Patents by Inventor Frans Greebe

Frans Greebe 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: 4800921
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gravity influenced liquid distribution within a substantially horizontal header which receives a liquid-vapor mixture in annular flow from a supply line and divides that single stream into multiple streams, each flowing through a branchline to deliver substantially uniform quality liquid-vapor mixture to a nearby site. The header is substantially horizontal and each branchline is connected to the periphery of the header further downstream and relatively lower on the periphery of the header than the preceding branchline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventor: Frans Greebe
  • Patent number: 4676318
    Abstract: A method of reducing the permeability of an area of a subterranean formation is disclosed. An alkali metal silicate foam is produced by injecting into the formation a solution of alkali metal silicate and a chemical surfactant, and a non-condensible gas. The foam hardens into a substantially impermeable solid. The foam may be used to reduce permeability in areas of the formation which have been steam swept during steam stimulation cycles. Thus, subsequent steam stimulation cycles will be directed to uncontacted areas of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Myers, Frans Greebe
  • Patent number: 4574837
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting a portion of a two-phase fluid from a trunk pipeline, having a known flow profile, into a branch pipeline while maintaining substantially equal quality in both pipelines. Openings are placed in the trunk pipeline wall such that fluid samples which approximate the flow profile are withdrawn through the openings. The withdrawn fluid is collected in an enclosed chamber and transported through the branch pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Co.
    Inventors: Mohamed A. Aggour, Frans Greebe