Patents Represented by Attorney George W. Hager, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5515915
    Abstract: A well screen for use in gravel packing completions which produces a good distribution of gravel over the entire completion interval. The screen is comprised of a base pipe and an outer surface (e.g. wire wrap). A plurality of flow paths (e.g. shunt tubes) are positioned in the annulus which is formed between the base pipe and the outer surface of the screen, thereby providing the necessary alternate flowpaths for the slurry without substantially increasing the overall, effective outside diameter of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Lloyd G. Jones, Tommy J. Yates
  • Patent number: 5513706
    Abstract: Formation stability surrounding a deviated wellbore penetrating a hydrocarbon reservoir is improved by alternately injecting higher and lower density consolidating materials, the higher density material improving stability in the formation primarily on the low side of the wellbore and the lower density material improving stability in the formation primarily on the high side of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred R. Jennings, Jr., E. Thomas Strom
  • Patent number: 5511616
    Abstract: A method using an "inverted" production well for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir wherein the production wellbore has a substantially vertical, non-inverted portion with angle building to near 90.degree.; an integral, substantially horizontal portion which extends into said reservoir; and an integral, upwardly curving tail portion which terminates near the top of the reservoir. A string of production tubing which may include a downhole pump is positioned within the non-inverted portion of wellbore. The inverted well increases the production interval within the reservoir and reduces bottom-water coning. Further, a plug can be set in the tail portion to reduce the production of steam through the wellbore. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single inverted well may be used both for injecting steam and producing fluids by extending a string of injection tubing through or adjacent to the production tubing and into the tail portion of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: David R. Bert
  • Patent number: 5507342
    Abstract: A method for repairing damaged sections of an oil well includes the use of a combination of two fluids, pumped simultaneously to allow treatment of a specific part of a portion of an oil producing zone. A first fluid is pumped down a coiled tubing and a second fluid is pumped down the annulus formed by the coiled tubing and the production tubing. Because of density differences in the two fluids, diversion is facilitated, treating the lower part of the pay zone with the first fluid and the second fluid to keep the first fluid away from the upper section of the open hole. The coiled tubing could be raised or lowered during this procedure to help ensure desired zone coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Copeland, Alfred R. Jennings, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5492175
    Abstract: A subsurface formation surrounding a borehole is hydraulically fractured when a fracturing fluid is supplied down through the borehole by way of a fluid injection line from the surface of the earth. Pressure drop is measured along the injection line as fracturing fluid flows therethrough. Both fracture closure and minimum in-situ stress are determined at the point where such pressure drop is equal only to a hydrostatic pressure difference along the injection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: A. Wadood El-Rabaa, Connie R. Woehr
  • Patent number: 5493226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining data for simultaneously measuring relative permeability (k.sub.r), static capillary pressure, dynamic capillary pressure (P.sub.c), and electrical resistivity (R.sub.t) of a core sample taken from a subterranean reservoir under simulated reservoir temperature and pressure. A core sample having a a simulated original water and oil saturation is waterflooded while (1) pressures at spaced points along the core are measured to determine k.sub.r, (2) capillary pressures of the oil and water are measured to determine P.sub.c ; and (3) R.sub.t is measured between points spaced on the core. At the same time, the core is scanned by microwaves to determine the water saturation existing in the core at the time a particular measurement is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Mobile Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Mehdi M. Honarpour, Da-Teh D. Huang, David W. Payton, Ralph Navarro
  • Patent number: 5492176
