Fluid Storage In Earthen Cavity Patents (Class 405/53)
  • Patent number: 11987443
    Abstract: A modular subsea fluid storage unit comprises a variable-volume inner tank having a rigid top panel and a peripheral wall that is flexible by virtue of concertina formations. The peripheral wall is extensible and retractable vertically while the horizontal width of the tank remains substantially unchanged. A side wall of a lower housing part surrounds and is spaced horizontally from the peripheral wall of the inner tank to define a floodable gap between the peripheral wall and the side wall that surrounds the tank. An upper housing part extends over and is vertically spaced from the top panel of the inner tank and overlaps the side wall to enclose the inner tank. The floodable gap and the upper housing part enhance thermal insulation and trap any fluids that may leak from the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SUBSEA 7 NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Morten Saeterdal, Sigbjorn Daasvatn
  • Patent number: 11933155
    Abstract: A method of receiving a plurality of oilfield brine feedstocks from one or more producing wells producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation is provided. The method includes detecting, using one or more sensors, one or more properties of the plurality of oilfield brine feedstocks, selecting two or more oilfield brine feedstocks from the plurality based at least in part on the one or more properties of the plurality of oilfield brine feedstocks, blending the two or more oilfield brine feedstocks into a blended oilfield brine prior to desalinating and crystallizing a portion of the blended oilfield brine, desalinating and crystallizing the portion of the blended oilfield brine to produce desalinated water and a salt slurry suspension, selecting one or more candidate wells for reinjection of the salt slurry suspension into the one or more candidate wells, and reinjecting the salt slurry suspension into the one or more candidate wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dean Willberg
  • Patent number: 11933033
    Abstract: An underground infiltration crate for collecting, detaining, infiltrating, and storing grey water, rainwater, and/or storm water, may include a plurality of large plates attached to a plurality of small plates engaged to form a crate with tubular members positioned therein, wherein each tubular member is secured between a pair of large plates. Each of the large plates may be a framed panel that includes a four-sided periphery formed of a top periphery wall, a bottom periphery wall, and two side periphery walls; alternating parallel channels extending between the top periphery wall and the bottom periphery wall; at least one aperture extending through each of the alternating parallel channels; and at least one built in fitting integrated into the framed panel, wherein the built in fitting may be a ring-shaped groove that is sized to friction fit a tubular member therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Oscar E Larach
  • Patent number: 11891241
    Abstract: A modular subsea fluid storage unit has a variable-volume inner tank having a rigid top panel and a peripheral wall that is flexible by virtue of concertina formations. The peripheral wall is extensible and retractable vertically while the horizontal width of the tank remains substantially unchanged. A side wall of a lower housing part surrounds and is spaced horizontally from the peripheral wall of the inner tank to define a floodable gap between the peripheral wall and the side wall that surrounds the tank. An upper housing part extends over and is vertically spaced from the top panel of the inner tank and overlaps the side wall to enclose the inner tank. The floodable gap and the upper housing part enhance thermal insulation and trap any fluids that may leak from the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SUBSEA 7 NORWAY AS
    Inventors: Morten Saeterdal, Sigbjorn Daasvatn
  • Patent number: 11414273
    Abstract: Storage vessel, system and method for storing compressed gas are provided. A storage vessel for storing compressed gas comprises a wellbore provided in the subsurface; a casing placed within the wellbore and cemented to the formation, the casing defining a volumetric space within the wellbore for storing the compressed gas; and at least one flow regulator sealed at a top end of the casing for selectively injecting the compressed gas into the space or discharging the compressed gas from the space, wherein the wellbore has a volumetric capacity of at least 20 m3, and wherein the compressed gas has a pressure of at least 5 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: CLEANTECH GEOMECHANICS INC.
