Entraining Or Incorporating Treating Material In Flowing Earth Fluid Patents (Class 166/310)
  • Publication number: 20110186298
    Abstract: A method well treatment includes establishing fluid connectivity between a wellbore and at least one target zone for treatment within a subterranean formation, which is intersected by a wellbore. The method includes deploying coiled tubing into the wellbore and introducing a treatment composition into the wellbore. The method includes contacting a target zone within the subterranean formation with the treatment composition, introducing a diversion agent through the coiled tubing to an interval within a wellbore and repeating the introduction of the treatment, the contacting of the target zone and the introduction of the diversion agent for more than one target zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: W. E. Clark, Doug Bentley, John Daniels, Christopher N. Fredd, Charles Miller, John Lassek
  • Publication number: 20110186299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low-toxicity biodegradable compounds that inhibit metal corrosion, said compounds being salts obtained through the reaction of a carboxylic diacid with an imidazoline derivative. The invention also relates to the use of said corrosion-inhibiting compounds in all types of industries for drilling ore or fossil compounds, such as gas or oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Tong Eak Pou, Jean-Philippe Gillet, Christian Gancet
  • Patent number: 7963338
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed to treat produced water from hydrocarbons production facilities. The disclosed methods can be used to either: (1) de-NORM produced water; or (2) de-NORM and partially de-salt produced water; or (3) de-NORM and partially de-salt and de-ionize produced water; or (4) de-oil, de-NORM, de-salt and de-ionize produced water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Mansour S. Bader
  • Publication number: 20110139454
    Abstract: A method of providing thixotropy to a fluid downhole comprising: adding an encapsulated thixotropic agent to a fluid at the surface; introducing the fluid into a borehole; and subjecting the fluid to a shearing action so as to release the thixotropic agent into the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee, Kefi Slaheddine
  • Publication number: 20110100634
    Abstract: A method for delivering a chemical composition downhole into a wellbore includes forming a cylindrical body including a treatment chemical, where the cylindrical body includes a flow channel therethrough. The method further includes positioning the cylindrical body into a fluid conduit of a wellbore, and flowing a release fluid through the flow channel to release at least part of the treatment chemical into the release fluid. The release fluid causes the release of the treatment chemical by dissolving the chemical, and/or by removing a coating on the chemical through dissolution, response to pH adjustment, and/or response to an abrasive material in the release fluid. Examples of a treatment chemical include a cross-linker, breaker, fluid loss pill agent, and an encapsulated chemical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Don Williamson
  • Publication number: 20110079392
    Abstract: Treatments and compounds useful in subterranean formations are discussed, with particular attention to those formations where surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with remediation and stimulation treatments. One example of a suitable method includes providing an acidic treatment fluid comprising: a base fluid, an acid, and a silica scale control additive; contacting at least a portion of a subterranean formation with the acidic treatment fluid; and allowing the acidic treatment fluid to interact with silica scale buildup in the subterranean formation so that at least a portion of the silica scale buildup is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Enrique A. Reyes
  • Publication number: 20110067876
    Abstract: A chemical injection system for controlling injection of an injection fluid from an injection fluid supply at a surface location into a production tubing assembly having an upper flow path, a first flow zone, and a second flow zone. The chemical injection system comprises a first fluid injection line configured to inject the injection fluid into the first flow zone and a second fluid injection line configured to inject the injection fluid into the second flow zone. A main fluid supply line is configured to fluidly connect both the first fluid injection line and the second fluid injection line to the injection fluid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Dewayne Turner, Richard Ross
  • Publication number: 20110056693
    Abstract: A method for reducing the deleterious effects of sulfate reducing bacteria in aqueous environments, particularly those in which metal materials are exposed to the microorganisms. A treatment solution containing rotenone is introduced into the aqueous environment. The rotenone is present in the treatment fluid in an amount which is sufficient to inhibit the growth of sulfate reducing bacteria on the metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Jon Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110048721
    Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis and use of cleavable di-functional anionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery applications and/or the use of sacrificial surfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Gary A. Pope, Upali P. Weerasooriya, Quoc P. Nguyen, Larry N. Britton
  • Publication number: 20110030961
    Abstract: A treatment fluid comprising: aqueous base comprising a combination of components effective to viscosify the treatment fluid upon exposure to a temperature at or above a threshold temperature, the treatment fluid having a pH of greater than 7; the combination of components comprising: a concentration of oil emulsified in the aqueous base; a quantity of water soluble polymer comprising one or more polysaccharides having a weight average molecular weight of about 500,000 to about 2,500,000; and, an amount of surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Jason E. Maxey
