Separating Outside Of Well Patents (Class 166/267)
  • Patent number: 7699104
    Abstract: A process for producing steam for extracting heavy bitumen includes the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel, the fuel being crude oil, vacuum residue, Asphaltin, or coke with an oxidation gas, the gas being oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combusting the mixture under high pressure and high temperature and mixing low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganic with the combusted mixture so as to control combustion temperature and to generate steam. The liquid phase is transferred to a gas phase so as to contain steam and carbon dioxide. The solids are separated from the gas phase. The super heated dry steam and gas mixture is ejected into an underground reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Maoz Betzer Tsilevich
  • Patent number: 7694736
    Abstract: A method and system for producing steam for extraction of heavy bitumen including the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel is crude oil, vacuum residue, asphaltin, petcoke or coal. The oxidation gas includes oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combustion of the mixture under high pressure and high temperature. The fuel is mixed with low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganics. The liquid phase transferred to a gas phase includes steam and carbon dioxide, wherein solids are separated from the gas phase. The gas phase is mixed with saturated water to scrub the remaining solids and produce saturated steam. The solid rich water is recycled back for combustion. The saturated steam super-heated dry steam and gas mixture is send to an enhanced oil recovery facility for injection into an underground reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Maoz Betzer Tsilevich
  • Patent number: 7686079
    Abstract: A method for removing silica from evaporator concentrate to facilitate disposal of the concentrate. An alkaline earth compound is mixed with the concentrate in a crystallizer. Silica in the concentrate reacts with the alkaline earth compound and precipitates from the concentrate as alkaline silicate complexes. The concentrate having the alkaline earth silicate complexes is directed to a separator where the alkaline earth silicate complexes are separated from the concentrate, producing an aqueous solution and slurry. The slurry is directed to a filter where solids are separated from a filtrate. Both the aqueous solution and the filtrate can be disposed of by deep well injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: HPD, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Gamache, Charles Edward Mackey, Mark D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7686086
    Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a string of casing with perforations leading to a producing zone and perforations leading to an injection zone. A string of production tubing extends into the casing in communication with the producing formation. A barrier separates the interior of the tubing from the injection zone formation. A subsea Christmas tree is located at the upper end of the well. A subsea separator is connected to a production outlet of the tree for separating waste fluid from the well fluid. A subsea injection pump pumps waste fluid from the separator back to the tree and into the injection formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Brammer
  • Patent number: 7681643
    Abstract: A process for conditioning of wastewater treatment brines for deep well injection during recovery of heavy hydrocarbon oils in situ. High pressure steam is used to mobilize oil, which is recovered in a mixture of oil and produced water. The produced water is pre-treated by removing residual oil. The remaining water is acidified and steam stripped to remove non-hydroxide alkalinity and non-condensable gases, and is then fed to a crystallizing evaporator, where it is evaporated from a circulating brine slurry to produce (1) a distillate stream having a trace amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown stream containing, as dissolved or suspended solids, substantially all of the solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate stream is used as boiler feedwater, either directly or after polishing. The evaporator blowdown is conditioned to remove substantially all suspended solids and to produce a clear brine solution for deep well injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Patent number: 7678281
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution containing metal impurities by introducing to the brine solution an organic chelant of the formula: and may be either a neutral compound, a corresponding salt, or a corresponding quaternary salt, wherein: D is F-A (Y3)u(Y4)v; R is independently selected from Cp or CpC(O); Cp is a C1-C36, preferably a C8-C36, hydrocarbyl group, optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, sulfate, CH2CO2Z or —(CH2)nPO(OZ)2 groups; each A is independently selected from —N and —P; Y1 is independently selected from J, —[(F)-A(J)]w Y6 and R; J, R1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6 are independently selected from the group consisting of —H, R, —(F)nCO2Z and —(CH2)nPO(OZ)2; each F is independently selected from a C1-C12 hydrocarbyl group, optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, sulfate, CH2CO2Z or —(CH2)nPO(OZ)2 groups; Z is —H, a balanced organic counte
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Javora, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 7674384
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1-C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 and R21 are independently selected from —OH, —OR1 and R1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Javora, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 7676420
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system can include a centralized storage module, for example a database, that stores data relating to petroleum, natural gas and other related products taken from several different sources and entities. The entity storing and maintaining this data can be an entity independent from the operators, producers and/or other working interests. This system can use automated techniques to reconcile distributions to all entities associated with a well due to the removal of a mineral, for example, petroleum, natural gas and/or other related products, from that well, on a periodic basis. These automated techniques include, for example, reconciling all agreements associated with the well, reconciling the amount of mineral removed at the well, reconciling the spot market price associated with the well at the time of removal, automating approval by the removing entity, automating payment and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas J. Agnew, Frank D. Agnew
