Prevention Of Lost Circulation Or Caving Patents (Class 175/72)
  • Patent number: 11933119
    Abstract: A method may include: circulating an oil-based drilling fluid though a drill string to extend a wellbore through a subterranean formation, wherein the oil-based drilling fluid comprises an invert emulsion; separating at least a portion of the oil-based drilling fluid from the circulated oil-based drilling fluid to form a separated portion of oil-based drilling fluid; mixing a metal salt and a metal oxide into the separated portion of the oil-based drilling fluid to form a chemical sealing pill; introducing the chemical sealing pill into the drill string and flowing the chemical sealing pill into a lost circulation zone in the subterranean formation; allowing at least a portion of the chemical sealing pill to set in the lost circulation zone to form a set plug, wherein the set plug seals the lost circulation zone and reduces loss of fluid into the lost circulation zone from subsequently introduced fluids; and preventing loss of fluid into the lost circulation zone from subsequently introduced fluids with the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Waseem Abdulrazzaq, Jay Deville, Carlos Arturo Carrera
  • Patent number: 11549046
    Abstract: A particulate plugging agent, such as a diverting agent and/or loss circulation material, using a particular polyvinyl alcohol with a certain amount of monovalent metallic salt, which is water-soluble and has a buffer effect even if the environment is acidic, and thus stable, which in particular finds use in various subsurface oil production operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ghebrehiwet Ghebremeskel, Keisuke Morikawa, Yasuhiro Tajima
  • Patent number: 11505713
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material, in particular a switchable functional material, comprising (a) a porous carrier material and a swellable material, a method for its preparation and its use in coatings. The composite material is suitable for the production of water-repellent and water-vapor diffusion-open coatings, as well as the use of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Andreas Sengespeick
  • Patent number: 11479709
    Abstract: Compressed lost circulation materials for use in subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: introducing a treatment fluid that includes a base fluid and a compressed lost circulation material into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation including a loss zone, the compressed lost circulation material including a binding material and a compressed material; allowing the binding material to at least partially degrade or dissolve; and allowing the compressed lost circulation material to at least partially expand in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Xiangnan Ye
  • Patent number: 11441367
    Abstract: A method comprising drilling through a plurality of differing zones of a subterranean formation using a drilling fluid comprising a non-oleaginous continuous phase, an oleaginous discontinuous phase and at least a first salt dissolved into the non-oleaginous continuous phase. The amount of the at least first salt dissolved into the non-oleaginous continuous phase is maintained such that a density of the drilling fluid varies by no more than 10% while drilling through the plurality of zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carlos Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11434707
    Abstract: A wellbore loss zone remediation method to reduce losses of drilling fluid in a lost circulation zone of a wellbore is described. The wellbore loss zone remediation method includes identifying a lost circulation zone in a wellbore, selecting a lost circulation fabric, selecting a lost circulation material for a slurry, disposing the lost circulation fabric in the wellbore, circulating the slurry in the wellbore, and determining if the lost circulation zone is remediated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Bodong Li, Jothibasu Ramasamy, Chinthaka Pasan Gooneratne, Guodong Zhan
  • Patent number: 11434410
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid (WSF) into the wellbore proximate a permeable zone having an average fracture width of about W microns, wherein the WSF comprises a particulate blend and water, and wherein the particulate blend comprises (a) a type A particulate material characterized by a weight average particle size of equal to or greater than about W/3 microns, and (b) a type B particulate material characterized by a weight average particle size of less than about W/3 microns, wherein a weight ratio of the type A particulate material to the type B particulate material is from about 0.05 to about 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Lewis, Sandip Prabhakar Patil, William Cecil Pearl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11319760
