For Inhibiting Corrosion Or Coating Patents (Class 166/902)
  • Patent number: 11630043
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an experimental device for simulating the erosion of a tubing string caused by sand production. The experimental device includes an autoclave, a circulating assembly, a power assembly, a monitoring assembly, or a three-phase feeding assembly. The circulating assembly is sealed and arranged in the autoclave, the circulating assembly includes a circulation loop formed by straight pipes and elbows. The power assembly includes a pump arranged on the circulation loop. The monitoring assembly includes a flowmeter and a temperature and pressure sensor for detecting the circulation loop, and the temperature and pressure sensor is communicatively connected with a PC. The three-phase feeding assembly includes a feeding pipe that is in fluid communication with the circulation loop, and the feeding pipe is connected with one or more gas tanks, a sander feeder, and one or more liquid tanks, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhi Zhang, Jie Yang, You Wu, Jian Ding, Jiawei Wang
  • Patent number: 11453817
    Abstract: A composition for use in a wellbore activity, the composition comprising an iodide brine, the iodide brine operable to be used in the wellbore activity, the iodide brine comprising an iodide salt, an aqueous fluid, and an iodide protectant, the iodide protectant operable to prevent the presence of free iodine in the iodide brine, where the iodide protectant is present in the range between 0.001 v/v % and 5 v/v % of the iodide brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TETRA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Arthur G. Mack, Drew A. Fowler, Phillip A. Vincent
  • Patent number: 11268897
    Abstract: A corrosion testing device comprising a coupon holder for a sucker rod of a pump system and at least one coupon for corrosion testing, wherein the coupon holder comprises a holder body having an outer body surface and an inner contact surface, which inner contact surface is placeable on an outer rod surface of the sucker rod and defines a longitudinal body axis of the holder body, the at least one coupon is attached to the holder body and positioned at the outer body surface and at a radial coupon distance from the longitudinal body axis, the outer body surface comprises at least one guiding surface part located at a radial surface distance from the longitudinal body axis, and the radial surface distance is larger than the radial coupon distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Tenaris Connections B.V.
    Inventor: Miguel Sandro Nicolino
  • Patent number: 10851278
    Abstract: A composition for use in a wellbore activity, the composition comprising a stabilized monovalent iodide brine, the stabilized monovalent iodide brine comprises a monovalent salt system, the monovalent salt system comprises a monovalent iodide; a primary iodide stabilizer, the primary iodide stabilizer operable to remove free iodine, prevent the formation of free iodine, and suppress TCT; and an aqueous fluid, where the stabilized monovalent iodide brine has a density greater than 10 lb/gal, where the stabilized monovalent iodide brine has a TCT of less than or equal to 70 deg F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur G. Mack, Drew A. Fowler
  • Patent number: 10544344
    Abstract: A method to neutralize hydrogen sulfide in a wellbore during drilling operations is provided. The method comprising the steps of mixing an amount of scavenger into a drilling mud to produce a scavenger-containing drilling mud such that the scavenger-containing drilling mud has a scavenging capacity, wherein the drilling mud is at a target pH, and introducing the scavenger-containing drilling mud into the wellbore during drilling operations, where the scavenger-containing drilling mud is operable to work with a drill bit to drill the wellbore, where the amount of scavenger in the scavenger-containing drilling mud is operable to irreversibly react with hydrogen sulfide present in the drilling mud to produce a scavenged hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ossama Sehsah, Ihab Elhabrouk
  • Patent number: 10329883
    Abstract: Inhibiting or preventing corrosion of metallic components downhole may be accomplished by introducing neutralization media into a wellbore in the proximity of downhole metallic components, where the neutralization media comprises magnesium and where the method further includes subsequently contacting the neutralization media with a potentially corrosive environment comprising at least 5 volume % water, where the water has a pH of less than 11. This contacting activates the neutralization media with the water thereby releasing magnesium ions, and the magnesium ions react with hydroxyl ions of the water to give magnesium hydroxide in an amount effective to raise the pH of the water present to be between about 8 and 12 thereby inhibiting or preventing corrosion of metallic components downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Helmuth Sarmiento Klapper, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 10301524
    Abstract: A drilling fluid composition comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifier, and a H2S scavenger comprising copper nitrate, wherein the drilling fluid composition has a H2S sorption capacity from about 4.0 to about 6.0 gram per one milliliter of the drilling fluid composition; and a method of drilling a subterranean geological formation using thereof are provided. Various embodiments of the drilling fluid composition and the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Salah El-Din Elkatatny, Reyad Awwad Shawabkeh, Mohamed Ahmed Nasr El-Din Mahmoud
  • Patent number: 10074454