  • Publication number: 20100044038
    Abstract: Provided is a system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) includes a processing device coupleable to a manifold (5), a first access tunnel (4b) extending through the processing device, wherein the access tunnel (4b) is configured to provide access to the manifold (5), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of assembling a manifold, including coupling a processing module (35b) to a manifold (5), wherein the processing module comprises an access tunnel (4b) through the processing module (35b) that enables access to the manifold (5) while the processing module (35b) is coupled to the manifold (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Publication number: 20100038081
    Abstract: A method for removing silica from evaporator concentrate to facilitate disposal of the concentrate. An alkaline earth compound is mixed with the concentrate in a crystallizer. Silica in the concentrate reacts with the alkaline earth compound and precipitates from the concentrate as alkaline silicate complexes. The concentrate having the alkaline earth silicate complexes is directed to a separator where the alkaline earth silicate complexes are separated from the concentrate, producing an aqueous solution and slurry. The slurry is directed to a filter where solids are separated from a filtrate. Both the aqueous solution and the filtrate can be disposed of by deep well injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: HPD, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Gamache, Charles Edward Mackey, Mark D. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7662290
    Abstract: The present invention removes contaminants from well water without creating the problem of large volumes of waste liquid disposal. It uses double-cone devices as pressure amplifiers which due to their lack of moving parts avoid the risk of additional contamination of the well and provide a prolonged lifetime. For toxic contaminants, a periodic purging of the concentrated contaminants is required. In the case of (sea) salt contamination, there is no waste brine to be continuously handled at all and the system may be run without interruption over an extended period. In this case, the brine is dumped into the well simply by periodically stopping the plant. The brine pours out of the double-cone unit(s) and due to its higher density, sinks down in the well without disturbing the operation of the purification plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: DCT Double-Cone Technology AG
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Patent number: 7662275
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventor: John R. Dorgan
  • Publication number: 20100025034
    Abstract: Provided is a system, including a first module (35b) configured to process fluid from a well, wherein the first module (35b) has an extension conduit (5b), having a connection that is coupleable to a central mandrel of a manifold (5), a processing device arranged in a region surrounding the extension conduit (5b), a processing input (18a), and a processing output (19a). Further provided is a method of processing well fluids, including diverting fluids from a bore of a manifold (1) to a processing module (35b), wherein the processing module (35b) is coupled to a mandrel of the manifold (5), processing the fluids in the processing module (35b), and returning the fluids to a flowpath (19a) for recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian Donald, John Reid
  • Patent number: 7654319
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for handling fluids returning from a well. The fluids are introduced into a separator and a separated gas stream is recovered or recycled. The gas stream may comprise more than one phase. The separated gas stream is urged through a multiphase pump before it is recovered. Alternatively, the return fluids may pass through a multiphase pump before it is introduced into the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Chitty, Jeffrey Charles Saponja, David Graham Hosie
  • Patent number: 7654330
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for extracting oil or natural gas from a well using a portable coal reformer. In one example, the method may include reforming coal by reaction with water to generate driver gas (comprising carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas), and injecting the driver gas into the well. The driver gas reduces the viscosity and pressurizes the oil to help extract the oil from the oil well. The coal reforming operation may include combusting coal or other combustible material with ambient oxygen to release energy, and heating coal and water with the energy released to a temperature above that required for the coal reforming reaction to proceed, thereby reforming coal and water into driver gas. The driver gas may be purified by filtering out particles and sulfur before injecting into the well. A portion of the hydrogen gas may be separated from the driver gas and used to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Pioneer Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Zubrin, Mark H. Berggren
  • Publication number: 20090277632
    Abstract: An onshore oil or gas well is completed with a coiled tubing unit. A completion liquid is circulated through coiled tubing and thereby removing solids from the well. The completion liquid and drilled solids pass into a tank where the solids are removed and the cleansed completion liquid is redelivered into the well. In some embodiments, drilled solids from the completion liquid are dewatered to a suitable extent in the tank and dumped into a bin where they are mixed with cotton motes to sorb any free liquid. In some embodiments, drilled solids from drilling an onshore subterranean well are mixed with cotton motes to sorb free liquid. The mixture of cotton motes and drilled solids are disposed of in a manner consistent with appropriate regulations, as by delivery to a commercial landfill, which may be either privately or municipally owned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Publication number: 20090277633
    Abstract: Cesium solutions are treated in a cavitation device to increase their temperature and facilitate the removal of water from them. The context is normally an oil well fluid or a mining solution. The concentrated solutions can be reused, in the case of oil well fluids, or more easily handled for recovery of the elemental cesium or cesium in the form of a salt. Thermal energy is saved by using the concentrate or the water vapor to heat various streams within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, JR.
