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).
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Patent number: 12163696Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
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Publication number: 20240301764Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Patent number: 11959356Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Publication number: 20240110731Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Derek Riddell, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Publication number: 20240060685Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
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Publication number: 20240035710Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2021Publication date: February 1, 2024Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns
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Patent number: 11852384Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Derek Riddell, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Patent number: 11808488Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 12, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
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Publication number: 20230288099Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2021Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Matthew Toews, Bailey Schwarz, John Redfern, Paul Cairns, Vsevolod Zatonski
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Publication number: 20230150577Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar SARLInventors: Craig COX, Niall MCNAMEE, Arick BAKKEN, Paul CAIRNS
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Publication number: 20230018178Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Matthew Toews, Bailey Schwarz, John Redfern, Paul Cairns
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Publication number: 20220372838Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Patent number: 11460008Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Matthew Toews, Bailey Schwarz, John Redfern, Paul Cairns
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Patent number: 11290428Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: CABANAWIRE INC.Inventors: Paul Cairns, Brian Fillo, Peter Warrick
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Patent number: 11242726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Publication number: 20220026112Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
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Publication number: 20220003459Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2020Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: MATTHEW TOEWS, PAUL CAIRNS, DEREK RIDDELL, ANDREW CURTIS-SMITH, JONATHAN HALE
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Patent number: 11156386Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
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Publication number: 20210325089Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: MATTHEW TOEWS, MICHAEL HOLMES, JONATHAN HALE, ANDREW CURTIS-SMITH, PETER ANDREWS, PAUL CAIRNS, ARIEL TORRE
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Patent number: 11125472Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Matthew Toews, Glenn Price, Paul Cairns, John Redfern, Jeff Smith