    Abstract: A method for plugging a zone of a subterranean formation to block flow therethrough. A specific plugging solution comprised of an allyl monomer and an initiator is injected into the zone where it is allowed to set at an elevated temperature to harden and form a flow-blocking solid. The allyl monomer is an allyl ester selected from the group of diallyl orthophthalate, diallyl isophthalate, diallyl terephthalate, diallyl benzenephosphonate, diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate) and other known allyl monomers and the initiator is preferably a peroxy compound (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate, etc.) or an azo compound (e.g. 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid). A diluent such as an alcohol (e.g. isopropyl alcohol or isobutyl alcohol) or a mutual solvent (e.g. ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diacetin, triacetin, acetone, etc.) and a coupling agent (e.g. an organofunctional silane) may be added if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, E. Thomas Strom, Larry L. Cox
  • Patent number: 5492177
    Abstract: A method for consolidating a subterranean formation to control the production of particulates therefrom. A specific consolidating solution comprised of an allyl monomer and an initiator is injected into the formation where it is allowed to set at an elevated temperature to harden and form a permeable, consolidated mass. The allyl monomer is an allyl ester selected from the group of diallyl orthophthalate, diallyl isophthalate, diallyl terephthalate, diallyl benzenephosphonate, diethylene glycol bis (allyl carbonate) and other known allyl monomers and the initiator is preferably a peroxy compound (e.g. benzoyl peroxide, diisopropyl peroxydicarbonate, etc.) or an azo compound (e.g. 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid). A diluent such as an alcohol (e.g. isopropyl alcohol or isobutyl alcohol) or a mutual solvent (e.g. ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diacetin, triacetin, acetone, etc.) and a coupling agent (e.g. an organofunctional silane) may be added if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Charles S. Yeh, E. Thomas Strom, Larry L. Cox
  • Patent number: 5484376
    Abstract: A thermoplastic film bag pack where each bag has a bottom, front, rear, and gusseted side walls, an inside and outside surface and a cut-edge mouth portion. The mouth portion has double film loop handles as integral extensions of the walls at its opposite ends. The external surface of the bag at the cut-edge region of the mouth between handles has been subjected to a corona discharge treatment to such an extent that adjacently facing cut-edge regions will be releasably adherent until a moderate force separates them. This condition provides for effective dispensing of grocery bags. A method of forming the bags and a system for dispensing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph D. Prader, Graham Smith
  • Patent number: 5484231
    Abstract: A process for obtaining decomposition products from a slurry of municipal waste by use of a geothermal reservoir. The process comprises placing the slurry of municipal waste into a geothermal reservoir; sealing the opening of the geothermal reservoir; and retorting the municipal waste slurry in the geothermal reservoir for a time sufficient to liberate methane, ammonia, urea, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates from said slurry. Thereafter, the liberated products are removed from the geothermal reservoir and separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Cannan, Alfred R. Jennings, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5482116
    Abstract: Method of hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean formation comprising drilling a deviated wellbore in a direction parallel to a desired fracture direction, and supplying fracturing fluid through the wellbore to the formation. The average net pressure on the fluid is maximized in a fracture formed in the formation by pumping the fracturing fluid at a maximum rate, and by using a high viscosity fracturing fluid. Maximization of the average net pressure acts to extend the fracture in a direction parallel to the direction of the wellbore. The amount of the extension of the fracture is a function of the ratio of the average net pressure to the horizontal stress difference, whereby the higher the ratio, the greater the amount of the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: A. Wadood El-Rabaa, Jon E. Olson
  • Patent number: 5474728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mold apparatus and a process for forming a lid latching mechanism in a thermoplastic container. The lid latching mechanism features a large, trapezoidally-shaped opening hole. The trapezoidal shape has been found to reduce the amount of tearing that can occur along the edges of an opening formed during the thermoforming process. The opening is created by the engagement between a fixed shear key mounted in a first mold member and a movable shear key which has a trapezoidally-shaped cutting surface and is mounted in a second mold member. The movable key travels along an inclined path as the mold members close on a preheated thermoplastic sheet to form a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn C. Castner, Keith A. Messinger, Donald E. Rowe
  • Patent number: 5466299
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a contaminated surface soil by contacting the soil with a solvent in which the contaminate is soluble and then vacuuming the solvent with the contaminants dissolved therein from the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Jan
  • Patent number: 5462118
    Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of horizontal wellbore cleanout of a horizontal wellbore drilled from a vertical wellbore, having a perforated liner cemented across the horizontal wellbore. The method includes running a coiled tubing into the horizontal wellbore. A first cleanup fluid is injected down the coiled tubing and a second cleanup fluid is injected down an annulus formed by the coiled tubing and the wellbore. The injection rates of the cleanup fluids in the coiled tubing and the annulus are balanced. The coiled tubing is moved back and forth over the horizontal wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred R. Jennings, Jr., Michael R. Chambers
  • Patent number: 5458860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of low frequency sonic energy within the range of 1.25 to 6.5 KHz, preferably less than 2.0 KHz and most preferably 1.25 KHz, for enhancing the dissolution of alkaline earth metal scales from well bores using a scale-removing solvent comprising an aqueous alkaline solution having a pH of about 8 to about 14 and containing EDTA or DTPA and a catalyst or synergist, preferably an oxalate anion. When the scale deposit is contacted with the scale removing solvent while simultaneously transmitting low frequency sonic energy through the solvent, substantially more scale is dissolved at a faster rate than previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Morris, James M. Paul
  • Patent number: 5452764
    Abstract: A well completion process for improved cement placement in a horizontal wellbore where dual density cleaning fluids are circulated down the wellbore for conditioning and cleaning it. Afterwards, a production tube containing centralizers is positioned centrally within the wellbore. Next, "spacer fluids" of higher and lower densities are circulated within an annulus formed by the space between the tube and the wellbore so as to more substantially clean the annulus out. Subsequently, a cement having a density greater than the spacer fluid is pumped into the annulus. Thereafter, a light weight cement is pumped into the annulus thereby overriding the heavier cement and removing voids in the annulus resulting in more efficient cement placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred R. Jennings, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5443119
    Abstract: In a hydrocarbon-producing well penetrating an unconsolidated hydrocarbon reservoir, the azimuthal direction of the maximum in-situ horizontal compressive stress within the reservoir having non-uniform horizontal tectonic stresses surrounding the well is determined. Perforations are formed in the reservoir, or in the casing if the well is cased, oriented in the azimuthal direction of the determined maximum in-situ horizontal compressive stress. Thereafter, hydrocarbon production is initiated from the well through the perforations whereby the potential for sand production along with produced hydrocarbons is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Chambers, Eve S. Sprunt
  • Patent number: 5443120
    Abstract: A method for improving the productivity of a well by separating and disposing of at least a portion of the water which is produced from a subterranean producing formation. The water is allowed to separate from the produced fluids under the influence of gravity while in the wellbore. The separated water is then disposed without removing it from the wellbore by flowing it into a subterranean disposal formation which has a pressure less than that of said producing formation. Preferably, the well is completed with an inclined wellbore which significantly aids in the gravity separation of the water from the produced fluids (e.g. hydrocarbons).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Howell
  • Patent number: 5435391
    Abstract: A method for fracturing and propping a thick and/or non-homogeneous fracture interval of a subterranean formation which is traversed by a wellbore. A workstring is lowered into the wellbore and a fracturing fluid is flowed into one end of the fracture interval annulus (i.e. that portion of the well annulus which lies adjacent the fracture interval) to initiate a fracture. The flow of fracturing fluid is ceased and a slurry containing proppants is flowed into said one end of the fracture interval annulus. During flow of fracturing fluid and slurry into said one end of the annulus, both are delivered through alternate flowpaths to different levels within said fracture interval. Alternate slugs of fracturing fluid and slurry is continued through the same end of the annulus until all of the levels or zones within the fracture interval have been fractured and propped and in some instances, also gravel-packed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Lloyd G. Jones
  • Patent number: 5431224
    Abstract: A method for improving hydrocarbon flow from a consolidated, tight reservoir rock having authigenic clay cementation includes thermally heating the reservoir rock in-situ surrounding a production well to change the mode of occurrence of clay cements within the rock so as to enhance reservoir permeability and carrying out rapid flowback into the production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Hooman Laali