Patents by Inventor Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee
Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee 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).
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Patent number: 11414328Abstract: A vessel for treating an oil-in-water inlet stream houses an inlet flow distributor arranged to direct an inlet flow toward a perforated baffle of a coalescing section, the coalescing section housing a packing and being arranged upstream of a second baffle; a flotation section arranged to receive a flow exiting the coalescing section and being divided by one or more perforated baffles; and an outlet water collecting pipe arranged to receive a flow exiting the flotation section, the outlet water collecting pipe having one or more openings located along its length. The coalescing section may be divided into two sections, with one section preferably housing a different pre-selected sized packing than the other section. The flotation section may include one or more gas-inducing devices. A solid baffle may be arranged downstream of the second baffle and ahead of the flotation section to provide single or dual flow through that section.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams, Z. Frank Zheng
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Patent number: 11058968Abstract: Systems and methods for removing solids from a process stream being fed into a flash separator include a solids fluidization device and a solids removal device. The solids fluidization device at the bottom end of the fluid column of the flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, while the solids removal device located above the solids fluidization device removes the slurry created by the swirling motive fluid. Systems and methods for fluidizing solids in the fluid column of a flash separator include a solids fluidization device that introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid, such as a valve, and removing the solid slurry produced by the swirling motive fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: CAMERON SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Publication number: 20200239335Abstract: A vessel for treating an oil-in-water inlet stream houses an inlet flow distributor arranged to direct an inlet flow toward a perforated baffle of a coalescing section, the coalescing section housing a packing and being arranged upstream of a second baffle; a flotation section arranged to receive a flow exiting the coalescing section and being divided by one or more perforated baffles; and an outlet water collecting pipe arranged to receive a flow exiting the flotation section, the outlet water collecting pipe having one or more openings located along its length. The coalescing section may be divided into two sections, with one section preferably housing a different pre-selected sized packing than the other section. The flotation section may include one or more gas-inducing devices. A solid baffle may be arranged downstream of the second baffle and ahead of the flotation section to provide single or dual flow through that section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2020Publication date: July 30, 2020Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams, Z. Frank Zheng
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Patent number: 10618825Abstract: A vessel for treating an oil-in-water inlet stream houses an inlet flow distributor arranged to direct an inlet flow toward a perforated baffle of a coalescing section, the coalescing section housing a packing and being arranged upstream of a second baffle; a flotation section arranged to receive a flow exiting the coalescing section and being divided by one or more perforated baffles; and an outlet water collecting pipe arranged to receive a flow exiting the flotation section, the outlet water collecting pipe having one or more openings located along its length. The coalescing section may be divided into two sections, with one section preferably housing a different pre-selected sized packing than the other section. The flotation section may include one or more gas-inducing devices. A solid baffle may be arranged downstream of the second baffle and ahead of the flotation section to provide single or dual flow through that section.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: CAMERON SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams, Z. Frank Zheng
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Publication number: 20190217219Abstract: Systems and methods for removing solids from a process stream being fed into a flash separator include a solids fluidization device and a solids removal device. The solids fluidization device at the bottom end of the fluid column of the flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, while the solids removal device located above the solids fluidization device removes the slurry created by the swirling motive fluid. Systems and methods for fluidizing solids in the fluid column of a flash separator include a solids fluidization device that introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid, such as a valve, and removing the solid slurry produced by the swirling motive fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 10252182Abstract: Systems and methods for removing solids from a process stream being fed into a flash separator include a solids fluidization device and a solids removal device. The solids fluidization device at the bottom end of the fluid column of the flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, while the solids removal device located above the solids fluidization device removes the slurry created by the swirling motive fluid. Systems and methods for fluidizing solids in the fluid column of a flash separator include a solids fluidization device that introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid, such as a valve, and removing the solid slurry produced by the swirling motive fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: CAMERON SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 9932528Abstract: A system for desalting a crude oil stream includes vessel that has an interior piping structure that releases wash water into a crude oil flow within the vessel. The piping structure, which may have more than one level, has a plurality of spray nozzles for dispersing or releasing the wash water into the flowing crude oil stream. The spray nozzles may be located on a same side or opposite sides of the piping structure. Where multiple levels are used, the number of spray nozzles on each level may be the same as or different than the number of spray nozzles on other levels. The pressure drop through each spray nozzle is no greater than 300 psi and the nozzles deliver a dilution water droplet no larger than 300 microns in diameter. A mixing valve, static mixer, or both can be placed downstream of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee
