Distribution Patents (Class 48/190)
  • Patent number: 12139999
    Abstract: A fluid flow control system serving as an inflow port from a fluid reservoir (R) to the interior of a production pipe (S) is in the form of a housing (3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l). The housing has a primary flow path (18) and a secondary flow path (19). The secondary flow path is in fluid communication with a chamber (B) in which is arranged an actuator (5) for a valve device (4), the valve device arranged to open and close the primary flow path. At least one flow restrictor (1,2) is arranged in the secondary flow path, the flow restrictor arranged to provide a pressure to chamber (B) sufficient to actuate the valve to an open position when the fluid flowing through the secondary flow path is oil, and a pressure sufficient to actuate the valve to a closed position when the fluid has a viscosity and/or density less than oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Inflow Control AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Bjornar Werswick, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 12111101
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for processing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In one implementation, a feed gas is received and partially condensed into a two-phase stream by expanding the feed gas. A liquid containing fouling components is removed from the two-phase stream. A vapor generated from the two-phase stream is compressed into a compressed feed gas. The compressed feed gas is directed into a feed chiller heat exchanger. The compressed feed gas is free of the fouling components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinghua Chan, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, Michael J. Calderon, Dale L. Embry
  • Patent number: 12104789
    Abstract: A combustion control apparatus of an Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) reforming system and a method for controlling the same may include a burner provided to supply heat to a reformer, a flame temperature analyzer configured to analyze a flame temperature of the burner, an air flow rate calculator configured to determine an initial value of a flow rate of air to be supplied to the burner depending on a flow rate of fuel gas supplied to the burner, and an air flow rate controller electrically connected to the air flow rate calculator and the flame temperature analyzer and configured to select the flow rate of the air at which the flame temperature transmitted by the flame temperature analyzer reaches a maximum while changing the flow rate of the air from the initial value and to control supply of the selected flow rate of the air to the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Woo Ram Kang
  • Patent number: 12078975
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for generating a operation plan of a hydrogen production system comprising a hydrogen production apparatus, comprising: a demand predicting unit for generating a predicted demand amount for each of a plurality of types of hydrogen with a different environmental load of production over a target period of the operation plan; and an operation planning unit for generating the operation plan, which is for generating a plurality of types of hydrogen with a different environmental load of production by the hydrogen production apparatus, based on a predicted hydrogen demand amount of each of the plurality of types of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Goshu Nagino, Hiroshi Kakihira, Yohei Itoi
  • Patent number: 11933444
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inertization apparatus for inerting a working volume in a chemical production plant by flushing with inert gas, where the chemical production plant comprises a plant-wide inert gas distribution system having pipes for distributing the inert gas and at least one inert gas offtake position which can be connected to a connecting conduit. According to the invention, it is provided that the connecting conduit between inertization apparatus and working volume is connected, at its end nearest the working volume, in a not reversibly detachable manner to an intermediate piece, where the intermediate piece can be connected in a reversibly detachable manner to a counterpiece provided on the working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Expoitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Tadiello
  • Patent number: 11926910
    Abstract: An offshore wind turbine erected in a body of water includes a generator, a foundation, a nacelle, a tower having a first end mounted to the foundation and a second end supporting the nacelle, an electrolytic unit arranged above a water level and electrically powered by the generator to produce hydrogen from an input fluid, in particular water, and a fluid supply assembly for supplying the input fluid from a fluid inlet arranged below the water level to the electrolytic unit by means of a fluid connection, wherein the fluid supply assembly includes a cleaning unit configured to clean a build-up formed along an area extending through the inner part of at least a part of the fluid connection or formed at the fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Johnny Soerensen
  • Patent number: 11821589
