Treating Spent Or Used Fluid Above Ground Patents (Class 175/66)
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Patent number: 7857077Abstract: An improved cuttings system located adjacent a drilling rig's shale shaker system utilizing a vacuum collection/gravity fed processing system, thereby eliminating expensive and complicated cuttings transfer systems. The use of a vacuum cuttings collection system combined within a common fluid-filled open tank and submersible grinding pumps eliminate the need for extensive circulating and holding systems. Cuttings are sized and chemically prepared within the same tank and fed directly to an injection pump for discharge to cuttings transport tanks or injected down hole. Other improvements include non-restrictive cuttings sizing, filtering, and an injection pump cuttings relief system.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
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Publication number: 20100307830Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for the generation of, the utilization of, the processing of, and the maintenance of a heterogeneous solid-particle impactor-laden fluidic-process circuit that incorporates a particle-injector system and a fluidic-amplifier jet head to produce a conical-shaped cutting jet of fluid and solid-particle impactors that perform functions during the boring, well-bore conditioning, and/or controlling the inclination and azimuth of deep subterranean well bores during their construction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: Harry B. Curlett
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Patent number: 7844400Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable system for sampling gas from a well using a gas analyzer; a conditioning and filtering device; a gas trap having a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Selman and Associates, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas H. Selman, Juanita C. Selman, Matthew J. Jennings, Richard James Gonzales, Brian A. Jennings, Stephen M. Bergman
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Patent number: 7829507Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Patent number: 7828084Abstract: A system for preparing slurry on a rig including a first cuttings storage vessel, a module, and a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the first cuttings storage vessel, the module including a grinding device configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids, an inlet connection configured to connect to an outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel, and an outlet connection configured to connect to an inlet of the first cuttings storage vessel is disclosed. A method of operating a slurrification system including using a first vessel for cuttings storage and operating the first vessel in a slurrification process is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Jan Thore Eia, Gordon M. Logan
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Patent number: 7825072Abstract: An inhibitive water-based polymer mud system and method for using the system in drilling and in stabilizing wellbores is disclosed for use in water sensitive formations as an alternative to oil-based muds. The system comprises a substantially non-ionic low molecular weight polyacrylamide in combination with a substantially non-ionic high molecular weight polyacrylamide, preferably long chain alcohol or an amine or silicate shale inhibitor, and poly anionic cellulose.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: David L. Carbajal, William Shumway, Ryan G. Ezell
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Patent number: 7823607Abstract: System for transport of untreated drill cuttings, comprising a tank (2). The tank (2) is arranged below the deck of a ship (1) and has an output unit (10) at the bottom (6), to feed the drill cuttings towards an output opening (8). A pump (21) is provided below the bottom of the tank (2) to feed the drill cuttings through an unloading line (13). The unloading line (13) has a substantially uniform cross section and is shaped so that the velocity of the flow close to the inner wall is substantially equal in the same cross section. The tank (2) has an upper circular cylindrical part (3) and a lower frustuconical part (4) and a substantially flat bottom (6). In the flat bottom (6) is an output opening (8), which extends from the side wall (5) of the frustuconical part (4) to an inner dome or cone (11).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Ing. Per Gjerdrum ASInventor: Anders Eide
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Patent number: 7823656Abstract: A method for monitoring drilling mud properties, the drilling mud being transported through a well drilling system and stored in a mud pit includes directing the flow of drilling mud in the well drilling system from the mud pit to a sampling unit. A sample of the drilling mud from the mud pit is obtained. At least one mud property of the sampled drilling mud is sensed automatically and in real time to obtain a condition value. If the condition value is within a set point range for the mud property the drilling mud is returned to the mud pit. The drilling mud is directed to a centrifuge for adjustment of the mud property if the condition value is outside the set point range. The drilling mud from the centrifuge is returned to the mud pit after the mud property has been adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: NCH CorporationInventor: John H. Williams
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Patent number: 7819205Abstract: Method and apparatus for the cooling of drilling fluids (also referred to as mudcooler), includes use of two heat exchangers, wherein the drilling fluid (or warm drilling oil) is led through the first heat exchanger and is cooled by a mixture of glycol and water, while the glycol/water mixture is circulated in a closed circuit through a second heat exchanger, whereby the glycol/water mixture is cooled by seawater.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Task Environmental Services BV.Inventor: Bernardus Johannes Többen