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and device for controlling lost circulation in a target lost circulation zone in a borehole. A swellable lost circulation material device includes a permeable membrane and a swellable lost circulation material enclosed within the membrane. The swellable lost circulation material device in a non-swollen state is introduced to a target lost circulation zone where a fluidic component permeates into the swellable lost circulation material device through the membrane such that the fluid component is in contact with the swellable lost circulation material such that the swellable lost circulation material device transitions to a swollen state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Atallah N. Harbi
  • Patent number: 11225596
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and systems embodying cement compositions and the synergistic effect of lost circulation materials (LCMs) and fluid loss control additives (FLCAs) thereupon for cementing subterranean zones. A method of subterranean well cementing, comprising providing a cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, a first FLCA, an LCM, and water, wherein the first FLCA comprises a water-soluble polymer with repeating units comprising a 5- to 6-membered cyclic amide; introducing the cement composition into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein inclusion of the first FLCA and the LCM in the cement composition fluid reduces fluid loss into the subterranean formation, wherein the subterranean formation has fractures with a width of from about 1 micron to about 800 microns, and wherein the subterranean formation has a permeability of about 1 milliDarcy to about 300 Darcy; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandip Prabhakar Patil, Samuel Jason Lewis, Kyriacos Agapiou, Ganesh Shriniwas Pangu
  • Patent number: 11199060
    Abstract: Methods for drilling a wellbore into a subterranean formation include preparing a drilling fluid and circulating the drilling fluid in the wellbore while drilling in the subterranean formation, forming a filtercake from the drilling fluid, creating or encountering one or more fractures in the subterranean formation while drilling, and allowing a portion of the filtercake formed to at least partially seal the one or more fractures while continuing the drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Mervyn Cook, Quanxin Guo, Paul William Way, Louise Bailey, Simon James, Salim Taoutaou
  • Patent number: 11155744
    Abstract: A method of reducing fluid loss includes pumping a wellbore fluid including resin coated solid particulate into a wellbore having fractures therein, the resin coated solid particulate forming a substantially impermeable plug in the fractures. A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling a wellbore through a formation using a first wellbore fluid; and upon experiencing a fluid loss event to the formation, pumping a second wellbore fluid including resin coated solid particulates into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron Blue, Joshua Sheldon
  • Patent number: 11066899
    Abstract: A method of sealing a water-bearing subsurface formation includes introducing an activation solution including an aqueous solution, Na2SiO3, NaOH, and one or both of CaCO3 or Mn3O4 into the wellbore. The method further includes introducing Saudi Arabian volcanic ash into the wellbore. The Saudi Arabian volcanic ash comprises SO3, CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, and K2O. The method further includes allowing the Saudi Arabian volcanic ash to contact the activation solution in the wellbore, thereby forming a geopolymer barrier between the wellbore and the water-bearing subsurface formation and sealing the water-bearing subsurface formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Khawlah A. Alanqari, Abdullah Al-Yami
  • Patent number: 10800960
    Abstract: A lost circulation material (LCM) having flakes formed from date tree leaflets is provided. The flakes of the date tree leaflet LCM may be formed by tearing and shredding date tree leaflets from date trees. The date tree leaflets may be obtained from date tree pruning performed by date tree farming industries. The date tree leaflet LCM may be added to o a drilling fluid to mitigate or prevent lost circulation in a well. Methods of lost circulation control with the date tree leaflets LCM are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Md Amanullah
  • Patent number: 10738549
    Abstract: A method of managing water content of a pulsed power drilling fluid, the method comprising contacting the pulsed power drilling fluid with a water absorbent material, wherein the pulsed power drilling fluid comprises water at a first water concentration, and whereby the water absorbent material absorbs at least a portion of the water from the pulsed power drilling fluid to provide a treated pulsed power drilling fluid and a spent water absorbent material comprising absorbed water, wherein the treated pulsed power drilling fluid comprises water at a second water concentration, wherein the second water concentration is lower than the first water concentration. A pulse power drilling fluid and a system for carrying out the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, William Walter Shumway, Rocio Macarena Moyano Dip
  • Patent number: 10683715
