Patents by Inventor Per-Reidar Larnholm

Per-Reidar Larnholm 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: 11406917
    Abstract: A flotation apparatus for separating oil from a dispersion containing water as a continuous phase and oil as a dispersed phase. The apparatus comprises a vessel having one or more longitudinal cell sections in its longitudinal direction, at least one of the one or more longitudinal cell sections comprising: an underflow weir, an overflow weir displaced downstream from the underflow weir, a gas injection structure located below the underflow weir or in the channel formed between the underflow weir and the overflow weir, a removal structure for removing a fraction formed during the operation of the flotation apparatus on the liquid level from the liquid level, and a hydraulic structure for hydraulically pushing the fraction formed during the operation of the flotation apparatus on the liquid level into the removal structure using a liquid stream, a liquid/gas stream and/or a gas stream that is ejected by the hydraulic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SULZER MANAGEMENT AG
    Inventor: Per Reidar Larnholm
  • Publication number: 20210331087
    Abstract: A flotation apparatus for separating oil from a dispersion containing water as a continuous phase and oil as a dispersed phase. The apparatus comprises a vessel having one or more longitudinal cell sections in its longitudinal direction, at least one of the one or more longitudinal cell sections comprising: an underflow weir, an overflow weir displaced downstream from the underflow weir, a gas injection structure located below the underflow weir or in the channel formed between the underflow weir and the overflow weir, a removal structure for removing a fraction formed during the operation of the flotation apparatus on the liquid level from the liquid level, and a hydraulic structure for hydraulically pushing the fraction formed during the operation of the flotation apparatus on the liquid level into the removal structure using a liquid stream, a liquid/gas stream and/or a gas stream that is ejected by the hydraulic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: Per Reidar LARNHOLM
  • Patent number: 10967297
    Abstract: A continuous through-flow settling vessel for adaptive separation of a mixture from gas and/or oil exploration or production, said mixture comprising a varying mixture of liquid and gaseous phases, wherein the vessel is provided with: an inlet for a mixture, and a gas outlet, a water outlet and an oil outlet, the outlets being provided distant from the inlet, and the oil outlet being downstream of the water outlet, a weir downstream of the water outlet and upstream of the oil outlet, which weir functions as a barrier to a free through-flow in the vessel of the liquid phase which comprises a water phase and an oil phase, which phases are separated from each other by settling, the weir having a height lower than the gas outlet, and wherein the vessel is additionally provided with:—an oil draining means capable of controllably draining oil phase from the vessel upstream of the weir, said means being provided at a level below the weir height and above the water phase that is present during operation of the vessel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Sulzer Management AG
    Inventor: Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 10814252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separation of high volume flows of mixtures provided with at least two immiscible phases, especially for the first separation steps of flows of water/oil/gas/sand mixture that enter the apparatus as a wellstream mixture. The invention also relates to a method for separation of high volume flows of mixtures provided with at least immiscible phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Sulzer Management AG
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Frederik Albert Lammers
  • Publication number: 20170312654
    Abstract: A continuous through-flow settling vessel for adaptive separation of a mixture from gas and/or oil exploration or production, said mixture comprising a varying mixture of liquid and gaseous phases, wherein the vessel is provided with: an inlet for a mixture, and a gas outlet, a water outlet and an oil outlet, the outlets being provided distant from the inlet, and the oil outlet being downstream of the water outlet, a weir downstream of the water outlet and upstream of the oil outlet, which weir functions as a barrier to a free through-flow in the vessel of the liquid phase which comprises a water phase and an oil phase, which phases are separated from each other by settling, the weir having a height lower than the gas outlet, and wherein the vessel is additionally provided with:—an oil draining means capable of controllably draining oil phase from the vessel upstream of the weir, said means being provided at a level below the weir height and above the water phase that is present during operation of the vessel
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 9359878
    Abstract: The current disclosure relates to multiphase fluid separation via a multiphase separation system. The multiphase separation system is configured to feed a multiphase fluid into an inlet line within the separation system. The multiphase fluid is configured to flow through a divide and be split into separate lines of similar diameter. A control volume is also connected at the end of the separate lines, and the control volume has a diameter greater than the separate lines of similar diameter. The control volume includes outlet lines, and is configured to adjust fluid flow rate at an outlet line. Also included in the current disclosure is a sand boot connected to the separate lines that is oriented vertically with respect to the separate lines, and is configured to collect and remove sand accumulated in the multiphase separation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Scott M. Whitney, Per Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 9314715
