Patents Assigned to M-I LLC
  • Patent number: 8596364
    Abstract: A method for treating a wellbore in a hydrogen sulfide-containing formation that includes injecting a first slug in the wellbore, the first slug comprising: at least one of primary amine and ammonia; and a base fluid; injecting a second slug in the wellbore, the second slug comprising: a triazine scavenger; and a base fluid; and allowing the triazine scavenger to react with the hydrogen sulfide is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Horton, Randy Stoker, Paul Davis
  • Patent number: 8567269
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a sensor with strict orientation and insertion depth requirements in a process vessel or pipe section. The apparatus includes a lock block having a socket for receiving a plug disposed around a sensor inserted through an inner bore of the lock block. Reception of the plug in the socket controls insertion depth of the sensor in the process vessel. The lock block also includes a cam bore for receiving a cam used to rotationally orient the sensor and the attached plug. The cam is locked into position within the cam bore of the lock block by inserting a retaining pin through a retaining pin bore in the cam. During insertion and removal of the sensor through the sensor mounting apparatus, process isolation is maintained by an integral seal mechanism of the lock block and an internal isolation valve that fits within the lock block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Lewis J. Dutel, Jeff Hilpert
  • Patent number: 8561804
    Abstract: A screen clamp (400) including a track (402) configured to secure a shaker screen (420) to a shaker, the track including an angled surface configured to contact a corresponding beveled edge of the shaker screen, the screen clamp further including an upper retainer (404) configured to extend from an inner wall of the shaker over at least a portion of the shaker screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Brian S. Carr, Benjamin L. Holton, Eric Cady
  • Patent number: 8525986
    Abstract: A method of completing a hydrocarbon lateral well in a target shale formation. The method uses a data log generated from an optical flow cell assembly to identify areas in the lateral well of high free gas porosity. By evaluating such data, an operator can group “like” rock, determine stage length and variation in stage length, and determine perforation cluster spacing and location. The flow cell assembly can also be used in a completion program to assist in the steering of a lateral well being drilled below the target formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Lewis J. Dutel
  • Patent number: 8467050
    Abstract: A flow cell assembly for measuring the flow rate of gas in a pipe having an optical probe mounted on a flow cell inserted between sections of pipe. A distal end of the optical probe is disposed within an internal bore of the flow cell. The optical probe is capable of measuring the velocity of particles in a gas flowing through the internal bore. A sensor mechanism may be mounted on the flow cell and have a sensor array with a distal end disposed within the flow cell internal bore. The sensor array is capable of measuring physical properties of the gas. The optical probe is self-aligned when mounted to the flow cell through the use of a locking cam and an orientation ring. Velocity and physical property measurements are used to calculate flow rate. Alternatively, the optical probe and sensor mechanism may be mounted directly onto an existing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Lewis J. Dutel
  • Patent number: 8316963
    Abstract: A method for using a vessel assembly including two or more vessels in multiple drilling unit operations, the method including using a vessel in the container assembly for cuttings storage, and operating at least one vessel in the container system in at least two of a slurrification system, a drilling fluid recycling system, and a tank cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Jan Thore Eia, Gordon M. Logan
  • Publication number: 20120175317
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source, the system including a mixer configured to produce a slurry including the solid source and a liquid, and a first separator in fluid communication with the mixer, the first separator configured to separate hydrocarbons from the slurry. Additionally, a second separator include communication with the first separator, the second separator configured to receive the slurry from the first separator and separate additional hydrocarbons from the slurry, and a separation vessel including a hydrocarbon remover in fluid communication with the first and second separators, the separation vessel configured to receive the separated hydrocarbons and remove residual liquid from the hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Paul Newman, Christian Nilsen
  • Patent number: 8158000
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source, the system including a mixer configured to produce a slurry including the solid source and a liquid, and a first separator in fluid communication with the mixer, the first separator configured to separate hydrocarbons from the slurry. Additionally, a second separator include communication with the first separator, the second separator configured to receive the slurry from the first separator and separate additional hydrocarbons from the slurry, and a separation vessel including a hydrocarbon remover in fluid communication with the first and second separators, the separation vessel configured to receive the separated hydrocarbons and remove residual liquid from the hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Paul Newman, Christian Nilsen
  • Patent number: 8141714
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a vibratory screen separator and methods for using a vibratory screen separator. The vibratory screen separator may have a stationary base, a movable basket, and at least one linear motor for imparting motion to the movable basket, and methods for using the vibratory screen separator. The linear motor may include a stationary component and a moving component, wherein the moving component is coupled to the movable basket, and wherein the stationary component is coupled to the stationary base. The method may include passing a material including solid particles onto the screen, and moving the basket with at least one linear motor having a movable component coupled to the basket and a stationary component coupled to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Alan Wayne Burkhard
  • Patent number: 8113358