  • Patent number: 7610962
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing acidic gas to a subsurface formation is described herein. The method may include providing heat from one or more heaters to a portion of a subsurface formation; producing fluids that include one or more acidic gases from the formation using a heat treatment process. At least a portion of one of the acidic gases may be introduced into the formation, or into another formation, through one or more wellbores at a pressure below a lithostatic pressure of the formation in which the acidic gas is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas David Fowler
  • Patent number: 7611633
    Abstract: A method for separation of fluid, in particular oil, gas and water, in connection with the extraction of such a fluid from formations under the surface of the earth or the sea bed. The fluid is transported in a supply pipe or transport pipe (4) to a separator (1) in the form of a tubular separator body, a gravitation tank or similar. The separated components, water and oil, are passed out of the separator separately via outlet pipes. The fluid upstream of the separator (1) is subjected to shear forces so that the drops in the supply flow are torn up to form drops that are so small that the interface generally becomes new and “uncontaminated” by surfactants. The shear forces are supplied by a phase inversion device (6) in the form of a valve or similar. Water can expediently be added to the fluid upstream of the phase inversion device (6) to achieve the desired phase inversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie
  • Patent number: 7604051
    Abstract: A method and device for separating particles from injection water, the injection water being used for the stimulation of a petroleum reservoir. The water is drawn from a water reservoir, cleaned and typically treated by means of additives before being led into the petroleum reservoir. The injection water is first led into a closed space (14), in which the flow rate is sufficiently low for undesired particles to precipitate from the injection water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Well Processing AS
    Inventor: David Pinchin
  • Patent number: 7604052
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes providing heat to the subsurface formation using an in situ heat treatment process. One or more formation particles may be formed during heating of the subsurface formation. Fluid that includes hydrocarbons and the formation particles may be produced from the subsurface formation. The formation particles in the produced fluid may include cenospheres and have an average particle size of at least 0.5 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Augustinus Wilhelmus Maria Roes, Vijay Nair, Erwin Henh Munsterman, Petrus Franciscus Van Bergen, Franciscus Gondulfus Antonius Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 7597144
    Abstract: An oil recovery process utilizes one or more membranes to remove silica and/or oil from produced water. In one method, the process includes separating oil from produced water and precipitating silica. The produced water having the precipitated silica is directed to a membrane, such as a ceramic membrane, which removes the precipitated silica from the produced water. In some cases, residual oil is present and is also removed by the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: HPD, LLC
    Inventors: Keith R Minnich, Kashi Banerjee
  • Patent number: 7597145
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for combining fluids of different pressures and flow rates in, for example, gas gathering systems, gas wells, and other areas in which independently powered compressors or pumps are not desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Blue Marble Engineering, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Philip Allard, Stanley D. Benham
  • Patent number: 7591309
    Abstract: An evaporation based method for generation of high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled produced water is processed through a high pH/high pressure evaporator driven by a commercial watertube boiler. The vapor produced by the evaporator is suitable for the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) method being utilized by heavy oil recovery installations, without the use of once through steam generators that require extensive chemical treatment, and without requiring atmospheric distillation, which requires high power consuming compressors. Evaporator blowdown may be further treated in a crystallizing evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system and, with most produced waters, at least 98% of the incoming produced water stream can be recovered in the form of high pressure steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Aquatech International Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. Minnich, Mark C. Nicholson, RamKumar Karlapudi, Richard M. Schoen
  • Patent number: 7591311
    Abstract: A method for recovering oil includes recovering an oil-water mixture from a well and separating oil from the oil-water mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. The produced water is directed to an evaporator which produces steam that is condensed to form a distillate. Thereafter the distillate is directed to a steam generator and is heated to form steam and water. At least a portion of the water is recirculated through the steam generator. Another portion of the water is mixed with the steam to form a steam-water mixture that is injected into an injection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: HPD, LLC
    Inventors: Keith R Minnich, Mark C. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7591308
    Abstract: A method of optimizing fluid (gas/oil) throughput of a battery complex to monitor and control the flow of an individual well in a field of wells at any particular instance in time and to allocate production of a specific well. The method comprises one or more of the steps of; providing a master control unit within the battery complex; placing an individual control unit on each of the individual wells in said field of wells; arranging a communications network between each of the individual control units at each well in the field and the master control unit in the battery complex; reporting each individual well's gas production factors to the master control unit; and sending a control signal to each individual well to control its production based upon the monitoring of the collective signals received by the master control unit from the field of individual wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: WellMaster Corp
