Patents by Inventor Paulo C. R. Lima

Paulo C. R. Lima 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: 6267182
    Abstract: A subsea primary separating vessel (2,22) is installed close to the wellhead (1,31) of an oil producing well to effect primary separation of the liquid and gas phases of the fluids produced. A line (3,23) connected to the top of the separating vessel allows separated gas to flow to a gathering vessel (8,28) located at any gathering center. At least one flow line (4,5,24) connects the lower part of the separating vessel to a vessel (9,29) located at any gathering center. When the volume of liquid phase which separates out within the at least one flow line begins to exert a back pressure which adversely affects production from the well, pressurized gas can be injected into the flow line(s) for a specific period of time in order to promote the flow of liquid gas to the vessel (9,29). If it is desired that flow efficiency should be increased a mechanical interface driven by the pressurized gas may be used to encourage flow of the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S. A. - Petrobras
    Inventor: Paulo C. R. Lima