Temperature Modification Or Control Of Earthen Formation Patents (Class 405/130)
  • Patent number: 11091893
    Abstract: A method for freezing and treating a mass of soil, making it possible to compensate for deformations of the mass of soil during thawing, including the following steps: a) producing at least one bore (2) in the mass of soil, b) at least partly freezing the mass of soil using a freezing fluid injected into the bore, and then c) injecting a compensation grouting into the mass of soil, using the bore (2) that was used for freezing, during the thawing phase in order to at least partly compensate for variations in the volume of the mass of soil when the latter thaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: VINCI CONSTRUCTION
    Inventors: Romain Nicolas, Bertrand Thidet, Raphaël Gueulet, Jérôme Stubler
  • Patent number: 10301528
    Abstract: A subterranean ground heat exchange system, a method of installation, and a grout composition therefor. The grout composition is a pumpable slurry formed of from about 70 to about 85 parts by weight natural flake graphite and from about 30 to about 15 parts by weight bentonite. The solids content of the pumpable grout slurry is preferably at least 35% by weight and is more preferably at least 40% by weight. The ground exchange apparatus preferably utilizes an improved supply and return header comprised of supply and return ports which are provided through the vertically extending outer wall of a header housing. The header also includes an interior supply conduit which extends from the supply port into the interior of the header housing and includes a bend positioned in the interior of the housing for directing the heat transfer fluid downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: RYGAN CORP.
    Inventors: Lane Lawless, Michael Fraim, Brandon A. Larson
  • Patent number: 10190879
    Abstract: A system for detecting localized ground position changes makes use of plurality of lighting units, each fixed to the ground. Each lighting unit comprises a positioning system and a transmitter for transmitting positioning information to a remote central processing unit. The positioning information from the plurality of fixed lighting units is processed to identify local ground position changes. The infrastructure of a networked lighting system in this way enables ground information to be determined, for example for detecting ground movement in response to natural events or man-made activities (such as tunneling, building, extraction of natural resources etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Oscar Garcia Morchon, Marc Aoun, Miguel Elcano-Fuentes
  • Patent number: 9920499
    Abstract: The invention relates to thermal engineering construction, particularly to individual seasonal cooling devices, or temperature stabilizers of soils. The solution is aimed to expand temperature ranges at which temperature stabilizers can be installed and to prevent debris from sealing materials from entering into the well cavity having a coolant. The device contains a temperature stabilizer that functions as a two-phase thermal siphon and includes an aboveground condensing part and underground transporting and vaporizing parts. The temperature stabilizer is placed into the well along with coolant. The well is a hollow cylindrical body with a bottom and a capping element at a top end. The capping element includes a hole for receiving of the temperature stabilizer. The capping element is a detachable stuffing-box seal that includes a support ring installed on a round step in the well, a pressure ring, and thermally expanded graphite rings pressed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY “TRANSNEFT”, JOINT STOCK COMPANY “TRANSNEFT SIBERIA”, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY “TRANSNEFT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR OIL AND OIL PRODUCTS TRANSPORTATION”
    Inventors: Yury Viktorovich Lisin, Pavel Aleksandrovich Revel-Muroz, Aleksandr Nikolaevich Petelin, Vitaly Ivanovich Surikov, Yurii Borisovich Mikheev, Sergei Vasilievich Lakhaev
  • Patent number: 9611608
    Abstract: An apparatus sometime referred to as a freeze pipe and methods of using these apparatus in ground freezing applications is provided. Ground freezing is a temporary ground support technique that is used extensively for groundwater control and ground stabilization in underground construction and deep excavations. The process involves circulating refrigerated liquids through a series of vertically disposed “freeze” pipes to freeze the ground creating a solid barrier that prevents water intrusion and provides structural support for excavation. The freeze pipes are directed to “zone freeze” pipes or the like, which cause the ground to freeze in selected segments along the pipe, also referred to as zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Mageau, Larry Applegate
  • Patent number: 9435092
    Abstract: A dam construction method utilizing refrigerating technology is provided, the method takes natural water as the material to construct the dam and constructs an ice dam body by utilizing the refrigerating technology. The method includes the following steps: choosing the forms and quantity of ice unit bodies, determining the positions and quantity of frozen contact points, manufacturing sufficient ice unit bodies by frozen units, choosing heat insulating material with high performance as the heat preservation layer to cover on the outside of the frozen ice unit bodies; temporarily fixing the ice unit bodies; quickly freezing the seams of the ice unit bodies to form a whole ice dam; mounting temporary generating equipment and completing the temporary dam body; thawing the ice dam body after a permanent dam body is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Ju Yang, Guan Yang
  • Patent number: 9200819
