Geologic, Marine, Or Extraterrestrial Storage And Containment (e.g., Tectonic, Volcanic, Deep Natural, Manmade Earth Cavity, Submarine Placement Sites, Lunar, Earth Orbital, And Solar Placement, Etc.) Patents (Class 588/250)
  • Patent number: 11181700
    Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with an aqueous medium under conditions sufficient to produce a bicarbonate rich product. The resultant bicarbonate rich product (or a component thereof) is then combined with a cation source under conditions sufficient to produce a solid carbonate composition and product CO2 gas, followed by injection of the product CO2 gas into a subsurface geological location to sequester CO2. Also provided are systems configured for carrying out the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Blue Planet Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Mark A. Bewernitz
  • Patent number: 10300512
    Abstract: A hazardous material storage repository includes a drillhole extending into the Earth and including an entry at least proximate a terranean surface, the drillhole including a substantially vertical drillhole portion, a transition drillhole portion coupled to the substantially vertical drillhole portion, and a hazardous material storage drillhole portion, at least one of the transition drillhole portion or the hazardous material storage drillhole portion including an isolation drillhole portion; a storage canister positioned in the hazardous material storage drillhole portion, the storage canister sized to fit from the drillhole entry through the substantially vertical drillhole portion, the transition drillhole portion, and into the hazardous material storage drillhole portion of the drillhole, the storage canister including an inner cavity sized enclose hazardous material; and a seal positioned in the drillhole, the seal isolating the hazardous material storage drillhole portion of the drillhole from the ent
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Deep Isolation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Muller, Elizabeth Muller
  • Patent number: 10197747
    Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with an aqueous medium under conditions sufficient to produce a bicarbonate rich product. The resultant bicarbonate rich product (or a component thereof) is then combined with a cation source under conditions sufficient to produce a solid carbonate composition and product CO2 gas, followed by injection of the product CO2 gas into a subsurface geological location to sequester CO2. Also provided are systems configured for carrying out the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: BLUE PLANET, LTD.
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Mark A. Bewernitz
  • Patent number: 9188389
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering mine tailings. The systems and methods include distributing a slurry of high permeability material on a sloped surface to define a high permeability layer and subsequently distributing a slurry of low permeability mine tailings on the high permeability layer to define a low permeability layer that is vertically above and in contact with the high permeability layer. The sloped surface defines a non-zero surface grade, and natural slopes of both the slurry of high permeability material and the slurry of low permeability mine tailings are within a threshold grade difference of the surface grade. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may include augmenting the slurry of high permeability material and/or augmenting the slurry of low permeability mine tailings to adjust the natural slope thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Wei Ren, Ken N. Sury, David C. Rennard, Shahram Yazdanpanah
  • Patent number: 8993827
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the stabilization and safe removal of buried waste that is tested and classified as being transuranic or not transuranic waste and disposed accordingly. The buried waste (usually in vertical pipe units) is enclosed in a casing and ground and mixed with the surrounding soil. This process allows for chemical reactions to occur that stabilizes the mixture. The entire process is contained within the casing to avoid contamination. In situ or external testing is done for radio isotopes to classify the waste. If it is classified as transuranic the waste is removed in a controlled way into a retrieval enclosure and disposed off in drums. If the waste is not transuranic then grout is introduced into the mixture, allowed to set and the resulting monolith is removed and buried in trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: VJ Technologies
    Inventors: Boris Soyfer, Steve Halliwell, Keith Stone
  • Publication number: 20150018594
    Abstract: A composition capable of increased impermeability against the passage of ionic liquids therethrough can include a clay mixed with an anionic and cationic polymer. Such compositions can be provided in geosynthetic liners to provide a hydraulic barrier in aggressive leachate environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Nigel Webb, Dolly Batra, Michael Donovan
  • Patent number: 8933289
    Abstract: A method of disposing nuclear waste in underground rock formations is presented. The method includes the steps of selecting a land area having a rock formation positioned there-below of a depth able to prevent radioactive material placed therein from reaching the surface and drilling a vertical wellbore from the surface, to a depth ranging between 5,000 feet and 25,000 feet, into the underground rock formation or repository. A plurality of horizontal laterals or horizontal wellbores, ranging in length from 500 feet to 40,000 feet, are drilled from the vertical wellbore into the underground rock formation or repository. Nuclear waste to be stored within these laterals is encapsulated in a special waste canister and these nuclear waste canisters are positioned within the horizontal laterals wherein they are sealed to prevent loss and leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Henry Crichlow
