Carbohydrate Is Polysaccharide Patents (Class 507/211)
  • Patent number: 8236739
    Abstract: A cross-linking composition which comprises (a) an aqueous liquid, (b) a cross-linkable organic polymer, and (c) a solution comprising a zirconium cross-linking agent which comprises a zirconium complex having a molar ratio of 1:2 to 1:4 of zirconium to triethanolamine and a molar ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:1 of zirconium to N,N,N?,N?-tetrakis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylene diamine. The composition can be used in oil field applications for hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones and leaks in subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dork Ketal Speciality Catalysts, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Edward Putzig
  • Publication number: 20120193092
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of determining the location of fracturing fluid in a subterranean formation includes providing purpose-designed additives (PDA) in the fracturing fluid. As the fracturing fluid moves through a fracture in the formation, the PDA solidifies and forms a barrier in the path of the fracturing fluid. In response to a pressure increase in the well contacting the barrier, at least one signal is generated and detected to provide information about the fracturing fluid and/or fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Qi Qu, C. Vipulanandan, Mark H. Houston
  • Patent number: 8227381
    Abstract: Low molecular weight graft copolymer comprising a synthetic component formed from at least one or more olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers or salts thereof, and a natural component formed from a hydroxyl-containing natural moiety. The number average molecular weight of the graft copolymer is about 100,000 or less, and the weight percent of the natural component in the graft copolymer is about 50 wt % or greater based on total weight of the graft copolymer. Processes for preparing such graft copolymers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Klin A. Rodrigues, Jannifer Sanders
  • Patent number: 8207094
    Abstract: This invention relates to fluid compositions used in treating a subterranean formation. In particular, the invention is aqueous wellbore treatment compositions which are foams containing a viscosifying agent, a foam extender, a gas component, and a surfactant, as well as methods of forming such fluids, and uses thereof. The viscosifying agent may be a hydratable polymer, viscoelastic surfactant, or heteropolysaccharide. The foam extender may be a material such as a polyoxyalkyleneamines, ethylenepolyamines, tertiary polyamines, bicarbonate, carbonate, phosphate, or sesquicarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Hutchins, Ann M. W. Hoefer, Stanley B. McConnell, Alejandro Pena
  • Publication number: 20120152544
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a well treatment fluid comprising an aqueous solution comprising greater than or equal to about 1 wt % boron, at least 5 wt % of a co-solvent, and greater than or equal to about 5 wt % sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof, wherein the co-solvent comprises glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof. Methods of using the well treatment fluid are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michael D. Parris, Li Jiang, Don Williamson
  • Publication number: 20120149606
    Abstract: A method includes performing a chemical process to create a chemical product and an amount of heat, and transferring the heat to a first fluid. The method further includes hydrating a polymer in the first fluid, and adding the chemical product from the chemical process to the first fluid to create a treatment fluid. The method further includes diluting the treatment fluid with respect to at least one constituent of the treatment fluid. The method includes treating a formation of interest in a wellbore with the treatment fluid. The method includes changing a formulation of the treatment fluid during the treating. The method also includes extending the treating beyond a design amount, or ending the treatment before the design amount and preserving some reagents of the chemical process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Hemant K. Ladva, Lijun Lin, Yiyan Chen
  • Patent number: 8198220
    Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods utilize hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. The polymers may exhibit physical association in solution at a specific temperature so as to provide a significant increase in viscosity at the specific temperature. The viscosity of such systems is substantially increased by the further inclusion of one or more hydrophilic components that may exhibit physical association in solution at one or more temperature trigger points and also associate with the one or more hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Philip S. Smith, Dale L. Handlin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8198219