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for smart gas pipeline frost heave safety management and an Internet of Things system. The method includes: obtaining gas transmission data and gas pipeline data and determining gas pressure change data of a target point based on the gas transmission data and gas pipeline data; predicting temperature change data of the target point based on the gas pressure change data, the temperature change data including gas temperature change data and soil temperature change data; predicting, based on the temperature change data, the gas pipeline data, and the gas pressure change data, and in combination with environmental data, a frost heave degree data of the target point; and determining, based on the frost heave degree data of the target point, the gas transmission adjustment data and a frost heave prevention plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CHENGDU QINCHUAN IOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zehua Shao, Yaqiang Quan, Bin Liu, Xiaojun Wei
  • Patent number: 11648507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus of ocean carbon capture and storage (Ocean CCS), which can be used for carrying out carbon capture and storage of flue gas discharged from marine facilities using fossil energy such as coastal power plants and marine ships, and direct air capture (DAC). The natural engineering method are adopted in the present invention, and natural seawater is used for washing and dissolving CO2 gas for carbon capture; and natural seawater carbonate neutralization and formed bicarbonate is used for ocean storage in water column; and low head and large water flow is used to save energy. The discharged water complies with environmental regulations. The present invention provides an affordable and green effective mean for using marine ecosystems of carbon sinks and reservoirs to respond to the climate change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: ZERO CARBON ENERGY INNOVATION UNION INC
    Inventor: Sigan Peng
  • Patent number: 11639773
    Abstract: A system for transporting natural gas. The system may include a loading facility, a first storage system, a second storage system, and a CNG carrier. The loading facility may be operable to receive, compress, and chill natural gas while maintaining the natural gas in a gaseous state, and further operable to transfer the chilled CNG at a constant flowrate. The first storage system may be operable to receive chilled CNG from the loading facility at the constant flowrate, store the chilled CNG, and transfer the chilled CNG. The second storage system may be operable to receive and store the chilled CNG. The CNG carrier may be operable to receive chilled CNG from the first storage system, transport the chilled CNG, and transfer the chilled CNG to the second storage system. The system may be sized such that the constant flowrate of the chilled CNG is maintained without interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventors: Feisal Ahmed, Daniel E Elvera
  • Patent number: 11465003
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of flame arresters, and discloses a buffered wall flow multi-channels flame arrester. The flame arrester comprises a buffering and splitting cover and a Z-type wall flow multi-channels flame arresting core, wherein the buffering and splitting cover has a round-bottom plain-top cylindrical shape or hemispherical shape, with pinholes distributed in the cover surface, and channels are arranged inside the Z-type wall flow multi-channels flame arresting core. In every two adjacent channels, the inlet of one channel is blocked, and the outlet of the other channel is blocked, and in the height direction in the central cross section of the flame arresting core, pinholes are arranged in the wall surfaces between adjacent channels, and adjacent upper and lower channels constitute a fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Jiangsu University
    Inventors: Yuejin Zhu, Zhenhua Pan, Zhiwei Yang, Penggang Zhang, Jianfeng Pan
  • Patent number: 11448039
    Abstract: A fluid flow control system serving as an inflow port from a fluid reservoir (R) to the interior of a production pipe (S) is in the form of a housing (3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l). The housing has a primary flow path (18) and a secondary flow path (19). The secondary flow path is in fluid communication with a chamber (B) in which is arranged an actuator (5) for a valve device (4), the valve device arranged to open and close the primary flow path. At least one flow restrictor (1,2) is arranged in the secondary flow path, the flow restrictor arranged to provide a pressure to chamber (B) sufficient to actuate the valve to an open position when the fluid flowing through the secondary flow path is oil, and a pressure sufficient to actuate the valve to a closed position when the fluid has a viscosity and/or density less than oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Inflow Control AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Bjornar Werswick, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 11319774