  • Publication number: 20110030962
    Abstract: A method and composition for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore including preparing an aqueous composition comprising a source of boron, whereby boron is present in the slurry in an amount of about 1.7% or greater, by weight, based upon a total weight of the composition, combining the composition with a mixture comprising a viscosifier and aqueous medium to form a treatment fluid, wherein the composition is added to the mixture in an amount of about 0.5% or less, by volume, based upon a total volume of the treatment fluid, and contacting the formation with the treatment fluid to treat the formation. A method and composition for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore including preparing an aqueous composition comprising boric acid and a pH adjusting agent, combining the composition with mixture comprising a viscosifier and aqueous medium to form a treatment fluid, wherein the composition is added to the mixture in an amount of about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Michael D. Parris
  • Publication number: 20110024122
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods of treating a wellbore (101) including emplacing at least one electrolytic tool (50) in a desired section of the wellbore, applying an electric charge to wellbore fluids present in the desired section of the wellbore, and generating oxidants in situ by electrolyzing components of the wellbore fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Antony Ballard, Andy Popplestone
  • Publication number: 20110017459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the occurrences of lateral wellbores being occluded by fines such as sand and silt. More specifically, the invention relates to discharging a portion of the output of an electrical submersible pump through nozzles that pass through the sidewalls of tubing, the tubing being located in the lateral wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter Dinkins
  • Publication number: 20110017461
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprising unconsolidated or poorly consolidated particulates, the method comprising contacting the formation with a solution or a dispersion of an organosilane, characterised in that the organosilane is a silylated polymer of formula (I): (RO)3-nRnSi-A-B-A-Si(OR)3-nRn (I) wherein each R is independently a substituted or unsubstituted, preferably unsubstituted, alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably, 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or a —C(O)R group where R is as hereinbefore defined; n is 0, 1 or 2; each A is a divalent organic radical, for example, an alkoxy linking group such as propoxy; and B is a poly(oxyalkylene) linking group, a polyurethane linking group, or a poly(meth)acrylate linking group wherein the poly(oxyalkylene) linking group or the polyurethane linking group has a number average molar mass in the range of 600 to 20,000 g mol?1 and the poly(meth)acrylate linking group has a number average molar mass in the range of 600 t
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Shelton Aston, Dana Aytkhozhina, Ian Gray
  • Publication number: 20110017460
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a method of enhancing adsorption of a salt inhibitor onto a wellbore region, wherein the method comprises preconditioning the wellbore region, emplacing the salt inhibitor into the wellbore region, and shutting in the wellbore region for a period of time to at least initiate adsorption of the salt inhibitor onto the wellbore region. The salt inhibitor comprises an at least partially water soluble compound comprising a Group 3 to Group 15 metal and/or an at least partially water soluble compound having any one of the formulae: wherein X is O or S; and R1, R2, R3, R4, and when present, R5 and/or R6 each independently comprise an organic or an inorganic functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: M-I SWACO NORGE AS, OILFIELD MINERAL SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Keatch, Hua Guan
  • Publication number: 20110017462
    Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising (a) providing a composition to at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation, wherein the composition comprises a glycerol sulfonate of a propoxylated primary alcohol having a branched aliphatic group with an average carbon number from 10 to 24 and having an average number of branches per aliphatic group of from 0.7 to 2.5 and having at least 0.5 moles of propylene oxide per mole of primary alcohol; and (b) allowing the composition to interact with hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kirk Herbert Raney, Thomas Carl Semple
  • Publication number: 20110000673
    Abstract: Lost circulation of drilling fluid is one of the most serious and expensive problems facing the drilling industry. The present invention relates to an improved drilling fluid for reducing or preventing lost circulation to an underground formation surrounding a well bore in the process of drilling a well. The drilling fluid comprises a base fluid and wax or waxy substance as a primary seepage loss agent. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the seepage loss agent does not include particles having a blend of natural wax and synthetic wax together in a single particle. The invention also provides a method of reducing or preventing lost circulation to an underground formation surrounding a well bore in the process of drilling a well using the drilling fluid of the invention, wherein the primary seepage loss agent is added to the drilling fluid, either before or during drilling, and the drilling fluid is pumped down hole during drilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: CANADIAN ENERGY SERVICES, LP
    Inventor: Terry W. Hoskins
  • Patent number: 7861787