  • Publication number: 20140338395
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for generating a CO2 product stream. A method described includes generating a liquid acid gas stream including H2S and CO2. The liquid acid gas stream is flashed to form a first vapor stream and a bottom stream. The bottom stream is fractionated to form a second vapor stream and a liquid acid waste stream. The first vapor stream and the second vapor stream are combined to form a combined vapor stream. The combined vapor stream is treated in an absorption column to remove excess H2S, forming the CO2 product stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Russell H. Oelfke, Tor Vestad
  • Patent number: 8888671
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treatment and disposal of drilling waste, contaminated sediments and residual waste including the steps of providing drilling waste, contaminated sediments, residual waste or other disposable material, grinding or crushing the material, mixing the material with at least one binder, using material exhibiting a maximum particle size of less than 5 mm; transferring the mixture to a disposal device placed in a benthic zone and allowing the mixture to cure in the disposal device. A disposal facility formed by the method of this invention is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ott Subsea Bag Technology AS
    Inventor: John Eirik Paulsen
  • Patent number: 8663082
    Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble membrane. The capsules are ballasted to sink. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. The gas burial disposal capsules may be formed of non-degradable material for substantially permanent gas storage, or of degradable material to allow the gases to slowly permeate the surrounding earth for slow and relatively harmless release. The gas may be pressurized within the capsules to approximately the pressure of the surrounding earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Bader Shafaqa Al-Anzi
  • Patent number: 8590619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting methane from methane hydrates, comprising the following steps: feeding carbon dioxide to the methane hydrate deposits; allowing the carbon dioxide to take effect on the methane hydrate to release methane and store the carbon dioxide as carbon dioxide hydrate; and removing the released methane, characterized in that the fed carbon dioxide is supercritical carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Leibniz-Institut Fuer Meereswissenschaften
    Inventors: Klaus Wallmann, Matthias Haeckel
  • Publication number: 20130053611
    Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble membrane. The capsules are ballasted to sink. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. The gas burial disposal capsules may be formed of non-degradable material for substantially permanent gas storage, or of degradable material to allow the gases to slowly permeate the surrounding earth for slow and relatively harmless release. The gas may be pressurized within the capsules to approximately the pressure of the surrounding earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: BADER SHAFAQA AL-ANZI
  • Publication number: 20130053612
    Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble membrane. The capsules are ballasted to sink. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. The gas burial disposal capsules may be formed of non-degradable material for substantially permanent gas storage, or of degradable material to allow the gases to slowly permeate the surrounding earth for slow and relatively harmless release. The gas may be pressurized within the capsules to approximately the pressure of the surrounding earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: BADER SHAFAQA AL-ANZI
  • Publication number: 20120123180
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treatment and disposal of drilling waste, contaminated sediments and residual waste including the steps of providing drilling waste, contaminated sediments, residual waste or other disposable material, grinding or crushing the material, mixing the material with at least one binder, using material exhibiting a maximum particle size of less than 5 mm; transferring the mixture to a disposal device placed in a benthic zone and allowing the mixture to cure in the disposal device. A disposal facility formed by the method of this invention is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: John Eirik Paulsen
  • Publication number: 20120022313
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sulfur disposal through preparation of a micro-sized sulfur slurries. Micro-sized sulfur slurries are created for downhole disposal by forming sulfur particulates, which are then combined with a carrier fluid. The micro-sized sulfur slurries may be introduced to a subterranean formation, in some cases, to an unconsolidated sand formation by way of a dilation mechanism. Some embodiments comprise forming micro-sized sulfur slurries through a conversion process that converts molten sulfur to powder sulfur by gas cooling of atomized sprays of molten sulfur. Advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein as compared to many conventional methods include higher efficiencies, lower cost, and enhanced disposal of sulfur material. Furthermore, forming a micro-sized sulfur slurry allows for a more convenient form of transport. Additionally, high sulfur loading rates may be achieved, ultimately allowing for more economical sulfur transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael E. Vienot, Lee Chin