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device serving as an inflow port from a fluid reservoir (R) to the interior of a production pipe (S) is in the form of a housing (3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l). The housing has a primary flow path (18) and a secondary flow path (19). The secondary flow path is in fluid communication with a chamber (B) in which is arranged an actuator (5) for a valve device (4), the valve device arranged to open and close the primary flow path. At least one flow restrictor (1,2) is arranged in the secondary flow path, the flow restrictor arranged to provide a pressure to chamber (B) sufficient to actuate the valve to an open position when the fluid flowing through the secondary flow path is oil, and a pressure sufficient to actuate the valve to a closed position when the fluid has a viscosity and/or density less than oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Inflow Control AS
    Inventors: Vidar Mathiesen, Bjornar Werswick, Haavard Aakre
  • Patent number: 11204117
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dockside regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are described herein. The methods include providing LNG from a LNG carrier to a regasification vessel. The LNG may be regasified on the regasification vessel. The regasified natural gas may be discharged with a high pressure arm to a dock and delivered onshore. The regasification vessel may be moored to the dock. The LNG carrier may be moored to the regasification vessel or the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Excelerate Energy Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Robert Allen Bryngelson, Jonathan W. Cook, Mark K. Lane, Edward C. Scott
  • Patent number: 10596516
    Abstract: A system for use in recovering carbon dioxide from a stream of gas includes an absorption unit configured to receive the stream of gas and a stream of liquid absorbent. The gas includes carbon dioxide and vaporized water, and the liquid absorbent is chemically reactive with the carbon dioxide to form a solidified carbon dioxide-rich absorbent material. The gas and the liquid absorbent are mixed in the absorption unit such that a slurry that includes the solidified carbon dioxide-rich absorbent material and condensed water is formed therein. The system also includes a transport mechanism coupled in communication with the absorption unit, wherein the transport mechanism is configured to channel the slurry downstream from the absorption unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Tiffany Elizabeth Pinard Westendorf, Paul Russell Wilson, Rachel Lizabeth Farnum
  • Patent number: 9695374
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing gas hydrates by reacting a plurality of guest gases with water, wherein a first guest gas has a higher water solubility than that of a second guest gas, and the pressure of the gas hydrate formation condition of the second guest gas is lower than the pressure of the gas hydrate formation condition of the first guest gas. While the traditional gas hydrate production method, wherein a single guest gas is reacted with water, is unsatisfactory in terms of cost effectiveness and productivity, the present invention provides improved production yield of gas hydrates and enables an easy production of gas hydrates at lower pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Institute Of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Ju Dong Lee, Kyeong Chan Kang, Joung Ha Kim, Jae Il Lim
  • Patent number: 9541032
    Abstract: A fuel extraction and pressurization system for delivering a gaseous fuel from a adsorbent fuel tank to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel extraction and pressurization system comprises one or more components for applying a vacuum to the interior of the tank to facilitate the extraction of the adsorbed gaseous fuel from the tank and compressing the extracted gaseous fuel to a pressure appropriate for the fuel injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Adsorbed Natural Gas Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Allen Bonelli
  • Patent number: 9441473
    Abstract: On-site generation of a fracturing fluid stream system includes a fracturing fluid generation assembly and a fracturing fluid supply assembly. The fracturing fluid generation assembly is configured to receive a hydrocarbon stream and to generate a fracturing fluid stream from the hydrocarbon stream. The fracturing fluid stream has an oxygen concentration, which is less than a limiting oxygen concentration for supporting combustion of a combustible fluid that is present within a subterranean formation. The fracturing fluid stream also has a combustible portion, which defines a concentration that is below a lower flammability limit of the combustible portion in the fracturing fluid stream. The fracturing fluid supply assembly is configured to receive the fracturing fluid stream and to convey the fracturing fluid stream to the subterranean formation to fracture the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 9057036
