Carboxyalkylcellulose (e.g., Cmc, Cmhec, Etc.) Patents (Class 507/113)
  • Patent number: 10793760
    Abstract: A method and composition for modifying bentonite to allow the bentonite to be useful in drilling mud applications. The method includes the steps of: preparing bentonite local to Saudi Arabia using raw water to remove contaminants from the bentonite; grinding the bentonite to a fine powder; sieving the fine powder to be between about 50 ?m and about 150 ?m in particle size to produce a sieved fine powder; mixing the sieved fine powder with polyanionic cellulose polymer to produce a modified bentonite composition; adding the modified bentonite composition to water until a homogeneous solution of modified bentonite in water is formed; and allowing the homogeneous solution of modified bentonite in water to rest for about 16 hours to form a composition useful in drilling mud applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Mansour A. Al-Shafei, Akram A. Alfliow, Awad M. Al-Mofleh, Jamal M. Al-Aamri, Syed Rehan Ahmad Zaidi, Amer A. Al-Tuwailib
  • Patent number: 9969920
    Abstract: A drilling fluid and method for drilling in a coal containing formation with a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 0.05% calcium sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: CANADIAN ENERGY SERVICES L.P.
    Inventor: Carl Keith Smith
  • Patent number: 9920582
    Abstract: A method for reducing fluid loss from a water-based wellbore servicing fluid is disclosed. The method includes preparing a fluid loss control additive that is substantially stable even at a high temperature of about 350° F. The fluid loss control additive may be formulated by dry mixing of a natural starch and sodium monochloroacetate for a first predetermined reaction time period; spraying an alkaline solution onto the dry mixture for a second predetermined reaction time period to form a complex starch mixture; and treating the complex starch mixture for a third predetermined reaction time period with a diluted cross-linking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: OREN HYDROCARBONS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Mahaboob Subhahani
  • Patent number: 9637681
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a novel additive as an agent for inhibiting the swelling of clays, in particular in the field of boreholes. More specifically, the present invention concerns the use of a specific diamine and diacid salt as an agent for inhibiting the swelling of clays in an aqueous medium, and a drilling or hydraulic fracturing fluid composition comprising the salt according to the invention and methods for drilling or hydraulic fracturing implementing said salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Thierry Badel, Arnaud Cadix
  • Patent number: 9328280
    Abstract: An additive for a wellbore treatment fluid comprising a sulfonated asphalt compound comprising particles having a D90 particle size of less than about 215 ?m. A wellbore treatment fluid comprising (i) an oleaginous component and (ii) a sulfonated asphalt wherein the sulfonated asphalt comprises particles having a D90 of less than about 215 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Marshall D. Bishop, Willie P. Reneau, Frank E. Evans, John E. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150096808
    Abstract: Compositions emulate oil based fluids include an aqueous phase and an organic internal phase, which creates an osmotic membrane within the aqueous continuous phase. The osmotic membrane allows hydration-dehydration mechanisms to be in place and control interactions between formation and fluid, where the non-aqueous phase is composed of glycerols, polyglycerols, poly hydroxyl alcohols, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharide derivatives, or mixtures and combinations thereof, while the aqueous phase contains additives that impart different inhibiting mechanisms to the overall composition, where the additives include, without limitation, amphoteric polymers, potassium and/or sodium salts up to saturation and/or acrylamides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: César Misino, Luc Leoni, Shaohua Lu, Gaston Wray Curtis
  • Publication number: 20150027702
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed that include placing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a one or more polymers capable of consolidating to form a polymeric structure at a downhole location. Also disclosed are treatment fluids including a polymeric structure for treating a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jazmin Godoy-Vargas, Sergey Makarychev-Mikhailov, Brent Busby, Philip Sullivan, Patrice Abivin, Marie Cambournac
  • Patent number: 8921284
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Robert Benkley, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140024560
    Abstract: A drilling fluid, comprising an aqueous continuous phase, and a surfactant system comprising a mixture of an ester phosphate and a non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol. The drilling fluid may also contain one or more of at least one salt, an alkaline material, a viscosifying agent, a starch or starch derivative, a bridging agent, a weighting material, and a diesel oil or non-aromatic oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Miguel Gonzalez Poche, Franklin Quintero Godoy, Rosa Linda Marquez Silva, Sergio Rosales, Jesus Enrique Arellano Varela, Harry Wilson Ogalde Arquero, Domingo Pernia
  • Publication number: 20130324441
    Abstract: A drilling fluid is provided that comprises a non-ionic or cationic polymer having general formula I or II. The drilling fluid may be used in drilling or other oilfield operations to prevent or limit the accretion of hydrocarbons to metal components when these are in contact with highly viscous hydrocarbons such as those present in formations containing heavy crude oil or tar sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Diversity Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ioan Ghesner
