Thomas W Willingham

Title: Thomas W. Willingham: Innovator in Enhanced Oil Recovery

Introduction

Thomas W. Willingham is a notable inventor based in Sugar Land, TX (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of enhanced oil recovery, holding a total of 3 patents. His innovative approaches have the potential to improve oil extraction processes, making them more efficient and effective.

Latest Patents

Willingham's latest patents focus on systems and methods for enhanced waterfloods. One of his patents describes methods for enhanced oil recovery from a subterranean formation. This involves adding a first salt to a first aqueous stream to create a first injection stream with an increased concentration of a first ion. A second salt is then added to a second aqueous stream to form a second injection stream, which has a different composition than the first. Both injection streams are designed to have substantially the same interfacial tension with hydrocarbons and similar kinematic viscosity. The first and second injection streams are injected into the formation at different times, allowing for effective oil recovery from the overlapping portions of the formation.

Another patent by Willingham outlines methods and systems for enhanced oil recovery that include separating fluid produced from the subterranean formation into a first fluid stream containing multivalent ions. By removing a portion of these multivalent ions, a second fluid stream is created and injected into the formation. This second fluid stream has a total concentration of ions greater than about 100,000 ppm, ensuring compatibility with the first fluid stream for optimal recovery results.

Career Highlights

Willingham is currently employed at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, where he continues to develop innovative solutions for oil recovery. His work has been instrumental in advancing the techniques used in the industry, contributing to more sustainable practices.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Willingham has collaborated with talented professionals, including Robin Gupta and Mauro Lo Cascio. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas.

Conclusion

Thomas W. Willingham is a distinguished inventor whose work in enhanced oil recovery has made a significant impact on the industry. His patents reflect a commitment to improving oil extraction methods, showcasing his expertise and innovative spirit.