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Patent number: 7806182Abstract: A subterranean formation stimulation method utilizes a treatment fluid comprising residual drilling fluid injected into the formation, and producing the stimulated formation. In one embodiment, a tight gas formation is fractured and the fracture has a higher conductivity than the formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: George Waters, Paul R. Howard, Don Williamson, John W. Still
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Patent number: 7798247Abstract: A method for sucking dust in connection with a rock drilling rig, and a rock drilling rig. The rock drilling rig (1) comprises a dust collection system provided with a suction device (11) to produce suction for sucking dust from a drill hole (8) through a first suction channel (12). The rock drilling rig further comprises a second suction channel (17) allowing the suction effect of the dust collection system to be utilized for sucking dust from a location other than the drill hole, for example from the control cabin (15). Exhaust suction is controlled by means of a control unit (26, 48).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction OyInventors: Pasi Julkunen, Tapani Sormunen, Juha Koivula, Seppo Renko
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Publication number: 20100200300Abstract: A method for separating a hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contaminated matrix is disclosed. The method comprises controlling a water content of a feed material comprising the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuously conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity (3), exposing the feed material in a treatment area (8) of the treatment cavity to microwave radiation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water content to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal desorption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; and continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: John Robinson, Sam Kingman, Colin Snape, Michael Bradley, Steven Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20100200242Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: George Joel Rodger, Denman L. Cloudt, JR.
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Patent number: 7770665Abstract: A system for preparing a slurry in-transit including a first cuttings storage vessel disposed on a transport vehicle, a module configured to operatively connect to the first cuttings storage vessel, and a fluid supply line in fluid communication with the first cuttings storage vessel, the module including, a grinding device configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids and reduce particle size of drill cuttings, wherein the system is operated while the transport vehicle is moving. A method of operating an in-transit slurrification system including using a first vessel disposed on a moving transport vehicle for cuttings storage, and operating the first vessel in a slurrification process while the transport vehicle is moving.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: M-I LLCInventors: Jan Thore Eia, Gordon M. Logan
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Patent number: 7770666Abstract: A method to recover a lost circulation material from a drilling fluid used in a drilling operation comprising the steps of: directing a drilling fluid containing a lost circulation material into a drill string positioned in a well bore, the lost circulation material having a magnetic property; recovering the drilling fluid containing at least a portion of the lost circulation material from the well bore; and magnetically separating the lost circulation material from the drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Barrett Allen
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Publication number: 20100193249Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a closed loop apparatus, system, process or method adapted for processing drilling mud used in a down hole well drilling process such that any undesirable particulate such as cuttings will be substantially, if not completely separated from the dirty mud while at the same time allowing the recycled drilling mud to be continuously circulated with the drilling mud. In one embodiment, the present invention includes the following components, all in fluid or mud flow communication with one another and with an adjacent drilling rig: at least one clean mud mixing tank, at least one pump system, at least one dirty mud shakers, at least one optional conveyor belt system, at least one recycled mud reclamation tank and one or more filtering centrifugal pumps or centrifuge systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Terra Tersus LLCInventor: Gary Saiz
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Patent number: 7762357Abstract: A system for controlling drilling mud density in drilling operations that combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the borehole to produce a combination return mud in a riser. Concentric tubular members are disclosed, wherein one tubular member, such as the drill string, is utilized to inject the drilling fluid into the wellbore. Another tubular member carries the combination fluid to the surface for separation by a centrifuge system. By combining appropriate quantities of drilling mud with another fluid, the density of the combination fluid carrying drill cuttings to the surface can be regulated. During separation by the centrifuge, a weir plate having an adjustable height is utilized in the centrifuge to regulate the separation of the base fluid from the drilling fluid, producing a high density fluid and a low density fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Dual Gradient Systems, LLCInventor: Luc deBoer
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Patent number: 7753126Abstract: A continuous open discharge vacuum chamber for gravity feeding drill cuttings extracted from a cuttings source by vacuum and depositing them by gravity into a fluid. Embodiments include means for removing and recovery of drilling fluids, sizing the cuttings and relieving choke points and blockages.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, Sr.
