Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1976-1977
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Charles F. Kirkvold
Introduction
Charles F. Kirkvold, based in Calgary, CA, is an accomplished inventor known for his significant contributions to the petroleum industry. With a portfolio of five patents, his work primarily focuses on enhancing oil recovery processes, particularly from viscous sources such as tar sands.
Latest Patents
Kirkvold holds several patents, including two notable inventions aimed at recovering viscous petroleum from thick tar sands. The first patent, titled "Arrangement for recovering viscous petroleum from thick tar sand," outlines a complex system involving a substantially vertical lined shaft that allows fluid flow from the shaft into the formation through strategically placed lateral holes. This arrangement not only establishes a closed-loop flow path for efficient fluid movement but also connects to a steam source, facilitating the injection of steam into the formation to reduce oil viscosity.
The second patent, "System for recovering viscous petroleum from thick tar sand," builds upon these principles by employing a closed-loop flow path formed with concentric casing and tubular members. This design enables the conduction of hot fluid to decrease the viscosity of petroleum, thus improving the extraction process and supporting production flow up through the tubular member.
Career Highlights
Kirkvold's career is marked by his role at Chevron Research Company, where he has been pivotal in advancing oil recovery technologies. His innovative approaches address the challenges posed by viscous petroleum extraction, contributing to more efficient and sustainable resource management.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Kirkvold has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Peter Pisio and Donald J. Anderson. These partnerships have led to significant advancements in petroleum recovery technologies, underscoring the importance of teamwork in innovative research and development.
Conclusion
Charles F. Kirkvold has made remarkable strides in the field of petroleum engineering through his patented inventions. His work emphasizes the continuous need for innovation in energy resource recovery, ensuring that valuable natural resources are utilized effectively and responsibly.