Patents Assigned to Oxane Materials
  • Publication number: 20150284626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plurality of proppants, wherein at least a portion of the proppants are immobile proppants and are immobile in a proppant pack. The proppants, pre-aggregated proppants, immobile proppants, or any combination thereof can be used for fracking of a well for hydrocarbon recovery. A method of producing, immobilizing, localizing, or any combination thereof a plurality of proppants is provided by the present invention. The present invention also provides a method of immobilizing proppants including flowing a plurality of proppants into a subterranean location, and fusing the plurality of proppants to each other, to a subterranean surface, or a combination thereof to immobilize the plurality of proppants. The fusing can be accomplished using a chemical reaction, physical interaction, cross-linking, polymerization, microwave sintering, surface diffusion, magnetism, colloid destabilization, mechanical entanglement, interlocking, in-situ dimpling, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Barron, Christopher E. Coker, Steven Florio
  • Patent number: 8916505
    Abstract: A cordierite material having an increased ?-cordierite phase and a reduced ?-cordierite phase is described. Methods of making the cordierite material are further described, and a proppant containing the cordierite is further described, as well as use of the proppant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Skala
  • Publication number: 20140318778
    Abstract: Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation are described wherein sintered ceramic proppants are used in at least two different stages. Each stage can utilize the same or a different type of proppant relative to one or more of the other stages, and the same or a different type of fracturing fluid relative to one or more of the other stages. At least one of the stages uses a proppant having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower. A first stage can be used that exhibits at least one proppant performance property having a first value. A second stage can be used that exhibits the same proppant performance property as the first stage but at a value that differs from the first value by at least 10%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Skala, Christopher Y. Fang, Christopher E. Coker
  • Publication number: 20140290349
    Abstract: Methods to classify a proppant with respect to functional performance is described and includes measuring a coefficient of restitution for the proppant. Methods to select a proppant, methods to design a proppant, methods to predict proppant performance in a subterranean formation, and methods for providing product specifications for proppants are also described as well as other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Florio, Christopher E. Coker
  • Publication number: 20140249058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight high strength microsphere containing ceramic particles having controlled microsphere placement and/or size and microsphere morphology, which produces an improved balance of specific gravity and crush strength such that they can be used in applications such as proppants to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the microsphere containing ceramic particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shanghua Wu, Yuming Xie, Christopher E. Coker, Dilip Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 8728991
    Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight high strength microsphere containing ceramic particles having controlled microsphere placement and/or size and microsphere morphology, which produces an improved balance of specific gravity and crush strength such that they can be used in applications such as proppants to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the microsphere containing ceramic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shanghua Wu, Yuming Xie, Christopher E. Coker, Dilip Chatterjee
  • Publication number: 20140038859
    Abstract: Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Skala, Christopher Y. Fang, Christopher E. Coker
  • Publication number: 20140038860
    Abstract: Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Skala, Christopher Y. Fang, Christopher E. Coker
  • Patent number: 8603578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell James Smith, John R. Loscutova, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra K. Bordia
  • Patent number: 8298667
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Oxane Materials
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra K. Bordia
  • Patent number: 8178477
    Abstract: Proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions are described. Proppant formulations which use one or more proppants of the present invention are described, as well as methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions, and other uses for the proppants and methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Skala, John R. Loscutova, Christopher E. Coker
  • Patent number: 8178476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to glass-ceramic proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions, as well as other uses. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the glass-ceramic proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuming Xie, Dilip Chatterjee, Christopher E. Coker, Christopher Y. Fang
  • Patent number: 8168570
    Abstract: Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Barron, Robert D. Skala, Christopher E. Coker, Dilip K. Chatterjee, Yuming Xie
  • Patent number: 8075997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Robert D. Skala, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra Bordia
  • Patent number: 8047288
    Abstract: Proppants used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations using one or more proppants. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions and other uses for the proppants, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Skala, John R. Loscutova, Christopher E. Coker
  • Patent number: 8012533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Robert D. Skala
  • Patent number: 8003212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra K. Bordia
  • Patent number: 7914892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra K. Bordia
  • Patent number: 7887918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra K. Bordia
  • Patent number: 7883773
    Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Smith, John R. Loscutova, Elizabeth A. Whitsitt, Christopher E. Coker, Andrew R. Barron, Mark Wiesner, Stephen A. Costantino, Rajendra K. Bordia