    Abstract: A system and a method for operating the system is provided to optimize heat exchange between a geothermal loop and a heat pump load loop for heating and cooling a structure. In the method, the flow rate through the earth loop is adjusted based on current thermal demand of a heat pump array, so as to reduce the electrical demand of the earth loop circulator when thermal demand from the heat pump loop is low. The method adjusts the speed of the earthloop circulator as required for the operating conditions of the heat pumps and earth loop, thereby permitting efficient laminar flow whenever possible, as long as thermal demand is met. The system of this invention provides a compact module containing a suitable digital data receiver and controller programmed to receive temperature and flow data and to calculate the needed flow in each loop to meet the thermal demand of the heat pump or pumps, and to signal the earthloop pump, and optionally a load loop pump, to operate at the necessary flow speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: John Siegenthaler
  • Patent number: 9039327
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and processing permafrost gases and for cooling permafrost are disclosed herein. A method for processing gas in a permafrost region includes obtaining a gas from a sacrificial area of a thawing permafrost region, dissociating the gas in a non-combustive chemical process, and circulating a constituent of the gas through a savable area of the thawing permafrost region to cool the savable area. This process can be used to cool selected areas of permafrost and/or create clean-burning fuels and/or other products from permafrost gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8888408
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and processing permafrost gases and for cooling permafrost are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment for processing gas in a permafrost region includes obtaining a gas from a sacrificial area of a thawing permafrost region, dissociating the gas in a non-combustive chemical process, and circulating a constituent of the gas through a savable area of the thawing permafrost region to cool the savable area. In particular embodiments, this process can be used to cool selected areas of permafrost and/or create clean-burning fuels and/or other products from permafrost gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20140133918
    Abstract: A lawn grid is provided with pipelines for a heat transfer medium. By using this lawn grid, a turf which can be used for summer operation can be integrated in winter into the structure of an artificial ice rink and/or the turf can be kept free of frost in wither by means of a surface lawn heating. Moreover, the lawn grid can be used for the active and passive recovery of solar heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Eric Hardman
  • Publication number: 20130343818
    Abstract: A subsurface thermal insulation product for reducing ground disturbance during a freeze-thaw cycle comprises: a plurality of thermal insulation panels each comprising: a foam board and a water wicking sheet attached to one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam board. Each foam board has a top surface and a bottom surface and four peripheral shiplap edges each with a notch that permits multiple thermal insulation panels to be placed in adjacent overlapping engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: John BANDURA
  • Publication number: 20130266372
    Abstract: A subsurface thermal insulation product for reducing ground disturbance during a freeze-thaw cycle comprises: a plurality of thermal insulation panels each comprising: a foam board and a water wicking sheet attached to one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam board. Each foam board has a top surface and a bottom surface and four peripheral shiplap edges each with a notch that permits multiple thermal insulation panels to be placed in adjacent overlapping engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: John BANDURA
  • Patent number: 8448708
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing refrigerant into a wellbore, for freeze-fracturing a selected region of a subsurface formation, uses refrigerant diffuser pipe having multiple orifices in a selected pattern along a designated section of its length. The orificed supply tubing is disposed within a refrigerant return conduit, thereby forming a tubing annulus. A flow of liquid refrigerant is introduced into the diffuser pipe and flows through the orifices into the tubing annulus, with the orifices acting as expander means creating a pressure drop and causing vaporization of the refrigerant as it passes into the annulus. To facilitate use of the same diffuser pipe in different wells having different requirements, a helical orifice-isolation wrap may be disposed around the diffuser pipe, with the orifice-isolation wrap having orifice-plugging elements arrayed to effectively block fluid flow through selected orifices, while leaving other orifices open as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Triple D Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell S. Kosakewich
  • Publication number: 20130094909
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and processing permafrost gases and for cooling permafrost are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment for processing gas in a permafrost region includes obtaining a gas from a sacrificial area of a thawing permafrost region, dissociating the gas in a non-combustive chemical process, and circulating a constituent of the gas through a savable area of the thawing permafrost region to cool the savable area. In particular embodiments, this process can be used to cool selected areas of permafrost and/or create clean-burning fuels and/or other products from permafrost gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8365478
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8366918
    Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8366917