    Abstract: A wellbore tubular including: an inner tubular wall; an opening through the inner tubular wall; an outer tubular wall positioned about the inner tubular, the outer tubular wall including an opening therethrough; a chamber between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall; and a chemical treatment material in the chamber and positioned between the opening of the inner tubular wall and the opening of the outer tubular wall. The wellbore tubular may be used in downhole fluid treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Absolute Completion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Thane Geoffrey Russell
  • Publication number: 20100270024
    Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous treating of a water well with chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to do away with shock chlorination includes an inlet pipe, which is mounted in the cover on a water well and an elongated tube extending downwardly from the bottom end of the pipe into the well, preferably beyond any pitless adapter, for depositing chlorine pellets or chlorine or hydrogen peroxide solution in the well. The pellets or solution are added roughly on a weekly basis which prevents a chlorine or hydrogen peroxide smell in the water and obviates the need for dechlorination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: George Raymond Field
  • Patent number: 7793727
    Abstract: A dewatering device is provided that can be inserted concentrically within the production tubing string of a natural gas-producing wellbore. The dewatering device includes a pressure-isolating chamber that is provided with a fluid inlet valve and a fluid outlet valve and associated gas lift valves. Compressed gas and soap are used to form a foamy liquid mixture that is lifted out of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Sean L. Gaudette
  • Patent number: 7789159
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed to de-sulfate saline streams such as seawater, brine from seawater desalination plants, and the like. The disclosed methods can also co-produce de-ionized water and inorganic materials from such de-sulfated saline streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Mansour S. Bader
  • Patent number: 7735558
    Abstract: Many methods are provided herein including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: providing a fluid that comprises an acid, crosslinked oxidized xanthan, and optionally, a base fluid; placing the fluid in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the fluid to acidize at least a portion of the formation or damage contained therein. In another embodiment, herein provided is a fluid for subterranean uses comprising an acid and crosslinked, oxidized xanthan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7721806
    Abstract: A wellbore chemical treating system includes a pressure vessel for containing a treating chemical. The pressure vessel is closed to atmospheric pressure. A first controllably operated valve is disposed in fluid communication between an outlet of the pressure vessel and a well for selectively controlling the flow of the chemical from the pressure vessel to the well. A pressurized gas is disposed in the pressure vessel wherein the pressure exerted by the pressurized gas causes the chemical to flow from the pressure vessel to the well through the first valve when the first valve is opened. A second controllably operated valve is disposed in fluid communication between the well and an outlet of a fluid tank for selectively controlling flow of fluid in the tank to the well. The fluid tank is replenished by fluid produced from the well. The system includes a controller for selectively operating the first valve and the second valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Robert N. Ayres
  • Patent number: 7717177
    Abstract: A process for generating and subsequently breaking a filter cake, including dissolving a non-reactive gas in a wellbore fluid to form an energized fluid; pumping the energized fluid into a formation at a downhole pressure, wherein the pumping is at overbalanced conditions; producing a filter cake; and decreasing the down hole pressure to below a cut point of the dissolved gas in the energized fluid to form a vapor phase, wherein the vapor phase compromises the integrity of the filter cake is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Frederick B. Growcock
  • Publication number: 20100108320
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is modified to permit the passage of a downhole treatment chemical through the valve while bypassing a valve closure member which is maintained within the safety valve in operative condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Larnach
  • Patent number: 7709419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive that inhibits formation of gas hydrates for water-based drilling fluid, the additive having at least the following constituents (weight percent): a mixture A of glycerol derivatives having 10 to 55% monoglycerol, 15 to 32% diglycerol, and 5 to 12% triglycerol; 0 to 10% of at least one carboxylic acid salt, 0 to 45% of at least one inorganic salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Rafael Lugo, Christine Dalmazzone, Annie Audibert
  • Patent number: 7708075
    Abstract: A chemical injection system includes a TRSV; a communication nipple in operable communication with the TRSV and positioned relative to the TRSV to be downhole of a flapper closure mechanism thereof when installed in a wellbore; a chemical injection line in fluid communication with the communication nipple; and a capillary sleeve receivable at the communication nipple and configured to sealingly convey fluid from the communication nipple to a remote location without affecting operation of the TRSV and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Kerry J. Broussard, Richard Patterson, Keith M. Lalumia, Richard W. Whalen, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100078166
    Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Annabel Green, Simon John Harrall
  • Patent number: 7681638
