Patents by Inventor Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon

Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon 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: 11814940
    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: January 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Guillermo Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20230332975
    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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Patrick Thomson
  • Publication number: 20230323812
    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: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon
  • Publication number: 20230320025
    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: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Guillermo Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20230313654
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating hydraulic fracturing units, each including a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead and an internal combustion engine to drive the hydraulic fracturing pump, may include receiving signals indicative of operational parameters. The systems and methods also may include determining an amount of required fracturing power sufficient to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation, determining an available power to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation and a difference between the available power and the required power, and controlling operation of the hydraulic fracturing units based at least in part on the power difference. When the power difference is indicative of excess power available, the system and methods may include causing at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units to idle, and when the power difference is indicative of a power deficit, increasing a power output of at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230313655
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a status of components of hydraulic fracturing units including a prime mover and a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead via a manifold may include a diagnostic control assembly. The diagnostic control assembly may include sensors associated with the hydraulic fracturing units or the manifold, and a supervisory control unit to determine whether the sensors are generating signals outside a calibration range, determine whether a fluid parameter associated with an auxiliary system of the hydraulic fracturing units is indicative of a fluid-related problem, determine whether lubrication associated with the prime mover, the hydraulic fracturing pump, or a transmission of the hydraulic fracturing units has a lubrication fluid temperature greater than a maximum lubrication temperature, or determine an extent to which a heat exchanger assembly associated with the hydraulic fracturing units is cooling fluid passing through the heat exchanger assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Andres Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20230304492
    Abstract: A pump system may include a pump, a driveshaft, driving equipment, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to reduce pump-imposed high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations. The pump may have an input shaft connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may include an output shaft having an output flange connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may be configured to rotate the driveshaft to rotate the input shaft of the pump therewith. The vibration dampening assembly may include one or more flywheels operably connected to the input shaft and configured to rotate therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Guillermo Rodriguez, Samir Nath Seth
  • Patent number: 11767791
    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: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon
  • Publication number: 20230296050
    Abstract: An embodiment of a pumping unit includes a gas turbine engine, an enclosure housing the engine, an exhaust assembly connected to the engine, an air intake duct connected to the engine, and an air treatment system connected to the air intake duct. The air treatment system including one or more inlet pre-cleaners configured to eject debris. Each of the inlet pre-cleaners having a cylindrical tubular portion configured to channel air toward the air intake duct. In addition, the pumping unit includes a gearbox operatively coupled to the engine and a drive shaft having a first end operatively coupled to the gearbox. Further, the pumping unit includes a pump comprising an input shaft operatively coupled to a second end of the drive shaft, wherein the engine, the gearbox, the drive shaft, and the pump are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the pumping unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Heber Martinez-Barron, Guillermo Rodriguez, Samir Nath Seth, Joseph Foster, Warren Zemlak, Nicholas Tew
  • Patent number: 11761846
    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: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Patrick Thomson
  • Publication number: 20230279809
    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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230279761
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, detecting, and/or intervening with respect to cavitation and pulsation events during hydraulic fracturing operations may include a supervisory controller. The supervisory controller may be configured to receive pump signals indicative of one or more of pump discharge pressure, pump suction pressure, pump speed, or pump vibration associated with operation of the hydraulic fracturing pump. The supervisory controller also may be configured to receive blender signals indicative of one or more of blender flow rate or blender discharge pressure. Based on one or more of these signals, the supervisory controller may be configured to detect a cavitation event and/or a pulsation event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11746698
    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: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 11746638
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a status of components of hydraulic fracturing units including a prime mover and a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead via a manifold may include a diagnostic control assembly. The diagnostic control assembly may include sensors associated with the hydraulic fracturing units or the manifold, and a supervisory control unit to determine whether the sensors are generating signals outside a calibration range, determine whether a fluid parameter associated with an auxiliary system of the hydraulic fracturing units is indicative of a fluid-related problem, determine whether lubrication associated with the prime mover, the hydraulic fracturing pump, or a transmission of the hydraulic fracturing units has a lubrication fluid temperature greater than a maximum lubrication temperature, or determine an extent to which a heat exchanger assembly associated with the hydraulic fracturing units is cooling fluid passing through the heat exchanger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Andres Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20230272746
    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: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Publication number: 20230265751
    Abstract: Systems and methods to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead may include a gas turbine engine including a compressor turbine shaft connected to a compressor, and a power turbine output shaft connected to a power turbine. The compressor turbine shaft and the power turbine output shaft may be rotatable at different rotational speeds. The systems may also include a transmission including a transmission input shaft connected to the power turbine output shaft and a transmission output shaft connected to a hydraulic fracturing pump. The systems may also include a fracturing unit controller configured to control one or more of the rotational speeds of the compressor turbine shaft, the power turbine output shaft, or the transmission output shaft based at least in part on target signals and fluid flow signals indicative of one or more of pressure or flow rate associated with fracturing fluid pumped into the wellhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Caleb Barclay
  • Patent number: 11732565
    Abstract: Systems and methods to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead may include a gas turbine engine including a compressor turbine shaft connected to a compressor, and a power turbine output shaft connected to a power turbine. The compressor turbine shaft and the power turbine output shaft may be rotatable at different rotational speeds. The systems may also include a transmission including a transmission input shaft connected to the power turbine output shaft and a transmission output shaft connected to a hydraulic fracturing pump. The systems may also include a fracturing unit controller configured to control one or more of the rotational speeds of the compressor turbine shaft, the power turbine output shaft, or the transmission output shaft based at least in part on target signals and fluid flow signals indicative of one or more of pressure or flow rate associated with fracturing fluid pumped into the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Caleb Barclay
  • Publication number: 20230258174
    Abstract: Embodiments of a high-pressure, high power, reciprocating positive displacement fluid pumping system and methods are included. The system may include a high-pressure, high power, reciprocating positive displacement pump including a pump plunger, a fluid end block assembly, and a fluid cover. The fluid end block assembly may include a fluid end block body, a suction port, a discharge port, a pump bore positioned in and extending through the fluid end block body, and a fluid chamber positioned in the fluid end block body and in fluid communication with each of the suction port, the discharge port, and the pump bore. The fluid chamber has an open end portion, and the pump plunger may be positioned to move in the pump bore to pressurize one or more fluids in the fluid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo Rodriguez, Heber Martinez, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Tony Yeung
  • Patent number: 11725583
    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: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon
  • Patent number: 11719234
    Abstract: A pump system may include a pump, a driveshaft, driving equipment, and a vibration dampening assembly configured to reduce pump-imposed high frequency/low amplitude and low frequency/high amplitude torsional vibrations. The pump may have an input shaft connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may include an output shaft having an output flange connected to the driveshaft. The driving equipment may be configured to rotate the driveshaft to rotate the input shaft of the pump therewith. The vibration dampening assembly may include one or more flywheels operably connected to the input shaft and configured to rotate therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Guillermo Rodriguez, Samir Nath Seth