Patents by Inventor Ronald G. Dusterhoft

Ronald G. Dusterhoft 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).

  • Patent number: 7992656
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation including providing a well bore that includes a filter cake on at least a portion of the well bore and contacting at least a portion of the filter cake with a filter cake degradation fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier. The method also includes allowing the relative permeability modifier to retain at least a portion of the filter cake degradation fluid in the well bore for a time sufficient to contact the filtercake and allowing the filter cake to degrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Andrew D. Penno
  • Publication number: 20110168449
    Abstract: Methods are provided including methods comprising providing a drill-in fluid, a reaming fluid, and a consolidating agent; drilling at least a portion of a subterranean formation with the drill-in fluid whereby a filter cake is formed on a surface of the subterranean formation; reaming at least a portion of the subterranean formation with the reaming fluid whereby at least a portion of the filter cake is removed; and consolidating at least a portion of the subterranean formation with the consolidating agent. Other methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110146997
    Abstract: Of the methods provided herein, is a method comprising: providing a clean-up fluid comprising a peroxide-generating compound and an aqueous base fluid; placing the clean-up fluid in a subterranean formation; removing contaminants from at least a portion of the subterranean formation to form a cleaned portion of the formation; providing a consolidation agent; placing the consolidation agent on at least a portion of the cleaned portion of the formation; and allowing the consolidation agent to adhere to at least a plurality of unconsolidated particulates in the cleaned portion of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Bhadra Desai
  • Patent number: 7938181
    Abstract: A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid; and, injecting the treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation at a flow rate less than or equal to the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid. A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; adjusting the viscosity of the treatment fluid to a viscosity less than or equal to the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; and injecting the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at the selected treatment fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7882894
    Abstract: Methods are providing, including methods comprising providing a liner disposed within a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, such that the well bore comprises an annular space between the exterior surface of the liner and the well bore wall; providing a jetting tool disposed within the liner; introducing a stimulation fluid to a treatment interval of the well bore via the jetting tool, such that the stimulation fluid is introduced with sufficient pressure to create or enhance a plurality of perforations in the liner in the treatment interval; introducing a proppant slurry comprising a plurality of resin-coated particulates to the treatment interval of the well bore; and allowing the resin-coated particulates to fill at least a portion of the liner in the treatment interval and at least a portion of the annular space in the treatment interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Loyd East
  • Publication number: 20110011586
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (70) is operably positionable within a wellbore (84). The sand control screen assembly (70) includes a base pipe (72) having at least one opening and an internal flow path (74). A swellable material layer (76) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (72). A fluid collection subassembly (78) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (76). A drainage layer (82) is disposed exteriorly of the fluid collection subassembly (78) and the swellable material layer (76). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (76) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (78) and the drainage layer (82) to be displaced toward a surface of the wellbore (84).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Floyd Randolph Simonds, Tommy Frank Grigsby, William Mark Richards, Luke William Holderman
  • Publication number: 20110011577
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (170) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (170) includes a base pipe (172) having at least one opening (176) and an internal flow path (174). A swellable material layer (182) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (172). A fluid collection subassembly (184) and a sensor (192) are disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (182). The fluid collection subassembly (184) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (174). A filter medium (188) is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (170) and the internal flow path (174). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (182) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (184) and the sensor (192) to be displaced toward a surface of the wellbore (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Floyd Randolph Simonds, Tommy Frank Grigsby, William Mark Richards, Luke William Holderman
  • Publication number: 20110005773
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation including providing a well bore that includes a filter cake on at least a portion of the well bore and contacting at least a portion of the filter cake with a filter cake degradation fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier. The method also includes allowing the relative permeability modifier to retain at least a portion of the filter cake degradation fluid in the well bore for a time sufficient to contact the filtercake and allowing the filter cake to degrade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Andrew D. Penno
  • Patent number: 7866383
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (50). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having a plurality of openings (46) in a sidewall portion thereof and an internal flow path (44). A plurality of radially extendable filter members (52) are each operably associated with at least one of the openings (46) of the base pipe (42). The radially extendable filter members (52) have a circumferential dimension that is less than a longitudinal dimension thereof. The radially extendable filter members (52) have a radially retracted running configuration and a radially extended operating configuration, in which, the radially extendable filter members (52) preferably contact the wellbore (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Tommy Frank Grigsby, Floyd Randolph Simonds, William Mark Richards
  • Publication number: 20100270023
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising mixing particulates with a consolidating agent emulsion to form a slurry; creating a foamed slurry by adding a foaming agent and a gas to the slurry; placing the foamed slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation so as to create a particulate pack; and flushing the particulate pack with a postflush fluid. In some embodiments, the consolidating agent emulsion composition comprises a resin composition. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Michael W. Sanders, Philip D. Nguyen, Bhadra Desai
  • Patent number: 7814973