    Abstract: The use of solid materials based on synthetic polymers and/or biopolymers (A) in natural gas and mineral oil extraction technology. The solid materials are produced by solubilizing at least one synthetic polymer and/or biopolymer (A), or at least one synthetic polymer and/or biopolymer (A) and at least one additive (B), in at least one substantially anhydrous chaotropic liquid (C). The solution or dispersion (AC) or (ABC) is contacted with a liquid (D1) which is miscible with the chaotropic liquid (C), but in which at least the synthetic polymer and/or the biopolymer (A) are substantially insoluble, resulting in a phase (E). The chaotropic liquid (C) is removed from phase (E) to result in a gel (G), which is impregnated with a liquid (D2). The two liquids (D1) and (D2) are removed from the gel (G) by evaporating, producing a solid material based on synthetic polymer and/or biopolymer (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Simon Champ, Robert Chapman
  • Publication number: 20120138296
    Abstract: A slurry and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The slurry comprises a solids mixture comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a solids volume fraction (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit settling of the solids mixture. The method comprises circulating the slurry into a wellbore to deposit the slurry downhole; terminating the slurry circulation for a period of time, wherein the stability additive inhibits settling of the solids mixture; and thereafter circulating the deposited slurry in contact with a surface of a screen. Stability additives disclosed include colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, and particles having an aspect ratio above 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohan K.R. Panga, Philip F. Sullivan, Balkrishna Gadiyar, Ryan Hartman, Bruno Drochon, John W. Still, Bryan Stamm
  • Publication number: 20120129737
    Abstract: A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant and a channelant through a wellbore into the fracture, heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands spaced apart by the channelant, and removing the channelant filler material to form open channels around the pillars for fluid flow from the formation through the fracture toward the wellbore. The proppant and channelant can be segregated within the well treatment fluid, or segregated during placement in the fracture. The channelant can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a filler material during placement of the proppant, and later dissolving to leave the flow channels between the proppant pillars. The well treatment fluid can include fibers to provide reinforcement and consolidation of the proppant and/or to inhibit settling of the proppant in the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy Lesko, J. Ernest Brown, Dean M. Willberg, Ivan Kosarev, Anatoly Medvedev
  • Patent number: 8183184
    Abstract: A polyelectrolyte complex for the controlled release of an oil and gas field chemical selected from the group consisting of (a) a gel-forming or cross-linking agent, (b) a scale inhibitor, (c) a corrosion inhibitor, (d) an inhibitor of asphaltene or wax deposition, (e) a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, (f) a hydrate inhibitor, (g) a breaking agent, and a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Cory Berkland, Mary Cordova, Jenn-Tai Liang, G. Paul Willhite
  • Patent number: 8183183
    Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation is made of steps of providing a composition comprising a carrier fluid, a polymer viscosifying agent, carbon dioxide and a formate salt or formic acid; injecting into a wellbore, the composition; contacting the composition with the subterranean formation, wherein the temperature is above 100 degrees Celsius at this contact; and allowing the composition to treat the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Lijun Lin, Curtis L. Boney, Michael D. Parris, Kevin W. England
  • Publication number: 20120090848
    Abstract: Polysaccharides are reacted with transesterification agents forming modified products that: (1) have increased viscosifying efficiency, i.e., higher viscosities at reduced concentrations compared to the unmodified polysaccharide; or (2) are insolubilized at temperature ranges for which the unmodified polysaccharide would hydrate fully; or (3) both properties. In some cases, the insolubilized polysaccharides can be activated to dissolve and viscosify at specific temperature ranges by using pH modifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: B. Raghava Reddy
  • Patent number: 8158562
    Abstract: A cross-link delaying or retarding composition, a cross-linking system including the cross-link delaying or retarding composition, or a fracturing fluid including a cross-linking system and a cross-link delaying or retarding composition are disclosed along with methods for making and using the compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Wilson, Jr., Mark J. Wanner
  • Patent number: 8153564
