Patents by Inventor Patrick M. Bishop

Patrick M. Bishop 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).

  • Control method for mixed refrigerant based natural gas liquefier
    Patent number: 6530240
    Abstract: In a natural gas liquefaction system having a refrigerant storage circuit, a refrigerant circulation circuit in fluid communication with the refrigerant storage circuit, and a natural gas liquefaction circuit in thermal communication with the refrigerant circulation circuit, a method for liquefaction of natural gas in which pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit is adjusted to below about 175 psig by exchange of refrigerant with the refrigerant storage circuit. A variable speed motor is started whereby operation of a compressor is initiated. The compressor is operated at full discharge capacity. Operation of an expansion valve is initiated whereby suction pressure at the suction pressure port of the compressor is maintained below about 30 psig and discharge pressure at the discharge pressure port of the compressor is maintained below about 350 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Kountz, Patrick M. Bishop