Patents by Inventor Paul Cairns

Paul Cairns 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: 12163696
    Abstract: A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
  • Publication number: 20240301764
    Abstract: Wellbore synthesis techniques are disclosed suitable for use in geothermal applications. Embodiments are provided where open hole drilled wellbores are sealed while drilling to form an impervious layer at the wellbore/formation interface. The techniques may be chemical, thermal, mechanical, biological and are fully intended to irreversibly damage the formation in terms of the permeability thereof. With the permeability negated, the wellbore may be used to create a closed loop surface to surface geothermal well operable in the absence of well casing for maximizing thermal transfer to a circulating working fluid. Formulations for the working and drilling fluids are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
  • Patent number: 11959356
    Abstract: Wellbore synthesis techniques are disclosed suitable for use in geothermal applications. Embodiments are provided where open hole drilled wellbores are sealed while drilling to form an impervious layer at the wellbore/formation interface. The techniques may be chemical, thermal, mechanical, biological and are fully intended to irreversibly damage the formation in terms of the permeability thereof. With the permeability negated, the wellbore may be used to create a closed loop surface to surface geothermal well operable in the absence of well casing for maximizing thermal transfer to a circulating working fluid. Formulations for the working and drilling fluids are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
  • Publication number: 20240110731
    Abstract: Closed loop wellbore configurations with unrestricted geometry for accommodating irregular or challenging thermal gradients within a thermally productive formation are disclosed. A working fluid is utilized in the loop for extraction of thermal energy there from. The loop and the unrestricted geometry are achieved using magnetic ranging of independent drilling operations which intersect from an inlet well and outlet well to form an interconnecting segment. In conjunction with the directional drilling, conditioning operations are incorporated to condition the rock face, cool the entire system, activate the wellbore for treatment to optimize thermal transfer inter alia. The significant degree of freedom in wellbore configuration is further optimized by the absence of mechanical impediments such as casing or liners in the heat transfer areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Derek Riddell, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
  • Publication number: 20240060685
    Abstract: A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
  • Publication number: 20240035710
    Abstract: Methods and system for geothermal energy harvesting using both conductive and convective heat transfer are provided. A geothermal well is provided with inlet and outlet wellbores and an interconnecting wellbore therebetween, the interconnecting wellbore fluidly connected to a plurality of fluid conduits, such as fractures. The interface of the wellbore and fractures with the surrounding earth may be impermeably sealed with a sealant. A heat transfer fluid is circulated throughout the system to extract thermal energy from the earth by conduction, as well as by convection. By providing the plurality of fluid conduits and by utilizing convective as well as conductive heat transfer, the rate of energy extraction may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns
  • Patent number: 11852384
    Abstract: Closed loop wellbore configurations with unrestricted geometry for accommodating irregular or challenging thermal gradients within a thermally productive formation are disclosed. A working fluid is utilized in the loop for extraction of thermal energy there from. The loop and the unrestricted geometry are achieved using magnetic ranging of independent drilling operations which intersect from an inlet well and outlet well to form an interconnecting segment. In conjunction with the directional drilling, conditioning operations are incorporated to condition the rock face, cool the entire system, activate the wellbore for treatment to optimize thermal transfer inter alia. The significant degree of freedom in wellbore configuration is further optimized by the absence of mechanical impediments such as casing or liners in the heat transfer areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Derek Riddell, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
  • Patent number: 11808488
    Abstract: A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
  • Publication number: 20230288099
    Abstract: A method includes flowing, in a closed loop geothermal well residing in a target subterranean zone, a first heat transfer working fluid and flowing, in the geothermal well, a second working fluid from the surface inlet to the downhole location of the geothermal well. The second working fluid resides upstream of the first heat transfer working fluid. The second working fluid includes a fluid density greater than a fluid density of the first heat transfer working fluid. The method also includes circulating, in the geothermal well, the second working fluid pushing, with the second working fluid, the first heat transfer working fluid toward a surface outlet of the geothermal well. The method also includes collecting energy from the mobilized first heat transfer working fluid received at the surface outlet of the geothermal well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Bailey Schwarz, John Redfern, Paul Cairns, Vsevolod Zatonski
  • Publication number: 20230150577
    Abstract: A method of estimating hydraulic flow in a steering system of an articulated vehicle, a controller configured for the method and an articulated vehicle are provided. The method comprises: a) sensing a yaw rate of the articulated vehicle; b) sensing a velocity of the articulated vehicle; c) determining an estimate of a steering angle rate of the front part of the articulated vehicle using the sensed yaw rate and the sensed velocity; d) determining an estimate of the hydraulic flow in the steering system of the articulated vehicle using the estimate of the steering angle rate and one or more geometrical parameters of the steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Craig COX, Niall MCNAMEE, Arick BAKKEN, Paul CAIRNS
  • Publication number: 20230018178