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Patent number: 7754661Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbon or synthetic base oils from used oil-based drilling mud utilizes acid to deactivate emulsifiers in the drilling mud for altering the emulsion stability and permitting removal of the solids contained in the drilling mud using conventional separation such as centrifugation. A surfactant is typically added to prevent water-wetting as a result of the addition of the acid. The recovered base oil contains substantially all of the deactivated emulsifiers, which can be reactivated through the addition of lime, allowing new drilling fluids to be prepared without the need to add significant amounts of emulsifier to the recycled base oil.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventors: Clayton Smith, Simon John Michael Levey
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Publication number: 20100147593Abstract: In a dual-gradient drilling apparatus, a subsea solids processing unit includes a housing, a solids processing mechanism disposed in the housing between a drilling mud inlet and a drilling mud outlet, and a flushing mechanism configured to flush the solids processing mechanism with a flushing fluid. A subsea solids processing unit may be controlled by rotating the solids processing mechanism in a forward direction and increasing a drive torque when a measured speed of the solids processing mechanism is below a desired rotation speed. The desired rotation speed may be decreased when a measured torque exceeds a selected maximum and a rotation direction of the solids processing mechanism may be reversed when the measured speed falls below a selected minimum.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Peringandoor Raman Hariharan, Robert Arnold Judge, Dat Nguyen, Greg Bailey
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Patent number: 7736518Abstract: A cavitation device is used to heat and facilitation the separation of mixtures and emulsions of oil and water. Waste heat from the power source for the cavitation device may be utilized to elevate the temperature of incoming mixtures or emulsions. The heated mixture of emulsion is sent to a separation vessel where vapor may be removed and/or recovered, and where oil is removed as it separates into an identifiable layer. The separation vessel may be a flash tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 7736521Abstract: Circulating completion, workover and drilling fluids used in hydrocarbon recovery are filtered after monitoring for viscosity, which frequently causes plugging of filters. A viscometer generates a signal representative of viscosity in the fluid; the signal is used by a programmable controller to divert viscous fluid from the filter, or to take other action to prevent damage to the filter. The viscometer can be used in various positions in the system. Fluids deemed too viscous for the filter can be sent to a viscosity-reducing device, which may be a heating, shear-thinning, or cavitation device, to reduce its viscosity, enabling the fluid to pass through a filter without fouling. After filtering and a return to a lower temperature, the fluid may be treated if necessary to become viscous again for a useful purpose.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLCInventors: Robert L. Sloan, Kevin W. Smith, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 7730966Abstract: A module for slurrifying drill cuttings that includes a skid, a programmable logic controller disposed on the skid, and a blender. The blender including a feeder for injecting drill cuttings, a gate disposed in fluid communication with the feeder for controlling a flow of the drill cuttings, and an impeller for energizing a fluid, wherein the module is configured to be removably connected to a cuttings storage vessel located at a work site. Also, a method of drill cuttings re-injection that includes creating a slurry including greater than 20 percent by volume drill cuttings in a blender system, and pumping the slurry from the blending system to a cuttings injection system. The method further includes injecting the slurry from the cuttings injection system into a wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Francisco Fragachan
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Patent number: 7703518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Max Phillippi, Calvin Stegemoeller
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Publication number: 20100089652Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed employing a shale shaker for processing a mixture of drilling fluid and solids with multiple screen assemblies and conversion apparatus for switching flow to the screen assemblies between series flow and parallel flow; and in one aspect, a screen or screens for screening lost circulation material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: George Alexander Burnett
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Publication number: 20100089651Abstract: A system for treating a mixture, the mixture including drilling fluid and solid material, the system including a container with an inlet for the introduction of the mixture into the container, a solids outlet, and a fluid outlet for drilling fluid to exit the container, at least one rotatable screen assembly rotatably mounted within the container and including at least one screen for screening the mixture and interior structure for receiving separated drilling fluid from the at least one screen, and apparatus in fluid communication with the interior structure for receiving separated drilling fluid therefrom and transmitting the separated drilling fluid to the fluid outlet of the container. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: George Alexander Brunett
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Patent number: 7690445Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating for disposal oil contaminated substrates, such as drill cuttings from drilling with an oil-based mud, by steam distillation. If necessary, the contaminated substrate 10 can be pretreated with an emulsion breaker 14. The contaminated substrate 10 can be treated with steam 16 in a first mixing still 12. The substrate can be optionally treated with a second steam source 20 in a second mixing still 18. The steam provides heat to vaporize the oil, moisture to treat the substrate and water to the reaction mixture. Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor collection system 24. The treated substrate 22 is essentially free of oil and can have a controlled water content. The process exhibits low energy consumption, rapid treatment, compact equipment and a high degree of process control.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Racional Energy & Environment Co.Inventor: Ramon Perez-Cordova
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Patent number: 7678280Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Frank Manfred Franz Mueller
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Patent number: 7678281Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution containing metal impurities by introducing to the brine solution an organic chelant of the formula: and may be either a neutral compound, a corresponding salt, or a corresponding quaternary salt, wherein: D is F-A (Y3)u(Y4)v; R is independently selected from Cp or CpC(O); Cp is a C1-C36, preferably a C8-C36, hydrocarbyl group, optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, sulfate, CH2CO2Z or —(CH2)nPO(OZ)2 groups; each A is independently selected from —N and —P; Y1 is independently selected from J, —[(F)-A(J)]w Y6 and R; J, R1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6 are independently selected from the group consisting of —H, R, —(F)nCO2Z and —(CH2)nPO(OZ)2; each F is independently selected from a C1-C12 hydrocarbyl group, optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, sulfate, CH2CO2Z or —(CH2)nPO(OZ)2 groups; Z is —H, a balanced organic counteType: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Paul H. Javora, Qi Qu
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Patent number: 7677332Abstract: A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas an configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Paul Matthew Spiecker, Pavlin B. Entchev, Ramesh Gupta, Richard Polizzotti, Barbara Carstensen, Dennis G. Peiffer, Norman Pokutylowicz
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Patent number: 7678201Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical composition and a process for using the chemical composition to remove and recover petroleum hydrocarbons from a contaminated substrate including an ammonia compound; a nitrogen-containing compound; and an aqueous carrier solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Coriba Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Harvey G. Cobb
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Patent number: 7674753Abstract: Presented herein are improved bridging agents comprising a degradable material, improved subterranean treatment fluids comprising such improved bridging agents, and methods of using such improved subterranean treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method presented is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of forming a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a treatment fluid including a viscosifier, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. Another example of a composition presented is a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Jr., Larry S. Eoff
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Patent number: 7674384Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(R21)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1-C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 and R21 are independently selected from —OH, —OR1 and R1.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Paul H. Javora, Qi Qu
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Patent number: 7644768Abstract: A drilling rig device (1) situated on the seabed (11), where the drilling rig (1) is sealingly enclosed against the surroundings, wherein the drilling rig (1) is liquid-filled and provided with a separator (16) arranged to separate material (17) from the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Seabed Rig ASInventor: Per Olav Haughom
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Publication number: 20090277632Abstract: An onshore oil or gas well is completed with a coiled tubing unit. A completion liquid is circulated through coiled tubing and thereby removing solids from the well. The completion liquid and drilled solids pass into a tank where the solids are removed and the cleansed completion liquid is redelivered into the well. In some embodiments, drilled solids from the completion liquid are dewatered to a suitable extent in the tank and dumped into a bin where they are mixed with cotton motes to sorb any free liquid. In some embodiments, drilled solids from drilling an onshore subterranean well are mixed with cotton motes to sorb free liquid. The mixture of cotton motes and drilled solids are disposed of in a manner consistent with appropriate regulations, as by delivery to a commercial landfill, which may be either privately or municipally owned.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
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Publication number: 20090260886Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for recovering and recycling valuable target recycle materials such lost circulation material and weighting agents from drilling fluid used in hydrocarbon drilling operations. The system and process includes use of a binary fluid that is separate from the drilling fluid and has a designed density that allows separation of the valuable target recycle materials from drill cuttings. The solids are separated from the drilling fluid in a primary separation step and then mixed with the binary fluid in a density separation or enhanced mass separation device. The binary fluid density allows the separation device to distinguish the target recycle material from drilling solids and recycles the target material to the drilling operations for re-use in drilling fluid. The binary fluid is recovered and refreshed to maintain a generally continuous process of targeted recycling.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventor: Paul D. Scott
