Organic Component Contains Nitrogen Attached Directly Or Indirectly To Carbon By Nonionic Bonding Patents (Class 507/239)
  • Patent number: 8236736
    Abstract: A packer or annular fluid includes a hydrocarbon fluid; and a gelling agent; wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid. A method for preparing a packer fluid includes preparing a mixture of a hydrocarbon fluid, and a gelling agent; heating the mixture to a selected temperature; and shearing the mixture. A method for emplacing a packer fluid into an annulus includes preparing the packer fluid that includes a hydrocarbon fluid and a gelling agent, wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid; and pumping the packer fluid into the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Larry H. Leggett, Charles Svoboda, Morris Arvie, Jr., Robert L. Horton, Joyce H. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8236734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using threshold scale inhibitors of the formula: wherein n is 2 or 3 and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, for preventing calcium carbonate, iron carbonate, and calcium sulfate scale formation in oilwell brines containing dissolved iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Dong Shen, Randall J. Perkins, Dwayne D. Schielke, David H. Shcolnik
  • Patent number: 8207095
    Abstract: Scale inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent; wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. The mixture may also contain a multivalent ion and the particulates may be coated with a coating material in an amount from about 0.1% to about 40% coating material by weight of the scale inhibiting particulate to delay the release of the scale inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20120142562
    Abstract: The use of free, aromatic acids which contain at least two aromatic ring systems or at least two acid functions, and/or salts thereof, for influencing rock formations in the exploitation of underground mineral oil and/or natural gas deposits is described. The free acids are used in particular for influencing and especially controlling the flow of acid into rock formations in so-called acidizing methods. Suitable salts of said aromatic acids serve for reducing the rock permeability and in particular reducing the inflow of water into the well bore. In addition to this use, corresponding methods are also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Christian Spindler, Norbert Schleifer, Gregor Brodt
  • Patent number: 8188015
    Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, a fluid loss control agent and a viscosity enhancer are useful as treating fluids and particularly as fracturing fluids for subterranean formations. These VES-based fluids have faster and more complete clean-up than polymer-based fracturing fluids. The use of an internal breaker permits ready removal of the unique VES micelle based pseudo-filter cake with several advantages including reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume since more VES fluid stays within the fracture, generating a more optimum fracture geometry for enhanced reservoir productivity, and treating reservoirs with permeability above the present VES limit of approximately 400 md to at least 2000 md.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, Allen D. Gabrysch, James H. Treadway, John R. Willingham, Patrick A. Kelly, William R. Wood
  • Patent number: 8188012
    Abstract: The present invention describes the use of EDTA and/or alkali treated hard brine at high pH for making ASP formulations for EOR applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Upali P. Weerasooriya, Gary A. Pope
  • Patent number: 8183185
    Abstract: A well servicing fluid is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: an organic salt, the organic salt being the product of an organic acid and an organic amine base; and an aqueous based solvent. A method of servicing a well is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incoporated
    Inventor: Marek K. Pakulski
  • Patent number: 8158561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting scale and corrosion in aqueous systems, for example, under high temperature and pressure conditions such as temperatures up to 250° C. and/or pressures up to 10000 psi (i.e., about 68.9 MPa). The method involves providing polymer compositions comprising 1% to 100% by weight of a phosphorus-containing amide monomer to such aqueous systems, which arise, for example, in connection with oilfield operations and some water treatment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Eric Greyson, Joseph Manna, Somil Chandrakant Mehta
  • Publication number: 20120088700
    Abstract: An asphaltene and resin precipitation inhibiting solution formed of an asphaltene and resin precipitation inhibiting compound and a solvent miscible in a carbon dioxide liquid or supercritical fluid. The inhibiting compound includes a head region with an affinity for asphaltene and resin components of a hydrocarbon mixture that is greater than its affinity for water, carbon dioxide, and aliphatic components of the hydrocarbon mixture. The head region includes one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon groups or one or more nonionic dipolar groups. The inhibiting compound also includes a tail region with an affinity for carbon dioxide that is greater than its affinity for substantially all components of the hydrocarbon mixture and water. The tail region includes one or more nonionic quadrupolar groups. An effective amount of solution is added to a hydrocarbon mixture in an underground reservoir when employing a carbon dioxide fluid to flush the hydrocarbon mixture from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: CHAMPION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul R. Hart
  • Patent number: 8138129
    Abstract: Scale-inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. Methods of using scale-inhibiting particulates to inhibit scale formation in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 8124570
    Abstract: There is a viscoelastic fluid. The fluid has one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of certain quaternary salts, certain amines, and combinations thereof; one or more anionic polymers/anionic surfactants; one or more of certain zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants; and water. There is also a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The viscoelastic fluid is pumped through a wellbore and into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation. There is also a method for gravel packing a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rhodia, Inc.
