Patents by Inventor Helmuth J. Heneman

Helmuth J. Heneman 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: 10066471
    Abstract: A method of increasing recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs, and particularly from those located in tight formations, is disclosed. One aspect includes calculating the in situ fractured formation wettability from real-time measurement of flowback volume and composition. Another aspect includes determining the composition of the fracturing fluid, the overflush or both, that will achieve higher liquid hydrocarbon recovery by increasing the water wettability of rock surfaces within the reservoir. Monitoring of rock-surface wettability through flowback volume and composition profiles allows the above mentioned injectates to be adjusted in the field to achieve maximal recovery. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick V. Brady, Charles R. Bryan, Helmuth J. Heneman
  • Publication number: 20170356281
    Abstract: A method of increasing recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from subsurface reservoirs, and particularly from those located in tight formations, is disclosed. One aspect includes calculating the in situ fractured formation wettability from real-time measurement of flowback volume and composition. Another aspect includes determining the composition of the fracturing fluid, the overflush or both, that will achieve higher liquid hydrocarbon recovery by increasing the water wettability of rock surfaces within the reservoir. Monitoring of rock-surface wettability through flowback volume and composition profiles allows the above mentioned injectates to be adjusted in the field to achieve maximal recovery. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick V. Brady, Charles R. Bryan, Helmuth J. Heneman
  • Patent number: 9727928
    Abstract: A method of selecting an injectate for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes designing a plurality of injectates, calculating a net present value of each injectate, and selecting a candidate injectate based on the net present value. For example, the candidate injectate may be selected to maximize the net present value of a waterflooding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Helmuth J. Heneman, Patrick V. Brady
  • Publication number: 20140311750
    Abstract: A method of selecting an injectate for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes designing a plurality of injectates, calculating a net present value of each injectate, and selecting a candidate injectate based on the net present value. For example, the candidate injectate may be selected to maximize the net present value of a waterflooding operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: NRG Systems Inc., Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Helmuth J. Heneman, Patrick V. Brady
  • Patent number: 6026349
    Abstract: An energy storage and distribution system provides energy from a first energy related infrastructure characterized by a first energy grid to a second energy related infrastructure characterized by a second energy grid that is substantially independent of the first energy grid. The system includes an energy storage facility that is located in substantial proximity to a common boundary of the first and second energy related infrastructures, and a first energy transport mechanism that is coupled to the first energy related infrastructure and is capable of providing energy for storage in the energy storage facility. The system also includes a second energy transport mechanism that is coupled to the energy storage facility and is capable of providing energy from the energy storage facility to the second energy related infrastructure. Each of the first and second energy grids has an electrical power generation unit and high voltage A/C transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Helmuth J. Heneman