    Abstract: A cross-linking composition comprising (a) an aqueous liquid; (b) a pH buffer; (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer; and (d) a solution of a zirconium cross-linking agent comprising the product of contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and ethylene glycol wherein the mole ratio of alkanolamine to zirconium is 2:1 to 4:1 and the mole ratio of ethylene glycol to zirconium is 1:1 to 10:1. Optionally, water, hydroxyalkylated ethylenediamine, or both are added to the zirconium complex. The cross-linking composition of this invention is useful in oil field applications, for example, for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation and for plugging permeable zones or leaks in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dorf Ketal Speciality Catalysts, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Edward Putzig
  • Patent number: 8141638
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation containing a wellbore comprising the steps of (a) injecting a gel into the wellbore; (b) permitting the gel to increase in viscosity and (c) fracturing the formation in the vicinity of the gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Trican Well Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael G. Tulissi, Samuel Luk, Jason Vaughan, David J. Browne, Dale Dusterhoft
  • Patent number: 8143197
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aqueous viscoelastic fracturing fluid for use in the recovery of hydrocarbons. According to the invention, the fluid comprises a cleavable viscoelastic surfactant and a hydrophobically-modified polymer, wherein the cleavable surfactant comprises a head group and a hydrophobic tail of at least 18 carbon atoms connected through a degradable acetal, amide, ether or ester bond and wherein the concentration of the hydrophobically-modified polymer is comprised between its overlap concentration c* and its entanglement concentration ce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Isabelle Couillet, Trevor Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120067585
    Abstract: A method of preparing and using a subterranean formation stabilization agent. The stabilization agent includes a guanidyl copolymer and may be admixed with a fracturing fluid and optionally brine. The stabilization agent is effective in preventing and/or reducing, for example, clay swelling and fines migration from a subterranean formation contacted with the stabilization agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicants: WATER MARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC., POLYMER VENTURES, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher B. Murphy, Jon O. Fabri, Phillip B. Reilly, JR.
  • 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: 20120055676
    Abstract: Water soluble uncrosslinked polysaccharides may be fluid loss control agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for stimulation (e.g. fracturing) or well completion in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The VES fluid may further include proppant or gravel, if it is intended for use as a fracturing fluid or a gravel packing fluid, although such uses do not require that the fluid contain proppant or gravel. The water soluble uncrosslinked polysaccharide fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to guar gum and derivatives thereof; cellulose and derivatives thereof; propylene glycol alginate; salts (e.g. sodium, potassium, and calcium salts) of iota, kappa, and lambda carrageenan; agar-agar; xanthan gum; and the like; and/or mixtures thereof. The fluid loss control agent may be added to the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid prior to VES addition, and/or at the same time and/or after the VES is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William Russell Wood
  • Patent number: 8129316
    Abstract: A method of creating a carbon dioxide hydrate is disclosed. The preferred steps include supplying liquid carbon dioxide and a dissociation agent to a hydrocarbon hydrate, decomposing the hydrocarbon hydrate by the dissociation agent into a hydrocarbon gas and liquid water, and forming the carbon dioxide hydrate from the liquid carbon dioxide and the liquid water. The dissociation agent preferably is at least one of an inorganic salt, a surface active agent, a hydrate inhibitor, and an absorption solution. Furthermore, a substance composition of liquid carbon dioxide and the dissociation agent is described, which is provided for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation. Furthermore, a deposition device is described, which is configured for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Bergen Teknologioverforing AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Kvamme
  • Publication number: 20120048549
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to oil and gas production, more specifically, to methods of controlling the condition of suspensions and fluids, small particle delivery and formation rock quality through controlled changes in the physical properties of a hydrolysable polymer contained in a treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Willberg, Christopher N. Fredd, Vadim Kamilievich Khlestkin, Denis Olegovich Menshikov
  • Patent number: 8119574