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Patent number: 9914685Abstract: A system for, and method of, recovering salt from fluid stream in a recycle loop of a flash separator has a desanding hydrocyclone located in the hot recycle loop of the flash separator; a first solids fluidization device located at the bottom end of the flash separator's brine column; a second desanding hydrocyclone arranged to receive a salt slurry stream created by the first solids fluidization device; and an accumulator located downstream of the second desanding hydrocyclone and having a second solids fluidization device located at its bottom end. Each solids fluidization device causes a motive fluid to exit the device in a swirling motion to fluidize the salt components contained in the resident fluid. The overflow from the second desanding hydrocyclone is the motive fluid for the brine column and a produced water, condensate water, or seawater stream is the motive fluid for the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 9751027Abstract: A method and system for controlling an interface emulsion layer within an oil treatment vessel includes injecting a water flow through a plurality of radial eductors arranged about a radial eductor manifold located in the brine water layer. Each radial eductor is oriented vertically to the radial eductor manifold and the horizontal axis of the oil treatment vessel. The water flow through the plurality of radial eductors causes a swirling flow pattern in a volume of water around each radial eductor that is effective for promoting a collapse of the interface emulsion layer. The water flow through each radial eductor, which may be a recycled water flow, may be in a range of about 1 to 5 feet per minute.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Rafiqul Khan, Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Publication number: 20170233317Abstract: A system for, and method of, recovering salt from fluid stream in a recycle loop of a flash separator has a desanding hydrocyclone located in the hot recycle loop of the flash separator; a first solids fluidization device located at the bottom end of the flash separator's brine column; a second desanding hydrocyclone arranged to receive a salt slurry stream created by the first solids fluidization device; and an accumulator located downstream of the second desanding hydrocyclone and having a second solids fluidization device located at its bottom end. Each solids fluidization device causes a motive fluid to exit the device in a swirling motion to fluidize the salt components contained in the resident fluid. The overflow from the second desanding hydrocyclone is the motive fluid for the brine column and a produced water, condensate water, or seawater stream is the motive fluid for the accumulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2016Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Publication number: 20170225097Abstract: Systems and methods for removing solids from a process stream being fed into a flash separator include a solids fluidization device and a solids removal device. The solids fluidization device at the bottom end of the fluid column of the flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, while the solids removal device located above the solids fluidization device removes the slurry created by the swirling motive fluid. Systems and methods for fluidizing solids in the fluid column of a flash separator include a solids fluidization device that introduces a swirling motive fluid within the fluid column, means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid, such as a valve, and removing the solid slurry produced by the swirling motive fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 9630122Abstract: A system for removing salt from a process stream being fed into a flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid into the fluid column of the separator. The swirling motive fluid comes into contact with salt components residing in the fluid of the column to create a salt slurry. Means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid can be provided. The salt slurry is then removed and can be sent to a brine generation vessel. Saturated brine from the vessel is transported back to the fluid column to replace the motive fluid in the column.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Publication number: 20170081214Abstract: A vessel for treating an oil-in-water inlet stream houses an inlet flow distributor arranged to direct an inlet flow toward a perforated baffle of a coalescing section, the coalescing section housing a packing and being arranged upstream of a second baffle; a flotation section arranged to receive a flow exiting the coalescing section and being divided by one or more perforated baffles; and an outlet water collecting pipe arranged to receive a flow exiting the flotation section, the outlet water collecting pipe having one or more openings located along its length. The coalescing section may be divided into two sections, with one section preferably housing a different pre-selected sized packing than the other section. The flotation section may include one or more gas-inducing devices. A solid baffle may be arranged downstream of the second baffle and ahead of the flotation section to provide single or dual flow through that section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams, Z. Frank Zheng
