Patents by Inventor Robert Charles DE LONG

Robert Charles DE LONG 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).

  • Publication number: 20210123322
    Abstract: In artificial lift production systems, a reduction in pressure and temperature as production fluids migrate to the surface can cause a buildup in the production tubing that reduces or stops production. To remove buildup, an ESP can be operated at low efficiency and low flow operating conditions to generate heat in the pump. The heat increases the temperature of the production fluid in the pump. When the heated production fluid is transported to the surface, the fluid increases the temperature of the production tubing resulting in a melting of the solidified wax blocking the production tubing. As the wax melts, the production fluid carries it toward the surface. Over time, the heated production fluid will melt enough solidified wax to open the production tubing to a full flow capacity, thus allowing standard production operation to continue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Charles De Long, Donn J. Brown, Ketankumar Kantilal Sheth
  • Publication number: 20210115773
    Abstract: Methods to improve fluid flow of a multi-phase mixture, methods to separate fluids of a multi-phase mixture, and downhole multi-phase fluid mixture systems are disclosed. A method to improve fluid flow of a multi-phase mixture includes positioning a first acoustic device and a second acoustic device around a conveyance that provides a fluid flow path for a first fluid in a first phase and a second fluid in a second phase to simultaneously flow through the conveyance. The method also includes determining a flow rate and a fluid condition of the fluid mixture. The method further includes generating a standing acoustic wave through the conveyance based on the flow rate and the fluid condition to break down the first fluid into droplets having volume within a threshold volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Ketankumar Kantilal SHETH, Robert Charles DE LONG, Donn J. BROWN