    Abstract: A method of reducing wax deposition in an oil wellbore tubing includes providing an aqueous bioslurry comprising at least one microbe capable of degrading paraffin wax at about 20-45° C. and a nutrient medium containing one or more carbon source and an oxygen slow-releasing compound. The method further includes providing an oil wellbore completion having a production tubing with an interior surface including a zone that is susceptible to wax deposition when the well is operated to produce oil. The method further includes, while oil production from the well is stopped, incubating the biological slurry in the wax-deposition zone tubing for a sufficient time to multiply the microbe(s) and form a biofilm on at least the wax-susceptible zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Glori Oil Limited
    Inventors: Bhupendra Soni, Banwari Lal
  • Patent number: 7677317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to clean a wellbore and the near wellbore area adjacent to the wellbore of a hydrocarbon bearing formation adjacent to the production zone of the wellbore. The invention includes a method to clean a casing inserted into a wellbore and a method for cleaning a wellbore of fracturing fluid, with or without proppant. Each of the methods includes the steps of injecting a treatment medium comprising liquid carbon dioxide into a wellbore where pressure within the wellbore is regulated to either maintain the treatment medium in the liquid state, or allow at least a portion of the treatment medium to vaporize upon introduction into the wellbore. The treatment medium vaporizes to loosen and/or entrain undesirable materials from within the wellbore or casing and escape through the wellhead, carrying with it the undesirable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventor: Dennis R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100025041
    Abstract: A portable well treating fluid mixing system includes: a supply tank having an inlet receiving pneumatically conveyed dry treating material; a cyclone separator having an inlet coupled to the supply tank and receiving dust laden air from the supply tank, and having a first outlet venting clean air and having a second outlet venting solids; a collection container having a first inlet coupled to the cyclone separator second outlet and receiving solids from the cyclone separator and having an outlet; and, a pump having an inlet coupled to the collection container outlet and a pump outlet coupled to the supply tank. In operation, the system continuously conveys dust from the collection container back into the supply tank to maintain the separator in proper operating condition and minimizes venting of dust during the transfer of material to the supply tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Max Phillippi, Calvin Stegemoeller
  • Patent number: 7654314
    Abstract: An improvement in a chemical delivery system for a plunger lift for enhancing oil and gas recovery in a well having a well head and which employs a plunger includes a chamber communicably connected to a top of the well head and operably disposed thereon and including a ball check valve device which controls communication between a first section which receives chemicals therein for delivery into the well and a second section which communicates chemicals from the first section to a plunger in the well, and means for retaining the ball valve in one of an open position and a closed position as a function of the well being shut in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sam Farris
  • Publication number: 20100018712
    Abstract: The technical challenges for a smooth transition between using both a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor (THI) and a kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) to simply using only the KHI in multiple tie-in gas natural gas production systems is solved by adding more THI in a first pipeline leg of the production system while ceasing adding THI in a second pipeline leg of the system. Further, more KHI is added into the second leg of the system, and subsequently THI is gradually and/or slowly reduced in the remaining legs of the system until only KHI is being injected, after which the KHI amount in all legs may be reduced to the equilibrium or steady-state levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGUES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jun Tian, Timothy Z. Garza
  • Publication number: 20090294123
    Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a well may include a plurality of nozzles that receive the injection fluid from an umbilical disposed in a well. Each nozzle may have an associated flow control element that is configured to affect a flow of the injection fluid ejected through the associated nozzle. The umbilical may include one or more filters positioned in a first of two parallel conduits formed along the umbilical. An occlusion member restricts in a second of the two conduits. The occlusion member permits flow in the second conduit after a predetermined pressure differential exists in the second conduit. The system may include a plurality of pressure sensors disposed along the umbilical, and an injector unit that dispenses fluid into the umbilical. A controller operatively coupled to the injector unit operates the injector in response to measurements from the pressure sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Mescall, Matthew C. Stone, Louis F. LaFleur, James Joseph Freeman
  • Patent number: 7624805
    Abstract: Corrosive effects arising during oilfield treatment applications are inhibited and/or prevented by introducing into an oil or gas well at least one compound of formula I: wherein: R1 is independently H, —[—CnH2nO—]a—H, or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 24 carbon atoms; R2 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]b—H, R3 is independently —[—CH2]c—, or —CdH2d—[—OCnH2n—]e—, R4 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]f—H, R5 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]g—H, a is from about 1 to about 8; b+f+g is between 0 to about 30; c is from about 1 to 6; d is from about 1 to 6; e is from about 1 to about 8; and n is 2 or 3. Such corrosive effects are especially inhibited in the treatment of sour wells where H2S corrosion is a potential problem as well as conduits used during the treatment of subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hoppe, Richard L. Martin, Marek K. Pakulski, Thane D. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 7624803