    Abstract: The composition described herein for the prevention of corrosion comprises: sacrificial metal particles more noble than a metal substrate to which the composition contacts; carbonaceous material that can form electrical contact between the sacrificial metal particles; and means for providing an anticorrosion coating material for the metal substrate. The composition can form a coating on a metal substrate surface. A method for applying the composition for the prevention of corrosion is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Tesla NanoCoatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorma Antero Virtanen, Todd Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9953739
    Abstract: The composition described herein for the prevention of corrosion comprises: sacrificial metal particles more noble than a metal substrate to which the composition contacts; carbonaceous material that can form electrical contact between the sacrificial metal particles; and means for providing an anticorrosion coating material for the metal substrate. The composition can form a coating on a metal substrate surface. A method for applying the composition for the prevention of corrosion is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Tesla Nanocoatings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorma Antero Virtanen, Todd Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9724742
    Abstract: A method of forming a flat bar is provided. A tube is provided having an inside surface and an outside surface. The outside surface of the tube can be clad with a nickel or stainless alloy material. A helix shaped strip can be cut from the tube. The helix shaped strip can be uncoiled to form an uncoiled strip, and the uncoiled strip can be straightened and flattened to meet mill standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: AZZ WSI LLC
    Inventors: Mark Stoutamire, Pat Dimaggio, Lewis Fair
  • Patent number: 9297684
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: HADRONEX, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Quist, David A. Drake, Lawrence B. Merchell, Justin H. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9033036
    Abstract: Embodiments may take the form of a tool string sub. The tool string sub may include a longitudinally extending tubular housing having an outside surface and an inside surface. A stepped circumferential portion of the inside surface of the housing bisects the interior surface of the housing. A degradation part is connected adjacent to the stepped portion of the housing and is supported by the housing and at least one moveable support part protruding inward and beyond the inner surface of the housing. The support part has a first position where the degradation part is at first stress and a second position where the degradation part is at a second stress greater than the first stress. At least one end of the tool string sub is adapted to connect with a tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Wilkinson, Indranil Roy, Stephane Hiron
  • Patent number: 8893795
    Abstract: A wellbore chemical treating system include a storage vessel for containing a treating chemical. A chemical dispenser is in fluid communication between an outlet of the vessel and a well for selectively controlling the flow of the chemical from the vessel to the well. A liquid level sensor is disposed in the storage vessel. A controller is in signal communication with the liquid level sensor and is configured to operate the chemical dispenser. The controller is configured to adjust an operating time of the chemical dispenser based on changes in a liquid level measured by the liquid level sensor over a selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert N. Ayres
  • Patent number: 8887832
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a drill bit having a bit body that is susceptible to corrosion when the drill bit is utilized in wellbore, an anode placed at a selected location on the bit body, a cathode associated with the bit body and a power source configured to provide electrical power to the anode to complete an electrical circuit between the anode and the bit body, wherein the supply of the electrical power to the anode arrests corrosion of the bit body when the drill bit is in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8857506
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The method may include monitoring one or more operating parameters of the heaters, the intermittent power source, and a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source that transforms power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters; and controlling the power output of the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Francis Marion Stone, Jr., Charles R. Goodwin, James E. Richard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8746341
    Abstract: A method of foaming a fluid for recovering gas from a gas well and enhancing oil production from a gas-lifted oil well penetrating a subterranean oil-bearing formation is disclosed and claimed. The method includes introducing into the fluid a foam-forming amount of a composition comprising at least one compound having the general formula: R1 is selected from a saturated linear or branched alkyl, an unsaturated linear or branched alkyl, a substituted naphthalene, a substituted benzene, a natural oil, and a natural oil derivative. R2 is a C2-C8 alkyl. R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from trimethyl, triethyl, diethyl, monoethyl, benzyl dimethyl, and benzyl diethyl. X is selected from hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl. Z? is a negatively charged counterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Duy T. Nguyen, Fenfen Huang
  • Patent number: 8701766
    Abstract: The external surface of a tubular body such as well casing is coated with a substance that, upon exposure to cement, is unstable and degrades. After installation in a subterranean well and subsequent cementation, the coating degrades and forms a gap between the external surface of the tubular body and the cement sheath. Forming the gap is useful for obtaining optimal stimulation during the hydraulic fracturing of unconventional shale-gas formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Simon James