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (60) and an internal flow path (44). A swellable material layer (46) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (42). A fluid collection subassembly (50) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (46). The fluid collection subassembly (50) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (44). A filter medium (62) is operably associated with the sand control screen assembly (40) and is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (40) and the internal flow path (44). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (50) to contact the wellbore (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Floyd Randolph Simonds, Tommy Frank Grigsby, William Mark Richards, Luke William Holderman
  • Patent number: 7802621
    Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least two flow restrictors configured in series, so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must flow through each of the flow restrictors. At least two tubular flow restrictors may be configured in series, with the flow restrictors being positioned so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must reverse direction twice to flow between the flow restrictors. A method of installing a well screen includes the step of accessing a flow restrictor by removing a portion of an inflow control device of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Richards, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, William D. Henderson, Travis T. Hailey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100212897
    Abstract: Methods are providing, including methods comprising providing a liner disposed within a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, such that the well bore comprises an annular space between the exterior surface of the liner and the well bore wall; providing a jetting tool disposed within the liner; introducing a stimulation fluid to a treatment interval of the well bore via the jetting tool, such that the stimulation fluid is introduced with sufficient pressure to create or enhance a plurality of perforations in the liner in the treatment interval; introducing a proppant slurry comprising a plurality of resin-coated particulates to the treatment interval of the well bore; and allowing the resin-coated particulates to fill at least a portion of the liner in the treatment interval and at least a portion of the annular space in the treatment interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Loyd East
  • Patent number: 7757768
    Abstract: A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid; and, injecting the treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation at a flow rate less than or equal to the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid. A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; adjusting the viscosity of the treatment fluid to a viscosity less than or equal to the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; and injecting the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at the selected treatment fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100160187
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing portions of a subterranean formation that comprise unconsolidated particulates are provided. In one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes introducing a pre-flush fluid into a subterranean formation comprising unconsolidated particulates; introducing a foamed consolidation fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, an emulsified resin, a hardening agent, a silane coupling agent, and a surfactant into the subterranean formation subsequent to the pre-flush fluid; wherein the emulsified resin is emulsified prior to being introduced into the aqueous base fluid; and allowing the resin to cure to at least partially consolidate the unconsolidated particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Richard D. Rickman, Ronald G. Dusterhoft
  • Publication number: 20100147518
    Abstract: A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid; and, injecting the treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation at a flow rate less than or equal to the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid. A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; adjusting the viscosity of the treatment fluid to a viscosity less than or equal to the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; and injecting the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at the selected treatment fluid flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7712531
    Abstract: Methods are provided for stabilizing a portion of a subterranean formation or reducing the production of particulates from a portion of a subterranean formation comprising contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a pre-flush fluid; contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a consolidation fluid comprising a resin and an aqueous dissolvable solvent; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an after-flush fluid. Other methods are provided for fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation while controlling particulates comprising contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a pre-flush fluid; contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a consolidation fluid comprising a resin and an aqueous dissolvable solvent; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a fracturing fluid at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance a fracture in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Johnny A. Barton
  • Patent number: 7703520
    Abstract: Methods are provided including a method comprising: placing a sand control screen in the wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, wherein the sand control screen comprises: a base pipe having at least one opening in a sidewall portion thereof; a swellable material layer disposed exteriorly of the base pipe and having at least one opening corresponding to the at least one opening of the base pipe; a telescoping perforation operably associated with the at least one opening of the base pipe and at least partially disposed within the at least one opening of the swellable material layer; and a filter medium disposed within the telescoping perforation; and introducing a consolidating agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Dusterhoft
  • Patent number: 7673686
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a composition through the wellbore into the subterranean formation, wherein the composition comprises: (i) a solvent consisting essentially of an aqueous dissolvable solvent comprising any solvent that is at least 25% by weight soluble in water, wherein the solvent is from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of the composition; and (ii) a curable resin, wherein the curable resin is from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition; wherein the curable resin and the solvent are mutually selected such that, for the ratio of the curable resin to the solvent, the curable resin is soluble in the solvent; and (b) installing a mechanical sand control device into the wellbore either before or after introducing the composition into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Richard D. Rickman, Ronald G. Dusterhoft
  • Publication number: 20100051262
    Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (60) and an internal flow path (44). A swellable material layer (46) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (42). A fluid collection subassembly (50) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (46). The fluid collection subassembly (50) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (44). A filter medium (62) is operably associated with the sand control screen assembly (40) and is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (40) and the internal flow path (44). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (50) to contact the wellbore (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Kim Vance Thornton, Carl Bismark Ferguson, Floyd Randolph Simonds, Tommy Frank Grigsby, William Mark Richards, Luke William Holderman