Category: Pipelines & Flow

ANNULAR AXIAL MIXING SYSTEM FOR GAS-LIQUID FLOW

Patent No. 11,511,287

Expiration Date – 04/09/2041

• The Annular Axial Mixing System (AAMS) is designed to mix a wide range of multiphase flow patterns upstream of petroleum production treatment facilities.

• The invention eliminates severe slugging in pipeline/riser systems by first separating multiphase flows and then mixing them into a more homogenous pattern. This results in a smoother, continuous flow through the riser which prevents serious operational and safety issues….

PARAFFIN INHIBITOR PERFORMANCE

Patent No. 11,572,780

Expiration Date – 05/25/2041

• This novel and efficient method of evaluates paraffin inhibitor performance using electrical impedance. Paraffin inhibitors are used to reduce waxy deposits that can plug oil production wells, delivery probes, and pipelines.

• The method is designed for the petroleum industry to replace the traditional 16-hour “cold finger” paraffin inhibitor evaluation test, saving time, and minimizing waste and environmental impact through an electrochemical method.

• Can be utilized on crude oil, crude condensates, and other paraffinic materials….

OIL – WATER EMULSION BREAKUP (OWEB) PROCESS AND SYSTEM

Patent No.  12,053,719

Expiration Date – 10/05/2041

• This mechanical in-line system of separating oil-water emulsions with hydrocyclones improves space and weight efficiency on oil production facilities both on- and off-shore.

• The invention efficiently breaks up emulsions under a wide distribution of droplet sizes and water cuts through an inverted emulsion process.

• The invention was designed for petroleum and chemical industries to reduce transportation and maintenance costs, preserve integrity of equipment and facilities, and accelerate the oil-water separation rate….

PARTICLE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM

Patent Pending 

• This system is directed to a material flow control system to distribute and control flow of a particulate heat transfer material.  The invention is designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems but can apply to metering any gravity-feed particle flow system within a broad temperature range.  

• Current technology to control particle flow generally uses a simple slide gate that is limited by the accuracy of the actuators connected to it and their propensity to erode the valve surfaces and possibly plug the particle flow stream. The present invention employs an axial passage that changes the area of the opening by adjusting the position of fitted fingers similar in concept to the chuck on a drill.  The accuracy and rapid response of this axial valve results in more accurate control of the particle flow, reduces valve surface erosion and minimizes plugging potential….