or equal to about 350 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). A process comprising separating a hydrocarbon feed stream into a top effluent stream and a LPG-rich stream, and subsequently expanding the top effluent stream to produce a natural gas-rich stream. An apparatus comprising a multi-stage separation column configured to separate a hydrocarbon feed stream into a top effluent stream and a LPG-rich stream, and an expander configured to expand the top effluent stream and produce a natural gas-rich stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 10844304Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons with two multistage columns includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated in a first multistage column to produce a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated in a second multistage column to produce a liquefied petroleum stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The first multistage column and the second multistage column are the only two multistage columns used in the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20200141638Abstract: A method for recovering natural gas liquids from a recycle stream having natural gas liquids includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas, and the natural gas liquids. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide and the natural gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream, and the separator is coupled to the piping and is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2020Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20200140772Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons with two multistage columns includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated in a first multistage column to produce a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated in a second multistage column to produce a liquefied petroleum stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The first multistage column and the second multistage column are the only two multistage columns used in the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2020Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20190264118Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons with two multistage columns includes receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated in a first multistage column to produce a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated in a second multistage column to produce a liquefied petroleum stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The first multistage column and the second multistage column are the only two multistage columns used in the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 10316260Abstract: A method comprises separating a hydrocarbon feed stream having carbon dioxide into a heavy hydrocarbon stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide-lean stream is fed to a hydrocarbon sweetening process. Another method comprises receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises 30 molar percent to 80 molar percent carbon dioxide. A heavy hydrocarbon stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the heavy hydrocarbon stream comprises at least 90 molar percent C3+ hydrocarbons. A carbon dioxide-rich stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the carbon dioxide-rich stream comprises at least 95 molar percent carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20190063826Abstract: A flare recovery method includes receiving a flare gas inlet stream that has C1-C8 hydrocarbons. The flare gas inlet stream is separated in a recovery column to produce a C1-C2 hydrocarbon stream and a C3-C8 hydrocarbon stream. The C3-C8 hydrocarbon stream is separated in a separation column to produce a C3 hydrocarbon stream and a C4-C8 hydrocarbon stream. The C4-C8 hydrocarbon stream is transported to a location for blending with crude oil. The C3 hydrocarbon stream is optionally recovered as a saleable product or is combined with the C1-C2 hydrocarbon stream to produce a flare gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2016Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20180291281Abstract: Included are processes and systems for upgrading off-spec crude oil. The processes and systems use a separator to take a sharp cut of a blend of off-spec crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) or butanes, so as to recover a valuable crude oil product from the separator. The processes and systems can be performed and located on an oil production site.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20170328632Abstract: A method for recovering natural gas liquids from a recycle stream having natural gas is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas, and natural gas liquids is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide and the natural gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream, and the separator is coupled to the piping and is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 9752826Abstract: A method for recovering natural gas liquids from a recycle stream having natural gas is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide, natural gas, and natural gas liquids is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide and the natural gas, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. In another embodiment, a system comprises piping and a separator. The piping is configured to receive a recycle stream, and the separator is coupled to the piping and is configured to separate the recycle stream into a purified recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 9751767Abstract: A method comprises receiving a carbon dioxide recycle stream having carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is fed to a catalytic reactor. The hydrocarbons are converted to carbon dioxide in the catalytic reactor by a catalytic reaction without combustion to form a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream. Electrical energy is generated by using heat produced by the catalytic reactor in the conversion. Another method comprises receiving a recycle stream having carbon dioxide, C1-C2 hydrocarbons, and C3+ hydrocarbons. The C3+ hydrocarbons are separated from the carbon dioxide and the C1-C2 hydrocarbons. The carbon dioxide and the C1-C2 hydrocarbons are fed to a catalytic reactor at a pressure greater than about 300 pounds per square inch (psi), and the C1-C2 hydrocarbons are converted to carbon dioxide, water, and heat.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 9574823Abstract: A method for recovering natural gas liquids without using cryogenic conditions, membranes, and carbon dioxide recovery solvents is provided. In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide recycle stream that comprises carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids is received. The carbon dioxide recycle stream is separated into a purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and a natural gas liquids stream. The purified carbon dioxide recycle stream comprises the carbon dioxide, and the natural gas liquids stream comprises the natural gas liquids. The carbon dioxide recycle stream, the purified carbon dioxide recycle stream, and the natural gas liquids are not subjected to cryogenic conditions, membranes, and carbon dioxide recovery solvents between being received and being separated into the purified carbon dioxide recycle stream and the natural gas liquids stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim
-
Publication number: 20170044449Abstract: A method comprises separating a hydrocarbon feed stream having carbon dioxide into a heavy hydrocarbon stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide-lean stream is fed to a hydrocarbon sweetening process. Another method comprises receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises 30 molar percent to 80 molar percent carbon dioxide. A heavy hydrocarbon stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the heavy hydrocarbon stream comprises at least 90 molar percent C3+ hydrocarbons. A carbon dioxide-rich stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the carbon dioxide-rich stream comprises at least 95 molar percent carbon dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventor: Eric Prim
-
Patent number: 9481834Abstract: A method comprises separating a hydrocarbon feed stream having carbon dioxide into a heavy hydrocarbon stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide-lean stream is fed to a hydrocarbon sweetening process. Another method comprises receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises 30 molar percent to 80 molar percent carbon dioxide. A heavy hydrocarbon stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the heavy hydrocarbon stream comprises at least 90 molar percent C3+ hydrocarbons. A carbon dioxide-rich stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the carbon dioxide-rich stream comprises at least 95 molar percent carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Pilot Energy Solutions, LLCInventor: Eric Prim