Patents Examined by Zakiya W. Bates
  • Patent number: 11485900
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods and systems for mitigating condensate banking. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve altering the wettability of a rock formation in the vicinity of a wellbore for a gas condensate reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Rajesh Kumar Saini, Mohammed Sayed, Hooisweng Ow, Mohammad Haque, Amy J. Cairns
  • Patent number: 11480026
    Abstract: A composition and methods for setting a plug for well bores undergoing plugging and abandonment operations is described. Methods of setting the plug are also described include placing a blocking device below the plug location and creating a void space above the blocking device; placing a heat resistant base plate above the blocking device and introducing nano-thermite clusters and expandable bismuth alloy pellets into the void space; igniting the thermite and cooling the melted alloy to form a permanent plug in the void space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIS COMPANY
    Inventors: David D. Hearn, Casey Hirschmann, Randall S. Shafer
  • Patent number: 11479711
    Abstract: The invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for reducing the viscosity of crude oil using microorganisms and/or biosurfactants produced by microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Sharmistha Mazumder, Kent Adams, Tyler Dixon, Yajie Chen, Karthik N. Karathur, Nicholas Callow, Blake Ott, Anthony Nerris
  • Patent number: 11473003
    Abstract: In a well in a subterranean formation, treatment fluids for time-released iron control are utilized. These treatment fluids contain a time-released form of a complexing agent or reducing agent, wherein the agent forms a soluble product with iron. The time-released form prevents loss of the agent prior to delivery to the desired site and at the desired time(s). Methods for controlling iron in a well in a subterranean formation utilize these treatment fluids containing a time-released form of a complexing agent or reducing agent and these methods create soluble products when the agent interacts with the iron to control the iron from the formation and/or well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Flex-Chem Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Bryce Conway, Scott Bailey
  • Patent number: 11473008
    Abstract: A composition for fracking an unconventional reservoir including hard water and liquid carbon dioxide for in-situ generation of proppant particles. A method for fracturing a rock formation in an unconventional reservoir at high temperature and pressure conditions, including pumping the composition into the rock formation and precipitating calcite and aragonite crystals inside the rock formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: YPF TECNOLOGIA S.A.
    Inventors: Augusto Nicolás Varela, Remigio Ruiz, Paula Cecilia Dos Santos Claro
  • Patent number: 11473021
    Abstract: A method of upgrading oil using supercritical fluids generated by a fuel cell. The process uses supercritical carbon dioxide to control the specific gravity of the oil and supercritical water, the amount of which is controlled to achieve a desired oil/water ratio in processing oils to be upgraded. The process recovers the GHG emission stream from a fuel cell anode exhaust to produce supercritical fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignees: 1304338 ALBERTA LTD., 1304342 ALBERTA LTD.
    Inventors: Mackenzie Millar, Jose Lourenco
  • Patent number: 11473397
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for handling loss circulation zones in wells. A tool is deployed on a work string. The tool includes isolation packers in an un-inflated state and a stinger in a closed position. The tool is run to a target depth along the work string. The isolation packers are inflated, setting the isolation packers in place adjacent to the stinger at the target depth. Circulation ports are opened after the isolation packers are inflated, exposing a diversion flow path. A cement slurry is pumped through the diversion flow path into a loss circulation zone. The circulation ports are closed after the cement slurry is pumped. The work string is disengaged from the stinger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter Ido Egbe, Victor Jose Bustamante Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11473002
    Abstract: In a well in a subterranean formation, treatment fluids for time-released iron control are utilized. These treatment fluids contain a time-released form of a complexing agent, wherein the complexing agent forms an insoluble complex with iron. The time-released form prevents loss of the agent prior to delivery to the desired site and at the desired time(s). Methods for controlling iron in a well in a subterranean formation utilize these treatment fluids containing a time-released form of a complexing agent and these methods create insoluble complexes of the agent with the iron to control the iron from the formation and/or well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Flex-Chem Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Bryce Conway, Scott Bailey
  • Patent number: 11472996
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid may include an oleaginous fluid forming a continuous phase; a non-oleaginous fluid forming a discontinuous phase; at least one emulsifier stabilizing an emulsion of the non-oleaginous continuous phase within the oleaginous continuous phase; and at least one viscosifier dispersed into the oleaginous continuous phase in a concentration of at least 4 ppb; wherein upon subjecting the wellbore fluid to shear rate of at least 10,000 s-1, the emulsion is disrupted and the non-oleaginous fluid contacts the at least one viscosifier, thereby solidifying the wellbore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron Blue, Josh Sheldon
  • Patent number: 11466194
    Abstract: Certain foamed gel treatment fluids and methods of using the treatment fluids in wellbores penetrating subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, the treatment fluids comprise: an aqueous base fluid, a gas, a plurality of particulates, and a plurality of swellable particles each comprising a material having a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer comprising a foamable surfactant. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: preparing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a swellable particle that comprises a material having a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer comprising a foamable surfactant; introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and blending the treatment fluid while in the wellbore to form a foamed gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam Eluru, Rajender Salla
  • Patent number: 11466196
    Abstract: A polymeric scale inhibitor composition and a method for inhibiting metal sulfide scale formation in a well are provided. The composition includes 80-82 mol % of a first monomeric unit, where the first monomeric unit is 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). The composition also includes 2-18 mol % of a second monomeric unit selected from N-vinyl formamide, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride. The composition further includes 2-18 mol % of a third monomeric unit selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and carboxyethyl acrylate. The polymeric scale inhibitors show superior adsorption characteristics on rocks and their subsequent release behavior allows for scale inhibition over extended time periods respectively at a significant volume of coreflood fluids. They are especially suited for downhole application via field scale squeeze treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Clariant International Ltd
    Inventors: Lena Petrozziello, Christoph Wolfgang Kayser, Cyril Okocha, Tao Chen, Qiwei Wang, Norah Aljeaban
  • Patent number: 11459502
    Abstract: Nano- and micro-particles (NMP) can be formed from an oil/water emulsion. The emulsion is made by mixing a liquid solvent, at least one surfactant, a particle-forming compound, and at least curing agent. If desired, pH control agents and viscosity enhancers can be added to the liquid solvent. The particle-forming compound and the curing agents are mixed together and form the oil phase in the emulsion and after curing, the particles are formed. The nano- and micro-particles can be used as proppant to enhance the conductivity of nano- and microfractures and fluid-loss-control additive for hydraulic fracturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignees: CNPC USA Corporation, Beijing Huamei Inc.