  • Publication number: 20130053283
    Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions suitable as drilling fluids, completion fluids, work-over fluids, or stimulation/fracking fluids, which exhibit shale inhibiting, thermostabilizing, viscosifying, and fluid loss reducing effects when used for these purposes. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides compositions that include a cellulose product comprising the contact product of: at least one cellulosic ether; at least one salt of a polyvalent metal ion; and at least one ligand or a salt of the ligand. The resulting cellulose products are useful in drilling of oil, gas, and other wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CP KELCO OY
    Inventor: Antonius Franciscus Maas
  • Publication number: 20120190593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component fluid loss control system comprising a core substrate and a polymeric shell cooperating with each other to form a microcomposite, wherein the core substrate and the polymeric shell are formed from different materials. The system can demonstrate switchable behavior. The core substrate and the polymeric shell can be further modified, where modifications cooperate with each other to form the microcomposite. Also disclosed are formulations for fluid loss control and methods for controlling fluid loss in a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: David S. Soane, Robert P. Mahoney, Rosa Casado Portilla, Philip Wuthrich
  • Patent number: 8138124
    Abstract: A drilling fluid includes a base fluid and a circulation loss reducing additive package having a polysaccharide, a cellulose derivative and a pH controlling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Sarkis Kakadjian, Jacques Reinaldo Gabay, Gerardo Alonso Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20110214870
    Abstract: A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation are provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations up to at least 6000 psi. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, a wetting component, a viscosifier component, an activator or flocculant component, and an extender. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud up to the rate of 90 pounds per barrel. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment. The mixture de-waters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture may be weighted and does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to de-water and set as a solid plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mano Shaarpour
  • Publication number: 20110136701
    Abstract: A water based wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous fluid; a micronized weighting agent; a polysaccharide derivative; and at least one fatty acid ester derivative is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: M-I SWACO NORGE AS
    Inventors: Ole Iacob Prebensen, Monica Norman, Anne Myrvoid Fosse, Anne-Marie Friestad
  • Patent number: 7939469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water-based drilling fluid composition comprising a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), wherein the CMC is characterized by forming a gel at 25° C. after high-shear dissolution in a 0.3 wt % aqueous sodium chloride solution, the final content of the CMC in the aqueous sodium chloride solution being I wt % for a CMC having a degree of polymerization of >4,000, 1.5. wt % for a CMC having a DP of >3,000-4,000, 2 wt % for a CMC having a DD of 1,500-3,000, and 4 wt % for a CMC having a DP of <1,500, the gel being a fluid having a storage modulus (G?) which exceeds the loss modulus (G?) over the entire frequency region of 0.01-10 Hz when measured on an oscillatory rheometer operating at a strain of 0.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Marten Van Der Horst
  • Patent number: 7749941
    Abstract: The invention provides aqueous based well drilling and servicing fluids containing a polymer viscosifier with enhanced thermal stability provided by a diacid or diacid salt preferably having about two to about eight carbon atoms, such as, for example, sodium oxalate. The invention also provides a method of enhancing the thermal stability of aqueous based well drilling and servicing fluids containing a polymer viscosifer by adding diacid or diacid salt to the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody L. Maresh, William W. Shumway, Kenneth W. Pober
  • Publication number: 20100075871
    Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized aqueous polymer compositions containing A) a stabilizing amount of a least a sulfur dye or containing a stabilizing amount of a sulfur dye with a compound comprising a heterocyclic system containing nitrogen and sulphur as ring heteroatoms and B) at least one polymer comprising groups which are capable of complex formation with ions. The aqueous polymer compositions are stabilized against thermal or other degradation processes of the polymer by addition of component A) to allow their use even under harsh conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Friedrich Engelhardt, Werner Spielmann, Christian Bremer, Anja Obermüller, Joachim Christian
  • Publication number: 20090291862
    Abstract: A drilling fluid includes a base fluid and a circulation loss reducing additive package having a polysaccharide, a cellulose derivative and a pH controlling component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Sarkis Kakadjian, Jacques Reinaldo Gabay, Gerardo Alonso Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7622427