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Patent number: 7597145Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for combining fluids of different pressures and flow rates in, for example, gas gathering systems, gas wells, and other areas in which independently powered compressors or pumps are not desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Blue Marble Engineering, L.L.C.Inventors: Philip Allard, Stanley D. Benham
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Publication number: 20090218145Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing metal cuttings from an oil well drilling mud stream provides a magnetic body or “ditch magnet” having end plates that extend radially and circumferentially from the magnetic body, the plates being positioned at end portions of the magnetic body. A third plate in the form of a wiper is used to dislodge metal cuttings and other metallic material from the magnetic body after the magnetic body has accumulated such metallic parts. One of the end plates can be removable to facilitate a complete scraping or wiping of the metallic parts from the metallic body by the wiper plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventor: James A. Branch
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Patent number: 7581601Abstract: A system to re-inject drill cuttings slurry into a well formation for the storage of the cuttings. The system may include a pressure containing conduit that creates a flow path to an annulus within the well formation. The system may include an injection inlet, a drilling guide base, an injection adapter having a circular gallery, an injection mandrel having at least one injection port, and an annulus created between the injection mandrel and an inner casing. The slurry may be injected into the annulus while still drilling the wellbore. The location of the injection inlet may be positioned relative to the circular gallery of the injection adapter such that a cyclone effect is created within gallery minimizing erosion due to the flow of the slurry. The injection mandrel may be adapted to allow the passage of drilling mud to a downhole drilling location while injecting slurry into the casing annulus.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Aker Kvaerner Subsea, Inc.Inventors: Marcio Laureano, Thomas William Robertson
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Publication number: 20090200083Abstract: An improved cuttings system located adjacent a drilling rig's shale shaker system utilizing a vacuum collection/gravity fed processing system, thereby eliminating expensive and complicated cuttings transfer systems. The use of a vacuum cuttings collection system combined within a common fluid-filled open tank and submersible grinding pumps eliminate the need for extensive circulating and holding systems. Cuttings are sized and chemically prepared within the same tank and fed directly to an injection pump for discharge to cuttings transport tanks or injected down hole. Other improvements include non-restrictive cuttings sizing, filtering, and an injection pump cuttings relief system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Jeffrey A. Reddoch, SR.
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Patent number: 7568535Abstract: A system for recovering lost circulation material from spent drilling fluid, the spent drilling fluid containing lost circulation material, drilling fluid, and undesirable solids, the system having alternating separation apparatuses, including sizing apparatus, destiny/shear separation apparatus, and sizing apparatus; and methods for using such a system.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: National Oilwell Varco LPInventors: Thomas Robert Larson, Eric Simon Provost
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Patent number: 7568523Abstract: Cesium solutions are treated in a cavitation device to increase their temperature and facilitate the removal of water from them. The context is normally an oil well fluid or a mining solution. The concentrated solutions can be reused, in the case of oil well fluids, or more easily handled for recovery of the elemental cesium or cesium in the form of a salt. Thermal energy is saved by using the concentrate or the water vapor to heat various streams within the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Total Separation Solutions, LLCInventors: Kevin W. Smith, Robert L. Sloan, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090188721Abstract: Drilling fluid is reduced in density while under pressure and prior to injection in the well by creating microbubbles of gas formed on transportation through a membrane while maintaining a transmembrane pressure difference sufficient to create the microbubbles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
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Publication number: 20090183922Abstract: Oilfield completion, drilling and workover fluids containing iron are treated to remove the iron by passing them through a cavitation device together with an oxidizing agent. The cavitation device intimately mixes the oxidizing agent with the fluid while increasing the temperature of the fluid, thus promoting the oxidation reaction. Ferric hydrate and other solids or colloidal iron are removed in a filter capable of removing particles as small as 0.5 micron. The system may be enhanced by the addition of a bed of activated carbon capable of catalyzing the oxidation reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Harry D. Smith, JR.