    Abstract: A process for reducing the thiophene content in a synthesis gas mixture, comprises the steps of (i) passing a synthesis gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides and containing thiophene over a copper-containing sorbent disposed in a sorbent vessel at an inlet temperature in the range 200-280° C., (ii) withdrawing a thiophene depleted synthesis gas containing methanol from the sorbent vessel, and (iii) adjusting the temperature of the methanol-containing thiophene-depleted synthesis gas mixture. The resulting gas mixture may be used for production of chemicals, e.g. methanol production or for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons, for hydrogen production by using water gas shift, or for the production of synthetic natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey PLC
    Inventors: Peter Edward James Abbott, Norman Macleod, Gordon Edward Wilson
  • Patent number: 8864855
    Abstract: Portable hydrogen generators are disclosed. In the various embodiments, the generator may include a chamber configured to endothermically decompose a material positioned within the chamber to generate hydrogen gas. A heater may be in thermal communication with the material to stimulate a release of the hydrogen gas. An electrical power source may be controllably coupled to the heater, so that electrical power delivered to the heater may be controlled in response to at least one detected property of the hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140102001
    Abstract: A flow splitter is operable to divide flow of a fuel mixture. The flow splitter includes a first tube having an outlet end and a plurality of second tubes that are coupled at the outlet end to divide flow from the first tube. Each of the plurality of second tubes has a respective inside diameter that satisfies Equation (I) and Equation (II) disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar Sonwane, Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Patent number: 8475550
    Abstract: A method for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid-containing system such as a natural gas or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below pipeline pressure. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline. Flow-control apparatus located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline is either (a) drip-style metering valve adjustable between a drop-wise setting and a steady-flow setting or (b) a pair of valves one of which is a flow valve allowing larger volumes to be injected and the other which is a drop-wise flow valve for metering smaller volumes of the chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Patent number: 8349038
    Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below the pressure of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline, the hydraulic booster having a first side which communicates with the chemical in the injection conduit and another, isolated side which is exposed to hydraulic pressure but which is isolated from the chemical being injected. A flow control valve may be located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Patent number: 8021446
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: Patton M. Adams, David J. Edlund, Vernon Wade Popham, Mesa Scharf, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7749304
    Abstract: A method for storing hydrogen is described. The hydrogen is infused into hollow spheres. The spheres are made from a polymer which has a tensile strength sufficient to contain hydrogen under selected internal pressure conditions; and has a permeation coefficient which can be adjusted under variable humidity conditions. Adjustment of the humidity level after the hydrogen is infused results in the walls of the spheres becoming impermeable to hydrogen. The hydrogen stored in the spheres can then be released at a desired time by readjusting the humidity level. The released hydrogen can be directed to any type of equipment which is fueled by hydrogen or otherwise uses the gas. Related articles and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Lawrence Bernard Kool
  • Patent number: 7731783
    Abstract: A continuous pressure letdown system connected to a hopper decreases a pressure of a 2-phase (gas and solid) dusty gas stream flowing through the system. The system includes a discharge line for receiving the dusty gas from the hopper, a valve, a cascade nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the discharge line, a purge ring, an inert gas supply connected to the purge ring, an inert gas throttle, and a filter. The valve connects the hopper to the discharge line and controls introduction of the dusty gas stream into the discharge line. The purge ring is connected between the discharge line and the cascade nozzle assembly. The inert gas throttle controls a flow rate of an inert gas into the cascade nozzle assembly. The filter is connected downstream of the cascade nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews, Terry Langowski
  • Publication number: 20100050520
    Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems with at least one temperature-responsive valve assembly, and methods for feedback regulation of the hydrogen-producing region. The temperature-responsive valve assembly is adapted to automatically respond to the temperature of a gas stream of interest to regulate the flow of a subject gas stream therethrough. In some embodiments, these streams are the same streams, while in others, they are different streams. The streams may include at least the reformate stream from a hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly, the byproduct stream from a purification region, and the product gas stream from the purification region. In some embodiments, the subject gas stream may be the byproduct stream, which is in fluid communication for delivery as a combustible fuel stream for a burner or other heating assembly that produces a heated exhaust stream to heat the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: IDATECH, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Arnold, James A. Givens, Arne LaVen
