Patents by Inventor Wayne R. Dreher, Jr.

Wayne R. Dreher, Jr. 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).

  • Drag reduction of asphaltenic crude oils
    Patent number: 8022118
    Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Stuart N. Milligan, Ray L. Johnston, Timothy L. Burden, Wayne R. Dreher, Jr., Kenneth W. Smith, William F. Harris
  • Completion Method for Horizontal Wells In In Situ Combustion
    Publication number: 20110094735
    Abstract: An underground reservoir is provided comprising an injection well and a production well. The production well has a horizontal section oriented generally perpendicularly to a generally linear and laterally extending, upright combustion front propagated from the injection well. The method relates to controlling location of inflow into a production well during in situ combustion. The horizontal section of the production well includes blocking agents to prevent well failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Wendell P. Menard, Thomas J. Wheeler, Wayne R. Dreher, JR.
  • Hydrate inhibited latex flow improver
    Patent number: 7884144
    Abstract: A process in which a mixture is agitated in a substantially oxygen-free environment to produce an agitated emulsion. The mixture comprises water, one or more surfactants, a hydrate inhibitor, and a monomer. The monomer is then polymerized in the emulsion using an initiator and a catalyst to form a hydrate inhibited latex drag reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Smith, Wayne R. Dreher, Jr., Timothy L. Burden
  • HYDRATE INHIBITED LATEX FLOW IMPROVER
    Publication number: 20100130681
    Abstract: A process in which a mixture is agitated in a substantially oxygen-free environment to produce an agitated emulsion. The mixture comprises water, one or more surfactants, a hydrate inhibitor, and a monomer. The monomer is then polymerized in the emulsion using an initiator and a catalyst to form a hydrate inhibited latex drag reducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Smith, Wayne R. Dreher, JR., Timothy L. Burden