    Abstract: A method of recovering minerals from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be contacted with an agent sufficient to remove minerals therefrom. The agent is typically a solution containing a solvent, leachant, chelating agent and the like via which minerals can be removed having value, toxic minerals, radioactive minerals and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8349171
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8267170
    Abstract: A plurality of first barrier wells are formed in a formation for a first barrier. A substantially constant spacing separates adjacent first barrier wells. The formation is analyzed to determine the principal fracture direction of at least one layer of the formation. An offset distance of second barrier wells relative to first barrier wells is determined based on the principal fracture direction to limit a maximum separation distance between a closest barrier well and a theoretical fracture extending between the first barrier and the second barrier along the principal fracture direction to a distance of less than one half of the spacing that separates adjacent first barrier wells. The second barrier wells are offset from the first barrier wells by a distance that is at least substantially the same as the offset distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Thomas David Fowler, Billy John McKinzie
  • Patent number: 8161757
    Abstract: A navigable vessel for use in reducing the intensity of a tropical cyclone having an eye located over an ocean comprises a plurality of artificial snow-making devices aboard the vessel, at least one pump coupled to the devices and accessible to a body of water in which the vessel is floating for supplying the devices with water for making artificial snow, and a power source coupled to the devices to operate the devices in concert for producing a substantially uninterrupted supply of artificial snow. The artificial snow-making devices have discharge nozzles oriented to project the artificial snow away from the vessel onto or above the water adjacent the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Alfred Rosen
  • Patent number: 8109047
    Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8016049
    Abstract: In a method of installing a borehole heat exchanger in the earth, a channel is formed in the earth by means of a pushing device, thereby causing a compression of the earth as a result of earth being displaced, and inserting a borehole heat exchanger in the channel, causing an elastic component of the earth to move toward the heat exchanger as the earth relaxes in order to provide an intimate contact between the earth and the heat exchanger. Installation of the borehole heat exchanger in elastically displaced earth ensures not only a stable and lasting securement of the heat exchanger in the earth but also the intimate contact between earth and heat exchanger wall so important for heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Wurm, Hans-Joachim Bayer
  • Publication number: 20100146993
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using liquid nitrogen to render crises safe, as in circumstances of hostage crises, entering Methamphetamine labs, purging the accumulating toxic or flammable gases, ending the dispersal of substances from aerosols and capturing the material dispersed by condensing it and sealing it in containers for disposal, picking up spills by solidifying them or gelling the material and containing it for disposal—this includes Mercury spills, sealing and repairing broken pipes and dikes and dams, enabling a combustion engine to quit running, strengthening levee structures by freezing the core for the length of the levee or sandbag structure when severe crises occur, rapid cooling lava flows to structure the solid lava formation to something useful in that location, purging the coalmine fire environment of Oxygen to quell the long-term blaze while cooling subterranean structure to below freezing causing water crystals to loosen structure, treating industrial stack gas to capture acidics and use
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Denyse Claire DuBrucq
  • Patent number: 7712999
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying soil wherein a soil drying machine is adapted to traverse an area of soil and to dry the soil in the process. The soil drying machine includes a main frame having an air generating device, such as a blower, and a heater mounted thereon. A system of heated air is generated on the soil drying machine and directed downwardly into engagement with the soil being dried. Forming a part of the soil drying machine is a tilling implement. From time-to-time the tilling implement can be lowered and engaged with the soil so as to till the soil prior to the soil being subjected to the heated air, or after the soil has been subjected to the heated air. The soil drying machine may be in the form of a self-propelled unit or a pull-type unit configured to be pulled by a tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: James Huckabee
  • Patent number: 7647971
    Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the formation to a point that is at or below the freezing point of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 7647972
    Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., a subsurface formation including oil shale, includes completing a well having fluid communication with the subsurface formation at a first depth and a second lower depth. A fracturing fluid is injected into the well so as to form a fracture at a depth of the subsurface formation, and thereby provides fluid communication between the first and second depths in the well. A cooling fluid is circulated under pressure through the well and into the fracture so as to cause the cooling fluid to flow from the well, into subsurface formation at the first depth, to the subsurface formation at the second depth, and back into the well, thereby lowering the temperature of the subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 7623968