    Inventors: Roman A. Bilak, Maurice B. Dusseault
  • Patent number: 11353621
    Abstract: Methods and an alarming system for long-term carbon dioxide sequestration in a geologic reservoir are described. The geologic reservoir may be a water filled sandstone reservoir or a carbonate reservoir. A reservoir model is constructed to show the effects of varying injection pressures, the number of injection wells, the arrangement of injection wells, the boundary conditions and sizes of the reservoir on caprock uplift, fracture formation and fracture reactivation. The alarming system generates an alarm when caprock uplift that surpasses a threshold is detected. The injection pressures and the number of injection wells operating may be varied in response to the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Sikandar Khan, Yehia Abel Khulief, Abdullatif Al-Shuhail
  • Patent number: 11255485
    Abstract: A method of dispensing compressed natural gas (CNG) includes assigning a first priority to the filling of a first destination tank and assigning a second priority to the filling of a second destination tank. The second priority is lower than the first priority. The method also includes filling the first destination tank from a first CNG source while filling the second destination tank from a second CNG source. The second CNG source provides CNG at a lower pressure relative to the pressure at which the first CNG source provides CNG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventors: Richard Allan Poorman, Paul Howison Bergthold, Bradley Wade Fontenot
  • Patent number: 11218109
    Abstract: An energy or water storage system can comprise a storage reservoir, a discharge reservoir, a pump for charging the storage reservoir, and a turbine or similar discharge device. The storage reservoir can comprise a flexible bag covered by overburden that creates pressure inside the bag. Energy is stored by raising the overburden. The bag can comprise a shaped internal filler piece to prevent formation of a crease at the bag edge. Solar panels can be mounted above any bag to make additional use of the land. Solar panels mounted on overburden can have tracking mechanisms and controls suitable to achieve desired orientation regardless of the slope of overburden. Elevation difference between the storage reservoir and discharge reservoir can be used, including an underground cavity. The bag can have internal tethers to influence bag shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Peter A Materna
  • Patent number: 11028611
    Abstract: A method for constructing silos underground to store water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Shahriar Eftekharzadeh
  • Patent number: 10941659
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an I-shaped water-retaining dam for an underground reservoir in a coal mine. The I-shaped water-retaining dam is located between coal pillar dams to isolate an underground reservoir from a corresponding coal roadway. The I-shaped water-retaining dam includes an upper flange plate, a web plate, and a lower flange plate from top to bottom, where a vertical face of a dam body is of an I shape; the upper flange plate extends into a roadway roof; two ends of the web plate are embedded into the coal pillar dams; and the lower flange plate extends into a floor. The I-shaped water-retaining dam is located in an underground coal roadway, and bears complex surrounding rock stress. The present invention effectively overcomes water seepage of a weak part at an upper part of a conventional I-shaped water-retaining dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Renliang Shan, Haochen Zhang, Xiangsong Kong
  • Patent number: 10900188
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for vaporization suppression. Vaporization suppression may include, for example, evaporation control and/or odor control. A layer of foam glass aggregates may be placed on a body of water. Bodies of water may include natural and man-made aqueous bodies (such as, for example, ponds, lakes, lagoons, reservoirs, tanks, pools, runoff areas, etc.). Water may include clean water, natural water, rainwater, runoff, industrial output, manure slurries, leachates, treatment effuse, etc.). When placed, the foam glass aggregates in contact with the water may have a first moisture content. At equilibrium, the foam glass aggregates in contact with the water may have a second moisture content. The second moisture content may be greater than the first moisture content. The foam glass aggregates in contact with the water may have a bulk density at the second moisture content that is sufficient to maintain buoyancy at the surface of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: AERO AGGREGATES OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
    Inventors: Archibald Stewart Filshill, Thomas Liam McGrath
  • Patent number: 10707802
    Abstract: An energy or water storage system can comprise a storage reservoir, a discharge reservoir, a pump for charging the storage reservoir, and a turbine or similar discharge device. The storage reservoir can comprise a flexible bag covered by overburden that creates pressure inside the bag. Energy is stored by raising the overburden. The bag can comprise a shaped internal filler piece to prevent formation of a crease at the bag edge. Solar panels can be mounted above any bag to make additional use of the land. Solar panels mounted on overburden can have tracking mechanisms and controls suitable to achieve desired orientation regardless of the slope of overburden. Elevation difference between the storage reservoir and discharge reservoir can be used, including an underground cavity. The bag can have internal tethers to influence bag shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventors: Peter A Materna, Ralph L Hensler, Leonid Lozinsky
  • Patent number: 10669838
    Abstract: A system for more accurate mechanical integrity testing of a borehole and cavity has a mechanical integrity testing tool suspended by a wireline from surface to a test depth. Distributed temperature and acoustic sensing systems respectively record distributed temperature and noise measurements along the wireline. First and second pressure sensors measure uphole and downhole pressures. The mechanical integrity testing tool has an interface detection device, which can have an Iridium-192 gamma ray source having a shorter half-life relative to conventional sources. The interface level, distributed temperature measurements, and uphole and downhole pressure measurements can be used to calculate the volume and/or mass of test fluid that has leaked out of the borehole and/or cavity over the test period. The acoustic sensing system can be used to detect and confirm the presence of a leak. The temperature and/or acoustic sensing systems can be used to identify the location of the leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BIG GUNS ENERGY SERVICES INC.
