Patents by Inventor G. Michael Shook

G. Michael Shook 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: 20150226061
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer implemented method and system for determining a flow geometry of a subsurface reservoir, as well as a method of hydrocarbon production with flooding. A general embodiment of the disclosure is a method for determining a flow geometry of a subsurface reservoir, the method comprising: (a) receiving production related data for the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is associated with a flooding operation; (b) generation a heterogeneity factor from the production related data; (c) calculating a flow geometry of displacement of hydrocarbons from the reservoir responsive to the heterogeneity factor; and (d) outputting the flow geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: G. Michael Shook
  • Patent number: 7283422
    Abstract: Methods for determining the existence and characteristics of a gradational pressurized zone within a subterranean formation are disclosed. One embodiment involves employing an attenuation relationship between a seismic response signal and increasing wavelet wavelength, which relationship may be used to detect a gradational pressurized zone and/or determine characteristics thereof. In another embodiment, a method for analyzing data contained within a response signal for signal characteristics that may change in relation to the distance between an input signal source and the gradational pressurized zone is disclosed. In a further embodiment, the relationship between response signal wavelet frequency and comparative amplitude may be used to estimate an optimal wavelet wavelength or range of wavelengths used for data processing or input signal selection. Systems for seismic exploration and data analysis for practicing the above-mentioned method embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: G. Michael Shook, Samuel D. LeRoy, William M. Benzing
  • Patent number: 7079449
    Abstract: Methods for determining the existence and characteristics of a gradational pressurized zone within a subterranean formation are disclosed. One embodiment involves employing an attenuation relationship between a seismic response signal and increasing wavelet wavelength, which relationship may be used to detect a gradational pressurized zone and/or determine characteristics thereof. In another embodiment, a method for analyzing data contained within a response signal for signal characteristics that may change in relation to the distance between an input signal source and the gradational pressurized zone is disclosed. In a further embodiment, the relationship between response signal wavelet frequency and comparative amplitude may be used to estimate an optimal wavelet wavelength or range of wavelengths used for data processing or input signal selection. Systems for seismic exploration and data analysis for practicing the above-mentioned method embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Batelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: G. Michael Shook, Samuel D. LeRoy, William M. Benzing
  • Publication number: 20040184348
    Abstract: Methods for determining the existence and characteristics of a gradational pressurized zone within a subterranean formation are disclosed. One embodiment involves employing an attenuation relationship between a seismic response signal and increasing wavelet wavelength, which relationship may be used to detect a gradational pressurized zone and/or determine characteristics thereof. In another embodiment, a method for analyzing data contained within a response signal for signal characteristics that may change in relation to the distance between an input signal source and the gradational pressurized zone is disclosed. In a further embodiment, the relationship between response signal wavelet frequency and comparative amplitude may be used to estimate an optimal wavelet wavelength or range of wavelengths used for data processing or input signal selection. Systems for seismic exploration and data analysis for practicing the above-mentioned method embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: G. Michael Shook, Samuel D. LeRoy, William M. Benzing
  • Patent number: 6511601
    Abstract: A method and system for extraction of chemicals from an groundwater remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. McMurtrey, Daniel M. Ginosar, Kenneth S. Moor, G. Michael Shook, Donna L. Barker
  • Patent number: 6402952
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of chemicals from an aquifer remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating aquifers contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan D. McMurtrey, Daniel M. Ginosar, Kenneth S. Moor, G. Michael Shook, John M. Moses, Donna L. Barker
  • Publication number: 20020011442
    Abstract: A method and system for extraction of chemicals from an groundwater remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating groundwater contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Ryan D. McMurtrey, Daniel M. Ginosar, Kenneth S. Moor, G. Michael Shook, Donna L. Barker
  • Publication number: 20020008070
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of chemicals from an aquifer remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating aquifers contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Ryan D. McMurtrey, Daniel M. Ginosar, Kenneth S. Moor, G. Michael Shook, John M. Moses, Donna L. Barker
  • Patent number: 5993660
    Abstract: A method for controlling vertical migration of contaminants in an aquifer includes introduction of a solubilizing solution having a surfactant and an alcohol or other light co-solvent. The surfactant is selected to solubilize the contaminant. The alcohol or other solvent is selected to provide the microemulsion with a substantially neutral buoyancy with respect to groundwater. The neutral buoyancy of the microemulsion prevents the normal downward movement which is typical of the solubilized dense non-aqueous phase liquid in surfactant-enhanced aquifer remediation. Thus, the risk that any significant amount of the solubilized dense non-aqueous contaminants will migrate vertically can be controlled. The relative tendency for vertical migration may also be reduced by increasing the injection rate or injected fluid viscosity (by adding polymer), or by reducing the well spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company
    Inventors: G. Michael Shook, Gary A. Pope