Patents by Inventor Ricardo A. Rodriguez

Ricardo A. Rodriguez 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: 11629584
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed provide a hydraulic fracturing unit that includes a reciprocating plunger pump configured to pump a fracturing fluid and a powertrain configured to power the reciprocating plunger pump. The powertrain includes a prime mover and a drivetrain, the prime mover including a gas turbine engine. The hydraulic fracturing unit also includes auxiliary equipment configured to support operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit including the reciprocating plunger pump and the powertrain. A power system is configured to power the auxiliary equipment. The power system includes a power source and a power network. The power source is configured to generate power for the auxiliary equipment. The power network is coupled to the power source and the auxiliary equipment, and configured to deliver the power generated by the power source to the auxiliary equipment. Associated systems including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster, Nicholas Tew
  • Patent number: 11624326
    Abstract: Methods and systems for supply of fuel for a turbine-driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing may be configured to identify when the supply pressure of primary fuel to a plurality of gas turbine engines of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units falls below a set point, identify a gas turbine engine of the fleet of hydraulic fracturing units operating on primary fuel with highest amount of secondary fuel available, and to selectively transfer the gas turbine engine operating on primary fuel with the highest amount of secondary fuel from primary fuel operation to secondary fuel operation. Some methods and systems may be configured to transfer all gas turbine engines to secondary fuel operation and individually and/or sequentially restore operation to primary fuel operation and/or to manage primary fuel operation and/or secondary fuel operation for portions of the plurality of gas turbine engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11627683
    Abstract: Embodiments of an enclosure assembly to enhance cooling of a hydraulic fracturing direct drive unit (DDU) during operation are included. The enclosure assembly may include an enclosure body extending at least partially around an enclosure space to house the DDU for driving a fluid pump. The enclosure assembly may include one or more heat exchanger assemblies connected to the enclosure body for cooling a process fluid associated with one or more of the DDU and the fluid pump, and which may be configured to draw air into the enclosure space from and external environment, toward one or more radiator assemblies to cool the process fluid, and along an airflow path through the enclosure space. One or more outlet fan assemblies may be operative to discharge air from the enclosure space to the external environment to maintain a desired temperature of the enclosure space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Guillermo Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11624321
    Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery system (EERS) and associated methods for an engine are disclosed. An embodiment of an EERS, for example, includes an inlet duct that is configured to divert exhaust gas from an exhaust duct of the engine into the recovery system and an outlet duct configured to return the exhaust gas to the exhaust duct downstream of the inlet duct. The recovery system is configured to heat components or fluids associated with engine to operating temperatures. The recovery system may be part of a mobile power system that is mounted to a single trailer and includes an engine and a power unit such as a high pressure pump or generator mounted to the trailer. Methods of operating and purging recovery systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11619122
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a fleet of pumps for a turbine driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of operating a fleet of pumps associated with a hydraulic fracturing system includes receiving a demand Hydraulic Horse Power (HHP) signal. The demand HHP signal may include the Horse Power (HP) required for the hydraulic fracturing system to operate and may include consideration for frictional and other losses. The method further includes operating all available pump units at a percentage of rating below Maximum Continuous Power (MCP) level, based at least in part on the demand HHP signal. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a signal for loss of power from one or more pump units. The method further includes operating one or more units at MCP level and operating one or more units at Maximum Intermittent Power (MIP) level to meet the demand HHP signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Samir Nath Seth, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230095938
    Abstract: A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon
  • Patent number: 11613980
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a fleet of pumps for a turbine driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of operating a fleet of pumps associated with a hydraulic fracturing system includes receiving a demand Hydraulic Horse Power (HHP) signal. The demand HHP signal may include the Horse Power (HP) required for the hydraulic fracturing system to operate and may include consideration for frictional and other losses. The method further includes operating all available pump units at a percentage of rating below Maximum Continuous Power (MCP) level, based at least in part on the demand HHP signal. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a signal for loss of power from one or more pump units. The method further includes operating one or more units at MCP level and operating one or more units at Maximum Intermittent Power (MIP) level to meet the demand HHP signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Samir Nath Seth, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230088221