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Jiangshui Huang, Fuchen Liu, Lulu Song, Zhenzhou Yang, Yu Liu, Hanxiao Wang
  • Patent number: 11459848
    Abstract: Viscous degradable fluids for use in fluid loss control, diversion, gravel packing, fracturing, and acidizing operations, method of preparing the viscous degradable fluids, and methods of using the viscous degradable fluids in subterranean operations. At least one aliphatic polyester is dissolved in a solvent comprising triacetin to form a viscous degradable fluid. The viscous degradable fluid can be injected directly into a subterranean formation or mixed with other fluids and/or additives before being injected into the subterranean formation, where it can temporarily block or restrict flow through openings in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: LyondellBasell Advanced Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 11459867
    Abstract: A system and method for fracking a hydrocarbon formation. An actuating member, flowable along a production string, is provided. A unique key portion thereon engages a desired sliding sleeve covering an associated port in the production string. Applying uphole fluid pressure causes the sliding sleeve and actuating member to move so as to uncover the associated port. After fracking and cessation of supply of pressurized fracturing fluid, a compressed spring on the actuating member decompresses so as to reposition a sand screen immediately beneath the port so as to prevent sand from flowing into the production string. Flowable insertion of additional “keyed” actuating members allows similar opening of additional successive uphole ports and fracking in the regions of such additional opened ports, with similar location of sand screens at each opened port. Plug members on each actuating member thereafter dissolve or are successively burst to thereby allow production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: SC ASSET CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sean P. Campbell, Daniel Rojas, David Speller
  • Patent number: 11454101
    Abstract: A system for deploying an untethered dissolvable frac package for use in a hydraulic fracturing operation includes a dissolvable or degradable frac package with a dissolvable or degradable setting tool. The setting tool of the dissolvable frac package is configured to deploy a dissolvable frac plug at a predetermined position along the wellbore string and dissolve over time in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Winkler, Andrew Penno, Michael Linley Fripp
  • Patent number: 11454113
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a base oil for use in drilling muds will be compatible with cement during subsequent cementing operations include: providing a drilling fluid that includes a base oil; using the drilling fluid to drill at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation; measuring a compositional characteristic of the base oil using one or more analytical tests; determining whether the base oil is a compatible base oil or an incompatible base oil based at least in part on the compositional characteristic of the base oil; injecting an amount of spacer fluid into the wellbore, wherein the amount of spacer fluid is selected based on the determination of whether the base oil is a compatible base oil or an incompatible base oil; and injecting the one or more cementing or completion fluids into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Cecil Pearl, Jr., Megan Renee Pearl, Samuel J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 11447691
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, including placing into the wellbore a wellbore servicing fluid including a friction reducer, an iron control agent, and an aqueous fluid. The iron control agent can include a compound according to Structure I, a salt of Structure I, or combinations thereof: wherein R1, R1a, R2, R2a, R3 and R3a are defined as set forth in the specification. The methods in this disclosure can be used for iron mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Philippe Prince, Loan Vo, Liang Xu
  • Patent number: 11448054
    Abstract: A method of increasing hydrocarbon recovery from a wellbore in a tight formation with greater breakdown pressures, the method including using hydro-jetting to effect a plurality of oriented cavities or discoidal grooves in the horizontal portion of the wellbore to overcome near-wellbore stresses, injecting a thermally controlled fluid into the wellbore to alter the temperature of the formation and lower stresses, and then fracturing the formation to generate a series of fractures that can be formed in a planar formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Misfer Almarri, Waheed Syed Arshad, Adel Ali Al-Qahtani
  • Patent number: 11447692
    Abstract: An aqueous synthetic acid composition is provided for use in oil industry activities. The composition comprises: lysine and hydrogen chloride in a molar ratio ranging from 1:3 to 1:12.5, preferably from more than 1:5 to 1:8.5. The composition may further comprise a metal iodide or iodate and an alcohol or derivative thereof. The composition demonstrates advantageous properties for synthetic acids at temperatures above 90° C. The composition is useful in various oil and gas industry operations. Preferred embodiments of the composition provide substantial advantages in matrix acidizing by increasing the effectiveness of wormholing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: FLUID ENERGY GROUP LTD
    Inventors: Clay Purdy, Alexander David Jamieson, Markus Weissenberger
  • Patent number: 11441066
    Abstract: A polymer dispersion includes a water-soluble copolymer prepared by controlled radical polymerization; a water soluble salt; a polyol; a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, sodium nitrate, and combinations thereof; and water. Methods for using the polymer dispersion for oilfield friction reduction occur under a variety of adverse conditions including low temperatures, salt, scale, and iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SOLVAY USA INC.
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Genyao Lin, Zhihua Zhang, Fulya Sudur Zalluhoglu