Patents by Inventor John Michael Ward

John Michael Ward 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: 10138714
    Abstract: A system and method of exploiting an offshore oil and gas reservoir, comprising installing a drilling structure in a body of water; drilling a plurality of wells from the drilling structure; and providing a plurality of buoyant, flexible structures adjacent to the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: John Michael Ward
  • Publication number: 20160160614
    Abstract: An open water capture device comprising: a subsea collector and a subsea containment separator connected to the subsea collector, wherein the subsea containment separator comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer surface, a riser comprising a diffuser section, wherein the riser penetrates the bottom surface of the subsea containment separator, and a baffle, wherein the baffle defines a first concentric annular region and a second concentric annular region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: John Michael WARD, Moye WICKS, Karl Gregory ANDERSON, Juan Pablo PONTAZA
  • Patent number: 9279533
    Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a first pipe portion connected to a second pipe portion at a pipe intersection; a pig carrier located at the pie intersection; and the pig carrier comprising a plurality of pigs in a cylinder, an opening in the carrier aligned with the first pipe portion, and an indexing system adapted to move one of the pigs to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Timothy Hamilton Burns, Charles Edward Higham Tyrrell, John Michael Ward
  • Patent number: 9027191
    Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a pipe loop comprising a first end and a second end; a pig shuttle connected to the first end and the second end; a first opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the first end of the pipe loop; a second opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the second end of the pipe loop; and a slot within the pig shuttle movable between the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Charles Edward Higham Tyrrell, John Michael Ward
  • Publication number: 20130212820
    Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a first pipe portion connected to a second pipe portion at a pipe intersection; a pig carrier located at the pie intersection; and the pig carrier comprising a plurality of pigs in a cylinder, an opening in the carrier aligned with the first pipe portion, and an indexing system adapted to move one of the pigs to the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Hamilton Burns, Charles Edward Higham Tyrrell, John Michael Ward
  • Publication number: 20130212821
    Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a pipe loop comprising a first end and a second end; a pig shuttle connected to the first end and the second end; a first opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the first end of the pipe loop; a second opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the second end of the pipe loop; and a slot within the pig shuttle movable between the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Edward Higham Tyrrell, John Michael Ward
  • Publication number: 20130056270
    Abstract: A system and method of exploiting an offshore oil and gas reservoir, comprising installing a drilling structure in a body of water; drilling a plurality of wells from the drilling structure; and providing a plurality of buoyant, flexible structures adjacent to the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: John Michael Ward
  • Patent number: 7128153
    Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid may be produced from the formation. Such mixture may, in some embodiments, be treated or burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7077198
    Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting migration of fluids into and/or out of a treatment area undergoing an in situ conversion process. Barriers in the formation proximate a treatment area may be used to inhibit migration of fluids. Inhibition of migration of fluids may occur before, during, and/or after an in situ treatment process. For example, migration of fluids may be inhibited while heat is provided from heaters to at least a portion of the treatment area. Barriers may include naturally occurring portions (e.g., overburden, and/or underburden) and/or installed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7032660
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Fluid migration into and/or out of a treatment area in the formation may be inhibited. In some embodiments, a barrier may be used to inhibit migration of fluids into and/or out of the treatment area. Heat may be provided to the treatment area and subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7004251
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a portion of the formation from one or more heat sources. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selection of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. A recovery fluid may be provided to the formation to recover one or more components remaining in the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michael Ward, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 6821501
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new process and apparatus for steam reforming of any vaporizable hydrocarbon to produce H2 and CO2, with minimal CO, and no CO in the H2 stream, using a membrane steam reforming (MSR) reactor and flameless distributed combustion (FDC) which provides great improvements in heat exchange efficiency and load following capabilities to drive the steam reforming reaction. The invention also pertains to a zero emission hybrid power system wherein the produced hydrogen is used to power a high-pressure molten carbonate fuel cell. In addition, the design of the FDC-MSR powered fuel cell makes it possible to capture good concentrations of CO2 for sequestration or use in other processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Andreas Nikolaos Matzakos, Scott Lee Wellington, Thomas Mikus, John Michael Ward
  • Patent number: 6729401
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas generating fluid may be introduced into the portion. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation. Synthesis gas may be used as a feed stream in an ammonia synthesis process. Ammonia may be used as a feed stream in a urea synthesis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, John Michael Ward, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • Publication number: 20030209348
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be provided to a portion of the formation from one or more heat sources. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selection of the formation. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. A recovery fluid may be provided to the formation to recover one or more components remaining in the portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: John Michael Ward, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Bruce Donald Plafreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Publication number: 20030196810
    Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. In one embodiment, heat from one or more heaters may be provided to at least a portion of the formation. Heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to at least a part of the formation. In certain embodiments, the heat from the one or more heaters may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In an embodiment, a first fluid may be introduced into at least a portion of the formation. The portion may have previously undergone an in situ conversion process. A mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid may be produced from the formation. Such mixture may, in some embodiments, be treated or burned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ajay Madhav Madgavkar, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie,, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, Robert Charles Ryan, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Publication number: 20030192691
    Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting migration of fluids into and/or out of a treatment area undergoing an in situ conversion process. Barriers in the formation proximate a treatment area may be used to inhibit migration of fluids. Inhibition of migration of fluids may occur before, during, and/or after an in situ treatment process. For example, migration of fluids may be inhibited while heat is provided from heaters to at least a portion of the treatment area. Barriers may include naturally occurring portions (e.g., overburden, and/or underburden) and/or installed portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy J. McKinzie,, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 6609570
    Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas generating fluid may be introduced into the portion. Synthesis gas may be produced from the formation Synthesis gas may be used as a feed stream in an ammonia synthesis process. Ammonia may be used as a feed stream in a urea synthesis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Harold J. Vinegar, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Kevin Albert Maher, John Michael Ward, Robert Martijn Van Hardeveld
  • Publication number: 20030080604
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Fluid migration into and/or out of a treatments area in the formation may be inhibited. In some embodiments, a barrier may be used to inhibit migration of fluids into and/or out of the treatment area. Heat may be provided to the treatment area and subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Publication number: 20030068260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new integrated flameless distributed combustion-membrane steam reforming (FDC-MSR) reactor apparatus for steam reforming of any vaporizable hydrocarbon to produce H2 and CO2, with minimal CO, and virtually no CO in the H2 stream. The flameless distributed combustion drives the steam reforming reaction which provides great improvements in heat exchange efficiency and load following capabilities. A further embodiment of the invention involves a zero emission hybrid power system wherein the produced hydrogen is used to power a high-pressure internally manifolded molten carbonate fuel cell. In addition, the design of the FDC-SMR powered fuel cell makes it possible to capture good concentrations of CO2 for sequestration or use in other processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Scott Lee Wellington, Andreas Nikolaos Matzakos, Thomas Mikus, John Michael Ward
  • Publication number: 20030068269
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new process and apparatus for steam reforming of any vaporizable hydrocarbon to produce H2 and CO2, with minimal CO, and no CO in the H2 stream, using a membrane steam reforming (MSR) reactor and flameless distributed combustion (FDC) which provides great improvements in heat exchange efficiency and load following capabilities to drive the steam reforming reaction. The invention also pertains to a zero emission hybrid power system wherein the produced hydrogen is used to power a high-pressure molten carbonate fuel cell. In addition, the design of the FDC-MSR powered fuel cell makes it possible to capture good concentrations of CO2 for sequestration or use in other processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas Nikolaos Matzakos, Scott Lee Wellington, Thomas Mikus, John Michael Ward