    Abstract: A screen for a gyratory sifter including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension. Additionally, the screen including a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Also, a method for installing a pre-tensioned screen in a gyratory sifter including inserting the pre-tensioned screen into the gyratory sifter. The pre-tensioned screen including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension and a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Additionally, the method including mating the pre-tensioned screen to a ball box, wherein the mating includes placing the pre-tensioned screen against a contoured section of the ball box, and securing the pre-tensioned screen with a screen plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8083935
    Abstract: A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels. Also, a module for use at a drilling location that includes a valve for directing drilling fluid between at least a first cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module and a second cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module. The module further includes a filter system for filtering the drilling fluid and at least one pump for facilitating the flow of the fluid between at least the first and second cuttings storage vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Jan Thore Eia
  • Patent number: 8074510
    Abstract: A screen test apparatus includes a test cell disposed within a pressure vessel, a piston disposed within the pressure vessel, wherein the piston is in sealing contact with an inner surface of the pressure vessel, and a screen assembly disposed in an end of the test cell. The screen assembly includes a mount collar, a screen disposed in the mount collar, and an end cap adjacent the screen which includes grooves in a face adjacent the screen and passages extending through the end cap, wherein the screen assembly is configured to fully support the screen while allowing a fluid to pass through the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Slater, Michael T. Darring, Marian Baranowski
  • Patent number: 8074509
    Abstract: A system for determining produced drill solids volume including a receiving vessel for receiving drill solids and a pressure vessel coupled to the receiving vessel. The receiving vessel has an isolation valve system to control the flow of drill solids between the receiving vessel and the pressure vessel, and the pressure vessel is adapted to allow a compressed gas to convey drill solids from the pressure vessel to a discharge line. The system also includes a skid having a plurality of weight sensors for weighing the drill solids in the pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel is disposed on the plurality of weight sensors and a programmable logic controller operatively couples to at least the plurality of weight sensors for calculating the weight of the drill solids in the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Richard Bingham, Gordon M. Logan, Jan Thore Eia
  • Publication number: 20110247986
    Abstract: A method of reclaiming a formate brine that includes increasing the pH of a spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent; and removing at least a portion of suspended solids from the fluid is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Robert L. Horton, Charles Svoboda, Frank E. Evans
  • Patent number: 8002991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculant solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculant solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Gary E. Fout, Julio Roberto Ronderos, Catalin Ivan
  • Publication number: 20110143906
    Abstract: A centrifuge, including: a flange closing off one axial end of a separation chamber; a plurality of apertures that traverse axially through the flange at a radial distance from a flange axis, wherein at least one aperture is in fluid communication with a first outlet passage; a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber; wherein at least one weir insert disposed within the at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first outlet passage is changeable to prevent or allow fluid communication between the separation chamber and the first outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Geehan, Leonardo Renzo Vicentini, Albert Walraven
  • Publication number: 20110107791
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovery of solids from a vapor, the apparatus including: a vessel comprising a cylindrical portion on top of an angled portion; a vapor inlet located in the cylindrical portion for introducing a solid-vapor mixture tangentially to the cylindrical portion; at least one inlet nozzle disposed in a top of the vessel for spraying a hydrocarbon fluid into the vessel; an indirect heat exchange device disposed concentrically within the cylindrical portion, thereby providing an annulus for vapor and hydrocarbon flow; a heat exchange device disposed at an exterior of the angled portion; an outlet located at a bottom of the angled portion to recover the vapor having a reduced solids content and a solid-hydrocarbon mixture. Also disclosed are processes to clean an oil vapor using such an apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Richard Bingham
  • Patent number: 7938273
    Abstract: A vibratory separator including a screen having a filter element and a center screen disk. The vibratory separator also including a magnet disposed on top of the center pedestal support, wherein the center screen disk and the magnet are configured to magnetically interact. Additionally, a method for replacing a screen for a vibratory separator including actuating a vibratory separator decoupler and breaking a first magnetic interaction between a first magnetic interaction surface and a second magnetic interaction surface. The method further including removing a first screen from the vibratory separator, installing a second screen into the vibratory separator, and establishing a second magnetic interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Bosse
  • Publication number: 20110088902
    Abstract: A method of retarding the flow of water in a subterranean formation that includes injecting a gelling pill into the formation, the gelling pill comprising: brine; a crosslinkable polymer; and a crosslinkant; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer to crosslink to form a gel in the subterranean formation is disclosed. A water absorbing polymer is optionally included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Clark Harrison, Mark Luyster, LaTosha Moore, Bethicia B. Prasek, Raymond D. Ravitz
  • Patent number: 7900504
    Abstract: A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Huy Huynh, Robert P. Schlemmer