    Abstract: An injection apparatus for injecting an activated fluid and an activated chemical fluid mixture into a well-bore is disclosed. Then, an injection method for injecting an activated fluid into a well-bore is also disclosed. A particular application to the oilfield industry, for example in cementing operation is encompassed. The apparatus and the method of use is fully automatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gérard Daccord, Christophe Rayssiguier, Bernard Dargaud
  • Patent number: 7611208
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sesqui Mining, LLC
    Inventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
  • Patent number: 7600567
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from a porous subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprising the steps of: a) feeding to at least on reverse osmosis unit of a desalination assembly a high salinity water feed stream having a total dissolved solids content (total salinity) of at least 10,000 ppm; b) driving a portion of the high salinity water feed stream across a membrane in the reverse osmosis unit of the desalination assembly at a pressure above the osmotic pressure of the high salinity water feed stream while excluding at least a portion of the dissolved solids from crossing said membrane to produce a treated low salinity water product stream having a total salinity of less than 5,000 ppm and a concentrated waste brine stream wherein the hydrostatic head exerted by the high salinity water feed stream on the feed side of the membrane provides at least a major component of the pressure required to overcome the osmotic pressure; c) injecting the low salinity water product stream into the hydrocarbon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignees: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Arles Christopher, Ian Ralph Collins, Harry Frampton, Folkert Paul Visser
  • Patent number: 7581594
    Abstract: A method to enhance oil recovery from a fractured carbonate reservoir, the reservoir being accessible via a production well. The method includes injecting a surfactant solution including surfactants into the production well, and injecting a second well treatment process into the production well. The second well treatment process includes a second well treatment solution. The second well treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of a scale inhibition squeeze process, a well acidizing process, a chemical process to reduce water production rate, carbon dioxide injection for stimulation of a production or injection well, an acid fracturing process, and a hydraulic fracturing process. The surfactant solution and the second well treatment solution are injected into the production well within less than about six months from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ChemEOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Hongxin Tang
  • Patent number: 7578968
    Abstract: Processes for effecting biocidal activity in subterranean oil and gas wells being drilled, completed, worked over or produced are described. In general the process comprises blending with aqueous well fluid a biocidally-effective amount of a sulfamate stabilized, bromine-based biocide. Compositions comprised of aqueous well fluid blended with such aqueous biocides are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nalepa, Joel F. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7575048
    Abstract: A chemical dispensing apparatus includes a housing and a cartridge support within the housing. A rotating cartridge with chemical stick receptacles is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation by the cartridge support. An injection passage at the bottom of the housing permits chemical sticks to pass from the housing when one of the chemical stick receptacles is in a chemical dispensing position in axial alignment with the injection passage. A drive system rotates the rotating cartridge. The drive system includes a rotational stop biased into engagement with the rotating cartridge, and a pneumatic cylinder having first and second ends. The first end is stationary at a point off-axis from the axis of rotation of the cartridge. The second end has an engagement member, such that as the pneumatic cylinder extends, the engagement member applies a force to one of the chemical stick receptacles to selectively rotate the rotating cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Jolt Energy Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Walter Hovelkamp, John Doll, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7572381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to use of compositions comprising: (a) a copolymer of an unsaturated phosphonic acid (or salt of such an acid) with an unsaturated sulphonic acid (or salt of such an acid) or an unsaturated carboxylic acid (or salt of such an acid); or (b) a terpolymer of an unsaturated phosphonic acid (or salt of such an acid) with an unsaturated sulphonic acid (or salt of such an acid) and an unsaturated carboxylic acid (or salt of such an acid). These compositions are used to control the formation of scale in water systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Rhodia U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Robert Eric Talbot, Christopher Raymond Jones, Emma Hills
  • Patent number: 7510012
