Patents by Inventor Marcus Oliver WIGAND
Marcus Oliver WIGAND 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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Publication number: 20230340850Abstract: A method of transferring at least one subterranean core sample from a retrieval vessel to a testing vessel can include removing at least one pressure barrier on the retrieval vessel using a linear actuator while maintaining a sampling pressure on the at least one subterranean core sample at which the at least one subterranean core sample is taken from a subterranean formation. The method can also include pressurizing the testing vessel to the sampling pressure using the linear actuator, and transferring the at least one subterranean core sample from the retrieval vessel to the testing vessel. The method can further include sealing the testing vessel with the at least one subterranean core sample at the sampling pressure, where the testing vessel allows the at least one subterranean core sample to be tested while the at least one subterranean core sample is maintained at the sampling pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: James Daniel Montoya, Jonathon Crain Boudreaux, Patrick Rodriguez, Cole Thomas Brinkley, Scott Jeffrey Seltzer, Marcus Oliver Wigand, Zheng Yang, Michael T. Rauschhuber, Edward Russell Peacher
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Publication number: 20230243992Abstract: A method comprises determining stratigraphic correlations between two or more sets of stratigraphic measurements. Each set of stratigraphic measurements is obtained from a different lateral well in a region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2020Publication date: August 3, 2023Inventors: Paul Montgomery, Kenneth Thomas Ratcliffe, Eliza Mathia, Marcus Oliver Wigand
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Publication number: 20210032987Abstract: One embodiment of a method of performing a test on a core sample comprises transferring at least a portion of a core sample from a first core containment vessel to a second core containment vessel. The core sample is maintained at a substantially equivalent pressure or placed under a higher pressure during the transfer of the core sample from the first vessel to the second vessel. The method further comprises performing a test on the core sample in a measurement region of the second vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Scott Jeffrey Seltzer, Marcus Oliver Wigand, Zheng Yang, Michael T. Rauschhuber, Edward Russell Peacher, James Daniel Montoya
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Patent number: 9291690Abstract: Molecular structures of organic molecules in a geological formation are determined. The organic molecules may include kerogen, coal, and/or other organic molecules. In particular, the technique implemented may operate to convert nuclear magnetic resonance data into a multi-dimensional space that permits identification of molecular structures through comparisons of intensity information across the multi-dimensional space with a cutoff map of the space. This may not only simplify the identification of molecular structures of the organic molecules, but also use exact mathematical model for mixture samples to derive both structural and dynamic parameters plus their variation.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Boqin Sun
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Patent number: 9133398Abstract: Methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. These organic acids are valuable as hydrocarbon products for creating commercial products and a portion of these organic acids can also be used in the process for extracting the kerogen-based product from the subsurface shale formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Patent number: 8997869Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. The isolated organic acids are upgraded by a reaction process that make the products suitable as refinery feedstocks, fuel or lubricant blendstocks, reaction intermediates, chemical feedstocks, or chemical intermediate blendstocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Patent number: 8992771Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Saleh Elomari, Robert Martin Carlson
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Patent number: 8936089Abstract: Methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Patent number: 8851177Abstract: The invention relates to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface shale formations. The methods utilize in-situ reactions of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at formation temperatures and pressures. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile, using chemical oxidants. In one embodiment, an oxidant is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix, the oxidant converting the kerogen to form organic acids, and forming a mobile kerogen-based product. The spent oxidant is regenerated in-situ to restore at least some of the original oxidation activity. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Marcus Oliver Wigand
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Patent number: 8839860Abstract: The invention relates to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. In one embodiment, the mobile kerogen-based product is treated such that at least a portion of the organic acids form a separate phase from the mobile kerogen-based product to isolate the acids. The organic acids may further be extracted from the mobile kerogen-based product using an organic extraction fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Publication number: 20130342201Abstract: Molecular structures of organic molecules in a geological formation are determined. The organic molecules may include kerogen, coal, and/or other organic molecules. In particular, the technique implmented may operate to convert nuclear magnetic resonance data into a multi-dimensional space that permits identification of molecular structures through comparisons of intensity information across the multi-dimensional space with a cutoff map of the space. This may not only simplify the identification of molecular structures of the organic molecules, but also use exact mathematical model for mixture samples to derive both structural and dynamic parameters plus their variation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Boqin Sun
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Publication number: 20130326934Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing transportation fuel and optionally a middle distillate, a diesel fuel, a heating oil, a jet fuel, a kerosene, an aviation gasoline, a gasoline fuel, or a lubricant base oil. The process includes the steps of (a) producing a naturally occurring aqueous fluid containing greater than 1 wt. % soluble carboxylic acids; (b) isolating at least a portion of the organic acids from the naturally occurring aqueous fluid; and (c) upgrading the isolated carboxylic acids. The step of upgrading the isolated carboxylic acids can include at least one of hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, esterification and FCC cracking. The aqueous fluid can then be used in processes for recovery of a mobile kerogen based product. Also disclosed herein is a process for preparing a biofuel comprising the organic acids isolated from naturally occurring aqueous fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin CARLSON, Mark Dean LOONEY
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Publication number: 20130313160Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Saleh Elomari, Robert Martin Carlson
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Publication number: 20130161002Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface shale formations. The methods utilize in-situ reactions of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at formation temperatures and pressures. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile, using chemical oxidants. In the methods disclosed herein an oxidant is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix, the oxidant converting the kerogen to form organic acids, and forming a mobile kerogen-based product. The spent oxidant is regenerated in-situ to restore at least some of the original oxidation activity. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: Marcus Oliver Wigand
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Publication number: 20130161001Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting an organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that to more easily access the kerogen in oil shale, it is helpful to first remove the extractible organics component from the subsurface shale formation. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. The extractible organics component can be isolated and upgraded to produce useful products. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INCInventor: Marcus Oliver WIGAND
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Publication number: 20120273190Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration. An electric field is generated through at least a portion of the kerogen rich zone to induce electrokinetic migration of the oxidant. A mobile kerogen-based product, that includes reaction products of kerogen conversion, is urged toward a production well utilizing electrokinetic-induced migration, and withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation. An electric field generated through at least a portion of the kerogen rich zone can also be utilized to induce migration of catalysts or catalyst precursors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: David Glynn Thomas, Marcus Oliver Wigand
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Publication number: 20120175115Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. The isolated organic acids are upgraded by a reaction process that make the products suitable as refinery feedstocks, fuel or lubricant blendstocks, reaction intermediates, chemical feedstocks, or chemical intermediate blendstocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Marcus Oliver WIGAND, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Publication number: 20120175114Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. An exemplary method for isolating the acids includes treating the mobile kerogen-based product such that at least a portion of the organic acids form a separate phase from the mobile kerogen-based product. The organic acids may further be extracted from the mobile kerogen-based product using an organic extraction fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Marcus Oliver WIGAND, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Publication number: 20120175116Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein. These organic acids are valuable as hydrocarbon products for creating commercial products and a portion of these organic acids can also be used in the process for extracting the kerogen-based product from the subsurface shale formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Marcus Oliver WIGAND, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney
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Publication number: 20120160486Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen using a chemical oxidant so as to render it mobile. The oxidant is provided to a formation fluid in contact with the kerogen in the subsurface shale. An alkaline material is also provided to the formation fluid to mobilize organic acids which are produced during oxidation of the kerogen. A mobile kerogen-based product which includes the organic acids is withdrawn from the subsurface shale formation and further processed to isolate the organic acids contained therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Marcus Oliver WIGAND, Robert Martin Carlson, Mark Dean Looney