Patents by Inventor Michael T. MATHEIDAS

Michael T. MATHEIDAS 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: 10989212
    Abstract: The disclosure includes controlling a pressure ratio for a compressing system, comprising introducing a quantity of liquid into an input stream to create a multiphase input stream, compressing the multiphase input stream with a centrifugal compressor to create a discharge stream, measuring a parameter of the discharge stream, wherein the discharge parameter corresponds to a pressure ratio for the centrifugal compressor, when the parameter exceeds a first predetermined point, increasing a pressure ratio of the centrifugal compressor by increasing the quantity of liquid introduced, and when the parameter exceeds a second predetermined point, decreasing the pressure ratio by decreasing the quantity of liquid introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Stanley O. Uptigrove
  • Patent number: 10502484
    Abstract: A system and method for processing natural gas to produce liquefied natural gas is disclosed. The natural gas is cooled in one or more heat exchangers using a first refrigerant from a first refrigerant circuit in which the first refrigerant is compressed in a first compressor driven by a first gas turbine having a first inlet air stream. The natural gas is liquefied using a second refrigerant, the second refrigerant being compressed in a second compressor driven by a second gas turbine having a second inlet air stream. At least one of the inlet air streams is chilled from about the respective dry bulb temperature to a temperature below the respective wet bulb temperature. Water contained in at least one of the chilled first and second air streams is condensed and separated therefrom. At least a portion of the first refrigerant is condensed or sub-cooled using the separated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Huntington, Paul W. Sibal, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Patent number: 10481099
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of water proximate to insulation. A system provided includes an enclosure, and insulation disposed over the enclosure. A moisture reactive compound indicates water proximate to the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: William N. Yunker, Wayne S. Pon, Patrick M. Moore, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Publication number: 20190145419
    Abstract: The disclosure includes controlling a pressure ratio for a compressing system, comprising introducing a quantity of liquid into an input stream to create a multiphase input stream, compressing the multiphase input stream with a centrifugal compressor to create a discharge stream, measuring a parameter of the discharge stream, wherein the discharge parameter corresponds to a pressure ratio for the centrifugal compressor, when the parameter exceeds a first predetermined point, increasing a pressure ratio of the centrifugal compressor by increasing the quantity of liquid introduced, and when the parameter exceeds a second predetermined point, decreasing the pressure ratio by decreasing the quantity of liquid introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Stanley O. Uptigrove
  • Patent number: 10253781
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a centrifugal compressor, comprising an inlet configured to receive a gas stream, an outlet, and a liquid injection port configured to introduce a liquid into the gas stream and create a multiphase fluid, wherein the centrifugal compressor is configured to compress the multiphase fluid. The disclosure further includes a method of operating a centrifugal compressor, comprising passing a gas stream to a centrifugal compressor inlet, introducing a quantity of liquid into the gas stream to create a multiphase stream, and compressing the multiphase stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Stanley O. Uptigrove
  • Patent number: 10222290
    Abstract: Systems and a method for detecting potential areas of corrosion under insulation are provided. An exemplary system includes an enclosure, insulation disposed upon an outer surface of the enclosure, and a number of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors. The MEMS sensors detect water proximate to the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research
    Inventors: William N. Yunker, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Patent number: 10215184
    Abstract: The disclosure includes controlling a pressure ratio for a compressing system, comprising introducing a quantity of liquid into an input stream to create a multiphase input stream, compressing the multiphase input stream with a centrifugal compressor to create a discharge stream, measuring a parameter of the discharge stream, wherein the discharge parameter corresponds to a pressure ratio for the centrifugal compressor, when the parameter exceeds a first predetermined point, increasing a pressure ratio of the centrifugal compressor by increasing the quantity of liquid introduced, and when the parameter exceeds a second predetermined point, decreasing the pressure ratio by decreasing the quantity of liquid introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Stanley O. Uptigrove
  • Patent number: 10132412
    Abstract: A method and system for actively controlling an axial separation between a seal face of a stationary ring and a seal face of a rotating ring of a gas seal is disclosed. At least one property is sensed indicative of a condition of at least one of the seal faces. With at least one sensing device, a characteristic of the axial separation between the seal faces is sensed. A net magnetic force of at least one magnetic device is adjusted based on the property and/or the characteristic. Adjusting the net magnetic force adjusts the axial separation between the seal faces. Without using a buffer gas between the seal faces, flow of gas or other fluid is controlled between the seal faces by adjusting the axial separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Niran Singh Khaira, Richard A. Huntington
  • Patent number: 10018274
    Abstract: A method to control an axial separation between a rotating ring and a stationary ring of a dry gas seal. The dry gas seal restricts leakage of a gas or other fluid to or from a rotating device. At least one property of the gas or other fluid is sensed. At least one of the axial separation between the rotating ring and the stationary ring, and a time rate of change of the axial separation, is sensed. A stiffness of a film between the rotating ring and the stationary ring is estimated. A field strength of at least one magnetic device is adjusted based on at least two of the sensed axial separation, the sensed time rate of change of the separation, and the estimated film stiffness. The axial separation between the rotating ring and the stationary ring is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Niran Singh Khaira, Richard A. Huntington, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Publication number: 20180051929
