Louis D Heerze

Title: **Louis D Heerze: Innovator in Petroleum Bioprocessing**

Introduction

Louis D Heerze, residing in Edmonton, Canada, is a prolific inventor with an impressive portfolio of 21 patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in petroleum bioprocessing, positioning him as a significant contributor to the field of oil and gas innovation.

Latest Patents

Among his notable inventions, Heerze has developed methods for improving the refining process by addressing the issues of acidity and corrosion in crude oil. His latest patents include:

1. **Petroleum Bioprocessing to Prevent Refinery Corrosion** - This invention outlines a process to reduce the acidity of acidic crude oil by contacting it with a mixture of nitrogen-containing compounds such as ammonia and amines, along with lipase enzymes. Conducted under specific temperature and pressure conditions, this method effectively generates naphthenic acid-derived amides that are compatible with conventional refinery processes like cracking or hydrotreating, all while requiring less energy.

2. **Petroleum Bioconversion of Organic Acids to Prevent Refinery Corrosion** - In this patent, Heerze leverages microorganisms as biocatalysts to enhance the quality of crude oil and bitumen. He identifies specific species, particularly UTEX 2209 and ATCC 533, which possess the ability to convert organic acids into non-corrosive chemical species, thereby presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional upgrading techniques.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Louis D Heerze has made significant strides in the biotechnology and petroleum sectors. He has garnered experience working with esteemed organizations such as Synsorb Biotech, Inc. and Alberta Research Council Incorporated, where he has focused on applying scientific principles to solve real-world challenges in oil refining.

Collaborations

Heerze's innovative journey has been enriched through collaboration with esteemed colleagues, including Glen D Armstrong and Richard H Smith. These partnerships have contributed to the successful development of his patents, evidencing the importance of teamwork in the innovation process.

Conclusion

With a robust collection of patents and a dedication to advancing the petroleum industry, Louis D Heerze exemplifies the spirit of innovation. His contributions towards bioprocessing not only address critical challenges in refinery operations but also pave the way for more sustainable practices in the energy sector. As the field continues to evolve, Heerze's work will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry.