Patents Represented by Attorney Robert A. Kent
  • Patent number: 5960880
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of stimulating fluid production while preventing the migration of sand with produced fluids from an unconsolidated subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore. The methods basically comprise the steps of creating one or more fractures in the formation, injecting a hardenable resin composition into a portion of the formation through which the fractures extend whereby the portion of the formation is consolidated into a hard permeable mass and depositing proppant in the fractures to maintain the fractures open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Hazim H. Abass, Steven F. Wilson, Sanjay Vitthal, R. Clay Cole, Bobby K. Bowles
  • Patent number: 5960877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and compositions for performing well completion or remedial procedures in subterranean zones having temperatures below about 70.degree. F. or above about 170.degree. F. The methods basically include the steps of introducing into the zone an aqueous solution of a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator and a low temperature polymerization activator or a high temperature polymerization inhibitor. Thereafter, the polymerizable monomer is allowed to polymerize in the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Keith A. Frost
  • Patent number: 5950731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating subterranean formations and viscosified aqueous well treating compositions which break into thin fluids at temperatures in the range of from about 100.degree. F., to about 300.degree. F. A breaker system is included in the compositions comprised of an alkali metal chlorite or hypochlorite breaker and a breaker activator comprised of copper II ion or an amine, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris E. Shuchart, Billy F. Slabaugh, John M. Terracina, Michael A. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5944105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for stabilizing incompetent or otherwise unstable hydrocarbon producing subterranean zones or formations penetrated by a wellbore during drilling. The methods basically comprise drilling the wellbore into an unstable hydrocarbon producing subterranean zone or formation when it is encountered, pumping a fluid through a well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the portion of the wellbore in the unstable zone or formation whereby fluid jets formed by the well stabilization tool enlarge the diameter of the wellbore by fluid jet erosion, pumping a hardenable permeable material through the well stabilization tool while moving the tool through the enlarged portion of the wellbore whereby the enlarged portion is filled with the hardenable permeable material, allowing the permeable material to harden and then drilling the wellbore through the hardened permeable material and producing hydrocarbons therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5944106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the amount of water produced from a subterranean formation as a result of stimulation of the subterranean formation. The method comprises the introduction of a gelled fluid to initiate a fracture in a formation, introduction of a first and second reactive polymer which leak-off into the formation along the fracture and which are capable of subsequently reacting together to form a reaction product which selectively reduces the permeability of the formation to water flow through the formation into the fracture and introduction of a crosslinked gelled fluid to extend the fracture into the formation and facilitate the introduction of a propping agent into the created fracture. The reactive polymers react in situ to form a reaction product that binds to the formation in such a manner that the flow of water is selectively retarded through the matrix while the flow of oil is substantially unaffected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon D. Dalrymple, Jeff A. Dahl, Stephen T. Arrington, Prentice G. Creel
  • Patent number: 5934376
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the wellbore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the wellbore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft
  • Patent number: 5934377
    Abstract: A method for isolating subterranean formations or zones intersected by a single wellbore is provided. The method comprises perforating a zone intersected by the wellbore and pumping a sealing means into the wellbore to seal against the side of the casing above and below the perforations to prevent communication from the zone into the wellbore after the casing has been perforated. The method further comprises fracturing the zone through the perforations prior to sealing and thus isolating the zone. Other zones thereabove are likewise perforated, fractured, sealed and thus isolated by pumping sealing means into the wellbore to seal the casing adjacent the perforations to prevent communication from the affected zones into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Savage
  • Patent number: 5924488
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of placing proppant in fractures formed in a subterranean zone to prevent the subsequent flow-back of the proppant with fluids produced from the zone. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of depositing a mixture of hardenable resin composition coated proppant and uncoated proppant in the fractures and then causing the resin composition to harden into stationary permeable masses in the fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, David L. Brown, Steven F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5921317
    Abstract: Methods of continuously forming and suspending hardenable resin-fibrous material composite coated proppant in a carrier liquid are provided. The methods basically comprise dissolving a hardenable resin composition and a fibrous material in a solvent which is insoluble in the carrier liquid, pumping the carrier liquid, combining uncoated proppant with the carrier liquid as the carrier liquid is pumped and combining the hardenable resin composition-fibrous material solution with the carrier liquid as the carrier liquid is pumped whereby the proppant is coated with a hardenable resin composition-fibrous material composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brahmadeo T. Dewprashad, Jimmie D. Weaver, Steven F. Wilson, Bhadra D. Desai
  • Patent number: 5916484
    Abstract: By the present invention, improved metal corrosion inhibited aqueous organic acid compositions and methods are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of water, an organic acid, a corrosion inhibitor comprising at least one rosin amine derivative and a low toxicity corrosion inhibitor intensifier selected from the group consisting of thioglycolic acid and derivatives thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Brezinski
  • Patent number: 5908073
    Abstract: Improved methods of propping a fracture in a subterranean zone whereby the subsequent flow-back of the proppant is prevented are provided. The methods basically include the steps of placing a mixture of fibrous bundles and the proppant in the fracture while maintaining the fracture open and then allowing the fracture to close on the mixture of fibrous bundles and proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Kirk L. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5894888
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of forming spaced fractures in a subterranean zone penetrated by a horizontal well bore. The methods include the steps of placing an open ended solid liner in the horizontal well bore, pumping a fracturing fluid through the open end of the liner to create fractures in the zone adjacent to the open end, forming perforations in the liner at a selected position spaced from the previously created fractures and pumping a fracturing fluid through the perforations to create additional fractures in the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignees: Chesapeake Operating, Inc, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy O. Wiemers, Walter B. Hill, William V. Grieser
  • Patent number: 5871049
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid whereby fine particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate coated with a tackifying compound, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of any fine particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation through the wellbore. Alternatively, the tackifying compound may be introduced into a subterranean formation in a diluent containing solution to deposit upon previously introduced particulates to retard movement of such particulates and any fines subject to flow with production of fluids from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim D. Weaver, James R. Stanford, Philip D. Nguyen, Bobby K. Bowles, Steven F. Wilson, Brahmadeo Dewprashad, Mark A. Parker
  • Patent number: 5868030
    Abstract: A core sample test apparatus applies pressure to the core sample and measures responsive longitudinal deformation with two sensors and lateral deformation with two orthogonal pairs of diametrically disposed sensors. The apparatus holds the core sample under test in a sleeve to which no or insignificant end torsional forces are applied during installation due to rotationally blocked washers used adjacent the ends of the sleeve. Concurrent acoustic testing can also be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Brumley, David L. Meadows, Billy J. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5853048
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid whereby fine particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate coated with a tackifying compound, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of any fine particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation through the wellbore. Alternatively, the tackifying compound may be introduced into a subterranean formation in a diluent containing solution to deposit upon previously introduced particulates to retard movement of such particulates and any fines subject to flow with production of fluids from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim D. Weaver, James R. Stanford, Philip D. Nguyen, Bobby K. Bowles, Steven F. Wilson, Brahmadeo Dewprashad, Mark A. Parker
  • Patent number: 5839510
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate, a tackifying compound and a hardenable resin, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation and said hardenable resin subsequently consolidates at least a portion of said particulate within said formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim D. Weaver, Philip D. Nguyen, James R. Stanford, Bobby K. Bowles, Steven F. Wilson, R. Clay Cole, Mark A. Parker, Brahmadeo T. Dewprashad
  • Patent number: 5840784
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and compositions for performing well completion or remedial procedures in subterranean zones having temperatures below about 70.degree. F. The methods basically comprise the steps of introducing into the zone an aqueous solution of a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator and an oxygen scavenger comprised of stannous chloride. Thereafter, the polymerizable monomer is allowed to polymerize in the zone. The stannous chloride scavenges oxygen without generating free radicals and causing premature polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Keith A. Frost
  • Patent number: 5833000
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate upon which at least a partial coating of a tackifying compound is formed as a result of admixture of the tackifying compound therewith, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim D. Weaver, James R. Stanford, Brahmadeo Dewprashad, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5827804
    Abstract: The present invention provides borate cross-linked well treating fluids and methods of preparing and using the fluids in treating wells such as fracturing subterranean zones therein. The improved cross-linked treating fluids are basically comprised of water, a hydrated galactomannan gelling agent and a borate composition for buffering the treating fluid and cross-linking the hydrated galactomannan gelling agent comprised of water, a soluble boron source and an alkanolamine or alkylamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventors: Phillip C. Harris, Michael A. McCabe, Lewis R. Norman, Ronald J. Powell, Chris E. Shuchart, Billy F. Slabaugh, John M. Terracina, Joseph G. Yaritz
  • Patent number: 5799734
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore utilizing a preformed high solids content slurry is prepared and transported to the wellsite. A portion of the slurry is admixed with a treatment fluid whereby the resultant solids content of the fluid is reduced and the fluid is introduced into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The high solids content slurry is substantially stable and the particulate does not substantially settle within the fluid prior to admixing with the treatment fluid thereby permitting large quantities of particulate to be rapidly admixed with a treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Billy F. Slabaugh, Michael A. McCabe, Ronnie G. Morgan