    Abstract: A system includes a mud pump for pumping a drilling mud from a drilling mud source, through a drill string, out a drill bit and into an annular, and a plurality of chokes disposed down stream from the mud pump, including a first choke disposed between the mud pump and the drill string, and a second choke disposed between the mud pump and a mud tank. The system further includes a fluid discharge conduit in fluid communication with the annular space for transferring the drilling mud to handling equipment in fluid communication with the mud tank. The first choke receives the drilling mud from the mud pump at a first flow rate, the first choke reduces drilling mud flow rate to a second flow rate less than the first flow rate, and the second choke reduces drilling mud flow rate to a third flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yawan Couturier, Paul Andrew Thow, Blaine Dow, Jesse Alan Hardt
  • Patent number: 10662368
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid may include a base fluid and milled polymeric fibers, wherein the base fluid is an oil-based fluid or an aqueous-based fluid, and wherein the milled polymeric fibers may have a length distribution in which the lowest point in the length distribution is up to about 50% of the average fiber length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joshua Sheldon, Aaron Blue
  • Patent number: 10647045
    Abstract: Technologies are described for a method of making an encapsulated reactant having a desired shape or size. The method comprises providing solid reactant particles and an encapsulating material. The encapsulating material is heated above its solidification temperature to form a molten, semi-solid, or liquid encapsulating material. The solid reactant particles are added to the molten, semi-solid, or liquid encapsulating material and mixed to disperse the solid reactant particles in the encapsulating material and form a mixture. The mixture may be extruded or formed into the desired shape or size of the encapsulated reactant, or the mixture may be solidified and extruded, granulated, shredded, ground, or pressed into the desired shape or size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Specialty Earth Sciences, LLC
    Inventors: Lindsay Swearingen, Jason Swearingen
  • Patent number: 10611947
    Abstract: At least one petroleum coke may be added to an oil-based fluid to improve the electrical conductivity of the oil-based fluid. The oil-based fluid may be a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a drill-in fluid, a stimulation fluid, a servicing fluid, and combinations thereof. In a non-limiting embodiment, the downhole fluid composition may be circulated in a subterranean reservoir wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Jianzhong Yang
  • Patent number: 10611943
    Abstract: A rapidly dehydrating lost circulation material (LCM) composition that forms an acid-soluble plug is provided. The LCM composition may include a carrier fluid, an acid-soluble-particulate material, a viscosifier, and date tree rachis fibers. The carrier fluid may be water and the viscosifier may be a cellulosic microfiber. The LCM composition may alter a lost circulation zone by forming an acid-soluble plug in a fracture of the lost circulation zone. The acid-soluble plug may be removed via an acid solution, such as a hydrochloric acid solution. Methods of lost circulation control and manufacture of a rapidly dehydrating LCM are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Md Amanullah
  • Patent number: 10266742
    Abstract: A hybrid particle mix lost circulation material (LCM) is provided. The hybrid particle mix LCM includes date palm seed particles produced from date palm seeds and scrap tire particles produced from scrap tires. The LCM may include date palm seed particles in the range of about 50 wt % to about 80% and scrap tire particles in the range of about 50 wt % to about 20 wt %. Methods of lost circulation control and manufacture of a hybrid particle mix LCM are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Md Amanullah, Mohammed K. Arfaj, Turki Alsubaie
  • Patent number: 10233375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of drilling fluids, and discloses a drilling fluid that can inhibit surface hydration of clay and a preparation method of the drilling fluid. The drilling fluid contains water, bentonite, an intercalation inhibitor, a tackifier, a flow pattern regulator, a filtrate reducer, a lubricant, and a weighting agent, wherein, based on 100 parts by weight of water, the content of the bentonite is 2-9 parts by weight, the content of the intercalation inhibitor is 0.3-4 parts by weight, the content of the tackifier is 1-10 parts by weight, the content of the flow pattern regulator is 0.8-7 parts by weight, the content of the filtrate reducer is 1-8 parts by weight, the content of the lubricant is 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Southwest Petroleum University
    Inventors: Pingya Luo, Yang Bai, Gang Xie
  • Patent number: 10100244
