Patents by Inventor Gregory S. Hewgill

Gregory S. Hewgill has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Enhanced oil recovery technique using hydrogen precursors
    Patent number: 5105887
    Abstract: In situ hydrogenation in a subterranean formation is readily performed by introducing a non-gaseous hydrogen precursor into steam to form a composition. The composition is injected into the oil-bearing subterranean formation to enhance the recovery of the oil from the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hewgill, Leonard J. Kalfayan
  • Scale removal treatment
    Patent number: 5051197
    Abstract: An aqueous composition comprises an aminopolycarboxylic acid and a water-soluble organosilicon compound. The composition is useful for removing scale from well equipment and/or openings in a subterreanean formation, and for stabilizing fine particles within the formation to prevent their subsequent movement. Fluid flow through formations and wells treated with the composition tends to be increased and more stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Leonard J. Kalfayan, David R. Watkins, Gregory S. Hewgill
  • Acidizing composition comprising organosilicon compound
    Patent number: 5039434
    Abstract: Subterranean formations are treated with acid, by a method comprising the steps of: (1) forming an acidizing composition by mixing an aqueous acid component with at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound; and (2) injecting the composition into the formation. Suitable organosilicon compounds include water-soluble organosilanes and organosilanes which hydrolyze to form water-soluble silanols. By using the organosilicon compound, movement of formation fine particles is inhibited and swelling of clays by aqueous fluids is reduced, thus tending to maintain formation permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: David R. Watkins, Leonard J. Kalfayan, Gregory S. Hewgill
  • Scale removal treatment
    Patent number: 4992182
    Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation, or a well penetrating the formation, comprises injecting into the well an aqueous composition containing an aminopolycarboxylic acid and a water-soluble organosilicon compound. By use of the method, scale is removed from well equipment and/or openings in the formation, and fine particles within the formation are stabilized to prevent their subsequent movement, resulting in increased, more stable fluid flow through the formation and well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Leonard J. Kalfayan, David R. Watkins, Gregory S. Hewgill
  • Permeability stabilization in subterranean formations containing particulate matter
    Patent number: 4787453
    Abstract: A method for treating a fines-containing formation to prevent the migration and/or swelling of particulate matter. The method comprises injecting into the formation water and/or steam which contains at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound. Suitable compounds include those which are not normally considered to be water-soluble, but which hydrolyze to form water-soluble materials such as silanols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hewgill, David R. Watkins, Leonard J. Kalfayan
  • Scale removal treatment
    Patent number: 4708207
    Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation, or a well penetrating the formation, comprises injecting into the well an aqueous composition containing an aminopolycarboxylic acid and water-soluble organosilicon compound. By use of the method, scale is removed from well equipment and/or openings in the formation, and fine particles within the formation are stabilized to prevent their subsequent movement, resulting in increased, more stable fluid flow through the formation and well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Leonard J. Kalfayan, David R. Watkins, Gregory S. Hewgill
  • Acidizing method
    Patent number: 4646835
    Abstract: Subterranean formations are treated with acid, by a method comprising the steps of: (1) forming an acidizing composition by mixing an aqueous acid component with at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound; and (2) injecting the composition into the formation. Suitable organosilicon compounds include water-soluble organosilanes and organosilanes which hydrolyze to form water-soluble silanols. By using the organosilicon compound, movement of formation fine particles is inhibited and swelling of clays by aqueous fluids is reduced, thus tending to maintain formation permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: David R. Watkins, Leonard J. Kalfayan, Gregory S. Hewgill