  • Patent number: 8602113
    Abstract: Provided are coated oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated devices. In one form, the coated device includes one or more cylindrical bodies, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface, exposed inner surface, or a combination of both exposed outer or inner surface of the one or more cylindrical bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner surface, the outer surface, or a combination thereof of the one or more cylindrical bodies. The coating includes one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, erosion, corrosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Hyun Woo Jin, Srinivasan Rajagopalan, Adnan Ozekcin, Tabassumul Haque, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Bo Zhao, Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Terris Field Walker
  • Patent number: 8590627
    Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes one or more cylindrical bodies, one or more sleeves proximal to the outer diameter or inner diameter of the one or more cylindrical bodies, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface, exposed inner surface, or a combination of both exposed outer or inner surface of the one or more sleeves, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, the outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof of the one or more sleeves. The coating includes one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, erosion, corrosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Hyun Woo Jin, Srinivasan Rajagopalan, Adnan Ozekcin, Tabassumul Haque, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Bo Zhao, Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Terris Field Walker
  • Patent number: 8561707
    Abstract: Provided are drill stem assemblies with ultra-low friction coatings for subterraneous drilling operations. In one form, the coated drill stem assemblies for subterraneous rotary drilling operations include a body assembly with an exposed outer surface including a drill string coupled to a bottom hole assembly, a coiled tubing coupled to a bottom hole assembly, or a casing string coupled to a bottom hole assembly and an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the hardbanding, wherein the ultra-low friction coating comprises one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Hyun Woo Jin, Srinivasan Rajagopalan, Adnan Ozekcin, Tabassumul Haque, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Bo Zhao, Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Terris Field Walker
  • Patent number: 8418757
    Abstract: Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can he located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Yefim Vaks
  • Patent number: 8413744
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a load on a downhole component of a well drilling system is disclosed. The system includes: a downhole tool disposed in a drillstring and configured to be movable within a borehole, the drillstring configured to allow a drilling fluid to be advanced therethrough and into the borehole; at least one sensor disposed within the downhole tool for in-situ measurement of at least one physicochemical property of an environment surrounding the downhole tool; and a processor configured to monitor the at least one physicochemical property and at least one of i) provide physicochemical property information to a user during a drilling/steering operation, ii) adjust a load on the downhole component based on the environment information and iii) shut down the system in response to a detection of a measured physicochemical property beyond a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hendrik John, Joachim F. Oppelt, Jing Xu
  • Patent number: 8286715
    Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies and one or more sleeves proximal to the outer or inner surface of the one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Erika Ann Ooten Biediger, Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, Swarupa Soma Bangaru, legal representative, Adnan Ozekcin, Hyun-Woo Jin, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Raghavan Ayer, William Curtis Elks, Charles Shiao-Hsiung Yeh, Michael David Barry, Michael Thomas Hecker
  • Patent number: 8261841
    Abstract: Provided are coated oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated devices. In one form, the coated oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the one or more bodies, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof. The coated oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, corrosion, erosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Erika Ann Ooten Biediger, Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, Swarupa Soma Bangaru, legal representative, Adnan Ozekcin, Hyun-Woo Jin, Charles Shiao-Hsiung Yeh, Michael D. Barry, Michael T. Hecker, Mehmet Deniz Ertas
  • Patent number: 8062586
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that inhibit the corrosion of metal surfaces by aqueous acid solutions. The inhibition is basically achieved by the addition of a reaction product of an alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone with a primary or secondary amine to the aqueous acid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Juanita M. Cassidy, Keith A. Frost
  • Patent number: 7932220
    Abstract: A composition for use in an oil chamber of a tool includes a hydraulic oil; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is present at an amount sufficient to form micelles in the hydraulic oil. The composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer. A method includes providing a hydraulic fluid composition comprising a hydraulic oil and a surfactant capable of forming micelles in the hydraulic oil; and filling a hydraulic chamber in the tool with the hydraulic fluid composition. The hydraulic fluid composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Jian Zhou, Christopher Del Campo, Golchehreh Salamat, Diankui Fu, Jese C. Lee