    Inventors: Fang Li, Manilal Dahanayake, Allwyn Colaco
  • Patent number: 8105986
    Abstract: A sand slurry composition and a method for making sand slurries are disclosed. The sand slurry composition is comprised of sand, an aqueous liquid and a chemical compound that renders the surface sand of hydrophobic. The method is comprised of rendering sand surface hydrophobic during or before making the slurry. This method and composition can find many applications in different industries, especially in various oil field applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Trican Well Service Ltd.
    Inventor: Kewei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8105987
    Abstract: One or more methods for inhibiting corrosion in an aqueous medium that contain a composition with a specified generic formula are disclosed. The aqueous medium can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Erick J. Acosta, Jeffery Caleb Clark
  • Patent number: 8105988
    Abstract: One or more methods for inhibiting corrosion in a fluid that contain a composition with a specified generic formula are disclosed. The fluid can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Erick J. Acosta, Jeffery Caleb Clark
  • Patent number: 8101556
    Abstract: The present invention provides treatment fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, in at least one aspect, a treatment fluid that comprises a carrier fluid and a cationic surfactant comprising a cationic head group, a polar group attached to the head group, and a hydrophobic group that is either a saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight chain alkyl, and comprises about 6 carbons to about 22 carbons. The treatment fluids of the present invention are at least suitable for use as a remedial treatment for the reduction of existing water blocks, oil blocks, and/or gas condensates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Bobby E. Hall, Rajesh K. Saini, Anindya Ghosh
  • Publication number: 20110287985
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for treating a well having a wellbore extending from a ground surface or subsea surface downhole to an oil producing formation. Oil producing formations are capable of generating formation fluids into a wellbore. Formation fluids are comprised of at least an oil fraction and an aqueous fraction. Emulsions may form during oil production, and such emulsions may be comprised of oil and water. Inhibitor compositions may be employed to break such emulsions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell L. Gallup
  • Patent number: 8062999
    Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising a colloidally stabilized latex and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. The sealant compositions may include: an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer; an additional monomer comprising a non-aromatic unsaturated mono- or di- carboxylic ester monomer, an aromatic unsaturated monomer, a nitrogen-containing monomer, or combinations thereof; and a protective colloid. The foregoing sealant composition may be displaced into the wellbore to isolate the subterranean formation from a portion of the wellbore, to support a conduit in the wellbore, to plug a void or crack in the conduit, to plug a void or crack in a cement sheath disposed in an annulus of the wellbore, to plug an opening between the cement sheath and the conduit, or combinations thereof. The colloidally stabilized latex remains substantially stable when exposed to salt, which may be present in the wellbore and/or in the sealant composition itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Anthony V. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8053396
    Abstract: Use of a mixture comprising a surfactant and a cosurfactant in the form of an aqueous solution for flooding underground deposits of hydrocarbons for mobilizing and recovering the hydrocarbons from the underground deposits, the cosurfactant being a substance or a group of substances selected from the following list: an amphiphilic comb polymer having a backbone with two or more side chains attached to the backbone, the side chains differing from one another and/or the side chains differing from the backbone in their amphiphilic character, an amphiphilic polymer having one or more hydrophobic subunits [A2] based on a polyisobutene block, at least 50 mol % of whose polyisobutene macromolecules have terminally arranged double bonds, and one or more hydrophilic subunits [B2], or an amphiphilic polymer having the general structural formula
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Jürgen Huff, Günter Oetter, Angelika Kühnle, Susanne Petrovic, Marcus Guzmann, Ingo Münster, Gregor Brodt
  • Patent number: 8039422
    Abstract: An acid-in-oil emulsion having a corrosion inhibitor as the external phase has been found to prevent downhole corrosion when acidizing carbonate formations to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ali A. Al-Zahrani
  • Publication number: 20110240297
    Abstract: A method comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, and a low-leakoff particulate, contacting a subterranean formation with the treatment fluid, and allowing the low-leakoff particulate to de-link so that at least a portion of the low-leakoff particulate enters the liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Paul D. Lord, Jimmie D. Weaver, Ivan M. Suleiman
  • Publication number: 20110237470
    Abstract: A method of decreasing the viscosity of a gelled organic-based fluid is disclosed. The method comprises combining an organic solvent, a gelling agent, and a metal crosslinker; forming the gelled organic-based fluid; and adding a chelating agent forming a complex with the metal to decrease the viscosity of the gelled organic-based fluid. The chelating agent may be chosen within nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), citric acid; ascorbic acid, hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) or its salts, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or its salts, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) or its salts, phosphinopolyacrylate, thioglycolates, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Lijun Lin, Oscar Bustos, Randy Tercero, Mathew M. Samuel
  • Patent number: 8022016
    Abstract: There is a viscoelastic fluid. The fluid has one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of certain quaternary salts, certain amines, and combinations thereof; one or more anionic polymers/anionic surfactants; one or more of certain zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants; and water. There is also a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The viscoelastic fluid is pumped through a wellbore and into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation. There is also a method for gravel packing a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Rhodia, Inc.