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for dispersing gas bubbles in a multiphase mixture in a production tubing in an crude oil production well or in a riser connected to such a well, by means of one or more bubble breaker assemblies in which a plurality of orifices are arranged that are located in a substantially eccentric position relative to a central axis of the tubing. The use of eccentric orifices promotes the breaking up of large gas bubbles into a large amount of smaller gas bubbles, which are finely dispersed in the fluid stream and only re-coalesce slowly into larger bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Richard Lawrence Joseph Fernandes, Erik Arie Schrama
  • Publication number: 20090078406
    Abstract: Method for reducing loss of flow due to hydrate solids deposits and wax deposition in a pipeline without the aid of chemicals and system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water, using a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor connected to the main pipeline or within or forming a part of the pipeline, wherein at least a portion of the wellstream is fed to the cold-flow reactor. Also provided is a method for preventing hydrate nucleation and growth in a pipeline and preventing hydrate agglomeration as well as for preventing wax deposition. The provided method eliminates the use of energized equipment for melting, grinding or scraping hydrate solids from inside of pipelines or flowlines. Generating dry hydrates to be mixed with main flow of a wellstream is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Larry D. Talley, Douglas J. Turner, Douglas K. Priedeman
  • Patent number: 7503389
    Abstract: A fluid conditioning system designed to be installed between the well perforation and the intake of a pump used to effect artificial lift is used to filter and chemically treat production fluids. The fluid conditioning system is an apparatus that provides scale inhibitors and/or other chemical treatments into the production stream. In some embodiments, the fluid conditioning system may be a part of the production stream filter wherein the filtering material is comprised of a porous medium that contains and supports the treatment chemical. In other embodiments, the chemical treatment may be accomplished by the gradual dissolution of a solid phase chemical. The treating chemical may be recharged or replenished by various downhole reservoirs or feeding means. In yet other embodiments, the treating chemical may be replenished from the surface by means of a capillary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Richard J. Delaloye, Steven C. Kennedy, Jeffrey Bode, Jeffrey Lembcke, Kevin W. Smith, Benjamin R. Luscomb, III, Jack Curr
  • Patent number: 7500522
    Abstract: Asphaltene control additives are added to base fluids which are introduced directly or indirectly into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation to mitigate asphaltene deposition in the formation which results in improved permeability in the formation and production of hydrocarbons therefrom. The fluids to which the additive is added may be liquid CO2-based, aqueous-based or non-aqueous-based fluids. Further, the fluids are fracturing fluids, drilling fluids and wellbore treatment fluids such as acidizing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Chemical Technologies Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Skibinski, Clayton Smith
  • Patent number: 7501065
    Abstract: Zero discharge processing methods for the treatment of agricultural drainage water (ADW) are disclosed. The disclosed methods are capable of meeting the three critical issues in treating ADW: (1) selective removal of sulfate scale-prone species and toxic species; (2) production of usable water that at least meets irrigation water quality; and (3) recovery of sodium sulfate and sodium chloride as valuable commodities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mansour S. Bader
  • Patent number: 7493955
    Abstract: A composite of a well treatment agent adsorbed onto a water-insoluble adsorbent is useful in the treatment of oil and gas wells and may be introduced, as a well treatment fluid, with a carrier fluid. The water-insoluble adsorbent may be activated carbon, silica particulate, precipitated silica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, ground walnut shells, fuller's earth and organic synthetic high molecular weight water-insoluble adsorbents. Suitable as the well treatment agent are scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, paraffin inhibitors, salt inhibitors, gas hydrate inhibitors, asphaltene inhibitors, oxygen scavengers, biocides, foaming agent, emulsion breakers and surfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Joseph Walter Kirk
  • Patent number: 7481276
    Abstract: Corrosive effects arising during oilfield treatment applications are inhibited and/or prevented by introducing into an oil or gas well at least one compound of formula I: wherein: R1 is independently H, —[—CnH2nO—]a—H, or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 24 carbon atoms; R2 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]b—H, R3 is independently —[—CH2]c—, or —Cd2d—[—OCnH2n—]e—, R4 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]f—H, R5 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]g—H, a is from about 1 to about 8; b+f+g is between 0 to about 30; c is from about 1 to 6; d is from about 1 to 6; e is from about 1 to about 8; and n is 2 or 3. Such corrosive effects are especially inhibited in the treatment of sour wells where H2S corrosion is a potential problem as well as conduits used during the treatment of subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hoppe, Richard L. Martin, Marek K. Pakulski, Thame D. Schaffer
  • Patent number: RE40734
    Abstract: A method for remediating aquifers and groundwater contaminated, for example, by toxic halogenated organic compounds, certain inorganic compounds, and oxidized heavy metals and radionuclides, using the introduction of an innocuous oil, preferably an edible, food grade oil such as soybean oil, formulated into a microemulsion preferably by mixing with a natural food-grade emulsifier (such as lecithin) and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Solutions-IES, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Borden, Michael D. Lee