Patents Examined by Angela M DiTrani Leff
  • Patent number: 11965131
    Abstract: A method for managing metal naphthenates in produced hydrocarbons includes injecting acid and/or sour gas into produced hydrocarbons in a production well, flowline or riser, to thereby control the pH of fluids contained in the produced hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: EQUINOR ENERGY AS
    Inventors: Ingvild Johanne Haug, Børre Tore Børresen, Heidi Mediaas, Hege Kummernes, Ivar Øystein Larsen
  • Patent number: 11959021
    Abstract: Method of making and using a proppant from captured carbon in either a carbon mineralization process or in a carbon nanomaterial manufacturing process is discussed, followed by treatments to ensure the quality control of the proppants so that they are suitable for use in hydraulic and other reservoir fracturing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Dallin P Laycock, Charlotte Plombin, Samuel K Huisman
  • Patent number: 11959019
    Abstract: A method is described for stimulating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by injecting a pill through the wellbore at an injection pressure below hydraulic fracking pressure. This is accomplished by introduction of a first volume of non-aqueous liquid to the wellbore, followed by introduction of anhydrous liquid ammonia, and this followed by introduction of a second volume of a non-aqueous liquid into the subterranean formation, wherein the anhydrous liquid ammonia is sandwiched between the first volume of non-aqueous liquid and the second volume of non-aqueous liquid, thereby forming the pill. A volume of push-fluid is then introduced to the wellbore to push the pill into the formation and allow the anhydrous ammonia to react with water in the formation to increase the pressure and form microfractures. However, the pill is introduced into the subterranean formation at injection pressure, and substantially below the hydraulic fracking pressure of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: HRB Stimulation, LLC
    Inventors: Holden Cook, Ron Hammond, Brent Cook
  • Patent number: 11939834
    Abstract: A method can include conveying a dispensing tool through a wellbore, the dispensing tool including an enclosure containing plugging devices, and then opening the enclosure by cutting a material of the enclosure, thereby releasing the plugging devices from the enclosure into the wellbore at a downhole location. A dispensing tool can include a container having an enclosure therein, the enclosure including a flexible material that contains the plugging devices, and an end of the enclosure being secured to a member displaceable by an actuator. The enclosure material is cut in response to displacement of the member by the actuator. A plugging device can include at least one body configured to engage an opening in the well and block fluid flow through the opening, and multiple fibers including staple fibers or filaments formed into yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brock W. Watson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 11939842
    Abstract: A method includes disposing a device into a borehole in proximity to a subterranean formation where a filter cake has been formed adjacent thereto, the device comprising a support structure and a shape-memory article disposed at the support structure, the shape-memory article comprising a shape-memory polymer, wherein the device is disposed when the shape-memory article is in a compacted shape; exposing the shape-memory article to a fluid system to cause the shape-memory article to expand and conform to a surface of the borehole; exposing the filter cake to the fluid system; and removing the filter cake with the fluid system. The fluid system comprises a chelating agent, an activator, a non-emulsifier, and water or a brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dorianne A. Castillo, Sebastian Mesa, Diego Arias
  • Patent number: 11932811
    Abstract: Colloid and/or micelle nano-sizing compositions including a nano-sizing solvent system comprising one or more sesquiterpene solvents, and a nano-sizing activator system comprising one or more dibasic esters, surfactant systems containing colloid and/or micelle nano-sizing compositions, treating/fracturing/completion fluids containing the colloid and/or micelle nano-sizing compositions and methods for making and using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: NexTier Completion Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Sarkis Kakadjian, Amanda Flowers, Richard Arriaga, Duane S. Treybig
  • Patent number: 11932803
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the rheological properties of fluids including sepiolite are provided. In one or more embodiments, the compositions comprise a clay selected from the group consisting of: sepiolite, palygorskite, attapulgite, and a combination thereof; and an extender comprising sodium polyacrylate, wherein the extender is present in an amount from about 0.01 lbs/ton of the clay to about 10 lbs/ton of the clay. In one or more embodiments, the methods comprise introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, a clay selected from the group consisting of: sepiolite, palygorskite, attapulgite, and a combination thereof, and an extender comprising sodium polyacrylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Preston Andrew May