  • Patent number: 8096934
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating carbon dioxide, and a method by which such treated carbon dioxide can be stored underground at low cost and with high efficiency. The present invention' method for storing carbon dioxide underground includes: a step for pumping up to the ground groundwater from a pumping well in a deep aquifer, and then producing injection water. Carbon dioxide that has been separated and recovered from exhaust gas from a plant facility is changed into the bubbles. The bubbles are mixed with the injection water, and hereby produces a gas-liquid mixture a step for injecting into. The deep aquifer is injected into the gas-liquid mixture from the injection well. The method preferably further includes a step for dissolving a cation-forming material in the injection water, and a step for injecting the injection water, in which the cation-forming material is dissolved, into the deep acquifer at its top and above the place at which injection water has already been injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mizuho Information & Research Institute Inc.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Koide, Junji Shinoda
  • Patent number: 7922643
    Abstract: A method for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, such as for example carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere above a ground surface, the method comprising injecting a gas stream comprising one or more than one greenhouse gas into a subsurface injection formation, where the subsurface injection formation comprises a water-laden layer comprising formation water, and where some or all of the greenhouse gases present in the gas stream become dissolved in the formation water in the subsurface injection formation, sequestering the one or more than one greenhouse gas in the subsurface injection formation, separating non-greenhouses gas in situ from the greenhouse gas, venting the non-greenhouse gas from the formation and thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Michael S. Bruno, Roman Bilak, Leo Rothenburg, Maurice B. Dusseault
  • Publication number: 20100326924
    Abstract: A method for disposal of desalination concentrated brine waste product from a desalination process provides that the desalination concentrated brine waste product is injected, along with a carbon dioxide waste product, typically into an imperviously capped porous rock formation, typically including a saline aquifer. The desalination concentrated brine waste product and the carbon dioxide waste product (i.e., which may be injected as a supercritical liquid) may be injected simultaneously or sequentially. The method provides for environmentally acceptable disposal of the desalination concentrated brine waste product and the carbon dioxide waste product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christos John Georgiou, Ulisses Thibes Mello
  • Patent number: 7754642
    Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrophobic oil-adsorbent material that is capable of adsorbing oil and separating oil from water and methods for production and application of said material, suitable for collecting and removing hydrocarbons and other contaminations of oil content from solid surfaces and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sineol Hungary KFT.
    Inventor: János Kátay
  • Patent number: 7610962
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing acidic gas to a subsurface formation is described herein. The method may include providing heat from one or more heaters to a portion of a subsurface formation; producing fluids that include one or more acidic gases from the formation using a heat treatment process. At least a portion of one of the acidic gases may be introduced into the formation, or into another formation, through one or more wellbores at a pressure below a lithostatic pressure of the formation in which the acidic gas is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas David Fowler
  • Patent number: 7588527
    Abstract: Process for the disposal of sulfur in the liquid state which comprises: a) transforming elemental sulfur into sulfanes having the general formula H2Sn+1, wherein n is a number from 1 to 7; b) optionally mixing elemental sulfur in powder form with the liquid sulfanes, up to such a concentration as to guarantee the pumpability of the mixture; c) injecting the sulfanes liquid at room temperature into geological formations having a temperature lower than 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., ENITECNOLOGIE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto De Angelis, Paolo Pollesel, Giuseppe Bellussi, Thomas Paul Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20090062593
    Abstract: A method for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, such as for example carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere above a ground surface, the method comprising injecting a gas stream comprising one or more than one greenhouse gas into a subsurface injection formation, where the subsurface injection formation comprises a water-laden layer comprising formation water, and where some or all of the greenhouse gases present in the gas stream become dissolved in the formation water in the subsurface injection formation, sequestering the one or more than one greenhouse gas in the subsurface injection formation, separating non-greenhouses gas in situ from the greenhouse gas, venting the non-greenhouse gas from the formation and thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Michael S. Bruno, Roman Bilak, Leo Rothenburg, Maurice B. Dusseault
  • Publication number: 20090028776