    Inventors: Dickson Lee, Vivian Yuen-Lee
  • Patent number: 10597888
    Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete tank and method that facilitates construction of a primary inner tank within a secondary outer tank, and which permits for the construction of the primary inner tank after the secondary outer tank has been erected, but without requiring insertion through a top of the secondary outer tank, or by tunneling underneath the secondary outer tank, is disclosed. The primary inner tank has an inner wall and the secondary outer tank has an outer wall (precast, prestressed concrete) and wire windings. The primary inner tank is disposed inside of the secondary outer tank. The secondary outer tank has a plurality of first precast outer wall panels, and a temporary construction opening frame. The temporary construction opening frame defines an access doorway during construction of the tank. The temporary construction opening frame is disposed on a foundation base slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: PRELOAD CRYOGENICS, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjay Mehta, Eric T. Reaman
  • Patent number: 10392937
    Abstract: A construction layout for caverns of an underground nuclear power plant, including: two primary caverns accommodating nuclear reactor powerhouses, electric powerhouse caverns, safe powerhouse caverns, auxiliary powerhouse caverns, nuclear fuel powerhouse caverns, connecting powerhouse caverns, a first primary traffic tunnel, a third primary traffic tunnel, a second primary traffic tunnel, a fourth primary traffic tunnel, and a primary steam channel. The electric powerhouse caverns, the safe powerhouse caverns, and the nuclear fuel powerhouse caverns are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the mountain. Each of the safe powerhouse caverns and each of the nuclear fuel powerhouse caverns are disposed on two sides of each of the two primary caverns in the longitudinal direction of the mountain, respectively. Each of the electric powerhouse caverns and each of the safe powerhouse caverns are located on a same side of each the two primary caverns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: CHANGJIANG SURVEY PLANNING DESIGN AND RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xinqiang Niu, Qigui Yang, Baixing Liu, Lixin Liu, Xin Zhao, Lijun Su, Feng Li, Xuehong Yang, Feng Zhao, Xia Hua, Min Li, Weina Yu, Maohua Li, Fei Yu
  • Patent number: 10316662
    Abstract: A construction layout for underground caverns in a nuclear island powerhouse of an underground nuclear power plant, including: two primary caverns accomodating nuclear reactor powerhouses, combined caverns, electric powerhouse caverns, pressure relief caverns, a first primary traffic tunnel, a second primary traffic tunnel, a third primary traffic tunnel, a top adit system, a ground adit system, secondary traffic tunnels, and a side traffic tunnel. Each combined cavern and each electric powerhouse cavern are disposed at two sides of each primary cavern, respectively. Two combined caverns are in end-to-end connection and the arrangement direction of the two combined caverns are in parallel to the connecting line of the medial axes of the two primary caverns. Each pressure relief cavern is disposed between each combined cavern and a corresponding electric powerhouse cavern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: CHANGJIANG SURVEY PLANNING DESIGN AND RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qigui Yang, Xinqiang Niu, Lixin Liu, Baixing Liu, Xin Zhao, Lijun Su, Feng Li, Xuehong Yang, Zhijun Zhang, Zhengjian Miu, Zhiguo Zhang, Haibo Liu, Tieling Tao, Yanlei Wan
  • Patent number: 10253627
    Abstract: A method for repairing in-ground tunnel structures including the steps of: a) cleaning the structure to be lined; b) installing a suspension cable along the top of the tunnel; c) suspending sheets of liner composite along the suspension cable; d) applying resin to one side of the tunnel; e) bedding the liner composite into the applied resin; f) removing suspension cable once the top edge of the resin and liner composite becomes self-supporting; g) applying resin to the other side of the tunnel; and h) bedding the liner composite into the resin. The process can then be repeated along the length of the tunnel in a sheet by sheet fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: WARREN ENVIRONMENTAL & COATING, LLC
    Inventor: Danny Warren
  • Patent number: 10156321