    Abstract: A method of determining the porosity and fluid saturation for a given volume of an underground formation through which a borehole is drilled, the method comprising: measuring, from within the borehole, parameters relating to characteristics of the underground formation; determining volumetric values for resistivity, hydrogen index, density and neutron capture cross-section for the given volume from the measured parameters, each volumetric value including a contribution from formation matrix, water, oil and gas; determining, from the volumetric values, the volumes of rock matrix, pore water, oil and gas, and the salinity of the pore water; and determining the porosity and fluid saturation of the volume of the formation from the determined volumes and salinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Griffiths, Ollivier Faivre, Thomas Neville, Geoff Weller
  • Patent number: 7575053
    Abstract: A system for monitoring temperature of a subsurface low temperature zone is described. The system includes a plurality of freeze wells configured to form the low temperature zone, one or more lasers, and a fiber optic cable coupled to at least one laser. A portion of the fiber optic cable is positioned in at least one freeze well. At least one laser is configured to transmit light pulses into a first end of the fiber optic cable. An analyzer is coupled to the fiber optic cable. The analyzer is configured to receive return signals from the light pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Billy John McKinzie, II
  • Patent number: 7549470
    Abstract: A method for treating an oil shale formation comprising nahcolite includes providing a first fluid to a portion of the formation. A second fluid is produced from the portion. The second fluid includes at least some nahcolite dissolved in the first fluid. A controlled amount of oxidant is provided to the portion of the formation. Hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, George Leo Stegemeier
  • Patent number: 7546873
    Abstract: A method of forming and maintaining a low temperature zone around at least a portion of a subsurface treatment area is described. The method includes reducing a temperature of heat transfer fluid with a refrigeration system. The heat transfer fluid is circulated through freeze well canisters and placed in a formation around at least a portion of the subsurface treatment area. An initial temperature of the heat transfer fluid supplied to a first freeze well canister is in a range from about ?35 ° C. to about ?55 ° C. At least one of the well canisters includes carbon steel. The heat transfer fluid is returned to the refrigeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Dong Sub Kim, Harold J. Vinegar
  • Patent number: 7516785
    Abstract: A method for lowering the temperature of a portion of a subsurface formation is provided. Preferably, the formation is an oil shale formation. The method includes the step of injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore, with the wellbore having been completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation. In one embodiment the wellbore has an elongated tubular member for receiving the cooling fluid and for conveying it downhole to the subsurface formation. The wellbore also has an expansion valve in fluid communication with the tubular member through which the cooling fluid flows. The method then includes the steps of injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into the wellbore, and expanding the cooling fluid across the first expansion valve. In this way, the temperature of the cooling fluid is reduced. The temperature of the surrounding formation is likewise reduced through thermal conduction and convection. In another embodiment, a partially frozen slurry is used as the cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 7516787
    Abstract: A method for lowering the temperature of a portion of a subsurface formation is provided. Preferably, the formation is an oil shale formation. The method includes the step of injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore, with the wellbore having been completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation. The wellbore has an elongated tubular member for receiving the cooling fluid and for conveying it downhole to the subsurface formation. The wellbore also has an expansion valve in fluid communication with the tubular member through which the cooling fluid flows. The method then includes the steps of injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into the wellbore, and expanding the cooling fluid across the first expansion valve. In this way, the temperature of the cooling fluid is reduced. The temperature of the surrounding formation is likewise reduced through thermal conduction and convection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 7438501
    Abstract: A ground freezing system includes a metal feed pipe for delivering refrigerant to the lower end of a freeze pipe installed in a bore in the ground. The feed pipe is supported on a compression spring which accommodates thermal contraction of the feed pipe while maintaining support of its weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Layne Christensen Company
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sopko
  • Patent number: 7435037
    Abstract: A system for reducing heat load applied to a frozen barrier by a heated formation is described. The system includes heat interceptor wells positioned between the heated formation and the frozen barrier. Fluid is positioned in the heat interceptor wells. Heat transfers from the formation to the fluid to reduce the heat load applied to the frozen barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Billy John McKinzie, II
  • Publication number: 20070267190
    Abstract: A ground freezing system includes a metal feed pipe for delivering refrigerant to the lower end of a freeze pipe installed in a bore in the ground. The feed pipe is supported on a compression spring which accommodates thermal contraction of the feed pipe while maintaining support of its weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sopko