    Abstract: Methods for providing on demand power to an end user in a variety of embodiments are disclosed. Closed loop thermal recovery arrangements are disposed within a geologic formation having a predetermined potential thermal output capacity. A power generation device is incorporated in the loop to recover energy. A working fluid is circulated within the loop at varying flow rates to oscillate thermal output about the predetermined potential thermal output capacity, to produce on demand power where the average thermal output may equal the predetermined potential thermal output capacity. Integrations with intermittent renewable energy sources are provided which optimize performance and distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Bailey Schwarz, John Redfern, Paul Cairns
  • Publication number: 20220372838
    Abstract: Wellbore synthesis techniques are disclosed suitable for use in geothermal applications. Embodiments are provided where open hole drilled wellbores are sealed while drilling to form an impervious layer at the wellbore/formation interface. The techniques may be chemical, thermal, mechanical, biological and are fully intended to irreversibly damage the formation in terms of the permeability thereof. With the permeability negated, the wellbore may be used to create a closed loop surface to surface geothermal well operable in the absence of well casing for maximizing thermal transfer to a circulating working fluid. Formulations for the working and drilling fluids are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
  • Patent number: 11460008
    Abstract: Methods for providing on demand power to an end user in a variety of embodiments are disclosed. Closed loop thermal recovery arrangements are disposed within a geologic formation having a predetermined potential thermal output capacity. A power generation device is incorporated in the loop to recover energy. A working fluid is circulated within the loop at varying flow rates to oscillate thermal output about the predetermined potential thermal output capacity, to produce on demand power where the average thermal output may equal the predetermined potential thermal output capacity. Integrations with intermittent renewable energy sources are provided which optimize performance and distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Bailey Schwarz, John Redfern, Paul Cairns
  • Patent number: 11290428
    Abstract: A method of simplifying electronic communications between a plurality of users by communication implementation and management. Each user has an electronic identifier, which may be of a type, such as a website address, domain, LinkedIn address, etc. Each identifier is unique to each user. The electronic identifier can be changed at any time prior to contact enabling privacy and the method may be effected on a singular telecommunications platform (SIP) or mixed platform (SIP and PSTN) or other voice or text medium for cost efficiency. The system renders communication between users passive and allows for simultaneous and instantaneous communication while maintaining anonymity of the identifiers used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CABANAWIRE INC.
    Inventors: Paul Cairns, Brian Fillo, Peter Warrick
  • Patent number: 11242726
    Abstract: Wellbore synthesis techniques are disclosed suitable for use in geothermal applications. Embodiments are provided where open hole drilled wellbores are sealed while drilling to form an impervious layer at the wellbore/formation interface. The techniques may be chemical, thermal, mechanical, biological and are fully intended to irreversibly damage the formation in terms of the permeability thereof. With the permeability negated, the wellbore may be used to create a closed loop surface to surface geothermal well operable in the absence of well casing for maximizing thermal transfer to a circulating working fluid. Formulations for the working and drilling fluids are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
  • Publication number: 20220026112
    Abstract: A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
  • Publication number: 20220003459
    Abstract: Closed loop wellbore configurations with unrestricted geometry for accommodating irregular or challenging thermal gradients within a thermally productive formation are disclosed. A working fluid is utilized in the loop for extraction of thermal energy there from. The loop and the unrestricted geometry are achieved using magnetic ranging of independent drilling operations which intersect from an inlet well and outlet well to form an interconnecting segment. In conjunction with the directional drilling, conditioning operations are incorporated to condition the rock face, cool the entire system, activate the wellbore for treatment to optimize thermal transfer inter alia. The significant degree of freedom in wellbore configuration is further optimized by the absence of mechanical impediments such as casing or liners in the heat transfer areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: MATTHEW TOEWS, PAUL CAIRNS, DEREK RIDDELL, ANDREW CURTIS-SMITH, JONATHAN HALE
  • Patent number: 11156386
    Abstract: A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
  • Publication number: 20210325089
    Abstract: Wellbore synthesis techniques are disclosed suitable for use in geothermal applications. Embodiments are provided where open hole drilled wellbores are sealed while drilling in sequenced operations with utilization of phase change materials to form an impervious layer at the wellbore/formation interface in high temperature applications. The techniques may be chemical, thermal, mechanical, biological and are fully intended to irreversibly damage the formation in terms of the permeability thereof. With the permeability negated, the wellbore may be used to create a closed loop surface to surface geothermal well operable in the absence of well casing for heat transfer surfaces for maximizing thermal transfer to a circulating working fluid. Formulations for the working and drilling fluids are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: MATTHEW TOEWS, MICHAEL HOLMES, JONATHAN HALE, ANDREW CURTIS-SMITH, PETER ANDREWS, PAUL CAIRNS, ARIEL TORRE
  • Patent number: 11125472
    Abstract: Fluid classes for use in energy recovery in well and geothermal environments for power production are disclosed. The fluids fall into the classes of fluids being capable of increasing thermodynamic efficiency of electricity and/or heat generation from a closed-loop geothermal system. Numerous methods are disclosed which exploit the thermodynamics of the fluids for optimum energy recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Toews, Glenn Price, Paul Cairns, John Redfern, Jeff Smith