    Inventors: Fang Li, Manilal Dahanayake, Allwyn Colaco
  • Patent number: 8012913
    Abstract: A new class of sulfur scavenging or converting compositions is disclosed comprising diamine terminated, amine-aldehyde adducts, where the adducts are substantially bimolecular amine-aldehyde adducts and the composition is substantially free of trimer and/or triazines. Methods for making and using the new class of sulfur scavenging or converting composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Clearwater International LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Gatlin, Daniel R. Dostie, Timothy Eric Gatlin
  • Patent number: 8008236
    Abstract: Many methods are provided including a method comprising: providing a surfactant gel having a first viscosity that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a surfactant; providing an ortho ester breaker; contacting the surfactant gel with the ortho ester breaker; allowing the ortho ester breaker to hydrolyze to produce an acid and an alcohol; and allowing the acid and/or the alcohol to interact with the surfactant gel so as to reduce the first viscosity of the surfactant gel to a second viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7989403
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion in a fluid is disclosed. The method comprises: adding to the fluid an effective corrosion inhibiting amount of a synergist, a synergist when H2S is present in the fluid, or no synergist when H2S is present in the fluid, and a composition comprising specified following formula and optionally salts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Erick J. Acosta, Peter A. Webber, Keith A. Monk
  • Publication number: 20110160099
    Abstract: A method for reducing the toxicity of an invert emulsion wellbore fluid is disclosed. The method comprises forming an invert emulsion wellbore fluid comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, an aqueous discontinuous phase, and an emulsifying fluid, wherein the emulsifying fluid comprises a nitrogen-containing emulsifying agent and an alkalinity agent, and wherein the invert emulsion wellbore fluid produces an LC50 (SSP) of at least 30,000 parts per million at 3000° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Arvind D. Patel, Maribella Irving
  • Publication number: 20110152133
    Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael W. Sanders, Jeffrey L. Mundy, Fong Fong Foo, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7956017
    Abstract: A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Gatlin, Frank Zamora, Jim Venditto, Sarkis Kakadjian Ranka
  • Publication number: 20110127039
    Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation includes forming a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a solid acid-precursor, and a solid scale inhibitor. The solid acid-precursor includes a material that forms an acid at downhole conditions in the subterranean formation. The method further includes adding a solid acid-responsive material into the treatment fluid, where the solid acid-responsive material enhances formation of acid from the solid acid-precursor in acidic conditions. The method includes performing an acid fracture treatment and inhibiting scale formation within the subterranean formation. The solid scale inhibitor allows for long-term scale inhibition after the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Marieliz Garcia-Lopez De Victoria, John W. Still, Toan Bui
  • Publication number: 20110124534
    Abstract: A substantially liquid gellant formed as one or more reaction products of a metal carboxylate or metal carboxylate amine salt, one or more organic acids, an ester which drives the reaction so that the reaction products are asymmetrical in structure, and a rheology modifier which preferentially interacts between the reaction products for prevent solidifying of the gellant reaction products until such time as the gellant is mixed with the fracturing fluid containing an activator after which the reaction products preferentially interact with the activator to gel the fracturing fluid. The resulting gellant is capable of gelling a hydrocarbon base fluid in less than about 30 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD ENGINEERED CHEMISTRY CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: Clayton SMITH, Simon John Michael LEVEY
  • Patent number: 7939471
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, improved viscoelastic surfactant gels that comprise non-aqueous tackifying agents, and their associated methods of use, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a non-aqueous tackifying agent, and a viscoelastic surfactant; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7939472
    Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one metal ion source and optionally at least one second source. An optional second source may be a chelating agent where at least one reducing agent source may be additionally optionally used. Another optional component with the metal ion source includes a second, different metal ion source. The breaking composition is believed to directly attack the VES itself, possibly by disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid, and/or possibly by changing the chemical structure of the VES to give two or more products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James B. Crews
  • Publication number: 20110105369
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for treating a portion of a well. The methods include the steps of: (A) forming a viscoelastic treatment fluid, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (i) water; (ii) a viscoelastic surfactant (“VES”), wherein the VES is soluble in the water and wherein the VES is in the form of micelles; and (iii) a cross-linking agent for the VES molecules, wherein: (a) the cross-linking agent comprises cross-linking agent molecules having at least one complexed transition metal, wherein the transition metal has a valence state of at least three; and (b) the cross-linking agent is soluble in the water; and (B) introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of the well. According to a first aspect of the invention, (a) the VES comprises VES molecules having an alkyl group of greater than 14 carbon atoms and (b) the VES comprises VES molecules having at least one functional group selected from a carboxylate group, an amino group, an alcohol group, and an ether group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: B. Raghava Reddy
  • Patent number: 7923419
    Abstract: Unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli is inhibited by introduction into the annuli a thermal insulating packer fluid or a riser fluid containing a zwitterionic surfactant, an alcohol and a brine. The viscosity of the composition is sufficient to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus. The invention has particular applicability with high density brines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Qi Qu, Xiaolan Wang
  • Patent number: 7915202
    Abstract: A clay stabilizer which is capable of inhibiting swelling in a wide variety of clay types and is also capable of restoring permeability in formations which have previously been damaged by clay swelling. Amine salts of differing molecular weights configurations and ionic strength are combined to provide transport into micropores, mesopores and macropores in the formation and to effect cationic change therein. A poly quaternary amine having a high to very high charge density is added along with lower molecular weight amine salts to substantially permanently exchange cations with the clay in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford Engineered Chemistry Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Clayton Smith, Darin Oswald, Michael D Daffin
  • Patent number: 7906464
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising providing a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor, an acid precursor, and an aqueous fluid, and contacting the composition with oil wet solids in the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based fluid into a wellbore, wherein the oil-based fluid forms oil wet solids in the wellbore, contacting the oil wet solids in the wellbore with a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor; an acid precursor and an aqueous fluid, and allowing the oil wet solids to become water wet. A method of servicing a well bore comprising contacting a composition comprising a formate ester with oil wet solids in the well bore under conditions wherein the formate ester hydrolyzes to release formic acid, wherein the formic acid catalyzes the hydrolysis of additional formate ester, and wherein all or a portion of the formate ester converts at least a portion of the oil-wet solids to water-wet solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Davidson
  • Patent number: 7879770
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Oxidizing agents such as air, oxygen, persulfates, bromates, peroxides, and others are used. The break may be accelerated, for example with a free radical propagating species, or retarded, for example with an oxygen scavenger. In certain brines, for example bromide brines, certain zwitterionic viscoelastic fluid systems that can decarboxylate and that require an anion-containing co-surfactant undergo delayed degradation if oxygen is present, for example from fluid preparation or in a foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Yiyan Chen, Philip F. Sullivan, Belgin Baser, Carlos Abad, Jesse C. Lee
  • Patent number: 7879771
    Abstract: A non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition includes a non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide, wherein the metal is chemically bonded to a glycol containing 4 or more carbons, to an alkoxy group containing 6 or more carbons, or a mixture of both. A fracturing fluid employed in the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations is formulated through mixture of the non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition with a polymer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Benchmark Performance Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek E. Vaughn, Robert H. Duncan, David N. Harry, Dennis A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7879767
    Abstract: An aqueous, viscoelastic fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is inhibited against hydrate formation with an effective amount of an additive that could be one or more halide salts of alkali metals and alkali earth metals, formate salts, alcohols, glycols, glycol amines, sugars, sugar alcohols, amidoamine oxides, polymers such as polyamines, polyvinylpyrrolidones and derivatives thereof, polyvinyl alcohols and derivatives thereof, polycaprolactams and derivatives thereof, hydroxyethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof. These fluids are inhibited against hydrate formation and may have increased viscosity as well. The additives may increase viscosity to the point where less VES is required to maintain a given viscosity. These inhibited, aqueous, viscoelastic fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in stimulation treatments, e.g. hydraulic fracturing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Perry Douglas Baycroft, Allen D. Gabrysch, James B. Crews, Paul M. McElfresh
  • Patent number: 7871964
    Abstract: A composition for mitigating or preventing the formation of an emulsion between naphthenic acid and metal cations in a hydrocarbon body, the composition including at least one alkoxylated amine and at least one acid and/or alcohol is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: M-I Australia Pty. Ltd., M-I SWACO Norge AS