  • Patent number: 7077198
    Abstract: A method is described for inhibiting migration of fluids into and/or out of a treatment area undergoing an in situ conversion process. Barriers in the formation proximate a treatment area may be used to inhibit migration of fluids. Inhibition of migration of fluids may occur before, during, and/or after an in situ treatment process. For example, migration of fluids may be inhibited while heat is provided from heaters to at least a portion of the treatment area. Barriers may include naturally occurring portions (e.g., overburden, and/or underburden) and/or installed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 7032660
    Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Fluid migration into and/or out of a treatment area in the formation may be inhibited. In some embodiments, a barrier may be used to inhibit migration of fluids into and/or out of the treatment area. Heat may be provided to the treatment area and subsequently, hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Dannie Antoine Aymond, Jr., Kevin Albert Maher, Billy John McKinzie, II, Bruce Donald Palfreyman, George Leo Stegemeier, John Michael Ward, Ronnie Wade Watkins, Scott Lee Wellington
  • Patent number: 6976809
    Abstract: A method for maintaining a stable soil by surrounding a chilled gas pipe with a material that has an antifreeze component that prevents the soil from freezing. By keeping the soil from freezing, it remains stable at all times. The method calls for excavating a trench, lining it with a geotextile membrane that keeps water from infiltrating into the trench, and then surrounding it with a bed of limestone (calcium carbonate) that is mixed with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), which acts as an anti-freeze agent. The limestone-CMA mixture surrounds the pipe. The trench is covered by another geotextile membrane to completely seal it. In this way, the pipeline is surrounded by a material that is not subject to freezing. As such, it provides a stable bed for the pipeline to prevent frost heaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Paul A. Metz, Barry Donnellan
  • Patent number: 6854929
    Abstract: Freeze wells may be used to isolate an area for soil remediation. Freeze wells may form a frozen barrier around a treatment area. The frozen barrier may inhibit fluid from entering into the treatment area. The frozen barrier may also inhibit migration of contamination out of the treatment area. The frozen barrier may be used to surround all of the perimeter of the treatment area. A frozen barrier may also be formed above or below a treatment area. Freeze wells may be activated in advance of soil remediation so that a frozen barrier is formed when soil remediation is begun. The soil remediation may be accomplished by any type of soil remediation system, including a thermal soil remediation system. Heaters of a thermal soil remediation system may be may be placed close to the frozen barrier without the barrier being broken through during remediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Harold J. Vinegar, George L. Stegemeier
  • Patent number: 6679655
    Abstract: A system for supporting pipe within soil or fill material which minimizes positional disturbances of the pipe despite seasonal fluctuations in atmospheric temperature is provided. The system provides a length of double walled pipe, a support member placed in the soil or fill material and a wicking device which transfers energy between the inner pipe of the double walled pipe which is typically full of a cryogenic fluid and the support. The energy transfer stabilizes the soil or fill material, typically by freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chart Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Bonn
  • Publication number: 20030145592
    Abstract: A world threatening explosion has been assessed as overdue for a supervolcano discovered under the US Yellowstone National Park. Recent proposals give a method for the controlled evacuation of the volcanic magma to prevent the explosion. The present proposals are much simpler. The evacuation would be through a single evacuation tube, 10 and 11. Means for heating the hot volcanic magma evacuation flow prevent an unacceptable increase of stickiness in the very long tube. The heating may use small combustion chambers to heat steam, which in turn heats, drives, and stabilises the magma flow by injection from 16. Stability is aided by central cooling, using water jets from nozzles 15 and 17 at the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Stapleton Stratford
  • Patent number: 6565724
    Abstract: A plurality of rows of wells are drilled in the soil of the area to be stabilized, and then pairs of electrodes, i.e., an aluminum anode and a copper-graphite cathode connected to a source of a bipolar pulse current, are inserted into each well in such a manner that during operation all anodes of odd wells are connected to a positive terminal (for odd pulses) of the source, while all cathodes of even wells are connected to a negative terminal (for odd pulses) of the source. After a certain period of treatment the anodes and cathodes are reversed so that all anode of even wells are connected to the positive terminals (for even pulses) of the source, whereas the cathodes of the odd wells are connected to the negative terminal of the source. Controlled directional structuring of the soil mass is carried out by adjusting the duration of current pulses, intervals between two sequential bipolar pulses of pulse current, and current density in the pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Itsekson, Vladimir Itsekson, Boris Itsekson
  • Publication number: 20020141828