    Abstract: A method of swelling an oil-swellable elastomer in a well comprising the step of: contacting the oil-swellable elastomer in the well with a treatment fluid, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (A) an oil selected from the group consisting of alkanes and naphtha, wherein the oil comprises hydrocarbons having anywhere in the range of 5 to 21 carbons; (B) an ?-olefin having anywhere in the range of 18 to 26 carbons; and (C) an activator for oil-swelling, the activator selected from the group consisting of: ketones, dodecane, terpenes, terpenoids, haloalkanes having from 9 to 20 carbons, and any combination thereof. An oil-swelled elastomer as produced by the method is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Prajakta Ratnakar Patil, Snehalata Sachin Agashe, Anjali Ramesh Sarda, Prasanta Das
  • Patent number: 10035941
    Abstract: Compositions for lost circulation materials (LCM) and methods for using same in drilling and/or completing wellbores that help solve lost circulation problems in a wide range of fracture sizes, thereby advantageously eliminating the need for a variety of products for lost circulation in a field at any one time. The compositions provide specific LCM components in specific ratios that are analogs to lost circulation fractures and that yield superior performance in preventing or alleviating lost circulation in drilling and cementing boreholes. The compositions have a multi-modal particle size distribution (PSD) which provides a higher concentration of component materials in the same range of two or more fracture widths or median pore size diameters, thus allowing plugging to occur over a wider range than a single mode or narrow PSD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Whitfill, Matthew Lynn Miller
  • Patent number: 9890322
    Abstract: Methods including preparing a surface modification agent emulsion comprising an aqueous base fluid, a surfactant, and a hydrophobically-modified amine-containing polymer (HMAP), the HMAP comprising a plurality of hydrophobic modifications on an amine-containing polymer, and wherein the aqueous base fluid forms an external phase of the surface modification agent emulsion and the HMAP forms an internal phase of the surface modification agent emulsion; and introducing the surface modification agent emulsion into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Loan K. Vo, Philip D. Nguyen, James William Ogle, Feng Liang
  • Patent number: 9289016
    Abstract: A strap assembly includes a chest strap and shoulder straps. Similarly configured left and right cups are provided. The strap assembly is attached to the cups whereby the strap assembly adheres the cups to a wearer. Each cup has curved upper, lower, interior and exterior edges. Each cup has inside and outside surfaces. A patch is operatively associated with each cup. Each patch has a linear upper edge and curved lower, interior and exterior edges. Each patch has inside and outside surfaces. Stitching couples the lower, interior and exterior edges of each patch to the lower, interior and exterior edges of an associated cup. A linear opening is formed along the upper edge of each patch. Piping covers the upper edge of each patch. The piping is adapted to allow the patch to move away from and back toward the cup between open and closed orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Sharon Goff
  • Patent number: 9133709
    Abstract: Methods for detection of the presence and distribution of oil in subsurface formation are described herein. The present invention involves injection of an aqueous dispersion of the nanoparticles into the potentially oil containing subsurface formation, followed by a remote detection of the oscillation responses of the nanoparticles in the oil/water interfaces in the reservoir rock by applying magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Chun Huh, Steven L. Bryant, Thomas E. Milner, Keith P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9120963
    Abstract: A water absorbing composition includes a particle having a core of a water-swelling material. A coating substantially surrounds the core that temporarily prevents contact of water with the water-swelling material. The coating may be formed from a layer of water degradable material or a non-water-degradable, non-water absorbent encapsulating layer. A quantity of particles including delayed water-swelling particles formed at least in part from a water-swelling material and, optionally, non-water-swelling particles of the same or different size distributions can be used in treating a formation penetrated by a wellbore. A slurry of the particles is formed with a carrier fluid. The slurry of particles is introduced into the wellbore of the formation to facilitate treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Willberg, Kseniya Nosova, Marina Bulova, Simon James, Sergey Sokolov
  • Publication number: 20150126415
    Abstract: There is described a drilling fluid for wellbore strengthening having nanoparticles and granular particles. In one aspect described herein, the drilling fluid is an invert emulsion based fluid. In a further aspect, the nanoparticles are iron hydroxide or calcium carbonate, and in a further aspect from about 1 to 30 nm in size. In one aspect described herein, the granular particles are graphite or calcium carbonate and in a further aspect, up to 250 ?m in size. The nanoparticles and granular particles plug fractures in the wellbore to strengthen the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: NFLUIDS INC.
