Patents by Inventor Robert S. Swain

Robert S. Swain 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: 6142229
    Abstract: A method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a low permeability formation through a well wherein the formation is first fractured with steam. The pressure of the produced fluids is measured at timed intervals and signals representative of these measurements are inputted into a computer which, in turn, calculates the rate of change in the pressure and compares this rate to a preferred limit of rate change. When the limit is exceeded, the computer outputs a signal to adjust a control value in the production line to keep the rate of pressure decrease within the preferred limit. When production drops below a certain level, the control valve is fully opened to "bump" the well and allow the pressure to increase to a new maximum. This new maximum pressure is then used to set a new preferred limit of pressure rate change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Aubrey G. Branson, Jr., Michael Patrick Kelly, Robert S. Swain