    Abstract: A slurry and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The slurry comprises a solids mixture comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a solids volume fraction (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit settling of the solids mixture. The method comprises circulating the slurry into a wellbore to deposit the slurry downhole; terminating the slurry circulation for a period of time, wherein the stability additive inhibits settling of the solids mixture; and thereafter circulating the deposited slurry in contact with a surface of a screen. Stability additives disclosed include colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, and particles having an aspect ratio above 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mohan K. R. Panga, Philip F. Sullivan, Balkrishna Gadiyar, Ryan Hartman, Bruno Drochon, John W. Still, Bryan Stamm
  • Publication number: 20120035085
    Abstract: A method of preparing and using a drag-reducing composition in a well treatment operation includes the step of preparing the drag-reducing composition by mixing a polymer emulsion that includes a first surfactant and a first solvent, with a second surfactant and a second solvent. The method continues with the step of combining the drag-reducing composition with an aqueous treatment fluid. The method further includes the step of injecting the drag-reducing composition and aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, a pipeline or a gathering line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: CESI CHEMICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Earl Parnell, Todd Sanner, Marlin Holtmyer, David Philpot, Andrei Zelenev, Gydeon Gilzow, Lakia Champagne, Thomas Sifferman
  • Patent number: 8105985
    Abstract: Adding relatively low molecular weight water-soluble friction loss reduction polymers to an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) increases the critical generalized Reynold's number at which the Fanning friction factor increases and friction pressure starts to increase rapidly. The water-soluble polymeric friction loss reduction additives lower surface pumping pressure in VES-gelled fracturing fluids for a given pump rate, thus lowering hydraulic horsepower (HHP) requirements for pumping fluids downhole, e.g. for hydraulic fracturing or frac packing treatments of subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William Russell Wood, James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 8096360
    Abstract: Methods and compositions of fracturing formations are provided. The fracturing fluid includes an enzyme breaker that decreases the viscosity of the fracturing fluid over time. The enzyme breaker can be used in environments having a pH value ranging from about 7 to about 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles David Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20120004147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated particle including a particle including at least one chelating agent of the formula COOH—CHX—N—(CH2—COOH)2, wherein X stands for carboxyalkyl, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or aminoalkyl, and alkyl is a C1-C4 alkyl group, and the coating on the particle includes at least one scale-inhibiting additive, a process to prepare such particle, and to the use thereof in detergents, in oil field applications, in agriculture and in water treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AKZO NOBEL N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Wilhelmus Franciscus Lucas Seetz, Jéróme Mercanton, Paul Michael Ferm, Martin Heus, Zoltán Szilágyi, Cornelis Elizabeth Johannus van Lare
  • Publication number: 20120004148
    Abstract: Treatment of a subterranean formation can be conducted with viscosified treatment fluids that comprise a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent that comprises a copolymer comprising at least one boronic acid monomer unit and at least one water-soluble monomer unit; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Ogle, Jeremy Holtsclaw, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 8088719
    Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising gelling agents that comprise crosslinkable polymers and certain biopolymers, and methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a crosslinking agent; and a gelling agent comprising a polymer that is a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer that is a biopolymer wherein a molecule of the biopolymer (1) consists only of glucose, or (2) has a backbone comprising one or more units that comprise at least (a) one glucose unit and (b) one linear or cyclic pyranose-type monosaccharide unit, wherein (a) and (b) have different molecular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold G. Walters, Billy F. Slabaugh, Jason Bryant
  • Publication number: 20110319301