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling operational parameters of a CO2 compression surface facility or pipeline in order to maintain a CO2 stream having impurities flowing in the pipeline in a liquid or supercritical phase. Sensors may be provided to sense whether the flow is single-phase or two-phase flow, and feedback provided to adjust the pressure and/or temperature at the pipeline inlet. The system is preferably optimized to limit power consumption and/or cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sandeep Verma, Charles S. Oakes, Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 10018193
    Abstract: A system for displacing fluid inside of a tubular member includes at least one peristaltic pump. Each peristaltic pump includes an elongated core member with a longitudinal axis located within the tubular member. A flexible member surrounds, and is concentric to, the elongated core member. The flexible member has a plurality of circular bands disposed along a length of the flexible member, each circular band being moveable between a contracted condition with a minimal radius and an expanded condition with a maximal radius. An outer membrane covers the circular bands, forming a first fluid cavity between an outer surface of the outer membrane and an inner surface of the tubular member. The outer membrane is operable to generate peristaltic waves in the first fluid cavity by selectively moving each circular band between the contracted condition and the expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Rafael Lastra
  • Patent number: 9828765
    Abstract: The support and insulation element for supporting and insulating a window frame has a support part and an insulating part. The support part has a first leg comprising a first side surface, a second leg, which projects from the first leg, and a third leg, which projects from the first leg a certain distance away from the second leg. The support part is made of load-bearing material. The insulating part is arranged at least on the side of the first leg of the support part opposite the first side surface and is made of compacted mineral wool or a rigid foam. The insulating part comprises two slots, into which the second leg and the third leg of the support part are inserted. The insulating part surrounds three sides of both the second leg and the third leg of the support part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ISO-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Deiss, Andreas Lange
  • Patent number: 9689128
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an artificial dam of a distributed coal mine underground reservoir and its constructing method. The artificial dam comprises a support layer (10), an anti-seepage layer (20), and a concrete structure layer (30) that are successively formed in an auxiliary roadway (1) from inside to outside, the concrete structure layer (30) being embedded into a security coal pillar (2) and/or surrounding rock (3) around the auxiliary roadway (1). Because the concrete structure layer (30) is embedded into the security coal pillar (2) and/or the surrounding rock (3) around the auxiliary roadway (1), the artificial dam is combined to the security coal pillar (2) to together form a dam for an underground reservoir. Due to multi-layer design, anti-seepage performance and structural strength of the dam can meet the water storage requirements of the underground reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: CHINA SHENHUA ENERGY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Dazhao Gu, Quansheng Li, Sushe Chen, Zhiguo Cao
  • Patent number: 9657901
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas storage and dispensing system having bulk storage tanks in fluid communication with a natural gas supply source; a compressor to produce compressed natural gas; dispensing storage tanks in fluid communication with the bulk storage tanks and in fluid communication with fuel dispensers; a liquified natural gas storage tank in fluid communication with the bulk storage tanks, wherein compressed natural gas resulting from vaporization of the liquified natural gas within the liquified natural gas storage tank is transferred to the bulk storage tanks as a supplemental source of compressed natural gas, or wherein liquified natural gas is vaporized in an ambient vaporizer and delivered to the bulk or dispensing storage tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HOLYSTONE USA, INC.