    Inventor: Robert E. Bender
  • Patent number: 7591310
    Abstract: A method includes producing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a gas stream. At least a portion of the liquid stream is provided to a hydrotreating unit. At least a portion of selected in situ heat treatment clogging compositions in the liquid stream are removed to produce a hydrotreated liquid stream by hydrotreating at least a portion of the liquid stream at conditions sufficient to remove the selected in situ heat treatment clogging compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Johannes Kornelis Minderhoud, Richard Gene Nelson, Augustinus Wilhelmus Maria Roes, Robert Charles Ryan, Vijay Nair
  • Patent number: 7584789
    Abstract: A method for producing a crude product is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce one or more crude products. At least one of the crude products has a boiling range distribution from 38° C. and 343° C. as determined by ASTM Method D5307. The crude product having the boiling range distribution from 38° C. and 343° C. is catalytically cracked to produce one or more additional crude products. At least one of the additional crude products is a second gas stream. The second gas stream has a boiling point of at most 38° C. at 0.101 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Weijian Mo, Augustinus Wilhelmus Maria Roes, Vijay Nair
  • Patent number: 7581589
    Abstract: A method for producing alkylated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce at least a second gas stream including hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are introduced into an alkylation unit to produce alkylated hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the olefins in the first gas stream enhance alkylation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Augustinus Wilhelmus Maria Roes, Weijian Mo, Michel Serge Marie Muylle, Remco Hugo Mandema, Vijay Nair
  • Patent number: 7578345
    Abstract: A method for recovering heavy oil including recovering an oil-water mixture from a well and separating oil from the oil-water mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. The produced water is separated into a series of produced water streams. Each produced water stream is directed into each of a plurality of interconnected evaporators in a multiple effect evaporator. A first produced water stream is heated and vaporized to form a first vapor stream. The first vapor stream then heats and vaporizes a second produced water stream to form a second vapor stream. This process may continue wherein the second vapor stream heats and vaporizes a third produced water stream. The vapor streams are condensed to form a distillate that is directed to a steam generator. The steam generator then heats the distillate and produces steam to inject into an oil injection well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: HPD, LLC
    Inventors: Keith R Minnich, Dorothy Neu
  • Patent number: 7575690
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon stimulation fluids are often used to increase the permeability and productivity of oil and gas reservoirs. The fluid itself is made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons and various chemicals designed to induce gel formation and gel breaking. The successful removal of these chemicals from the fluid has been achieved, through a process of acid-washing and filtration. This will allow the fluid to be re-used many times for further fracturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Synoil Fluids Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun T. Mesher, Amanda G. Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20090200022
    Abstract: Systems and methods of treating a gas stream are described. A method of treating a gas stream includes cryogenically separating a first gas stream to form a second gas stream and a third stream. The third stream is cryogenically contacted with a carbon dioxide stream to form a fourth and fifth stream. A majority of the second gas stream includes methane and/or molecular hydrogen. A majority of the third stream includes one or more carbon oxides, hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 2, one or more sulfur compounds, or mixtures thereof. A majority of the fourth stream includes one or more of the carbon oxides and hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 2. A majority of the fifth stream includes hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3 and one or more of the sulfur compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Jose Luis Bravo, Albert Destrehan Harvey, III, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Patent number: 7572382
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon stimulation fluids are often used to increase the permeability and productivity of oil and gas reservoirs. The fluid itself is made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons and various chemicals designed to induce gel formation and gel breaking. The successful removal of these chemicals from the fluid has been achieved, through a process of acid-washing, mixing with a settling agent, centrifugation and filtration. This will allow the fluid to be re-used many times for further fracturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Synoil Fluids Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun T. Mesher, Amanda G. Jarvis, Robin Tudor
  • Publication number: 20090194280
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to generating a range of petroleum products from bitumen or heavy oil reservoir by installing wells from a combination of surface and underground well-head platforms while controlling carbon dioxide emissions during thermal recovery operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: OSUM OIL SANDS CORP.