  • Publication number: 20090313896
    Abstract: A hydrogen production and distribution system which may exploit pre-existing energy infrastructure such as offshore hydrocarbon production facilities, sewage treatment plants, and natural gas pipelines. The offshore facilities and sewage treatment plants may have wind turbines, photovoltaic elements, and wave powered generators to generate electricity, which is then stored in batteries. Electrical power is drawn from the batteries to electrolyze water. Hydrogen collected from electrolysis is conducted to consumers through a system using the natural gas pipelines and optionally, tank trucks formerly used to deliver propane gas. A master computerized control system controls the hydrogen production and distribution system, and is isolated from public communications channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Cameron Glidewell
  • Patent number: 7626061
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous recycling of hydrocarbon containing used and waste materials such as plastic and polymeric waste including, for example, polyurethane, rubber wastes and the like, and in particular scrap rubber tires, are disclosed. The process is carried out under moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and a feed of liquid(s) containing oxygen. The method is characterized by the low residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: MPCP GmbH
    Inventors: Leonid Datsevich, Jorg Gerchau, Frank Gorsch, Ralph Wolfrum
  • Patent number: 7601302
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7527660
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel manufacturing system capable of efficiently producing each hydrogen fuel in accordance with a demanded quantity is disclosed. The system includes a hydrogen manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing hydrogen, more than two hydrogen fuel manufacturing apparatuses for manufacturing hydrogen fuels by letting the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen manufacturing apparatus change into a fuel-use form, wherein the fuel form to be manufactured by the hydrogen fuel manufacturing apparatuses is set to have more than two kinds. Additionally the system has a hydrogen fuel production volume receiver device for receipt of the information as to a hydrogen fuel production volume, thereby controlling the production volume of the hydrogen fuel being manufactured by the hydrogen fuel manufacturing apparatus, based on the hydrogen fuel production volume information as received by the hydrogen fuel production volume receiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masafumi Noujima, Takeyuki Itabashi, Takao Ishikawa, Hiroshi Kanemoto
  • Patent number: 7479169
    Abstract: A gas supplying system for fuel cell includes a reformer generating a reformed gas by reforming a mixed raw material including a fuel and a first water, a piping network distributing the reformed gas to fuel cell systems each of which is installed in different rooms or buildings, a drain recovery unit recovering a water condensed from the reformed gas in the piping network. The piping network has a circulating route. By the circulation route, the reformed gas does not stay in the piping network so that the water condensation in the piping is suppressed. The water in the piping is removed by the drain recovery unit. According to this configuration, the clogging and corrosion of the piping caused by the condensed water is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuki Yagi, Shigeru Nojima, Hirohisa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7473484
    Abstract: A diverter valve is disclosed and may comprise an actively cooled valve actuation section, an actuator, and a valve section comprising a rotationally actuated valve plate that is structured to be rotationally actuated by the actuator to direct flow wherein the actuation section may be thermally insulated from the valve actuation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar A. Lecea, Elwood W. Wingeier, James M. Ciosek, David A. Goulette
  • Patent number: 7470293
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems for hydrogen generation assemblies having a hydrogen-producing region and a heating assembly. The delivery system provides a hydrogen-production fluid to the hydrogen-producing region and provides a heating fuel to the heating assembly. The delivery system includes a pressure vessel having an interior cavity containing the heating fuel and the hydrogen-production fluid, which are disposed in the pressure vessel in a pressurizing—pressurized relationship, in which the heating fuel is discharged from the pressure vessel under it own pressure and the hydrogen-production fluid is discharged under pressure applied by the heating fuel. The feedstock delivery system may separately discharge the hydrogen-production fluid and the heating fuel and may include a pressure transmitter disposed between the hydrogen-production fluid and the heating fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7452390