    Inventor: R. Keith Barker
  • Patent number: 9611867
    Abstract: Energy can be stored by directing fluid into an expandable receptacle that has a relatively heavy mass above it. The fluid fills the receptacle such that it expands and lifts up the heavy mass above it. At a time when energy is needed, the fluid can be allowed to flow out of the receptacle and through a turbine or hydraulic motor to generate power or electricity. Intermittent or unreliable sources of power can be used to fill the receptacle, or power from a power grid can be used to fill the receptacle at times that are off-peak. During peak-load times, the potential energy of the fluid in the receptacle can be converted to power. The receptacle can also be used to control water flows and can provide a source of power and potable water to a community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Thomas Ivy, Guy C Eastwood
  • Patent number: 9574715
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying additional hydrogen from a reservoir of stored hydrogen in a salt cavern to a hydrogen pipeline to assist in meeting customer demand for hydrogen is provided. Contaminants introduced while the stored hydrogen stream is in the salt cavern may cause the crude hydrogen stream to not have the required product purity specification. The stored hydrogen is removed from the salt cavern as a crude hydrogen stream and thereafter diluted with higher purity hydrogen formed from the pipeline to form a hydrogen product stream at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product can be formed without removal of any of the contaminants in the crude stream, thereby creating a more cost effective and simplified supply process compared to conventional processes employing a salt cavern for hydrogen supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rommel M. Oates, Solomon Dadebo
  • Patent number: 9573762
    Abstract: A cavern pressure control method includes storing compressible and possibly incompressible fluids in an underground storage volume, removing a portion or introducing additional incompressible fluid into the underground storage volume, possibly removing a portion or introducing additional compressible fluid into the underground storage volume, thereby producing a net pressure increase rate (Pinc) within the underground storage volume, wherein Pinc is maintained at less than a predetermined maximum increase value (PImax).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP
    Inventor: Ronald Strybos
  • Patent number: 9231267
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing an energy supply using a renewable energy source is provided comprising: providing a first source of renewable energy, wherein the first source of renewable energy is intermittent or does not provide a sufficient amount of energy; providing energy from the first source of renewable energy to an electrolyzer to produce an energy carrier through electrolysis; selectably reversing the electrolyzer for use as a fuel cell; and providing the energy carrier to the electrolyzer for the production of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 8998532
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide tank (3) is connected to a pump device (5). The pump device (5) is joined and connected with an infusion well (9), which is a tubular body. The infusion well (9) extends downward beneath the ground (7) and is provided so as to reach a saltwater aquifer (11). Part of the infusion well (9) forms a horizontal well (10) in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the horizontal well (10) is a location in which part of the infusion well (9) is formed in a substantially horizontal direction within a saltwater aquifer (11). The horizontal well (10) is provided with filters (13), which are porous members. For the filters (13), for example, a fired member in which ceramic particles are mixed with a binder that binds those particles can be used. Moreover, if the hole diameter for the filters (13) is small, microbubbles with a smaller diameter can be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ziqiu Xue, Susumu Nishio, Hiromichi Kameyama, Koji Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 8950419
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying additional hydrogen from a reservoir of stored hydrogen in a salt cavern to a hydrogen pipeline to assist in meeting customer demand for hydrogen is provided. Contaminants introduced while the stored hydrogen stream is in the salt cavern may cause the crude hydrogen stream to not have the required product purity specification. The stored hydrogen is removed from the salt cavern as a crude hydrogen stream and thereafter diluted with higher purity hydrogen formed from the pipeline to form a hydrogen product stream at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product can be formed without removal of any of the contaminants in the crude stream, thereby creating a more cost effective and simplified supply process compared to conventional processes employing a salt cavern for hydrogen supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rommel M. Oates, Solomon Dadebo
  • Publication number: 20150016889
    Abstract: A floating anchor curb system includes a floating cover for spreading over a body of water and one or more floating anchor curbs over which the floating cover is placed. Each of the floating anchor curbs includes one or more hollow chambers partially fillable with a ballast liquid to form a ballast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Barak Yekutiely
  • Publication number: 20150010357