    Abstract: A method for disposing of carbon dioxide is provided. According to the invention, CO2 is dissolved in seawater and the salinity of the seawater is increased to produce CO2-containing brine. The CO2-containing brine is denser than the seawater from which it is made. Therefore, when it is released into the ocean, the CO2-containing brine sinks to depth and sequesters the carbon dioxide. The brine may be produced by forming CO2 hydrate, which extracts fresh water from the seawater. Alternatively, the brine may be produced by forming water ice from the seawater and injecting CO2 into the seawater either before or, more preferably, after the water ice has been formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: John P. Osegovic, Michael D. Max
  • Publication number: 20090011668
    Abstract: An inflatable rope comprises three layers, a bladder, a sheath, and a fitted, perforated plastic bag to keep the inflatable rope in a compressed form. The compressed form can be hurled through the air at great distance to a person overboard. The inflatable rope can be inflated to a size that eases the ability of the person, who has lost dexterity in frigid water, to hold on to it for rescuing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: GROHE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Pehling
  • Patent number: 7438129
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Feedwater is then acidified and steam stripped to remove alkalinity and dissolved non-condensable gases. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Patent number: 7428926
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Publication number: 20080183026
    Abstract: The Alchemic transition unit transforms abiogenic substances into environmentally friendly biogenic substances through a unique arrangement of its components. The transition unit has applications where it is desirable to effectuate the chemical transition of abiogenic, negatively charged chemical compounds by raising them to biogenic ecological energy levels, thus rendering them beneficial and non-toxic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Vernon A. Trigger, Jerry B. Morof, Claire T. Brown, Marjorie T. Wyman
  • Patent number: 7377721
    Abstract: Invert emulsion compositions including an oleaginous, a non-oleaginous and an amine surfactant that are useful in the oil and gas well drilling art are disclosed. The amine surfactant is selected so that the invert emulsion can be converted form a water-in-oil type emulsion to a oil-in-water type emulsion upon the protonation of the amine surfactant. Deprotonation of the amine surfactant reverses the conversion. This solution also permits the conversion of oil-wet solids in the fluid into water-wet solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Arvind D. Patel
  • Patent number: 7165917
    Abstract: A new system for underwater waste disposal is disclosed, consisting of a high-speed, hardened penetrator, optional rocket motor (or other compact propulsion device) and alternative mechanisms for eliminating water drag by surrounding the projectile with a gas layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Christian Stig Rode
  • Patent number: 7150320
    Abstract: A process for treating produced water to generate high pressure steam. Produced water from heavy oil recovery operations is treated by first removing oil and grease. If necessary, the pH is then adjusted, normally downward, releasing at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Pretreated produced water is then fed to an evaporator. Up to 95% or more of the pretreated produced water stream is evaporated to produce (1) a distillate having a trace amount of residual solutes therein, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing substantially all solutes from the produced water feed. The distillate may be directly used, or polished to remove the trace residual solutes before being fed to a steam generator. Steam generation in a packaged boiler, such as a water tube boiler having a steam drum and a mud drum with water cooled combustion chamber walls, produces 100% quality high pressure steam for down-hole use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Patent number: 7137945
    Abstract: A method of disposal of biowaste material which comprises drilling a first section of an injection well from the ground into a porous layer, drilling a second section of the injection well from a lower terminus of the first section of the injection well into the porous layer while drilling the same using underbalanced drilling techniques, drilling a first section of a production well from the ground to and into the porous layer, drilling a second section of the production well from the lower end of the first section thereof into the porous layer using underbalanced drilling conditions, making a geological measurement of the pore throat size and/or fracture aperture in the porous layer and treating the biowaste material introduced into the second section of the injection well by comminuting the same in a device such as a shear pump to an average particle size of approximately one-tenth to one-half, preferably one-seventh, of the average pore throat size in the porous layer, the measurement of the pore throat s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sunstone Corporation
    Inventor: W. James Hughes
  • Patent number: 7128150
    Abstract: This invention is method of recovering gas from a gas-bearing subterranean formation in which gas is produced from an upper portion of the formation and a waste gas is injected into a lower portion of the formation to dispose of the waste gas. The waste gas is injected within a 3000 foot (914 m) radial distance from the production of the gas. The injection and production can be carried out using one well or a plurality of wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Eugene R. Thomas, P. Scott Northrop, Hua Hu
  • Patent number: 7097386