    Inventors: Maen Moh'd Husein, Geir Hareland
  • Publication number: 20150114646
    Abstract: A method of triggering heating within a subterranean formation, that includes introducting a wellbore fluid containing a dispersed carbon nanomaterial into a wellbore through the subterranean formation; lowering a microwave or ultraviolet radiation source into the wellbore; and irradiating the wellbore with microwave or ultraviolet radiation, thereby increasing the temperature of the wellbore fluid and/or wellbore is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Brandi Katherine Price Hoelscher, Steven Philip Young, James Friedheim
  • Publication number: 20150101805
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous based fluid; an amphoteric, viscoelastic surfactant; and a modified starch is disclosed. Methods of drilling subterranean wells, methods of reducing the loss of fluid out of subterranean wells, and methods of completing wellbores using aqueous-based fluids having an ampoteric, viscoelastic surfactant and a modified starch are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Svoboda, LaTosha Moore, Frank E. Evans
  • Publication number: 20150060146
    Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion is provided to place a sealant within a subterranean formation by being deployed into the formation to reacte with the formation's included water to break the emulsion, leaving the emulsified components, some of which act as the sealant to form at least a partial seal. The emulsion does not form a seal until emulsified in response to formation water conditions (salinity, pH, calcium ion concentration, temperature), and can be a drilling fluid or a pill during drilling activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: PATRICK BRUNELLE, CAMERON JAMES GEDDES
  • Publication number: 20150021098
    Abstract: Compositions for controlling fluid loss may include an aqueous fluid, a viscosifier, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a delayed acid source, and a weighting agent. The composition may further comprise at least one selected from bridging solids, cleaning agent, dispersant, interfacial tension reducer, pH buffer, thinner, or surfactant. Such compositions may be used in producing a hydrocarbon from a formation by drilling the formation with a drill-in fluid to form a wellbore, emplacing the composition in the wellbore, and shutting the well for a predetermined time to allow the viscosity of the fluid loss composition to decrease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: David P. Kippie
  • Publication number: 20150008044
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a unique drilling fluid composition and method for reducing lost mud circulation in wellbores due to seepage loss into fluid permeable subterranean formations. The drilling fluid composition comprises a variety of shapes and sizes of distinctive unadulterated elastomeric rubber particles derived from the tire retreading (recapping) process. These elastomeric rubber particles are incorporated into an aqueous, hydrocarbon, or synthetic drilling fluid in sufficient amounts as to plug holes, fractures, and fissures, form a mud cake, and thus stem the loss of drilling fluids from the lost circulation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: James Blair Fontenot
  • Patent number: 8905134
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising identifying lost circulation zone within a wellbore; and placing in the wellbore a composition comprising a wax and a water-based mud wherein placement of the composition reduces or prevents a loss of fluids to the lost circulation zone. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a water-based mud, a sized calcium carbonate particle and a wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Lynn Miller
  • Publication number: 20140353043
    Abstract: A method of conversion of a water-based mud to a gel-based LCM quickly to control lost circulation in a lost circulation zone in a wellbore during continuous drilling with a drilling mud, the drilling mud comprises a volcanic ash, water, a de-foamer, a pH buffer, and a polymer. The method comprises the steps of entering the lost circulation zone, determining a lost circulation volumetric flow rate, metering a first amount of a binder into the drilling mud to create a binder containing mud, pumping the binder containing drilling mud into the wellbore, and suspending metering of the first amount of the binder to the drilling mud after a pre-defined regulating period of time effective to permit the binder containing drilling mud to create a gel-based LCM operable to alter the lost circulation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Md Amanullah, Turki Thuwaini Mohamme Alsubaie, Abdulaziz Salah Bubshait, Omar Abdulwahab AI-Fuwaires
  • Patent number: 8887809
    Abstract: Treatment fluid compositions may comprise transient polymer networks for use in methods related to subterranean applications. In one aspect, a method may include providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a transient polymer network, and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. In another aspect, a subterranean treatment fluid may include an aqueous-base fluid and a transient polymer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan G. Ezell