    Abstract: A method and arrangement are proposed for injecting CO2 into a subterranean aquifer for storage therein. In order to reduce the effects of water evaporation from brine in the aquifer when dry CO2 is injected into the aquifer, the CO2 is supplied mixed with a salt-lean fluid, i.e. a fluid that contains a low concentration of ions that can precipitate out as salts. The mixing may take place at the wellhead, with the CO2 salt-lean fluids supplied via separate low-grade material pipelines. The proportion of CO2 and salt-lean fluid in the mixture is such as to obtain a CO2 composition that is saturated with salt-lean fluid at the site of injection into the aquifer. By injecting saturated or “wet” CO2, less water is evaporated from the brine and the salt precipitation is greatly reduced, so keeping the pore spaces clear and providing an increased accessible pore volume for CO2 storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventors: Gelein De Koeijer, Jan Henrik Borch
  • Patent number: 8926218
    Abstract: A structural support system creates and maintains useful void space for the storage or detention of fluids within an underground chamber. The support system includes one or more hollow members that are generally triangular in cross section, with open ends and a plurality of apertures that allow the hollow members to remain in fluid communication when bundled together. Stored or detained fluids flow around and through the support system as the fluid level rises or falls according to the volume of fluids introduced or withdrawn from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Edward W. Savage
  • Patent number: 8899873
    Abstract: A pumped storage facility combined with at least a seating area constructed on a bank of an upper reservoir facing a lower reservoir. The lower reservoir includes a track around the shore thereof so that spectators in the seating area can view the track. A performance area is constructed adjacent the track along the lower reservoir, and can be built over the water on piers if needed. Thus, racing events can take place on the track and be viewed by spectators in the seating area. A parking lot drains water into the lower reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Windmarket, LLC
    Inventor: George J. Igel, V
  • Patent number: 8864423
    Abstract: A pond liner system includes a geomembrane liner (12), a binder (22) and a particulate (24). The geomembrane liner (12) has a submerged portion (14), an exposed portion (15) and an anchor portion (16). The binder (22) adheres to the exposed portion (15) of the geomembrane liner, and the particulate (24) adheres to the binder (22). A method of applying a protective cover to the exposed portion (15) of the geomembrane liner includes spraying the binder (22) onto the liner (12), allowing the binder (22) to partially cure, and spreading the particulate (24) over the partially cured binder (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Oliveira
  • Patent number: 8857730
    Abstract: A sump sprinkler system for use with residential and commercial buildings. The sump sprinkler system comprises a system controller and a sprinkler pump in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises an intake tube connected to the sprinkler pump, wherein the intake having an end arranged in a sump of a building. The sump sprinkler system also comprises at least one sprinkler connected to the output of the sprinkler pump, wherein the sprinkler is in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises a water level member in communication with the system controller, wherein the water level member is arranged in the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: M.E.C. Systems
    Inventors: David Hartfelder, Andrea Hartfelder
  • Patent number: 8851317
    Abstract: A filtration tank intended to be buried and for containing wastewater in particular, the tank (100) comprising a casing (110) having an upper part (200) and a lower part (300), the tank being provided with voussoirs (610, 610?) for reinforcing the structure of the casing (110) so that it can withstand the pressure exerted by the surrounding material when the tank (100) is buried and is not completely filled. The voussoirs (610, 610?) bearing against the upper part (200) and in that the tank (100) incorporates means (650d, 670) for absorbing the supporting forces of the voussoirs (610, 610?) so as to transfer said forces onto the bottom (310) of said tank. A tank is thus obtained which withstands being buried without deforming even though it may be only partially filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Maya Group
    Inventor: Yannick Juhere
  • Publication number: 20140270965
    Abstract: A pumped storage facility combined with at least a seating area constructed on a bank of an upper reservoir facing a lower reservoir. The lower reservoir includes a track around the shore thereof so that spectators in the seating area can view the track. A performance area is constructed adjacent the track along the lower reservoir, and can be built over the water on piers if needed. Thus, racing events can take place on the track and be viewed by spectators in the seating area. A parking lot drains water into the lower reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: George J. Igel, V
  • Patent number: 8834066