    Inventors: James Smith, Chandrashekhar Y. Khandekar, Rohan Wilson
  • Patent number: 7846877
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a portion of a well and include the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution comprises: (i) water; (ii) a water-soluble polysaccharide; (iii) one or more water-soluble salts, wherein the one or more salts are selected and are in at least a sufficient concentration such that the water-salt solution has a density of at least 10 ppg; and (iv) urea; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the portion of the well. According to the inventions, the concentration of the urea in the water is in at least a sufficient concentration such that aqueous solution: (1) has a G? of at least 2 Pa, or (2) is filterable. According to the inventions, an identical aqueous solution except with less than the sufficient concentration of the urea would not satisfy the above conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7829510
    Abstract: A composition for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Clear Water International LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Gatlin, Brian J. Hallett, Ryan L. Cook
  • Patent number: 7816305
    Abstract: Certain reversible surfactants, treatment fluids, and methods of use employing such reversible surfactants in subterranean applications are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a reversible surfactant that comprises a hydrophobic portion and a nitrogen-containing functional group that is capable of reacting with carbon dioxide to form a salt; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Narongsak Tonmukayakul
  • Publication number: 20100258310
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for servicing subterranean wells, in particular, fluid compositions and methods for remedial operations during which the fluid compositions are pumped into a wellbore and make contact with well cements placed during primary cementing or previous remedial cementing operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Simon JAMES, Michel MICHAUX, Clara Carelli, Sylvaine Le Roy-Delage
  • Patent number: 7811974
    Abstract: Compressible and resilient sealing compositions for injection into oil or gas wells are provided, which are capable of forming effective seals adjacent well casings even at elevated downhole temperatures. The compositions comprise an epoxy component present in a predominant weight percentage, including an epoxy resin and a glycidyl ether modifier, as well as additional components rendering the cured compositions both compressive and resilient. The compositions are used as a partial or complete substitute for casing cements, and can be used to good effect with expandable casing installations or for sealing casing breaks. High set-up temperature (220-300° F.) compositions preferably include an ethoxylated alkyl (C10-C20) monoamine or diamine, and alkyl pyridine quaternary ammonium components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: JaCam Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene H. Zaid, Beth Ann Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100252264
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is accomplished by introducing a fluid into the wellbore containing a combined fluid loss additive and breaker. The combined fluid loss additive and breaker is formed from particles of an organic peroxide provided on a substrate. The particles are sized to facilitate fluid loss control. A treatment operation is carried out wherein a treatment fluid viscosified with a polymer is introduced into the formation through the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard D. Hutchins, Joseph A. Ayoub, Andrey Mirakyan, Micheal D. Parris, Stephen D. Mason, Ann M.W. Hoefer
  • Patent number: 7799741
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one hydrophobin or at least one hydrophobin derivative in a drilling mud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Marcus Guzmann, Yaqian Liu, Ulf Baus
  • Patent number: 7795189
    Abstract: A process to prepare a solution of zirconium-hydroxyalkylated diamine-lactic acid complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting an alcohol solution of a zirconium complex with an hydroxyalkylated diamine, then with lactic acid to produce a solution of zirconium-hydroxyalkylated diamine-lactic acid complex. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition in hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones of subterranean formations at pH of 10 or greater and at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Edward Putzig
  • Patent number: 7786050
    Abstract: Methods comprising preparing an aqueous mixture of an anionic polymer, a charge screening surfactant, and a borate crosslinker, wherein the mixture has a conductivity less than 10 mS/cm, injecting the mixture down a wellbore, and gelling the mixture. An embodiment of the aqueous mixture can also include tetramethylammonium chloride as a clay stabilizer and a metal crosslinker such as a complex of zirconium and an amino acid ligand system. An embodiment can effectively provide borate crosslinking of an anionic polymer in a low-ionic-strength fluid system, without sacrificing ultimate gel strength or thermal persistence of the metal crosslinked polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Parris, Andrey Mirakyan, Yiyan Chen, Carlos Abad
  • Patent number: 7786053
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid having at least two phases, the wellbore fluid including a fluid phase; and a solid phase including a powdered solid material coated with a polymer, wherein the polymer is the reaction product of a polyesteramide and a crosslinking agent is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: M-1 L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Antony Ballard