Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1980
Title: Innovator Spotlight: Robert E. Crumb's Revolutionary Shale Retorting Patent
Introduction:
In the realm of innovation and patents, visionaries like Robert E. Crumb stand out for their groundbreaking contributions. Crumb, an esteemed inventor and employee of Conoco Inc., has made significant strides in the field of oil shale retorting. His pioneering patent showcases a method to extract valuable hydrocarbonaceous liquids and gases from oil shale formations. Let's delve deeper into the details of his invention and the remarkable work of this visionary inventor.
The Patent: Oil Shale Retorting from a High Porosity Cavern
Crumb's patent, titled "Oil Shale Retorting from a High Porosity Cavern," describes an innovative process for extracting hydrocarbonaceous liquids and gases from subterranean kerogen-containing oil shale formations. The patent outlines a series of steps to effectively extract and process shale minerals for energy utilization.
Crumb's process combines cutting-edge techniques that optimize combustion, fragmentation, and retorting to enhance oil shale recovery. The method involves penetrating the oil shale deposits with multiple well bores, fracturing the shale deposits, igniting the hydrocarbonaceous deposit, and introducing oxygen-containing gas to propagate a combustion zone. This results in the formation of a combusted shale region between wells.
To further enhance the extraction process, an aqueous liquid is then jetted through the combusted shale zone to remove residual minerals after combustion. Conventional explosives are strategically placed to fragment the oil shale deposit, leading to the creation of a highly permeable and porous rubblized zone. This rubblized zone is subsequently ignited and subjected to oxygen-containing gas, effectively retorting the hydrocarbonaceous deposit.
Crumb's invention offers an innovative and comprehensive solution for shale retorting, setting him apart as a remarkable inventor in the field.
Collaboration and Company:
Robert E. Crumb's remarkable achievements in oil shale retorting were made possible through his collaboration with esteemed colleagues at Conoco Inc. Crumb's coworkers, William L. Martin and Gary C. Young, have contributed significantly to the development and implementation of his inventive process. This collaborative effort proves the power of teamwork and collective expertise in pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Conoco Inc., a leading energy company, has provided the necessary support and resources for Crumb's inventive journey. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation and exploration, Conoco Inc. has allowed Crumb to thrive and contribute to the energy industry.
Conclusion:
Inventor Robert E. Crumb's patent for oil shale retorting from a high porosity cavern represents a groundbreaking advancement in the energy sector. His meticulously designed process offers an efficient and cost-effective method to extract hydrocarbonaceous liquids and gases from oil shale formations. Through collaborations with coworkers and support from Conoco Inc., Crumb has established himself as an exceptional innovator in the field. His visionary approach promises to revolutionize oil shale extraction, further propelling advancements in the energy industry.