    Abstract: A retention basin includes interlocking concrete vertical wall segments engaged with adjacent segments. Each segment has a vertical wall and a top edge that defines a lifting bore that is complimentary in shape to a removable lifting bolt that is configured to provide a lifting attachment point for a lifting cable and an internal bore in alignment with the internal bore of an adjacent segment. A pin is disposed in the internal bores to maintain the segments in alignment. An eyebolt includes an eye portion disposed around the pin. A plate is bolted to the eyebolt and against the vertical walls of two adjacent segments to maintain the two segments in a spatial relationship. An earth anchor is buried in the soil to provide lateral support to the segments. A post-installation attachment is affixed to the lifting bore of at least one segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: HOK Product Design, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Wilhelms, Matt Snelling, Jim Fetterman, Robert Race, David Mudd
  • Patent number: 8833708
    Abstract: A support structure for providing internal vertical support within an underground water storage system, including a column member, a foot spreader module adapted for fitting to a lower end of the column member to support the column member in a substantially vertical orientation on an underlying surface, and a head spreader module adapted for fitting to an upper end of the column member to support an overlying surface relative to said underlying surface, whereby the column member with said foot and head spreader modules fitted thereto forms a column support for supporting a ground surface above the water storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Jack McKenzie Droomer
  • Patent number: 8834060
    Abstract: An installation to assist in water usage of rainwater which has a number of take-offs positioned along a curb alongside a road where these are separately connected to respective inground chambers filled with particulate material to encourage root access from trees in the vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vilenna Investments Pty Ltd
    Inventor: David Stanley Lawry
  • Patent number: 8834065
    Abstract: A water detention system comprises a sub-base of crushed rock or stone overlying an impermeable layer which may be naturally-occurring, as in an impermeable sub-grade, or may be formed by an impermeable membrane laid over the sub-grade prior to the sub-base layer. Over the sub-base layer is an incompletely impermeable layer the impermeability of which is compromised by openings in the form of slits or by spacing between adjacent strips forming the layer. These openings allow water to percolate downwardly through the layer into the sub-base, but substantially inhibit the escape of moisture by evaporation thereby serving to retain the collected water. Above the incompletely impermeable layer may be a laying course of finer particulate material such as pea gravel over which may be laid a wear surface of slabs or blocks to form an area for traffic, such as a roadway or parking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Formpave Holdings, Limited
    Inventors: Peter Hart, Stephen Richard Spikes
  • Publication number: 20140241802
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen pipeline in which a compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a salt cavern for storage and a stored hydrogen stream is retrieved from the salt cavern and reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. A minimum quantity of stored hydrogen is maintained in the salt cavern to produce a stagnant layer having a carbon dioxide content along the cavern wall and the top of a residual brine layer located within the salt cavern. The compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into the salt cavern and the stored hydrogen stream is withdrawn without disturbing the stagnant layer to prevent carbon dioxide contamination from being drawn into the stored hydrogen stream being reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. This allows the stored hydrogen stream to be reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline without carbon dioxide removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond Francis Drnevich
  • Patent number: 8757926
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen pipeline in which a compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a salt cavern for storage and a stored hydrogen stream is retrieved from the salt cavern and reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. A minimum quantity of stored hydrogen is maintained in the salt cavern to produce a stagnant layer having a carbon dioxide content along the cavern wall and the top of a residual brine layer located within the salt cavern. The compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into the salt cavern and the stored hydrogen stream is withdrawn without disturbing the stagnant layer to prevent carbon dioxide contamination from being drawn into the stored hydrogen stream being reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. This allows the stored hydrogen stream to be reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline without carbon dioxide removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Francis Drnevich
  • Patent number: 8753037