    Abstract: A method is provided for simultaneously developing caverns while depositing wastes or other materials in them. A well is first drilled into a salt formation and the development of a salt cavern by means of solution mining is initiated. When the development of the cavern has been carried out to an extent sufficient to accommodate the injection of a prescribed amount of wastes or other materials, injection of the wastes or other materials through the well is started while continuing to develop the cavern by solution mining. The injection of the wastes or other materials may be carried out continuously or intermittently. The proportion and rates of wastes or other materials and mining water injected into the well are monitored and regulated so that cavern development continues at a rate that allows the cavern to reach an intended prescribed size while the wastes or other materials are injected and deposited into the cavern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Energy LLC
    Inventors: Roger Jacques Maduell, David Charles Landry, David Brian Singleton
  • Patent number: 7077201
    Abstract: An evaporation based method of treating produced water from heavy oil production. A produced water from heavy oil recovery operations treated by first removing oil and grease to a desired level, preferably to about twenty parts per million, or less. If necessary, the pH is then adjusted, normally downward and by acid addition, to release at least some carbonate alkalinity as free carbon dioxide. Preferably, all non-hydroxide alkalinity is removed, or substantially so, by introducing the feedwater into a decarbonator. Feedwater is introduced into an evaporator, and the feedwater is evaporated to a selected concentration factor to produce (1) a distillate having a small amount of residual solutes, and (2) evaporator blowdown containing residual solids. Distillate may be directly used for steam generation in a once-through steam generator, or polished by ion exchange or electrodeionization prior to feed to a packaged boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: GE Ionics, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Heins
  • Patent number: 7063657
    Abstract: A method of constructing underground galleries using a pneumatic transfer system and a stratum disposal method are provided, wherein in constructing a disposal gallery of a stratum disposal site and tunnels such as mountain tunnels or in performing stratum disposal of waste matter, the carrying-out of excavation chips or the like, the carrying-in of materials and equipment or the like and the carrying-in and positioning of waste matter may be effected safely, quickly and reliably at low cost, and the buffer material quality for waste matter may be secured. In construction, an air carrying pipeline (10) is used while extending the air carrying pipeline (10) downward as desired during excavation of a vertical shaft (2) so as to carry out vertical shaft excavation chips (a) to the ground and carry in materials and equipment including vertical shaft spray concrete (b) to the underground site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Kajima Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Okutsu, Hisashi Takamura, Koji Hane, Nobuyuki Matsui, Yasuyuki Hayakawa, Mitsuaki Furuichi
  • Patent number: 6962561
    Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising providing a supply of biosolids; selecting an introduction formation below a ground surface, the introduction formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; introducing the biosolids into the introduction formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected introduction formation; and allowing degradation of the introduced biosolids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: Terralog Technologies USA, Inc., Terralog Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bruno, Maurice B. Dusseault, Roman Bilak
  • Patent number: 6945925
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the biosequestration and organic assimilation of a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect. In these methods, a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect is introduced into a peat bog where it is thereafter sequestered and organically assimilated. A capture method may be employed in conjunction with the present invention to enable transport of the gas from an industrial site to a processing facility located at or near a peat bog. Once transported to a relevant processing facility, the captured gas may be regenerated and thereafter introduced into the peat bog for its biosequestration and organic assimilation. In the context of the present invention, the gas may be a greenhouse gas (GHG), sulfur oxide (SOx) gas, and/or volatile organic compound (VOC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventors: Joel Pooler, Christopher L. Pooler
  • Patent number: 6871707
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The portion may be allowed or forced to cool after mixture production is ended. Carbon dioxide may be stored within the portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Michael Karanikas, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Lanny Gene Schoeling, Phillip Temmons Baxley
  • Patent number: 6846967
    Abstract: A system for disposing of nuclear waste which essentially includes filling containers with nuclear waste and then dropping the containers into the sea in the path of an undersea volcano which is pouring lava onto the sea bed is disclosed. The containers are driven into the sea bed and will be covered by the lava.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Larry A. Altersitz
  • Patent number: 6838485
    Abstract: An emulsifier composition for treating marine cuttings, preferably in situ, to convert free hydrocarbons to isolated hydrocarbons; drill cuttings treated with the emulsifier composition; droplets of the emulsified free hydrocarbons; drill cuttings further treated with encapsulating material; and, isolated hydrocarbons comprising encapsulated droplets of free hydrocarbons and emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Lirio Quintero
  • Patent number: 6835697
    Abstract: A method to significantly reduce mounding on the seafloor near oil drilling operations comprising the steps of: mixing drilling fluids with organic contaminates in a high shear mixer; adding a solidification agent which expands when hydrated and electrolytically attracts said organic contaminates to its surface; adding a cellulosic additive in an amount between 1 and 50 wt % based on the amount of said organic contaminate in the drilling fluid forming a mixture; adding a cell transport agent in an amount between 0.5 wt % and 10 wt % based on the amount of said organic contaminate in the drilling fluid, wherein said cell transport agent is capable of transporting large organic molecules through cell walls and neutralizing said mixture to a pH of between 7 and 8 to said mixture; and mixing at a high shear rate until said mixture forms a fine powder, dispersing said fine powder into the sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: James Richard Von Krosigk
  • Publication number: 20040226717
    Abstract: Sealant compositions and methods of using the same to isolate a subterranean zone are provided. The compositions include partially polymerized furfuryl alcohol/aldehyde, a coupling agent, a diluent, a curing agent, a ductility imparting agent, and a filler for increasing the compressive strengths of the sealant compositions. Methods of isolating a subterranean zone include pumping the foregoing sealant composition into a well bore down through a conduit and up through an annulus disposed between the conduit and the walls of the well bore. The sealant composition exhibits a sufficiently long cure time such that it does not harden until it reaches the annulus. Thus, the sealant composition effectively attaches the conduit to the walls of the well bore. The sealant composition is substantially resistant to degradation by waste chemicals disposed of in the well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6796746
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bachtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Jessmore, Guy G. Loomis, Mark C. Pettet, Melissa C. Flyckt
  • Patent number: 6736215
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Pyrolysis products may be produced from the formation. After pyrolysis, the temperature of the portion may be raised to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. After synthesis gas production, the portion may be cooled and used to store carbon dioxide or other fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Kevin Albert Maher, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Etuan Zhang, Lanny Gene Schoeling
  • Publication number: 20040076481
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: James J. Jessmore, Guy G. Loomis, Mark C. Pettet, Melissa C. Flyckt
  • Patent number: 6702890
    Abstract: The present invention describes an improved method for forming fly ash slurry by mixing fly ash and water with an additive containing 0.5-2 wt % ammonium salt of humic acid and 0.03 to 0.05 wt % tannin extract. The product slurry does not require large amount of water for transport to storage space due to its enhanced viscosity and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Sukuru Ramakrishna Rao, Swapan Kumar Ghosh, Sibendra Kumar Basu, Barun Kumar Mall, Shreekant Verma, Gulab Singh, Satinath Mazumdar
  • Publication number: 20040011562
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for processing deleterious material on a floating vessel during transportation from a well to a disposal site. The vessel contains equipment for the slurrification and agitation of the deleterious material. Such equipment includes storage tanks, slurrification units, and agitation units, as well as transfer equipment such as flow lines and vacuum or pump means. The deleterious material is transferred from the drill site to the storage tanks on the vessel. The vessel then transports the material to a disposal site, such as an injection well. During transportation, the deleterious material is processed. Such processing can include slurrification and/or agitation of the deleterious material to maintain the slurry, adding fluid if necessary. Once at the disposal site, the deleterious material slurry is then transferred from the vessel to the disposal site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Barry Simpson, Fabio Manotas, Tim Barr
  • Patent number: 6620091
    Abstract: A method for removing CO2 from a CO2-containing hydrocarbon asset. The process includes contacting a CO2-containing hydrocarbon asset with an aqueous liquid stream at an underwater location so that at least a portion of the CO2 in the hydrocarbon asset is dissolved into the aqueous liquid stream, creating a CO2-depleted hydrocarbon asset and a CO2-enriched aqueous stream. The CO2-enriched aqueous stream is separated from the hydrocarbon asset. Finally, the CO2-enriched aqueous stream is disposed of in at least one of a marine environment, a terrestrial formation, or combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: A. Stephen Zavell, Dennis J. O'Rear, Curtis Munson
  • Patent number: RE39077
    Abstract: Acid gas is liquified by compression and cooling, mixed with water under pressure and flowed into a disposal well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Master Corporation
    Inventor: Frank H. Eaton
  • Patent number: RE39244
    Abstract: Acid gas is liquified by compression and cooling, mixed with water under pressure and flowed into a disposal well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Master Corporation
    Inventor: Frank H. Eaton