    Abstract: Embodiments of system and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Patrick Thomson
  • Publication number: 20230091641
    Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery system (EERS) and associated methods for an engine are disclosed. An embodiment of an EERS, for example, includes an inlet duct that is configured to divert exhaust gas from an exhaust duct of the engine into the recovery system and an outlet duct configured to return the exhaust gas to the exhaust duct downstream of the inlet duct. The recovery system is configured to heat components or fluids associated with engine to operating temperatures. The recovery system may be part of a mobile power system that is mounted to a single trailer and includes an engine and a power unit such as a high pressure pump or generator mounted to the trailer. Methods of operating and purging recovery systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230086680
    Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods to enhance the efficiency of operation of a gas turbine engine may include a turbine housing positioned to at least partially enclose the gas turbine engine, and a filtration assembly connected to the turbine housing to supply at least partially filtered intake air to an inlet assembly associated with the gas turbine engine. The filtration assembly may include a pre-cleaner including one or more inertial separators configured to separate a first portion of particles and/or liquid from ambient air supplied to the gas turbine engine, thereby to provide at least partially filtered intake air, and one or more filters positioned downstream of the pre-cleaner to separate a second portion of the particles and/or liquid from the at least partially filtered intake air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon
  • Publication number: 20230086213
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and controllers for detecting and mitigating well screen outs may include a controller configured to operate a fracturing pump to supply fluid at a discharge rate to a wellhead at a fracturing well site. The controller may also operate a blender positioned to deliver a blend of proppant and fluid to the fracturing pump. The controller may compare a fluid pressure increase rate to a preselected increase rate indicative of a potential well screen out. The controller may incrementally decrease the discharge rate of the fracturing pump and a flow rate of a blender when the fluid pressure increase rate of the wellhead exceeds the preselected increase rate and the fluid pressure is within a preselected percentage of a maximum wellhead pressure until the fluid pressure of the fluid supplied to the wellhead is stabilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230092199
    Abstract: A system and method of enhancing operation of hydraulic fracturing equipment at a hydraulic fracturing wellsite may include determining if a hydraulic fracturing stage profiles are available for use for hydraulic fracturing equipment at a wellsite. The method may include prompting an acceptance or amendment of one of the hydraulic fracturing stage profiles for a hydraulic fracturing pumping stage. The method may include, in response to an amendment of one of the hydraulic fracturing stage profiles, prompting acceptance of the amended hydraulic fracturing stage profile as the current hydraulic fracturing stage profile for use in association with the controller. The method may include, when a hydraulic fracturing stage profile is not available, prompting configuration of hydraulic fracturing pumping stage parameters for the current hydraulic fracturing stage profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11608725
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a fleet of pumps for a turbine driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of operating a fleet of pumps associated with a hydraulic fracturing system includes receiving a demand Hydraulic Horse Power (HHP) signal. The demand HHP signal may include the Horse Power (HP) required for the hydraulic fracturing system to operate and may include consideration for frictional and other losses. The method further includes operating all available pump units at a percentage of rating below Maximum Continuous Power (MCP) level, based at least in part on the demand HHP signal. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a signal for loss of power from one or more pump units. The method further includes operating one or more units at MCP level and operating one or more units at Maximum Intermittent Power (MIP) level to meet the demand HHP signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Samir Nath Seth, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11604113
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for supplying fuel, enabling communications, and conveying electric power associated with operation of a hydraulic fracturing unit of a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are disclosed and may include a fuel line connection assembly configured to be connected to the first hydraulic fracturing unit and to supply fuel from a fuel source to a gas turbine engine connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit. A system also may include a communications cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to enable data communications between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a data center or another hydraulic fracturing unit. A system further may include a power cable assembly configured to be connected to the hydraulic fracturing unit and to convey electric power between the hydraulic fracturing unit and a remote electrical power source or the plurality of hydraulic fracturing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Patrick Thomson