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7638469
    Abstract: Methods of increasing permeability in a carbonatic rock formation, the methods comprising: providing an alkanesulfonic acid; and introducing the alkanesulfonic acid into the carbonatic rock formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Thomas Heidenfelder, Marcus Guzmann, Helmut Witteler, Uwe Ossmer
  • 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: 7610962
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing acidic gas to a subsurface formation is described herein. The method may include providing heat from one or more heaters to a portion of a subsurface formation; producing fluids that include one or more acidic gases from the formation using a heat treatment process. At least a portion of one of the acidic gases may be introduced into the formation, or into another formation, through one or more wellbores at a pressure below a lithostatic pressure of the formation in which the acidic gas is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas David Fowler
  • Patent number: 7597148
    Abstract: Gas hydrates, particularly natural gas hydrates e.g. methane hydrates, may be formed and controlled within conduits and vessels by imparting energy to gas and water, for instance using agitation or vibration. The systems and methods allow for improved flow characteristics for fluids containing the gases, e.g. hydrocarbon fluids being transported, and for improved overall efficiencies. The gas and water within a gas flow path may be perturbed or agitated to initiate formation of relatively small hydrate particles. The hydrate particles continue to form as long as energy is imparted and water and hydrate guest molecules are available. High amplitude agitation of the gas and water will repeatedly break up agglomerated hydrate particles that form and encourage the formation of more and smaller particles. As more hydrate forms in this manner, less and less free water may be available proximate the gas and water contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Bennett M. Richard, Paul M. McElfresh, Aftab Khokhar, Daniel L. Crosby, Vu Thieu, Roger W. Fincher, Larry A. Watkins
  • 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: 7487840
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, system, apparatus, and related alloy to provide a protective wear coating on a downhole component for a well through a synergistic use of a thermal spraying process in combination with a novel iron-based alloy. The thermal spraying process melts the material to be deposited while a pressurized air stream sprays the molten material onto the downhole component. The coating operation takes place at low temperatures without fusion or thermal deterioration to the base material. The wear resistance is increased while providing a lower coefficient of friction by the wear resistant layer relative to a coefficient of friction of the downhole equipment without the wear resistant layer. In at least one embodiment, the disclosed process using the iron-based alloy can apply a much thicker coating than heretofore has been able to be applied without spalling and without necessitating an intermediate buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Wear Sox, L.P.
    Inventors: John Hudson Gammage, Roger A. Daemen, Joe Lynn Scott
  • 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: 7419003
    Abstract: An aperture design minimizes erosion on the surrounding casing and to the aperture itself and is particularly effective in fluid injection wells where large volumes of fluids over a long period of time with entrained solids are expected to be pumped through. The preferred design is an elongated shape with a flaring wider in the downhole direction. The downhole end of the opening features an exit that flares in the downhole direction with multiple slopes with an arc transition. Other options for the opening configuration are envisioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronnie D. Russell
  • Patent number: 7353873
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and/or minimizing the formation or accumulation of unwanted deposits on the inside of fluid flow paths by employing at various locations along the path an assembly of permanent magnets oriented such that the fluid flow is preferably from the North magnetic pole to the South magnetic pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Terence Borst, Dudley J. Perio, Jr., Daniel Scott Alms
  • Patent number: 7347258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for use in an oil pipe having a fluoropolymer coating imparting substantially reduced adhesion of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, and inorganic scale, so as to reduce plugging of said tool, and impermeability to salt water so as to protect the tool pipe from corrosion. Such a tool is particularly useful in a pipe coated in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Laurence Waino McKeen
  • Patent number: 7318476
    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 direct 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: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Ayres
  • Patent number: 7284608
    Abstract: Improved casing strings, and methods of using improved casing strings in subterranean operations, are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing a pipe string in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of cementing a pipe string in a well bore. An example of an apparatus is an improved pipe string comprising at least one pipe section; and a delivery system of an activator; wherein the delivery system of an activator is disposed adjacent an outer surface of the at least one pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Anthony M. Badalamenti, Simon Turton, Karl W. Blanchard, Ronald R. Faul, Michael G. Crowder, Henry E. Rogers, James E. Griffith
  • Patent number: 7216710