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling superheating and temperature of a compressed natural gas stream and the addition of a corrision inhibitor composition for transmission through a pipeline that includes: a. dividing a stream of natural gas discharged from a high pressure gas compressor (106) into a first portion (108) and a second portion (202); b. passing the first portion (108) of the gas from the gas compressor to a heat exchanger (112) to heat the gas to a predetermined temperature; c. passing the first portion of gas (111) exiting the heat exchanger to an aftercooler (114); d. passing the second portion (202) of natural gas discharged from the gas compressor (106) to the aftercooler (114) without passing it through the heat exchanger (112), the second portion of gas and the first portion of gas being mixed at the aftercooler inlet and cooled by the aftercooler and discharged from the aftercooler as a cooled gas stream (116) having a temperature no greater than a first temperature; e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hani Al-Khalifa, Donald P. Delevan, Timothy T. Wilson, Abdulrahman Al-Abdullatif
  • Publication number: 20080263956
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for low-emission storage of biodegradable materials by means of aeration, without aerobic conditions materializing in the material, permits a more consistent feed of the downstream stages in the process. Aeration inhibits methanogenesis and the risk potential of an explosive gas mixture forming in the storage vessel or in the components of the system exhausting waste gas. Closed loop control of the aeration adapts the rate of aeration to the biological activity in the stored material and minimizes air input so as to minimize the loss of methanogenesis potential by aerobic conversion of the matter whilst minimizing the energy required for aeration. The process is characterized in that controlling the aeration in the storage vessel inhibits relevant methanogenesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: REA Gesellschaft fuer Recycling von Energie und mbH
    Inventors: Hans Kuebler, Roland Carra, Margarita Nimmrichter
  • Patent number: 7413585
    Abstract: A pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jader Matos Da Silva, Markus Lindner, Rainer Immel
  • Patent number: 7056360
    Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained under a positive pressure which exceeds that of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A precise control flow valve, located within the injection conduit, meters odorant to be injected into the pipeline. The odorant is metered on a dropwise basis with individual drops of chemical being counted as they pass through the flow valve into the injection conduit and into the natural gas pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Publication number: 20040194382
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew J. Fairlie, William J. Stewart, Andrew T. B. Stuart, Steven J. Thorpe, Charlie Dong
  • Publication number: 20040187385
    Abstract: Initially, a ship containing LNG sails to an existing offshore natural gas pipeline. Such pipelines are often found on offshore natural gas platforms. The ship containing LNG then connects to a gasification device, which may be located on the ship, the platform, or on another ship (e.g., a barge). This gasification device, in turn, connects to the pipeline and supplies the pipeline with natural gas. In this manner, natural gas can be supplied to an existing pipeline without involving a land-based gasification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Small Ventures USA LLC
    Inventors: William Perkins, Jeffrey P. Beale
  • Patent number: 6793699
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for online and on-site tracer generation for tagging natural gas stored in underground storage fields wherein feedstock is drawn from a feedstock source. The feedstock undergoes initial analysis to determine hydrocarbons levels. The feedstock then undergoes reaction to produce tracers such as ethylene, propylene, acetylene hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The feedstock is then analyzed to determine post reaction tracer concentration. The feedstock including generated tracers is then introduced back into the feedstock stream. Tracer levels in the pre-reaction or initial analysis of feedstock are compared with tracer levels in the post-reaction feedstock and the rate of flow of feedstock through the system is adjusted to achieve a predetermined level of tracer concentration. The level of tracer concentration will then be used to identify the particular natural gas charge in a storage field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis D. Coleman, Rodney R. Ruch, Shiaoguo Chen, Massoud Rostam-Abadi
  • Patent number: 6779548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for automatically injecting chemicals into a pressurized system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Cody Liners Ltd.
