Patents Assigned to Clearwater International, L.L.C.
  • Patent number: 8932996
    Abstract: Methods relate to using phosphate and/or nitrate brines to reduce hydrate formation in flowlines under conditions conducive for hydrate formation in the absence of the phosphate and/or nitrate brine. The phosphate and/or nitrate brines may include compatible anti-corrosion additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Clearwater International L.L.C.
    Inventors: Olusegun Matthew Falana, Michael Morrow, Frank G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 8562820
    Abstract: 1,3,5-(2H2,4H2,6H2)tripropanediamine N,N,N?,N?,N?,N? hexamethyl is used to scavenge sulfur compounds from hydrocarbons. A novel method of making the triazine comprises autocondensing (CH3)2NCH2CH2CH2N?CH2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Larry W. Gatlin
  • Patent number: 7713435
    Abstract: Carboxylate salts of amines are used as components of heat exchange fluids. The amines may have a ratio of N to C of 1:0 to 1:12 and the carboxylate anion may be derived from an acid of the formula H(CH2)0-3COOH. A preferred monoamine heat exchange fluid utilizes triethanolamine formate. Lower carboxylate salts of diamines and triamines having the formula R2[N[(CH2)mNR]1-2]R where each R is independently selected from moieties of the formula —CnH2n+1 and moieties of the formula H[O(CH2)1-4]—, each m is independently a number from 1 to 6, and each n is a number from 1 to 4, are disclosed as compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Larry W. Gatlin, John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 7575057
    Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin N. Schwartz, Kevin W. Smith, Shih-Ruey T. Chen
  • Patent number: 7576038
    Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid of potassium formate together with a cationic formation control additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7348297
    Abstract: Compounds of the formula H(CH2)zCOO—[C2H4O]xCyH2y+1 where z is 0-2, x is an integer from 1 to 5 and y is an integer from 4-9 are used as emulsion breakers and defoamers in formation treatment fluids in the recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations. A preferred material has the formula HCOO—[C2H40]3C6H7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Joseph Miller, Larry W. Gatlin
  • Patent number: 7211665
    Abstract: 1,3,5-(2H2,4H2,6H2) tripropanediamine N,N,N?,N?,N?,N? hexamethyl is used to scavenge sulfur compounds from hydrocarbons. A novel method of making the triazine comprises autocondensing (CH3)2NCH2CH2CH2N?CH2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Larry W. Gatlin
  • Patent number: 7060198
    Abstract: Carboxylate salts of amines are used as components of heat exchange fluids. The amines may have a ratio of N to C of 1:0 to 1:12 and the carboxylate anion may be derived from an acid of the formula H(CH2)0-3COOH. A preferred monoamine heat exchange fluid utilizes triethanolamine formate. Lower carboxylate salts of diamines and triamines having the formula R2[N[(CH2)mNR]1-2]R where each R is independently selected from moieties of the formula —CnH2n+1 and moieties of the formula H[O(CH2)1-4]—, each m is independently a number from 1 to 6, and each n is a number from 1 to 4, are disclosed as compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Larry W. Gatlin, John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 7028771
    Abstract: Low concentrations, 1–10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Rusty R. Mackey, John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 6921742
    Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid fluid of potassium formate together with a cationic formation control additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6893582
    Abstract: A heat transfer fluid comprising potassium formate is used to good effect in line heaters for heating natural gas in gas transmission lines, and for other uses. The solution is heated in a liquid heat transfer medium in a fluid heating zone and transferred to a gas heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, John H. Hallman, Lori Acor, Joseph Miller
  • Patent number: 6689204
    Abstract: Roadbed material is stabilized by the addition of a small amount of potassium formate, preferably together with a water-soluble polymer which is preferably a cationic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark E. Stanley
  • Patent number: 6666906
    Abstract: Potassium or other alkali metal formate solution is used to absorb moisture from gas through a membrane. The membrane may be supported on permeable tubes, and the potassium or other alkali metal formate may be regenerated for reuse, preferably by a cavitation regenerator. The potassium or other alkali metal formate should be present as a 40-80% solution, most preferably 70-76%. The process is especially useful for the dehydration of natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John H. Hallman
  • Patent number: 6659123
    Abstract: Fire hydrants are protected from freezing by including potassium formate, preferably at least 10% by weight, in the water enclosed in them during nonuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Hyland, John H. Hallman