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Publication number: 20170073590Abstract: A system for desalting a crude oil stream includes vessel that has an interior piping structure that releases wash water into a crude oil flow within the vessel. The piping structure, which may have more than one level, has a plurality of spray nozzles for dispersing or releasing the wash water into the flowing crude oil stream. The spray nozzles may be located on a same side or opposite sides of the piping structure. Where multiple levels are used, the number of spray nozzles on each level may be the same as or different than the number of spray nozzles on other levels. The pressure drop through each spray nozzle is preferably no greater than 300 psi and the nozzles preferably deliver a dilution water droplet preferably no larger than 300 microns in diameter. A mixing valve, static mixer, or both can be placed downstream of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Gary W. Sams, Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee
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Patent number: 9522865Abstract: A system for, and method of, recovering salt from fluid stream in a recycle loop of a flash separator has a desanding hydrocyclone located in the hot recycle loop of the flash separator; a first solids fluidization device located at the bottom end of the flash separator's brine column; a second desanding hydrocyclone arranged to receive a salt slurry stream created by the first solids fluidization device; and an accumulator located downstream of the second desanding hydrocyclone and having a second solids fluidization device located at its bottom end. Each solids fluidization device causes a motive fluid to exit the device in a swirling motion to fluidize the salt components contained in the resident fluid. The overflow from the second desanding hydrocyclone is the motive fluid for the brine column and a produced water, condensate water, or seawater stream is the motive fluid for the accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 9512014Abstract: A vessel for treating an oil-in-water inlet stream houses an inlet flow distributor arranged to direct an inlet flow toward a perforated baffle of a coalescing section, the coalescing section housing a packing and being arranged upstream of a second baffle; a flotation section arranged to receive a flow exiting the coalescing section and being divided by one or more perforated baffles; and an outlet water collecting pipe arranged to receive a flow exiting the flotation section, the outlet water collecting pipe having one or more openings located along its length. The coalescing section may be divided into two sections, with one section preferably housing a different pre-selected sized packing than the other section. The flotation section may include one or more gas-inducing devices. A solid baffle may be arranged downstream of the second baffle and ahead of the flotation section to provide single or dual flow through that section.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams, Z. Frank Zheng
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Patent number: 9505990Abstract: A system for desalting a crude oil stream includes an elongated, vertically oriented vessel that has an interior piping structure arranged concentric to the vessel. The piping structure, which may have more than one level, has a plurality of spray nozzles oriented at a downward angle for atomizing wash water into a downward flowing crude oil stream. The spray nozzles may be located on a same side or opposite sides of the piping structure. Where multiple levels are used, the number of spray nozzles on each level may be the same as or different than the number of spray nozzles on other levels. The pressure drop through each spray nozzle is preferably no greater than 300 psi and the nozzles preferably deliver a dilution water droplet preferably no larger than 300 microns in diameter. A mixing valve, static mixer, or both can be placed downstream of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Cameron Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Gary W Sams, Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee
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Publication number: 20160175732Abstract: A system for removing salt from a process stream being fed into a flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid into the fluid column of the separator. The swirling motive fluid comes into contact with salt components residing in the fluid of the column to create a salt slurry. Means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid can be provided. The salt slurry is then removed and can be sent to a brine generation vessel. Saturated brine from the vessel is transported back to the fluid column to replace the motive fluid in the column.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Publication number: 20160158669Abstract: A method and system for controlling an interface emulsion layer within an oil treatment vessel includes injecting a water flow through a plurality of radial eductors arranged about a radial eductor manifold located in the brine water layer. Each radial eductor is oriented vertically to the radial eductor manifold and the horizontal axis of the oil treatment vessel. The water flow through the plurality of radial eductors causes a swirling flow pattern in a volume of water around each radial eductor that is effective for promoting a collapse of the interface emulsion layer. The water flow through each radial eductor, which may be a recycled water flow, is preferably in a range of 1 to 5 feet per minute.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Rafiqul Khan, Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams
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Patent number: 9328856Abstract: A system and method for improving oil-and-water separation in a blended fluid stream are presented. The system includes a pressure reduction device that causes cyclonic flow in the stream. The pressure reduction device may be a wafer-based hydrocyclone or a modified hydrocyclone having an underflow outlet but no overflow outlet. The system may also include a valve that is located upstream or downstream of the pressure reduction device. Both the valve and the pressure reduction device reduce the pressure of the fluid stream while reducing the shearing of oil and water droplets within the stream. As a result, the droplets are more likely to coalesce and less likely to form emulsions, thus improving oil-and-water separation in downstream treatment processes.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Joseph Min-Hsiun Lee, Gary W. Sams