    Abstract: The current disclosure relates to multiphase fluid separation via a multiphase separation system. The multiphase separation system is configured to feed a multiphase fluid into feed lines within the multiphase separation system, wherein the feed lines consist of an upper line, a middle line, and a lower line. The upper line is configured to flow a first stream substantially including oil into an oil section of a control volume. The middle line is configured to flow a second stream substantially including an oil/water emulsion into an oil/water emulsion section of the control volume. The lower line is configured to flow a third stream substantially including water into a water section of the control volume. The control volume is configured to adjust fluid flow rate at an outlet, wherein the oil section, the water section, and the oil/water emulsion section each commingle at different heights of the control volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Grave, Adam S. Bymaster, Michael D. Olson, Per-Reidar Larnholm, Scott M. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20150306520
    Abstract: The current disclosure relates to multiphase fluid separation via a multiphase separation system. The multiphase separation system is configured to feed a multiphase fluid into feed lines within the multiphase separation system, wherein the feed lines consist of an upper line, a middle line, and a lower line. The upper line is configured to flow a first stream substantially including oil into an oil section of a control volume. The middle line is configured to flow a second stream substantially including an oil/water emulsion into an oil/water emulsion section of the control volume. The lower line is configured to flow a third stream substantially including water into a water section of the control volume. The control volume is configured to adjust fluid flow rate at an outlet, wherein the oil section, the water section, and the oil/water emulsion section each commingle at different heights of the control volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Edward J. Grave, Adam S. Bymaster, Michael D. Olson, Per-Reidar Larnholm, Scott M. Whitney
  • Publication number: 20150260026
    Abstract: The current disclosure relates to multiphase fluid separation via a multiphase separation system. The multiphase separation system is configured to feed a multiphase fluid into an inlet line within the separation system. The multiphase fluid is configured to flow through a divide and be split into separate lines of similar diameter. A control volume is also connected at the end of the separate lines, and the control volume has a diameter greater than the separate lines of similar diameter. The control volume includes outlet lines, and is configured to adjust fluid flow rate at an outlet line. Also included in the current disclosure is a sand boot connected to the separate lines that is oriented vertically with respect to the separate lines, and is configured to collect and remove sand accumulated in the multiphase separation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Scott M. Whitney, Per Reidar Larnholm
  • Publication number: 20140352538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separation of high volume flows of mixtures provided with at least two immiscible phases, especially for the first separation steps of flows of water/oil/gas/sand mixture that enter the apparatus as a wellstream mixture. The invention also relates to a method for separation of high volume flows of mixtures provided with at least immiscible phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES & INNOVATIONS B. V.
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Frederik Albert Lammers
  • Publication number: 20140209465
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a system and methods for separating oil and water streams. The method includes separating a fluid stream into an oil continuous stream and a water continuous stream using a cyclonic separator, flowing the oil continuous stream to a first gravity separation vessel, and flowing the water continuous stream to a second gravity separation vessel. The method also includes separating the oil continuous stream in the first gravity separation vessel into an oil stream and a water stream and separating the water continuous stream in the second gravity separation vessel into an oil stream and a water stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Scott M. Whitney, Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 7833298
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for separating a mixture of gas and liquid into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the system comprising:—a separation vessel having a vessel inlet for the supply of the mixture to be separated, an upper vessel outlet for the discharge of the light fraction and a lower vessel outlet for the discharge of the heavy fraction;—at least one inlet device for pretreatment of the incoming mixture, the inlet device, comprising a casing having a liquid outlet for the discharge of a first mixture part mainly containing liquid to a lower compartment of the separation vessel; and at least one demister element arranged at a position below the liquid outlet for separating liquid from the gas in the first mixture part flowing from the liquid output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: FMC Technologies C.V.