  • Publication number: 20140326511
    Abstract: This invention relates to drilling a well, particularly an oil or gas well, where casing or liner will be installed to stabilize the wellbore. The present invention is intended to permit more drilling and longer lengths of casing or liner to be installed at one time. The present invention includes a combination of a smear tool and specially sized granular lost circulation material solids in the drilling mud which work together to close and seal leaking formations and fractures whether pre-existing or induced by drilling. By the natural collection of the inventive solids along with the conventional particles in the drilling mud to form a filter cake at the problem areas along the wall of the wellbore and the smear tool arranged to compress the filter cake into the problem areas, lost circulation is minimized Maintaining circulation naturally allows for longer drilling cycles and potentially fewer liner joints in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: David H. BEARDMORE, Paul D. SCOTT, Rick D. WATTS
  • Publication number: 20140303049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for consolidating an underground formation with a consolidating mineral. The consolidating material is a carbonate and is produced from an alkaline treatment fluid containing, in at least some embodiments, environmentally friendly and inexpensive components. In one embodiment, the process can be applied to consolidation of an underground formation during or following drilling. The present invention also provides a treatment fluid suitable for use in such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Cleansorb Limited
    Inventor: Duncan Holdsworth
  • Patent number: 8820405
    Abstract: A method of segregating flowable materials in conjunction with a subterranean well can include segregating flowable cement from a fluid by placing a flowable barrier substance between the cement and the fluid, and the barrier substance substantially preventing displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. Another method of segregating flowable materials can include flowing a barrier substance into a wellbore above a fluid already in the wellbore, and then flowing cement into the wellbore above the barrier substance. A system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a flowable cement isolated from a fluid by a flowable barrier substance positioned between the cement and the fluid, whereby the barrier substance substantially prevents displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay K. Turner, James R. Lovorn
  • Publication number: 20140238674
    Abstract: Methods of providing fluid loss control in a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of seeds; introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore such that the seeds block openings in the subterranean formation to provide fluid loss control; and degrading the seeds over time within the subterranean formation. In some methods, the seeds are present in the treatment fluid in an amount of at least about 5 pounds per barrel. In addition, in some methods the seeds are preferably degradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharath Savari, Dale E. Jamison, Ramyakrishna Kothamasu, Anita Gantepla, Cato McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8813842
    Abstract: A plurality of solid particles including a thermoplastic composition having a softening temperature in a range from 50° C. to 180° C. and a blocked isocyanate resin; optionally at least some of the particles in the plurality of solid particles comprise both the thermoplastic composition and the blocked isocyanate resin. A composition comprising the plurality of particles dispersed in a fluid is also disclosed. A method of modifying a wellbore within a geological formation is also disclosed. The method includes introducing the fluid composition into the wellbore. A method of making a plurality of particles, for example, to use in the fluid composition, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Crandall, Ignatius A. Kadoma, Clara E. Mata, Yong K. Wu
  • Patent number: 8813873
    Abstract: This invention relates to drilling a well, particularly an oil or gas well, where casing or liner will be installed to stabilize the wellbore. The present invention is intended to permit more drilling and longer lengths of casing or liner to be installed at one time. The present invention includes a combination of a smear tool and specially sized granular lost circulation material solids in the drilling mud which work together to close and seal leaking formations and fractures whether pre-existing or induced by drilling. By the natural collection of the inventive solids along with the conventional particles in the drilling mud to form a filter cake at the problem areas along the wall of the wellbore and the smear tool arranged to compress the filter cake into the problem areas, lost circulation is minimized. Maintaining circulation naturally allows for longer drilling cycles and potentially fewer liner joints in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: David H. Beardmore, Paul D. Scott, Rick D. Watts
  • Patent number: 8813874