  • Patent number: 11927084
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. The methods comprise penetrating the subterranean reservoir with a plurality of well pairs that are laterally displaced across a well pad in an array. The methods further comprise operating the plurality of well pairs under a first set of conditions that induce a solvent-concentration gradient, a temperature gradient, or a combination thereof within the subterranean reservoir by: (i) injecting varying concentrations of steam, solvent, or combinations thereof across the array, and (ii) producing hydrocarbons from the reservoir via the plurality of well pairs. The methods further comprise operating the plurality of well pairs under a second set of conditions that delocalize the solvent-concentration gradient, the temperature gradient, or the combination thereof across the array to enhance hydrocarbon production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Cenovus Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Prince Azom, Amos Ben-Zvi
  • Patent number: 11905462
    Abstract: Polymer compositions and fracturing fluids derived therefrom including a mixture of cationic hydratable polymers and anionic hydratable polymers, where the polymer composition and a hydrating water composition properties are optimized to afford a similar drag reduction and hydration viscosity compared to fracturing fluids in the absence of hydratable anionic polymers at a lower cost and methods for making and using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PfP Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Dilley, Nikhil Patel, Robert Ray McDaniel
  • Patent number: 11891564
    Abstract: A system includes a well cellar, a wellhead and a colloidal silica gel. The well cellar includes a base and sidewalls extending from the base. The wellhead includes an aboveground region extending above the well cellar and a belowground region in the well cellar. The belowground region of the wellhead includes a wellhead component having an exterior surface. The colloidal silica gel occupies a volume extending from the base and sidewalls of the well cellar to the exterior surface of the wellhead component. The colloidal silica gel covers the exterior surface of the wellhead component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Faisal Alissa, Bader Aljuaid, Omar Ashi, Rashed Altowairqi
  • Patent number: 11891566
    Abstract: Novel completion fluid compositions for fluid loss control during completion and workover operations conducted on a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are disclosed. In particular, the composition is a weighted brine fluid having a polymetaphosphate composition, a biopolymer suspension agent, and a fluid loss control additive. These novel compositions provide a means to temporarily seal a wellbore communicating with a subterranean formation to enable completion or workover operations to be performed, after which the composition can be removed by contact with an acidic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: LyondellBasell Advanced Polymers Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 11884878
    Abstract: Methods and fluids for consolidating unconsolidated particulates. An example method introduces a furfuryl alcohol-based resin treatment fluid into a wellbore; wherein the furfuryl alcohol-based resin treatment fluid is a furfuryl alcohol-based resin and a diluent. The method contacts the unconsolidated particulates within the wellbore with the furfuryl alcohol-based resin treatment fluid to produce resin-contacted unconsolidated particulates. The method further introduces a substituted amine acid treatment fluid into the wellbore after the introduction of the furfuryl alcohol-based resin treatment fluid into the wellbore; wherein the substituted amine acid treatment fluid is a substituted amine acid salt and a solvent. The method further contacts the resin-contacted unconsolidated particulates with the substituted amine acid treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Recio, III, Aaron M. Beuterbaugh, Josselyne Chano, Philip D. Nguyen, Michael Wayne Sanders
  • Patent number: 11884873
    Abstract: A treatment fluid for performing one or more pre-cementing operations in a wellbore can include a base fluid, a viscosifier, and a crushed glass material. The viscosifier can be dispersed in the base fluid. The crushed glass material can be dispersed in the base fluid for performing one or more pre-cementing operations with respect to the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyriacos Agapiou, Thomas Jason Pisklak, James Robert Benkley, Claudia Pineda, Paul J. Jones
  • Patent number: 11884874
    Abstract: Bentonite-based grout fluids and methods of using the grout fluids are provided. A method of using a grout fluid includes placing a geothermal conduit in at least one hole in the earth, providing a grout fluid consisting essentially of water and a bentonite-based grout, wherein the bentonite-based grout consists essentially of calcium carbonate, a bentonite, one or more grout-setting modifiers, and one or more thermally conductive materials, introducing the grout fluid into a space between the geothermal conduit and sidewalls of the at least one hole so that the grout fluid is in contact with the geothermal conduit, and after introducing the grout fluid, allowing the grout fluid to set to fix the geothermal conduit to the at least one hole, wherein after setting, the grout fluid has a hydraulic conductivity of between about 1×10?7 cm/s and about 1×10?9 cm/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Shantel Jeanette Stone