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Patent number: 7556106Abstract: A drilling fluid monitor system includes a pump fluidically connected to the drilling fluid to withdraw fluid from that system and move it to a scale that includes two coils through which the withdrawn fluid is circulated. The coils are positioned on a scale so the withdrawn fluid can be accurately weighed and returned to the drilling system via the pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Inventors: Lee O. Meinen, Katherine Meinen
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Publication number: 20090139770Abstract: A method for treating drill cuttings including depositing drill cuttings in a desalinization cell, the desalinization cell having a high end, a low end, and a cuttings pad. The method further includes washing the drill cuttings in the desalinization cell with a liquid phase and removing a cuttings runoff from the drill cuttings. Also, a method for treating drill cuttings including depositing drill cuttings in a desalinator, the desalinator having a geometric structure having a perforated side. The method further includes adding a liquid phase to the desalinator through the perforated side, washing the drill cuttings in the desalinator with the liquid phase, and producing desalinated drill cuttings and a cuttings runoff.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: M-I LLCInventors: Gary E. Fout, John Candler, Kayli A. Clements, William Marchbanks
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Publication number: 20090107671Abstract: A subterranean formation stimulation method utilizes a treatment fluid comprising residual drilling fluid injected into the formation, and producing the stimulated formation. In one embodiment, a tight gas formation is fractured and the fracture has a higher conductivity than the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: George Waters, Paul R. Howard, Don Williamson, John W. Still
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Publication number: 20090107728Abstract: A method for recovering drilling fluid from a mixture containing drilling fluid and other components, the mixture resulting from a wellbore operation including the pumping of drilling fluid, the method including producing a mixture of flocculant with a spent drilling fluid mixture containing drilling fluid and contaminants, heating the mixture, and separating drilling fluid from the mixture. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Emerson Clifford Gaddis, Dale Alton Pierce, Kenneth Arnold Morgan
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Patent number: 7520342Abstract: A process for the recovery of drilling fluid additives, including industrial carbon, calcium carbonate, natural and synthetic fibers, and other materials from a mixture. The mixture may include drilling fluids, drilled solids, and drilling fluid additives from a mud system. The process may include: separating at least a portion of the drilled solids from the mixture to form a first effluent and a drilled solids fraction; separating at least a portion of the drilling fluid additives from the first effluent to form a second effluent and a recovered additives fraction; and recycling at least a portion of the recovered additives fraction to the mud system. The drilling fluid additives may have a specific gravity greater than 1.4, and may include particles having an average size greater than 2 microns.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Frank Butler, Tim Browning
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Patent number: 7514005Abstract: A method for processing drilling fluid comprising an oil and water emulsion and solid material includes breaking the emulsion into an oil phase and a water phase, increasing the surface area of the solid material, adsorbing at least some of the water phase to the increased surface area of the solid material, and recovering at least some of the oil phase. The drilling fluid may be moved within a container to break the emulsion and increase the surface area of the solids material. Water phase or solid material may be added to the drilling fluid to maximize the amount of water phase adsorbed into the solid material and minimize the amount of oil phase adsorbed to the solid material. The drilling fluid may be processed while being transported between locations. The solid material may be dried in a thermal dryer to vaporize and recover the water phase and any adsorbed oil phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Neale Browne, Catalin Ivan