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Robert Schook
  • Publication number: 20090196806
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for separating a mixture of gas and liquid into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the system comprising: —a separation vessel having a vessel inlet for the supply of the mixture to be separated, an upper vessel outlet for the discharge of the light fraction and a lower vessel outlet for the discharge of the heavy fraction; —at least one inlet device for pretreatment of the incoming mixture, the inlet device, comprising a casing having a liquid outlet for the discharge of a first mixture part mainly containing liquid to a lower compartment of the separation vessel; and at least one demister element arranged at a position below the liquid outlet for separating liquid from the gas in the first mixture part flowing from the liquid output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Robert Schook
  • Publication number: 20090139938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating a mixture containing solid particles, liquid and/or gas into a heavy fraction and a light fraction, the separator comprising: an outer casing (4) defining a flow space (6) through which the mixture is to flow; —flow body (5) arranged in the flow space along which the mixture to be separated can be carried; —at least one swirl element (10) arranged between the flow body and the outer casing, the swirl element defining a proximal region (E), an intermediate region (R) and a distal region (P), wherein in the proximal region the swirl element is adapted so as to gradually set the incoming mixture into a rotating movement for the purpose of separating the mixture into the heavy and light fraction and wherein in the distal region the swirl element is adapted so as to gradually reduce the rotating movement of the mixture for the purpose of recovering pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Robert Schook
  • Patent number: 7488361
    Abstract: Separation device for separating a liquid/gas mixture in a heavy fraction mainly containing liquid and a light fraction mainly containing gas, comprising:—a separation vessel comprising at least one inlet, at least a first outlet for the discharge of the heavy fraction and at least a second outlet for the discharge of the light fraction,—separator for separating the mixture into the heavy and light fraction;—a vane type inlet device connected to the inlet for admitting the gas/liquid mixture to the vessel en for distributing the admitted gas/liquid mixture in the vessel, the inlet device comprising: an elongated support structure; is—a plurality of curved guiding vanes placed one behind the other and attached to the support structure, the guiding vanes being arranged so as intercept and deflect the admitted gas/liquid mixture sideways;—at least an agglomerator arranged close to the guiding vanes for agglomerating the liquid in the gas/liquid mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: FMC Technologies C.V.
    Inventor: Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Patent number: 7488373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: —an upright vessel (1) with a lower and upper compartment; —an inlet (2) for admitting the flow of mixture into the lower compartment; —an agglomerating unit (10) placed between the lower and upper compartment for enlarging the liquid droplets in the mixture; —a lower outlet (4) for discharging the substantially liquid-containing mixture part from the lower compartment; —an upper outlet (5) for discharging the substantially gas-containing mixture part from the upper compartment; characterized by —collecting means (11) for collecting on the downstream side of the agglomerating unit liquid droplets which have broken through the agglomerating unit; —recycling means (12) for recycling the collected liquid to the lower compartment from the collecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Trygve Håland, Per-Reidar Larnholm
  • Publication number: 20080006011
    Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating a mixture containing solid particles, liquid and/or gas into a heavy fraction and a light fraction. the cyclone separator including an outer casing defining a flow space through which, the mixture is to flow and having an inlet for an incoming mixture. A first outlet for the separated light fraction and a second outlet for the separated heavy fraction and a flow body arranged in the outer casing and along which the mixture to be separated is carried. at least one swirl element arranged in the outer casing and between the flow body and the outer casing for setting the mixture into a rotating movement for the purpose of separating the mixture into the heavy and light fractions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Robert Schook
  • Publication number: 20070044437
    Abstract: Separation device for separating a liquid/gas mixture in a heavy fraction mainly containing liquid and a light fraction mainly containing gas, comprising:—a separation vessel comprising at least one inlet, at least a first outlet for the discharge of the heavy fraction and at least a second outlet for the discharge of the light fraction,—separator for separating the mixture into the heavy and light fraction;—a vane type inlet device connected to the inlet for admitting the gas/liquid mixture to the vessel en for distributing the admitted gas/liquid mixture in the vessel, the inlet device comprising: an elongated support structure; is—a plurality of curved guiding vanes placed one behind the other and attached to the support structure, the guiding vanes being arranged so as intercept and deflect the admitted gas/liquid mixture sideways;—at least an agglomerator arranged close to the guiding vanes for agglomerating the liquid in the gas/liquid mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Per-Reidar Larnholm, Rombout Swanborn
  • Publication number: 20050204917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating a gas/liquid mixture, comprising: —an upright vessel (1) with a lower and upper compartment; —an inlet (2) for admitting the flow of mixture into the lower compartment; —an agglomerating unit (10) placed between the lower and upper compartment for enlarging the liquid droplets in the mixture; —a lower outlet (4) for discharging the substantially liquid-containing mixture part from the lower compartment; —an upper outlet (5) for discharging the substantially gas-containing mixture part from the upper compartment; characterized by —collecting means (11) for collecting on the downstream side of the agglomerating unit liquid droplets which have broken through the agglomerating unit; —recycling means (12) for recycling the collected liquid to the lower compartment from the collecting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Trygve Haland, Per-Reidar Larnholm