    Abstract: A method and system for cooling a process fluid is disclosed. An inlet air stream of a turbine is cooled with an inlet air cooling system. Moisture contained in the cooled inlet air stream is condensed and separated from the cooled inlet air stream to produce a water stream in an open-loop circuit. The water stream is sprayed into an air cooler air stream. The combined air cooler air stream and sprayed water stream is directed through an air cooler. Heat is exchanged between the process fluid and the combined air cooler air stream and sprayed water stream to thereby condense, chill, or sub-cool the process fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Paul W. Sibal, Richard A. Huntington
  • Publication number: 20180051928
    Abstract: A system and method for processing natural gas to produce liquefied natural gas is disclosed. The natural gas is cooled in one or more heat exchangers using a first refrigerant from a first refrigerant circuit in which the first refrigerant is compressed in a first compressor driven by a first gas turbine having a first inlet air stream. The natural gas is liquefied using a second refrigerant, the second refrigerant being compressed in a second compressor driven by a second gas turbine having a second inlet air stream. At least one of the inlet air streams is chilled from about the respective dry bulb temperature to a temperature below the respective wet bulb temperature. Water contained in at least one of the chilled first and second air streams is condensed and separated therefrom. At least a portion of the first refrigerant is condensed or sub-cooled using the separated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Richard A. Huntington, Paul W. Sibal, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Publication number: 20180038488
    Abstract: A method and system for actively controlling an axial separation between a seal face of a stationary ring and a seal face of a rotating ring of a gas seal is disclosed. At least one property is sensed indicative of a condition of at least one of the seal faces. With at least one sensing device, a characteristic of the axial separation between the seal faces is sensed. A net magnetic force of at least one magnetic device is adjusted based on the property and/or the characteristic. Adjusting the net magnetic force adjusts the axial separation between the seal faces. Without using a buffer gas between the seal faces, flow of gas or other fluid is controlled between the seal faces by adjusting the axial separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael T. MATHEIDAS, Niran Singh Khaira, Richard A. Huntington
  • Publication number: 20170085064
    Abstract: Described herein is a local electrical room (LER) for use in an industrial facility such as an oil and gas facility. The LER includes one or more robots that perform functions on the electrical equipment enclosed therein. The LER is filled with a non-atmospheric fluid or gas and may be cooled and/or pressurized for optimal performance of the electrical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Brandon CASSIMERE, Michael T. Matheidas, Donald P. Shatto
  • Publication number: 20170045412
    Abstract: Systems and a method for detecting potential areas of corrosion under insulation are provided. An exemplary system includes an enclosure, insulation disposed upon an outer surface of the enclosure, and a number of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors. The MEMS sensors detect water proximate to the insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: William N. Yunker, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Publication number: 20170045144
    Abstract: A method to control an axial separation between a rotating ring and a stationary ring of a dry gas seal. The dry gas seal restricts leakage of a gas or other fluid to or from a rotating device. At least one property of the gas or other fluid is sensed. At least one of the axial separation between the rotating ring and the stationary ring, and a time rate of change of the axial separation, is sensed. A stiffness of a film between the rotating ring and the stationary ring is estimated. A field strength of at least one magnetic device is adjusted based on at least two of the sensed axial separation, the sensed time rate of change of the separation, and the estimated film stiffness. The axial separation between the rotating ring and the stationary ring is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Niran Singh KHAIRA, Richard A. Huntington, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Publication number: 20170003229
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of water proximate to insulation. A system provided includes an enclosure, and insulation disposed over the enclosure. A moisture reactive compound indicates water proximate to the insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: William N. YUNKER, Wayne S. Pon, Patrick M. Moore, Michael T. Matheidas
  • Publication number: 20160281724
    Abstract: The disclosure includes controlling a pressure ratio for a compressing system, comprising introducing a quantity of liquid into an input stream to create a multiphase input stream, compressing the multiphase input stream with a centrifugal compressor to create a discharge stream, measuring a parameter of the discharge stream, wherein the discharge parameter corresponds to a pressure ratio for the centrifugal compressor, when the parameter exceeds a first predetermined point, increasing a pressure ratio of the centrifugal compressor by increasing the quantity of liquid introduced, and when the parameter exceeds a second predetermined point, decreasing the pressure ratio by decreasing the quantity of liquid introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael T. MATHEIDAS, Stanley O. Uptigrove
  • Publication number: 20160281725
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a centrifugal compressor, comprising an inlet configured to receive a gas stream, an outlet, and a liquid injection port configured to introduce a liquid into the gas stream and create a multiphase fluid, wherein the centrifugal compressor is configured to compress the multiphase fluid. The disclosure further includes a method of operating a centrifugal compressor, comprising passing a gas stream to a centrifugal compressor inlet, introducing a quantity of liquid into the gas stream to create a multiphase stream, and compressing the multiphase stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael T. Matheidas, Stanley O. Uptigrove