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using water-in-water polymer emulsions to uniformly dissolve a rheologically active polymer, such as a thickener or friction reducer, in the treatment fluid. The emulsions have a low viscosity and are easily pumped for mixing into a treatment fluid, where upon dilution with an aqueous medium, the polymer is easily hydrated without forming fish-eyes. The partitioning agent in the water-in-water emulsion does not generally affect the rheology of the treatment fluid. The invention also relates to further processing of the emulsion by wet grinding, high shear mixing and/or heating to enhance the hydration rate in the preparation of the well treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Gary John Tustin, Yenny Christanti, Gregory Kubala, Bruno Drochon, Yiyan Chen, Marie Noelle Dessinges, Paul R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20110311645
    Abstract: A fracturing fluid may include water; at least one polymeric viscosifier; at least one proppant; and a solution of peracetic acid in an amount effective to inhibit bacterial growth. Other embodiments are directed to methods for inhibiting bacterial contamination in a fracturing fluid and/or ballast water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Raúl O. Diaz
  • Publication number: 20110312857
    Abstract: Drilling, drill-in and completion fluids containing nanoparticles for use in hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes and methods related thereto are provided. The fluids also include a dual acting shield agent that shields the nanoparticles and also acts as a viscosifier. The fluids can be used in various types of hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes, such as drilling, drill in, completion, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Md. Amanullah, Ziad Al-Abdullatif
  • Publication number: 20110303414
    Abstract: Using a complex emulsion for treating a subterranean formation, such as to dissolve minerals therein (e.g. carbonates, scales, and/or filter cake) to improve permeability, substantially improves post treatment fluid clean-up for improved hydrocarbon production. The complex emulsion is made by mixing an acid aqueous phase with an oil external microemulsion to give an initial product, where the acid aqueous phase is an external phase and the microemulsion is an internal phase. Then the initial product is mixed with a second oil (e.g. xylene, diesel, toluene, kerosene, other aromatics, refined hydrocarbons and the like) containing an emulsifier to make a complex emulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kushal Seth, Allen D. Gabrysch, Brian A. Evans, James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 8076270
    Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods utilize hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. The polymers may exhibit physical association in solution at a specific temperature so as to provide a significant increase in viscosity at the specific temperature. The viscosity of such systems is substantially increased by the further inclusion of one or more hydrophilic components that may exhibit physical association in solution at one or more temperature trigger points and also associate with the one or more hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA Inc.
    Inventors: Philip S. Smith, Dale L. Handlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110287983
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method comprising providing a fluid comprising a viscosifying agent in an aqueous medium; contacting the fluid with a N-halogenated derivative of hydantoin; whereby the viscosity of the fluid with the N-halogenated derivative of hydantoin is reduced compared to the viscosity of the fluid alone; and introducing the fluid into a well. The N-halogenated derivative of hydantoin can be dichlorodimethylhydantoin (DCDMH), bromochlorodimethylhydantoin (BCDMH), or dibromodimethylhydantoin (DBDMH). The N-halogenated derivative of hydantoin can be 1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin or 1,3-Dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Syed A. Ali, Andrey Mirakyan, Curtis L. Boney, Kevin W. England, Michael D. Parris, Kristel A. Blow
  • Patent number: 8043999
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including providing a treatment composition comprising a rheological polymer, a partitioning agent, a charged polyelectrolyte, and a first liquid medium, forming a stabilized heterogeneous mixture comprising a dispersed rheological polymer-rich phase and a partitioning agent-rich phase, and injecting the treatment fluid into the well bore. The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing a well treatment fluid, including mixing polyethylene glycol partitioning agent, a charged polyelectrolyte, a first aqueous medium, and one or more rheological polymers selected from the group consisting of guar, modified guar, cellulose, modified cellulose, heteropolysaccharide, heteropolysaccharide derivative, or polyacrylamide, to hydrate the one or more polymers and form a water-in-water emulsion, and mixing the water-in-water emulsion with a second aqueous medium to form a well treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Gary John Tustin, Christelle Vatry
  • Patent number: 8044000