    Abstract: A completion and workover fluid composition comprising, water and at least one rheology modifier and/or fluid loss control agent, and at least one other ingredient selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts, shale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitor, biocide, defoamers and finely divided solids particles (e.g., bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, calcium carbonate, etc.), depending upon the desired attributes, wherein the rheology modifier and/or the fluid loss control agent is an ethoxylated raw cotton linters or a modified ethoxylated raw cotton linters. The ethoxylated raw cotton linters provides comparable or better rheology and viscosity properties compared to high molecular weight commercial HECs made from purified cotton linters. These ethoxylated raw cotton linters derivatives are suitable for applications in oil-well servicing fluids, particularly to enhance functional properties of completion and workover fluids used during oil-well drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Arjun C. Sau, Mohand Melbouci
  • Patent number: 7612021
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to compositions and methods for using a composite particulate comprising a cellulosic fiber and a filler as a lost-circulation material. An example of a method of controlling lost circulation in a subterranean method, comprises contacting a subterranean formation with a fluid comprising a base fluid and a lost circulation material, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a composite particulate, and wherein the composite particulate comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. An example method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the cement compositions comprises a cement, water, and a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. Example compositions include lost-circulation materials, treatment fluids and cement compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Bobby King, Darrell C. Brenneis
  • Patent number: 7550411
    Abstract: Methods of controlling shale swelling in a subterranean formation comprising introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a polyoxazoline composition. Subterranean treatment fluids comprising a base fluid and a polyoxazoline composition. Other methods and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Bell
  • Patent number: 7449430
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a water-based drilling mud for utilization in the drilling of oil wells comprising an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as a fluid loss reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Eliokem S.A.S.
    Inventors: Bertrand Guichard, Barry Wood, Patrick Vongphouthone
  • Patent number: 7393407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a slurry containing water, amorphous silica panicles having a particle size less than 1 micron and silica flour with a particle size between 2-200 microns. In order to stablize the slurry, the slurry contains a polysaccharide. The invention further relates to a method for the production of a slurry containing water, amorphous silica having a particle size below 1 micron, and silica flour with a particle size between 2-200 microns, where a polysaccharide is added to a slurry of water and amorphous silica, whereafter the silica flour is mixed into the slurry of amorphous silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Elkem ASA
    Inventors: Eldar O Dingsoyr, Magne Dastol, Cor Oldenziel, Bjorn Vassoy
  • Patent number: 7384892
    Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid composition includes water and at least one rheology modifier and/or fluid loss control agent, and at least one other ingredient of polymeric additive, inorganic salts, dispersants, shale stabilizers, weighting agents, or finely divided clay particles, depending upon the desired attributes, wherein the rheology modifier and/or the fluid loss control agent comprises carboxymethylated raw cotton linters (CM-RCL) made from the baled raw cotton linters or comminuted raw cotton linters with increased bulk density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohand Melbouci, Arjun C. Sau
  • Patent number: 7332458
    Abstract: A drilling fluid for use in high oil viscosity formations containing tar, sand and oil entrained therein. The drilling fluid can be comprised of a polymer in an amount from between 0.05% and 5% by volume, a solvent in an amount from between 1% and 20% by volume and de-emulsifier in an amount from between 0.05% and 10% by volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Q'Max Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Len Baltoiu, Flori Baltoiu, Brent Warren
  • Patent number: 7304019
    Abstract: Suspensions are provided of water-soluble materials in non-aqueous carrier fluids using suspension agents that include organophilic clays. Methods of forming such suspensions are provided. Methods are also provided for using such suspensions to prepare aqueous solutions, in particular thickened aqueous solutions, in particular for use in oilfield treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Alejandro Pena, Golchehreh Salamat, Michael D. Parris, Geoff Robinson
  • Patent number: 7199083
    Abstract: Self-generating foamed fluids for circulation through a well during drilling operations and methods for circulating such self-generating foamed drilling fluids are provided for. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous solvent, a polymer, a surfactant, a first foam generating agent, and a second foam generating agent. The first and second foam generating agents react to generate a gas within the drilling fluid and thereby to foam the drilling fluid. Preferably, the foam generating agents are selected such that they react to generate carbon dioxide. Preferably a base fluid comprising excess amounts of only one of the foam generating agents is pumped into the drill string using a hydraulic pump. The other foam generating agent then is injected in a controlled manner downstream of the circulation pump such that the drilling fluid is foamed after being pumped for circulation through the well. The novel drilling fluids preferably have a density of from about 5.8 lb/gal to about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Self Generating Foam Incoporated
    Inventor: Manuel Legendre Zevallos
  • Patent number: 7147067