  • Patent number: 11873445
    Abstract: Methods of natural gas production and carbon sequestration are provided. The method includes delivering a feedstock downhole to a coal reservoir, generating biogas within the coal reservoir, and harvesting the biogas. Another method for tracing the migration of biogas in a coal reservoir includes delivering a feedstock downhole to a coal reservoir, generating biogas that is isotopically differentiable from a background gas within the coal reservoir through microbial action, harvesting the biogas, analyzing the biogas from the coal reservoir at the injection well and at one or more offset wells within the same coal reservoir, detecting the biogas at the offset wells using isotopic differentiation, and mapping the migration of the biogas from the injection well to the offset wells using the biogas as an isotopic tracer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
    Inventor: Michael Urynowicz
  • Patent number: 11859122
    Abstract: A method including entraining carbon dioxide (CO2) in a cement slurry composition and subjecting the cement slurry composition to conditions under which the CO2 achieves and maintains a supercritical state; and allowing the cement slurry composition to harden to form a hardened cement having CO2 sequestered therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Lewis, William Cecil Pearl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11859125
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting water permeation in an extraction well of a hydrocarbon fluid from an underground reservoir may include: supplying a water-in-oil emulsion including an oily continuous phase and an aqueous discontinuous phase containing a plurality of particles of at least one hydrogel containing a cationic polymer; and positioning the water-in-oil emulsion in contact with the underground reservoir. A treatment fluid for hydrocarbon fluid extraction wells may contain a water-in-oil emulsion including an oily continuous phase and an aqueous discontinuous phase containing a plurality of particles of at least one hydrogel containing a cationic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Davide Moscatelli, Lucilla Del Gaudio, Paola Albonico, Alessandra Belloni, Alberto Cesana
  • Patent number: 11851611
    Abstract: A flow conveyed plugging device for use in a well, the device can include a body, and one or more lines extending outwardly from the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body. A method of plugging an opening in a well can include deploying at least one flow conveyed plugging device into the well, the flow conveyed plugging device including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of: a) one or more fibers and b) one or more lines, the flow conveyed plugging device being conveyed by flow in the well into sealing engagement with the opening. Another flow conveyed plugging device can include a body, and fibers extending outwardly from the body. The flow conveyed plugging device degrades and thereby permits flow through an opening in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: THRU TUBING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger L Schultz, Brock W. Watson, Andrew M. Ferguson, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 11845896
    Abstract: A structural stabilizer for a fiber and proppant complex to enhance proppant migration and placement in a fractured well during propping and a preparation method thereof are provided. The structural stabilizer consists of: water, inorganic salt, kaolinite, nitrogen-doped modified graphene oxide, anionic surfactant, non-ionic alkyl polyglucoside, and polyacrylamide. The structural stabilizer improves bonding between a proppant and a fiber when slick water is used in stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) fracturing, prevents separation of the fiber and the proppant during migration, thereby reducing escape rate of the fiber from the fiber and proppant complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: Chengdu LEPS Technology Co., Ltd, Southwest Petroleum University
    Inventors: Jianchun Guo, Shan Ren, Hao Yang, Yingxian Ma, Kun Wang, Jiyu Wang, Cong Lu, Jiapeng Zhang, Zhihong Zhao, Shaobin Zhang, Qianli Lu, Qingsong Guo, Su Diao, Chi Chen, Xin Lei, Mingyuan Zhou, Chaojun Tang
  • Patent number: 11840664
    Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising one or more degraded in situ gelable polymers are provided. Use of such compositions and methods comprising one or more degraded in situ gelable polymers during enhanced oil recovery may result in an increase in oil production relative to methods and/or compositions which do not comprise one or more degraded in situ gelable polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: KEMIRA OYJ
    Inventors: Yuping Luo, Pengpeng Qi