    Inventors: Henry Gil, Andrew Squires
  • Patent number: 7568523
    Abstract: Cesium solutions are treated in a cavitation device to increase their temperature and facilitate the removal of water from them. The context is normally an oil well fluid or a mining solution. The concentrated solutions can be reused, in the case of oil well fluids, or more easily handled for recovery of the elemental cesium or cesium in the form of a salt. Thermal energy is saved by using the concentrate or the water vapor to heat various streams within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7569097
    Abstract: In subsea multiphase pumping systems, the use of a gas-liquid cylindrical cyclone (GLCC) as a separator to recirculate liquid from pump discharge to pump suction, especially during high gas inlet conditions from a multiphase petroleum stream. Further contemplated is protection of the pump from momentary high gas inlet conditions due to an incoming slug flow profile from a petroleum stream, via transforming a naturally varying multiphase petroleum stream into separated phases for measured distribution to the pump suction and ensuring a minimum liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Howard Campen, Jose Luis Matos, James Roncace
  • Patent number: 7562708
    Abstract: A closed loop system for increasing yield, reducing post process pollution, reducing energy consumed during and after extraction of fuels or contaminants in formations and for sequestering of carbon dioxide C02 from various sources is converted to a critical fluid for use as a flushing and cooling medium. Electrical energy heats a hydrocarbon rich formation resulting in the extraction of hot fluids which are fed to heat exchangers, gas/liquid separator, and steam turbine whereby oil, electric power, carbon dioxide and methane are produced for reuse in the system or for external use. Further, a method for sequestering of carbon dioxide in a formation comprises the steps of injecting CO2 into the reservoir, flushing with cool pressurized CO2 for heat removal, infiltrating with ultra-fine low density suspended catalyst particles of dry sodium hydroxide in CO2, pumping water moistened CO2 into the reservoir to activate the catalysts, binding the CO2 with reacting materials and capping the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: John A. Cogliandro, John M. Moses
  • Patent number: 7556096
    Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising dawsonite includes assessing a dawsonite composition of one or more zones in the formation. Heat from one or more heaters is provided to the formation such that different amounts of heat are provided to zones with different dawsonite compositions. The provided heat is allowed to transfer from the heaters to the formation. Fluids are produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Xueying Xie, David Scott Miller
  • Patent number: 7556095
    Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising dawsonite includes providing heat from one or more heaters to the formation to heat the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation. At least some dawsonite in the formation is decomposed with the provided heat. A chelating agent is provided to the formation to dissolve at least some dawsonite decomposition products. The dissolved dawsonite decomposition products are produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Harold J. Vinegar
  • Patent number: 7546874
    Abstract: A cavitation device is used to heat, concentrate and recycle or otherwise reuse dilute and other oil well fluids, brines and muds, and solution mining fluids, all of which commonly contain ingredients worthy of conservation. The cavitation device can be powered by a Diesel engine whose exhaust may be used to heat the incoming fluid, and the product of the cavitation device is directed to a flash tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7540951
    Abstract: A process for preparation of synthetic crude from a deposit of heavy crude, comprises: (a) the extraction of heavy crude by technology using steam; (b) the separation of crude extract and water; (c) the separation of crude into at least one light fraction and one heavy fraction; (d) the conversion of the heavy fraction of separation into a lighter product, said converted product, and a residue; (e) optionally, the partial or total hydrotreatment of the converted product and/or the light fraction (or fractions) obtained during the separation c), (f) the combustion and/or gasification of the conversion residue; the converted product and the light fraction (or fractions) for separation, optionally having been subjected to a hydrotreatment e), constituting the synthetic crude; said combustion allowing the generation of steam and/or electricity and said gasification allowing the generation of hydrogen; the steam and/or electricity thus generated being used for the extraction a) and/or the electricity and/or hydrog
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Arnault Selmen, Thierry Gauthier, Mathieu Pinault, Eric Benazzi
  • Publication number: 20090133872
    Abstract: A flow back separator including a housing including a bore housing for communicating with a solid collection chamber, an inlet port for receiving formation fluid flow, and a helical member disposed within the housing bore for directing formation fluid flow received through the inlet port along a helical path wherein solids within the formation fluid flow are forced towards a wall of the housing bore under centrifugal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Donald W. Shackelford, Michael L. Clark, Robert T. Hendrix, Glendell S. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7537641