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using water-in-water polymer emulsions to uniformly dissolve a rheologically active polymer, such as a thickener or friction reducer, in the treatment fluid. The emulsions have a low viscosity and are easily pumped for mixing into a treatment fluid, where upon dilution with an aqueous medium, the polymer is easily hydrated without forming fish-eyes. The partitioning agent in the water-in-water emulsion does not generally affect the rheology of the treatment fluid. The invention also relates to further processing of the emulsion by wet grinding, high shear mixing and/or heating to enhance the hydration rate in the preparation of the well treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Gary John Tustin, Yenny Christanti, Gregory Kubala, Bruno Drochon, Yiyan Chen, Marie Noelle Dessinges, Paul R. Howard
  • Publication number: 20110256085
    Abstract: A composition for enhancing fluid viscosity including a mixture of at least one cationic or cationizable polymer and at least one anionic or anionizable (hydrolysable) polymer. The composition has a zeta potential at 25° C. in the range of 0.5 to 100 mV or ?0.5 to ?100 mV, typically 1 to 60 mV or ?1 to ?60 mV, or is a precursor convertible at a temperature of 100 to 250° C. to the composition having a zeta potential at 25° C. of 0.5 to 100 mV or ?0.5 to ?100 mV, typically 1 to 60 mV or ?1 to ?60 mV. Typically the compositions exhibit salt tolerance and interaction of both polymers at very high temperatures (>300° F.) such that the system exhibits an increase of viscosity at extreme temperatures. The compositions are useful for hydraulic fracturing, enhanced oil recovery, subterranean acidization, personal care as well as home and industrial cleaners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Ruela TALINGTING PABALAN, Nemesio Martinez-Castro, Subramanian Kesavan, Marie Pierre Labeau, Bruno Langlois
  • Publication number: 20110257050
    Abstract: A method and composition for crosslinking a polymer based fluid includes providing a dry blend of crosslinker and delay agent. The crosslinker and delay agent are mixed and granulated in a dry form prior to addition to the polymer fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Marie Noelle Dessinges, Jean-Louis Pessin
  • Patent number: 8039421
    Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting scale in a hydrocarbon system, including the steps of: providing a hydrocarbon system; providing an aloe-derived scale inhibitor; and mixing the aloe-derived scale inhibitor with the hydrocarbon system in amounts effective to inhibit formation of scale. The scale inhibitor is an aloe vera gel/aloe sap mix dissolved in water at a concentration of between about 5 and about 50% wt/wt, which includes polysaccharides having a hydrocarbon chain structure having carboxyl and alcohol functional groups that interact with divalent ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Viloria, Luis Castillo, Jose A. Garcia, Maria Alejandra Carrasquero Ordaz, Elluz Vanessa Torin
  • Patent number: 8030254
    Abstract: A method includes providing a wellbore treatment fluid having a divalent brine and an amount of polymer and lowering a pH value of the treatment fluid. The method further includes retaining the treatment fluid at the lower pH value until the polymer achieves a primary hydration value. The method further includes adding a cross-linking agent and a cross-linking delay agent to the treatment fluid. The cross-linking agent includes zirconium and/or titanium, and the cross-linking delay agent is a polyol. The method further includes performing a wellbore treatment with the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alhad Phatak, Yenny Christanti, Carlos Abad, Balkrishna Gadiyar
  • Patent number: 8030249
    Abstract: Methods relating to the hydrolysis of water-hydrolysable materials are provided. In one embodiment, a method of treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the method comprising: providing a water-hydrolysable material; introducing the water-hydrolysable material into a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid and a water-miscible solvent; introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore so as to contact the water-hydrolysable material; and allowing the water-hydrolysable material to hydrolyze. Methods of completing a well also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Karen Savery
  • Patent number: 8030251
    Abstract: Treatments fluids relating to the hydrolysis of water-hydrolysable materials are provided. In one embodiment, provided is a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, a water-miscible solvent, and a water-hydrolysable material. Also provided is a hydrolysis retarder composition that comprises an aqueous liquid and a water-miscible solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Karen Savery
  • Patent number: 8030250