    Abstract: The device is provided with a plurality of intermediate grid plate elements (12) with a top and a bottom surface, which are adapted to be positioned one on top of the other. Each intermediate grid plate element (12) comprises a grate strutting (18, 19) as well as a plurality of support members (20) which are distributed, in particular in a regular manner, over the intermediate grid plate element (12), wherein said support members (20) extend between the bottom face and the top face of an element in a direction substantially transverse to the extension of the intermediate grid plate elements (12) and are supported on the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged below a respective intermediate grid plate element (12), and support the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged above said respective intermediate grid plate element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hewitech GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Hewing, Frank Dirkskoetter
  • Patent number: 8714874
    Abstract: Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string is provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening from an internal passageway with an outer annular passageway communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices, flow diverters and/or isolation conduits can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Publication number: 20140072369
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide tank (3) is connected to a pump device (5). The pump device (5) is joined and connected with an infusion well (9), which is a tubular body. The infusion well (9) extends downward beneath the ground (7) and is provided so as to reach a saltwater aquifer (11). Part of the infusion well (9) forms a horizontal well (10) in a substantially horizontal direction. In other words, the horizontal well (10) is a location in which part of the infusion well (9) is formed in a substantially horizontal direction within a saltwater aquifer (11). The horizontal well (10) is provided with filters (13), which are porous members. For the filters (13), for example, a fired member in which ceramic particles are mixed with a binder that binds those particles can be used. Moreover, if the hole diameter for the filters (13) is small, microbubbles with a smaller diameter can be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOKYO GAS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ziqiu Xue, Susumu Nishio, Hiromichi Kameyama, Koji Yoshizaki
  • Publication number: 20140064852
    Abstract: A distribution system and method for simultaneously distributing and reclaiming a liquid with a single, multi-directional system pathway. The system pathway follows a circuitous path for both receiving liquid from and returning reclaimed liquid to a reservoir positioned beneath a ground surface. A distribution pathway, such as a pipe, may carry the liquid with pressure from the reservoir to a distribution outlet. A reclamation pathway, such as a perforated pipe, may encapsulate the distribution pathway, and capture runoff and excessive liquid through at least one aperture for returning the liquid back to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the system pathway may include one perforated pipe that forms a barrier between the distribution pathway and the reclamation pathway. A film may cover the perforations to allow for pressurizing the water. A system of pumps, valves, and a control apparatus help regulate the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Tyler Livvix
  • Patent number: 8657528
    Abstract: Brine disposal systems are configured to receive brine from a brine source and to passively collect seawater from a nearby ocean during high tide using one or more tidal forces. Tidal movements during high tide, low tide, or both may be used to mix and thereby dilute the brine with the seawater. The mixture of seawater and brine is then passively discharged into the ocean during low tide using the tidal force, thereby minimizing the impacts on the marine ecosystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Sung-Wei Chen, Colin Chan
  • Patent number: 8596909
    Abstract: A retention basin enclosure includes a plurality of prefabricated concrete vertical wall segments, a baffle unit and at least one steel connecting dowel. Each wall segment includes a horizontal top end that defines a notch and two vertical edges that define at least one cylindrical bore. The baffle segment includes a vertical edge surface that defines a plurality of cylindrical bores and a horizontal planar member from which a plurality of protrusions extend upwardly therefrom so that the baffle segment reduces water flow velocity. Two baffle vertical wall members each have a planar vertical surface that defines a plurality of cylindrical bores disposed so that at least one of the cylindrical bores defined by concrete baffle segment can be placed in alignment with at least one of the cylindrical bores defined by the planar vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: HOK Product Design, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Wilhelms, Matt Snelling, Jim Fetterman
  • Publication number: 20130315669
    Abstract: A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Rommel M. Oates
  • Patent number: RE45385
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a container having first and second portions adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, and a generally horizontally oriented screen arrangement disposed in the second portion of the container. The system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the container. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the container, through the screen arrangement, and then into the effluent passage, such that the wastewater flows generally in a first direction through the first portion of the container, then generally in a second direction different than the first direction through the second portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Saad A. Ghalib