    Abstract: A process and equipment for treating natural gas produced by a well that has recently been stimulated, and that contains an undesirably high concentration of the fracturing gas used to stimulate the well. The process involves treating the gas by membrane separation, and provides for control of treatment parameters to compensate for the changing concentration of fracturing gas in the produced gas, as well as changes in gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaaeid A. Lokhandwala, Ankur Jariwala
  • Patent number: 7530392
    Abstract: A method and system for the production of a gas hydrate including the steps of drilling into a subterranean gas hydrate formation and at least partially depressurizing the gas hydrate formation to permit separation of gas and water from the hydrate form. The gas and water is then pumped from the formation and recovered from the well. At least a portion of water pumped from the well is water that is introduced into the well from the surface or reintroduced by a feed back loop from the production operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Sugiyama, Brian W. Cho, Shunetsu Onodera, Ahmed H. Al-Jubori, Masafumi Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 7520989
    Abstract: A subsea separation apparatus for processing crude oil, which includes a separator module with a separator tank. The separator tank defines an opening going there through. The opening is located substantially at the geometrical center of the separator tank, and may be used for other processing equipment for the crude oil. The separator tank may be substantially symmetrically placed on a well head, and the separator module may be substantially concentrically placed on the well head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventor: Inge Östergaard
  • Patent number: 7516794
    Abstract: A pipe separator for the separation of fluids, for example the separation of oil, gas and water in connection with the extraction and production of oil and gas from formations beneath the sea bed. The pipe separator includes a pipe-shaped separator body (1) with an inlet and outlet that principally corresponds to a transport pipe (4, 7) to which the pipe separator is connected. The pipe separator further includes a pipe bend or loop (2) arranged in the pipe separator or in connection with its outlet to form a downstream fluid seal in relation to the pipe separator body (1), which is designed to maintain a fluid level in the pipe separator, but which also allows the pipe separator (1) and the loop (2) to be pigged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Eivind Gramme, Ivar Haukom
  • Publication number: 20090078416
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Feedwater is then acidified and steam stripped to remove alkalinity and dissolved non-condensable gases. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100 % quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Publication number: 20090065202
    Abstract: A submersible well pump assembly has a gas separator that separates gas prior to entering into the pump. A shroud encloses a portion of the pump assembly, including the gas separator. The gas separator has gas discharge tubes that extend from it out through the shroud. The gas discharge tubes are tangentially aligned to create a vortex on the exterior of the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown Lyle Wilson, Gary L. James
  • Patent number: 7490672
    Abstract: A cuttings processing system processes return fluid recovered while drilling a wellbore at an offshore location. The processing system includes a separator having an inlet receiving the return fluid, an accelerator coupled to the inlet that accelerates the return fluid, and a conical spinning member that receives the accelerated return fluid from the accelerator and applies a centrifugal force to the return fluid. The acceleration provides the return fluid with a tangential velocity that substantially matches the rotational speed of the conical spinning member. The separator also has a liquid discharge port that discharging the substantially liquid component to a tank or pipe and a solids discharge opening that discharges the substantially solid component out of the separator. In one embodiment, a conveyance device transports the solids component from the separator to a selected location on the offshore facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Chad Hollier
  • Patent number: 7490671
    Abstract: A pipe separator is for separation of fluids, for example separation of oil, gas and water in connection with extraction and production of oil and gas from formations under a sea bed. The pipe separator comprises an extended, tubular separator body having a diameter at inlet and outlet ends that is mainly equal to or slightly greater than a diameter of a transport pipe to which the separator body is connected. A cyclone is arranged upstream of the separator body for separation of any gas present. An electrostatic coalescer is incorporated in and constitutes an integrated part of the separator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Per Gramme, Gunnar Hannibal Lie