  • Patent number: 11603745
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying primary fuel and secondary fuel to an internal combustion engine may include supplying a first amount of the primary fuel and a second amount of the secondary fuel to the internal combustion engine. The system may include a first manifold to provide primary fuel to the internal combustion engine, and a primary valve associated with the first manifold to provide fluid flow between a primary fuel source and the internal combustion engine. A second manifold may provide secondary fuel to the internal combustion engine, and a fuel pump and/or a secondary valve may provide fluid flow between a secondary fuel source and the internal combustion engine. A controller may determine a total power load, the first amount of primary fuel, and the second amount of secondary fuel to supply to the internal combustion engine to meet the total power load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Guillermo Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20230071783
    Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery system (EERS) and associated methods for an engine are disclosed. An embodiment of an EERS, for example, includes an inlet duct that is configured to divert exhaust gas from an exhaust duct of the engine into the recovery system and an outlet duct configured to return the exhaust gas to the exhaust duct downstream of the inlet duct. The recovery system is configured to heat components or fluids associated with engine to operating temperatures. The recovery system may be part of a mobile power system that is mounted to a single trailer and includes an engine and a power unit such as a high pressure pump or generator mounted to the trailer. Methods of operating and purging recovery systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11598188
    Abstract: A system and method of enhancing operation of hydraulic fracturing equipment at a hydraulic fracturing wellsite may include determining if a hydraulic fracturing stage profiles are available for use for hydraulic fracturing equipment at a wellsite. The method may include prompting an acceptance or amendment of one of the hydraulic fracturing stage profiles for a hydraulic fracturing pumping stage. The method may include, in response to an amendment of one of the hydraulic fracturing stage profiles, prompting acceptance of the amended hydraulic fracturing stage profile as the current hydraulic fracturing stage profile for use in association with the controller. The method may include, when a hydraulic fracturing stage profile is not available, prompting configuration of hydraulic fracturing pumping stage parameters for the current hydraulic fracturing stage profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11598263
    Abstract: A system, as well as associated methods, for increasing the efficiency of a gas turbine including an inlet assembly and a compressor may include a housing configured to channel airstream towards the inlet assembly, an air treatment module positioned at a proximal end the housing, and at least one air conditioning module mounted downstream of the air treatment module for adjusting the temperature of the airstream entering the compressor. The air treatment module may include a plurality of inlet air filters and at least one blower configured to pressurize the air entering the air treatment module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon
  • Patent number: 11598264
    Abstract: Systems and methods to increase intake air flow to a gas turbine engine of a hydraulic fracturing unit when positioned in an enclosure may include providing an intake expansion assembly to enhance intake air flow to the gas turbine engine. The intake expansion assembly may include an intake expansion wall defining a plurality of intake ports positioned to supply intake air to the gas turbine engine. The intake expansion assembly also may include one or more actuators connected to a main housing of the enclosure and the intake expansion assembly. The one or more actuators may be positioned to cause the intake expansion wall to move relative to the main housing between a first position preventing air flow through the plurality of intake ports and a second position providing air flow through the plurality of intake ports to an interior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230055844
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed provide a hydraulic fracturing unit that includes a reciprocating plunger pump configured to pump a fracturing fluid and a powertrain configured to power the reciprocating plunger pump. The powertrain includes a prime mover and a drivetrain, the prime mover including a gas turbine engine. The hydraulic fracturing unit also includes auxiliary equipment configured to support operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit including the reciprocating plunger pump and the powertrain. A power system is configured to power the auxiliary equipment. The power system includes a power source and a power network. The power source is configured to generate power for the auxiliary equipment. The power network is coupled to the power source and the auxiliary equipment, and configured to deliver the power generated by the power source to the auxiliary equipment. Associated systems including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster, Nicholas Tew