    Abstract: Methods of inhibiting corrosion comprising providing a corrosive environment; adding a corrosion inhibitor comprising a reaction product of a thiol compound and an aldehyde compound. Methods of acidizing a near well bore region of a subterranean formation comprising isolating a zone of interest along a well bore; and placing an acidizing solution in the zone of interest wherein the acidizing solution comprises an acid and a corrosion inhibiting compound comprising the reaction product of a thiol compound and an aldehyde compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Juanita M. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 7195070
    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: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Delaloye, Steven C. Kennedy, Jeffrey Bode, Jeffrey Lembcke, Kevin W. Smith, Benjamin R. Luscomb, III, Jack Curr
  • Patent number: 7185699
    Abstract: A composition for use in an oil chamber of a tool includes a hydraulic oil; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is present at an amount sufficient to form micelles in the hydraulic oil. The composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer. A method includes providing a hydraulic fluid composition comprising a hydraulic oil and a surfactant capable of forming micelles in the hydraulic oil; and filling a hydraulic chamber in the tool with the hydraulic fluid composition. The hydraulic fluid composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zazovsky, Jian Zhou, Christopher Del Campo, Golchehreh Salamat, Diankui Fu, Jese C. Lee
  • Patent number: 7144549
    Abstract: An electric submersible pump has one or more components coated with a biocide-incorporated coating for the purpose of controlling the activity of bacteria. The portions exposed to well fluid are coated for inhibiting bacteria from growing. Both centrifugal and progressing cavity pumps are applicable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dan L. Adams
  • Patent number: 7131495
    Abstract: A method to synthesize a chlorine dioxide block remover in a well is described. The method includes dissolving a chlorate aqueous solution and some acidic substances in water and to produce a hydrogen ion. The chlorate aqueous solution and acidic substances are quickly injected into the well by an injection pump, so they react with each other and produce chlorine dioxide. The synthesis of the chlorine block remover in the well removes oil layer blocks induced by polymers and microbes, while reducing the risk of explosion caused by leaked chlorine dioxide, and reducing the corrosion of equipment and pipes caused by chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Zhanyuan Hao, Dong Hao
  • Patent number: 7086469
    Abstract: A method for removing or dissolving calcareous materials in a subterranean formation or in a wellbore consists of two basic steps. In the first step, an aqueous acid solution is injected into the formation or wellbore. The aqueous acid solution contains between from about 15 to about 99 weight percent of an organic acid selected from formic acid, acetic acid or a mixture of formic acid and acetic acid. Water or brine is then injected into the formation or wellbore. The amount of water or brine injected into the formation or wellbore is an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of organic acid in the formation or wellbore to no greater than 10 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Arthur S. Metcalf, Joel L. Boles, Carson P. Parker
  • Patent number: 7073588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to acidic treatment fluids that comprise an acid fluid and an ester-containing quaternary ammonium compound (“esterquat”) and methods of their use. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting metal corrosion during a subterranean treatment operation comprising using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of reducing sludge formation during a subterranean treatment operation formation comprising the step of using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting the formation of emulsions during a subterranean treatment operation comprising using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an acidic subterranean treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Juanita M. Cassidy, Jim L. Lane, Chad E. Kiser
  • Patent number: 6989095
    Abstract: A device utilizing a catalytic alloy, preferably the Walker Alloy, to reduced scale and paraffin buildup in surface hydrocarbon piping is disclosed. The device is presented in a basket filter configuration for ready servicing. A series of alternate embodiments for the fundamental filter device is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Corrosion Inhibitor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Linda K. Melton, Katherine A. Majors
  • Patent number: 6894008
    Abstract: It has been discovered that carbonate powders and bicarbonate powders are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates should be water-soluble and may be sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or ammonium carbonates and/or bicarbonates and the like. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates are easily added in powder or other finely divided solid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6887840
    Abstract: An iron sulfide cleaning composition is described, along with a process for using the iron sulfide cleaning composition. The iron sulfide cleaning composition is simple to use and effective in removing deposits of iron sulfide from hydrocarbon wells. The iron sulfide cleaning composition consists of formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, methanol, 2-butoxyethanol, isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, Surfactant Intermediate, Surfactant/Corrosion Inhibitor, glacial acetic acid and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Milborn Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Andy R. Miller