Frederick Vandervaart

Title: Frederick Vandervaart: Innovator in Dewatering Oil Sand Tailings

Introduction

Frederick Vandervaart is a notable inventor based in Sarnia, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of oil sand extraction through his innovative methods. His work focuses on improving the efficiency of dewatering processes, which is crucial for environmental sustainability in the oil industry.

Latest Patents

Vandervaart holds a patent for a method of dewatering oil sand tailings. This patent describes a process where a slurry, consisting of tailings from bitumen extraction, is treated using an electro-kinetic thickener. The thickener utilizes a voltage gradient to separate water from the slurry, resulting in a dewatered product. The system may include an auger designed to move the slurry downstream, featuring a conductive component that attracts negatively charged particles while repelling positively charged cations and associated water. This innovative approach enhances the efficiency of tailings management in oil extraction.

Career Highlights

Frederick Vandervaart is currently employed at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, where he continues to develop and refine his inventions. His work is instrumental in advancing technologies that support sustainable practices in the oil industry. Vandervaart's expertise in dewatering processes has positioned him as a key figure in this area of research.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Vandervaart has collaborated with talented individuals such as Aaron Ortiz-Gomez and Babak Adam Jajuee. These partnerships have fostered innovation and contributed to the successful development of his patented technologies.

Conclusion

Frederick Vandervaart's contributions to the field of oil sand tailings dewatering exemplify the importance of innovation in the energy sector. His patented methods not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote environmental sustainability.