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially drilling fluids, that comprise zeolite and a carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Getzlaf, Karen Luke, Russell M. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7018955
    Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids that include carboxyalkylated corn hulls in an amount effective to inhibit fluid loss from a wellbore formation. The carboxyalkylated corn hulls are heat stable and surprisingly effective at inhibiting fluid loss. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and a drilling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Grain Processing Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin H. Schilling, Michael Riley, Roger E. McPherson
  • Patent number: 6983799
    Abstract: Methods of cementing in a subterranean formation include passing a swelling agent to a permeable zone in a subterranean formation. The swelling agent is combined with a carrier fluid before being passed to the permeable zone. Upon contacting an aqueous fluid, the swelling agent swells in the permeable zone. The aqueous fluid may already be present in the subterranean formation, or alternatively, it may be introduced to the subterranean formation after passing the swelling agent into the subterranean formation. The swelling agent substantially inhibits a cement slurry subsequently pumped into the subterranean formation from passing through the permeable zone. The cement slurry therefore continues flowing down through the casing and up through the annulus where it sets and forms a strong cement column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Frank Zamora, James J. Venditto, Robert J. Sepulvado
  • Patent number: 6852675
    Abstract: A nutrient source for marine organisms comprising: drilling fluids containing organic contaminants; a solidification agent; a cell transport agent; and a cellulosic additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: James Richard Von Krosigk
  • Patent number: 6825152
    Abstract: A dense drilling fluid additive used to control lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations is disclosed. Such additive is formed from ground base materials, such as inorganic matter, and may be used to manage the rheological properties of drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Grinding & Sizing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ban D. Green
  • Patent number: 6818597
    Abstract: Liquid water soluble polymer suspensions in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed water soluble polymer. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water, being mixed at low speeds, without the formation of lumps or fisheyes and without generating fugitive dust in the process. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable. Unlike many other liquid polymer suspensions, the suspensions exhibit minimal oil or grease upon dilution. They contain no surfactants that can add to the oil and grease determination. The suspensions and the fluids produced by diluting the fluids to a working concentration of the water soluble polymer exhibit low toxicity to marine organisms and to humans. The suspensions can be manufactured from ingredients suitable for use in personal care applications such as cosmetics, shampoos and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Benchmark Research & Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William Franklin Harris
  • Patent number: 6809067
    Abstract: A composition for oil and gas drilling fluids containing organic contaminants comprising: a solidification agent; cell transport agent; a cellulosic additive; and wherein said composition comprises enough solidification agent to enable the solidification agent to electrolytically attract the organic contaminates to the surface of the solidification agent when hydrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: James Richard Von Krosigk
  • Patent number: 6806232
    Abstract: Well-working fluid compositions containing certain processed inorganic, oil and water wettable ground elastomeric crumb rubber materials to decrease the seepage loss of various fluids to subterranean formations in which these well working fluids are required and utilized are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of reducing the seepage and whole mud loss of these well working fluids utilizing such ground elastomeric crumb rubber materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Cart
  • Patent number: 6797675
    Abstract: A composition and method for treating oil and gas drilling fluids containing organic contaminants comprising: a solidification agent and a cellulosic additive; and wherein the composition comprises enough solidification agent to enable the solidification agent to electrolytically attract the organic contaminates to the surface of the solidification agent when hydrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: James Richard Von Krosigk
  • Patent number: 6794340
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a wellbore employing a drilling fluid providing the advantages of easy pumpability of a low viscosity fluid with the drill cuttings suspension capability of a highly viscous fluid. The viscosity of the fluid is also easily and quickly adjustable so that the fluid rheology may be adapted during drilling as the subterranean conditions change. These advantages are obtained by including in said fluid a reversibly crosslinkable polymer and an encapsulated crosslink activator. The crosslink activator causes crosslinking after the fluid is in the wellbore. The crosslinking is reversed at the well surface to reduce the viscosity of the fluid to enable the drill cuttings to be easily removed. Crosslink activator is added back to the fluid and the fluid is returned to the borehole. The amount of crosslink activator and/or crosslinkable polymer may be adjusted in the fluid to change the fluid rheology to conform the fluid to changes in the well conditions as monitored real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Phillip C. Harris, Thomas E. Becker