    Abstract: An irrigation system comprising a closed-loop piping system a portion of which is a condensing section extending on or adjacent below ground surface, and at least another portion of which is a cool-collecting section /buied under ground at a cool ground zone. The closed-loop piping holding a liquid which is propelled by a circulating system fitted along the piping system. The liquid is chilled by heat exchanging at the cool ground zone and then flows to the condensing section where moisture from the vicinity is extracted by condensation over the by condensing section, readily available for consumption by agriculture growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Boaz Wachtel
  • Patent number: 6276873
    Abstract: A continuous process for removing organic contaminants from a subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Southern California Edison Company
    Inventors: Craig L. Eaker, Randy S. Weidner, Terry C. Sciarrotta, George M. Becker
  • Patent number: 5944444
    Abstract: A control system for an athletic field coordinates drainage by gravity or vacuum-enhanced and irrigation by monitoring water level with respect to a subsurface membrane, wherein a flow network resides on the membrane and is covered by a fill layer, which in turn supports the field surface thereabove. The flow network includes couplings located at the intersections of some of the pipe rows and conduit rows. The water permeability of the conduit rows allows the flow network to be used for draining, irrigating or heating the field. The heating of the fill layer and the surface thereabove minimizes energy costs and eliminates installation and maintenance costs that would otherwise be necessitated by separate heating and draining systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: Technology Licensing Corp., Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., Murray Equipment
    Inventors: Joseph E. Motz, Mark A. Heinlein, James B. Goddard, Carl Tyner, Craig Reese, Brian L. Ferry
  • Patent number: 5842813
    Abstract: A method of a cold-technology-based irrigation of areas affected by aridity based on restoration of the energy balance (energothasis) of each unit area (square meter, acre, hectare, square kilometer, etc.) by utilizing imported external energy (electric transmission lines diesel generators, solar energy and/or wind energy) to increase the energy intensity of the unit area concerned. The imported energy will be stored in ice or low-temperature soil produced by artificial cooling, creating an artificial temperature gradient within the unit area concerned and resulting in condensation of water from the air and elevation of groundwater to-wards the cold layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Heikki Auvinen
  • Patent number: 5804069
    Abstract: A mesh enclosed container is provided to remove melt water from frozen blocks of contaminated sediment which has been extracted from a marine environment. The mesh enclosure has a number of porous wicking tubes for insertion into corresponding cavities in the frozen sediment blocks. Wicking material is inserted into the tubes to enhance melt water flow out of the sediment blocks during the thawing cycle. A sealed container may be provided to enclose the block and meshed container to prevent escape of volatile materials during the thawing cycle. The sealed container will also collect melt water accumulated during the thawing cycle. A method of melting frozen marine sediment blocks is provided to recover treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Lars Leander Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5730550
    Abstract: A method for placement of remediation zones for treatment of contaminated groundwater in situ (10, 10A, 50, 60, 70, 80, 124) is described. The zones can be infiltrated or can be excavated and filled with a treatment composition to provide the remediation. A frozen wall (11) is temporarily established by freeze pipes (16, 18, 16A, 18A, 51, 52, 61, 62, 72, 73, 74, 75, 84, 85) regions (120,122) around the zone for the injection or excavation and filtration and then the frozen wall created is removed by thawing. The contaminated groundwater flows through the zone, preferably using a permanent barrier or wall (86) acting as a funnel. The method provides reliable and economic remediation in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Orlando B. Andersland, Craig S. Criddle, Roger B. Wallace, David C. Wiggert
  • Patent number: 5681130
    Abstract: A thermal barrier is disclosed for surface confinement with active cooling to control subsurface pressures during thermal remediation of shallow (5-20 feet) underground contaminants. If steam injection is used for underground heating, the actively cooled thermal barrier allows the steam to be injected into soil at pressures much higher (20-60 psi) than the confining strength of the soil, while preventing steam breakthrough. The rising steam is condensed to liquid water at the thermal barrier-ground surface interface. The rapid temperature drop forced by the thermal barrier drops the subsurface pressure to below atmospheric pressure. The steam and contaminant vapors are contained by the thermal blanket, which can be made of a variety of materials such as steel plates, concrete slabs, membranes, fabric bags, or rubber bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, Robin L. Newmark
  • Patent number: 5667339
    Abstract: An advancing freeze front is established in a porous region adjacent to or within contaminated earth. A flow of contaminated liquid phase water migrates toward the freeze front and a concentration of impurities is established in front of the advancing freeze front. When the freeze front reaches a collection zone, at least a portion is melted and the resultant water bearing concentrated impurities is collected and removed. This process may be repetitively performed. A liquid convection flow can be established transverse to the direction of freeze-front advancement to stabilize the solid/liquid interface at the freeze-front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventor: J. Gregory Dash