    Inventor: Leonard E. McKeary
  • Patent number: 6745799
    Abstract: A method for delivering a gas is disclosed and which includes in its broadest aspect providing a conduit which supplies natural gas to a geographic location; and mixing a gas to be delivered with the natural gas for delivery to the geographic location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Relion, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Fuglevand
  • Patent number: 6730272
    Abstract: A process for heating fuel gas under high pressure before it is expanded. The gas is directly heated by burning part of the gas in the gas pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: EWE Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rainer Reimert
  • Publication number: 20020073619
    Abstract: Initially, a ship containing LNG sails to an existing offshore natural gas pipeline. Such pipelines are often found on offshore natural gas platforms. The ship containing LNG then connects to a gasification device, which may be located on the ship, the platform, or on another ship (e.g., a barge). This gasification device, in turn, connects to the pipeline and supplies the pipeline with natural gas. In this manner, natural gas can be supplied to an existing pipeline without involving a land-based gasification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: William Perkins, Jeffrey P. Beale
  • Publication number: 20010025449
    Abstract: A process for obtaining a heating fluid as indirect heat source for carrying out endothermic reactions, wherein a flow comprising hydrocarbons and a gas flow comprising oxygen, which flows are suitably compressed, are fed to a combustor and then burnt thus obtaining a high temperature fluid, is distinguished by the fact of feeding a flow comprising water, preferably in the form of vapour, to the high temperature fluid and/or to the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ermanno Filippi
  • Patent number: 6217626
    Abstract: For storage of natural gas at pressures over 1,000 psia, it is advantageous to add to natural gas an additive which is a C2 or C3 hydrocarbon compound, or a mixture of such hydrocarbon compounds. Above a lower limit (which varies with the additive being added and the pressure), there is a decrease in the amount of power needed to compress the mixture. For storage or pipeline transportation of natural gas at pressures over 800 psia, it is advantageous to add ammonia to the natural gas, in an amount such that the ammonia does not create a liquid phase at the temperature and pressure used. The ammonia-natural gas mixture can be compressed or pumped with a lower energy expenditure than would be needed for an equivalent volume of natural gas alone. When more than 4% by volume of ammonia is present, the pumping through pipelines is also aided by the refrigerant effect of the ammonia, which reduces the temperature of the gas being transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: JL Energy Transportation Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Morris, Glen Perry
  • Patent number: 6202707
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for unloading a plurality of containers containing pressurized liquefied gas in which the liquefied gas has a temperature above −112° C. A pressurized displacement liquid is fed to a first of the plurality of containers to discharge the pressurized liquefied gas therefrom. The displacement liquid is then pumped from the first container to a second container of the plurality of containers to discharge liquefied gas therefrom. As the displacement liquid is removed from the first container, the space caused by the removal of the displacement liquid is filled with a vapor at a lower pressure than the pressure of displacement liquid. Fluid communication between the first second containers is then severed and the above steps are repeated for all containers in succession, except that for the last container in the series the displacement liquid is pumped therefrom to an auxiliary container for storage rather than to another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Woodall, Moses Minta
  • Patent number: 6176046
    Abstract: A pre-manufactured natural gas delivery station is presented to a client that filters, measures, controls, pre-heats, pressure reduces, odorizes, and provides communication, provides excess power, and provides excess heat for a host site. The design is pre-approved by supply pipeline, end users and regulatory bodies. The final configuration is welded, assembled, wired, painted, tagged, and tested, at a factory site and then shipped to an installation site in accordance with customer's requirements. The station is commissioned, operators are trained and a three volume project DATA book is installed in the control room for documentation. The pre-manufactured natural gas delivery station can include a high pressure gas metering room and regulating room that can be selectively coupled to other prefabricated modular rooms or modules. Preferably, the other prefabricated modules include an odorant room, a heating room, an energy generation room and an electrical control and communications room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Northstar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Quine, John E. Rafferty, James M. Hunt, James M. Smilikis
  • Patent number: 6093372
    Abstract: The system for controlling oxygen flow in a gasification process of the instant invention comprises a suction control valve located between the oxygen source and the oxygen compressor. The suction control valve is adapted in order to open to deliver oxygen from the source to the compressor through the first pipe and to move to a reduced flow position to prevent excess delivery of oxygen from the source to the compressor. The system also comprises a second pipe which operably connects the oxygen compressor to a port of a gasifier. The system comprises a normally closed vent valve located between the oxygen compressor and the port of a gasifier. The system comprises a means located in the gasifier or in the gasifier effluent for detecting when it is necessary to change the oxygen flow to the gasifier and to actuate the suction control valve sufficient to change the oxygen flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Wallace, Kay A. Johnson, Delome D. Fair
  • Patent number: 5660603
    Abstract: A process for separating components of gas mixtures which have different hydrate forming characteristics which uses an aqueous liquid to absorb one of the gases preferentially by attaining conditions slightly above the catastrophic point at which gas hydrates form. Specifically, the separation of gas mixtures containing light hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide is accomplished without significantly reducing the pressure of the carbon dioxide or without requiring significant amounts of heat energy for regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: International Process Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Elliot, Jong J. Chen