This inventor holds 1 USPTO granted patent and 1 published patent application, plus 3 CIPO patents and 1 EPO patent. Top assignee: Suncor Energy Inc.. Active years: 2017.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2017
Title: Innovations of James Patrick Macaulay in Tailings Dewatering Techniques
Introduction
James Patrick Macaulay is an accomplished inventor based in Fort McMurray, Canada. He has made significant contributions to the field of tailings dewatering operations, particularly through his innovative techniques that enhance flocculation and dewatering processes.
Latest Patents
Macaulay holds a patent for "Dispersion and conditioning techniques for thick fine tailings dewatering operations." This patent describes methods that improve the flocculation and dewatering of thick fine tailings by reducing process oscillations. One of the key methods involves dispersing a flocculant into thick fine tailings with a turbulent flow regime to create turbulent flocculating tailings. The process includes subjecting these tailings to shear to build up flocs and increase yield stress, resulting in a flocculated material with a non-turbulent flow regime. The flocculated material is then shear conditioned to decrease yield stress, producing conditioned flocculated tailings suitable for dewatering, such as through sub-aerial deposition. The thick fine tailings may exhibit a Bingham Reynolds Number of at least 40,000 upon flocculant addition, and the techniques also aim to inhibit process oscillations by providing a turbulent tailings feed and configuring downstream pipeline assemblies to reduce backpressure fluctuations.
Career Highlights
Macaulay is currently associated with Suncor Energy Inc., where he applies his expertise in tailings management and dewatering techniques. His innovative approaches have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tailings operations in the energy sector.
Collaborations
Macaulay has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Trevor Bugg and Ana Cristina Sanchez, to further advance the research and application of his patented techniques.
Conclusion
James Patrick Macaulay's contributions to the field of tailings dewatering through his innovative patent demonstrate his commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability in the energy industry. His work continues to influence practices in tailings management and dewatering operations.