    Abstract: The production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation is enhanced by use of a well treatment fluid which contains a carboxylated guar which may be prepared by reacting a guar source and a derivatizing agent of the formula X(CH2)nCOOH or alkali salts thereof, wherein X is selected from the group consisting of —OSO2CH3; —OSO2C2H5; —OTs, —Br, and —I and n is between from 1 to 4. The intrinsic viscosity of the carboxylated guar in 2% KCl at 27° C. is at least 750 mL/g and the degree of substitution (DS) of the carboxylated guar is typically between from about 0.02 to about 0.15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hong Sun, Frances DeBenedictis, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 8017560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophobically modified hydroxyalkyl guar derivatives which dissolve rapidly in water, having a hydroxyalkyl molar substitution between 0.2 and 2.5 and containing hydrophobic groups comprising C10-C32 alkyl chains, to the procedure for their preparation and to their use in the formulation of well fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Lamberti SpA
    Inventors: Ugo Pfeiffer, Morano Gatto, Mauro Tenconi, Laura Vigano, Andrea Balestrini, Giuseppe Li Bassi
  • Patent number: 8003578
    Abstract: Brine-based well treatment compositions containing alkali nitrate exhibit greater thermal stability when used in deep wells than substantially similar brine-based well treatment compositions which do not contain an alkali nitrate. The brine is thickened with a water-soluble crosslinkable polymer and crosslinking agent. The enhanced thermal stability of the well treatment compositions allows use of the fluids at elevated temperatures, for instance as high as 400° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Terry D. Monroe, Daniel P. Vollmer, Bruce A. Comeaux, Kay E. Cawiezel
  • Publication number: 20110198089
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid, proppant, a viscosifying agent and a viscosifier material, wherein the viscosifier material is inactive in a first state and is able to increase viscosity of the treatment fluid when in a second state; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore; and, allowing the treatment fluid to interact with a trigger able to activate the viscosifier material from first state to second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Mohan K.R. Panga, Bruno Drochon, Isabelle Couillet, Juan-Carlos Santamaria, Peter J. Photos, John W. Still
  • Patent number: 7998909
    Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid is formed from an aqueous medium, a gas component, a viscosifying agent, and a surfactant. The surfactant is represented by the chemical formula: [R—(OCH2CH2)m—Oq—YOn]pX wherein R is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl, alkyl cycloaliphatic, or alkyl aryl group; O is an oxygen atom; Y is either a sulfur or phosphorus atom; m is 1 or more; n is a integer ranging from 1 to 3; p is a integer ranging from 1 to 4; q is a integer ranging from 0 to 1; and X is a cation. The fluid may be used in treating a subterranean formation penetrating by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the wellbore. The fluid may be used in fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the formation at a pressure equal to or greater than the fracture initiation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Carlos Abad, Bruno Drochon, Gregory Kubala, Laura Schafer, Alejandro Pena, Ramsey Buoy
  • Patent number: 7989400
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of formulating a treatment fluid and introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore. The treatment fluid comprises water; diutan; and a sufficient amount of salt to increase the density of the treatment fluid to at least 8.5 lb/gal, wherein at least 50% by weight of the salt is selected from the group consisting of: bromide salts, non-bromide salts having a higher salting-in effect than bromide according to the Hofmeister series as measured by the salt's effect on the cloud point of poly(ethylene oxide) that has a molecular weight of 4×106, and any combination in any proportion thereof. The invention also provides a treatment fluid for use in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the treatment fluid comprising: water; diutan; and a sufficient amount of salt to increase the density of the treatment fluid to at least 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7981845
    Abstract: This relates to a method and composition for forming and utilizing a fluid in the oilfield services industry including exposing a polyacid and/or polyacid derivative to a preparation method, introducing the prepared polyacid and/or polyacid derivative to a fluid to form a treatment fluid, and treating a subterranean formation and/or a wellbore with the treatment fluid, wherein the viscosity of the treatment fluid is not observably reduced by introducing the prepared polyacid and/or polyacid derivative to a treatment fluid. This also relates to a method and composition for use in the oil field services industry including a prepared polyacid and/or polyacid derivative, a fluid, and a viscosity control agent, wherein the viscosity of the composition is not observably lower than if the prepared polyacid and/or polyacid derivative were not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mathew M. Samuel, Balkrishna Gadiyar, Sai Aung Zaw Min