    Abstract: Methods for sealing voids and cracks in subterranean-formation rock that contains carbonate minerals, thereby minimizing or stopping fluid flow between the formation rock and the wellbore of a subterranean well, comprise pumping a solution of one or more lattices that contains at least one carboxylated monomer down a well during drilling and allowing it to enter voids (e.g., pores, fractures, vugs and caverns) in the carbonate-containing formation. The solution reacts with divalent cations liberated by the carbonates and forms a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Gareth James, Michel Michaux
  • Patent number: 8807244
    Abstract: Embodiments include drilling through a formation using a drill bit conveyed by a tubular string having an outer diameter at least 70 percent of the wellbore being drilled. The formation is drilled at a first rate of penetration (ROP) while pumping drilling fluid at a first flow rate. After drilling through the formation, the ROP is reduced to a second ROP, the flow rate is reduced to a second flow rate, and pressure is increased in the wellbore until drilling fluid begins to leak into the formation. While maintaining the increased pressure in the wellbore, the volume of drilling fluid lost to the formation is monitored until the rate at which the drilling fluid loss occurs is reduced. Components of this procedure are repeated until a selected wellbore strength is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dietmar J. Neidhardt
  • Patent number: 8776882
    Abstract: Mixtures of fibers and solid particles are effective for curing fluid losses and lost circulation in a subterranean well. Stiff fibers are more effective than flexible ones; however, mixtures of stiff and flexible fibers have a synergistic effect. The quantity and particle-size distribution of the solids are optimized according to the stiffness, dimensions and concentrations of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse C. Lee, Slaheddine Kefi, Chrystel Brunet-Cambus, Michel Ermel
  • Patent number: 8726990
    Abstract: A composition comprises: a treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the lost-circulation material has a median particle size in the range from about 0.001 millimeters to about 25.4 millimeters. According to another embodiment, a composition comprises: the treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the median particle size and the concentration of the lost-circulation material is selected such that the treatment fluid has a sealing pressure of at least 50 psi (0.3 MPa). A method of eliminating or reducing lost circulation from a well comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Karcher, Rickey Lynn Morgan, James R. Benkley, Chad Brenneis
  • Publication number: 20140135237
    Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing coated particles, wherein the coated particles comprise solid particles coated with an expandable coating; and introducing the coated particles into a permeable zone of the subterranean formation such that the coated particles form a barrier to fluid flow in the permeable zone. In another embodiment, a method of drilling a well bore may be provided, the method comprising: including coated particles in a drilling fluid, the coated particles comprising solid particles coated with an expandable coating; using a drill bit to enlarge the well bore; and circulating the drilling fluid past the drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Alfredo Villarreal, JR., William Walter Shumway
  • Patent number: 8689869
    Abstract: An encapsulated thixotropy agent may be added to aqueous well service fluids. Such fluids include drilling fluids, cement slurries and polymer pills. The well service fluid may be subjected to shearing action downhole, causing the thixotropy agent to be released and imparting thixotropy to the fluid. The thixotropy agent comprises a dry suspension of synthetic layered silicates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 8672058
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for adapting an HVAC system in an existing building for utilizing geothermal energy, the system comprising an incoming flux of geothermal energy; a plurality of heat exchange surfaces adapted to receive the incoming flux of geothermal energy; and an interface between the HVAC system and the heat exchange surfaces, said interface adapted to transfer the geothermal energy to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GeoThermal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Shelton E. Tommie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8627888
    Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes providing a settable fluid that comprises an aqueous-based medium, a lime composition, and a cementitious blend that comprises metakaolin particulates and aluminosilicate particulates, wherein the cementitious blend is essentially free of Portland cement; introducing the settable fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that comprises a corrosive component; and allowing the settable fluid to set therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok K. Santra, Krishna M. Ravi, Crystal Lynne Keys, Benjamin Iverson, Rahul Patil, Sandip Patil