  • Publication number: 20040168802
    Abstract: Methods of cementing in subterranean formations, cement compositions, and methods for making the compositions are provided. A cement slurry is passed into a subterranean formation, and a swelling agent is passed into the subterranean formation to reduce an amount of water flowing into the cement slurry. The swelling agent may be combined with a carrier fluid before being displaced into the subterranean formation. Alternatively, the swelling agent may be pre-mixed with the cement slurry to form a new cement composition, followed by displacing the cement composition into the subterranean formation. The swelling agent is present in an amount effective to, upon absorption of water and swelling to form a gel mass, substantially block the flow path of the water into the cement composition or reduce losses to low pore pressure intervals, thereby preventing the integrity of the cement composition from being compromised or lost to voidage, fractures, fissures, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Prentice G. Creel, Charles L. Boatman, Richard H. Tate, Eldon Dwyann Dalrymple, Stephen P. Luscombe, John L. Eubank
  • Patent number: 6784140
    Abstract: A method of treating a well including injecting a thermally stable, substantially water-free well-treating fluid into the well, wherein the well-treating fluid comprises a polymer, a glycol compound, and a salt is disclosed. In another embodiment, a thermally stable, substantially water-free well fluid including a polymer, a diol compound, and a salt is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: David P. Kippie, William E. Foxenberg
  • Patent number: 6774089
    Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided wherein the additive is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a combination of oil and glycol or cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet, treated or coated with the oil/glycol combination or the cellulose; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Alpine Mud Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry Rayborn
  • Patent number: 6770601
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a viscosifier which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to at least 10,000 centipoise, an aphron-generating surfactant, and aphrons, wherein the fluid contains less than about 20% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously re-circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Masi Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy F. Brookey
  • Publication number: 20040140094
    Abstract: Methods of drilling and completing open hole well bores and methods of removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate are provided. A method of the invention for removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate from the walls of an open hole well bore is basically comprised of the steps of contacting the filter cake with a delayed clean-up solution comprised of water and a formate ester and removing the clean-up solution from the well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Eric Davidson
  • Patent number: 6737384
    Abstract: A drilling fluid additive system is provided wherein the system is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a carrier such as oils and glycols or talc with cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture to allow the beads to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then adding the suspended mixture with a mixture comprised of hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and a dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Alpine Mud Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry Rayborn
  • Patent number: 6620769
    Abstract: This invention provides a water-free oil based fluid polymer suspension composition for use as a rheology modifier and fluid loss reducer in oil or gas well servicing fluids. It has been found that by using white medicinal oil as a carrier, high solids content and environmental friendly anhydrous fluidized polymer suspensions of xanthan gum, cellulose ethers, guar gum and derivatives thereof can be prepared. More specifically, in one aspect, an oil-based fluid polymer suspension (FPS) composition for use in oil or gas well servicing fluids is preferred containing: a) a hydrophilic polymer, b) an organophilic clay, c) a stabilizer, and d) a white medicinal oil having selected properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Herbert L. Juppe, Robert P. Marchant, Mohand Melbouci
  • Patent number: 6586587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ligand-modified cellulose product comprising cellulose ether, calcium salt and at least one ligand as a chelating agent. The product can be used e.g. in drilling fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Noviant Oy
    Inventors: Antonius F. Maas, Ulla Urpilainen, Oliver Ruppert
  • Patent number: 6451743
    Abstract: A new stable liquid suspension containing non-soluble particles dispersed in a non-aqueous liquid medium having a concentration of a suspension aid and a method of making and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventor: Kelly B. Fox
  • Publication number: 20020092681
    Abstract: A water-base fluid for use in drilling wells and other drilling operation includes a shale which swells in the presence of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Arvind D. Patel, Emanuel Stamatakis, Eric Davis
  • Patent number: 6281172
    Abstract: Water based drilling fluid compositions which contain at least one viscosity builder and at least one rheological control agent wherein the rheological control agent is an amphoteric polymer, the cationic groups of the amphoteric polymer being quaternary ammonium groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
    Inventors: Brent Warren, Peter M. van der Horst, Theodorus A. van't Zelfde