Patents Examined by Doug Hutton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9631478
    Abstract: Methods for acquiring and interpreting operating parameter data during an operation to inject a work fluid into a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Patent number: 9631474
    Abstract: A matrix acidizing monitoring system wherein a sensor array is operably associated with a matrix acidizing bottom hole assembly and contains first and second sets of sensors that detect a matrix acidizing operational parameter at different times at one or more particular locations along the wellbore. This allows the effectiveness of the acidizing to be modeled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Silviu Livescu, Trevor A. Sturgeon, Thomas J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9617460
    Abstract: A non-hydraulic cement composition including: (i) a non-aqueous liquid phase comprising one or more organic compounds characterized by: (a) having at least one hydroxyl group on a carbon atom, (b) being a liquid when pure under Standard Laboratory Conditions, and (c) being at least soluble in water; (ii) one or more magnesium chloride compounds selected from the group consisting of: magnesium chloride, a magnesium chloride hydrate, and any combination thereof; and (iii) magnesium oxide; wherein the one or more organic compounds comprise at least 40% by weight of the non-aqueous liquid phase excluding the weight of any dissolved solids. A method of treating a well including the steps of: (A) forming the non-hydraulic cement composition; and (B) introducing the non-hydraulic cement composition into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: B. Raghava Reddy
  • Patent number: 9587159
    Abstract: Cysteine synthase or O-Acetyl-L-Serine Sulfhydrylase enzymes, such as those derived from the Aeropyrum pernix bacterium, may be used in additive compositions, fluid compositions, and methods for decreasing or removing hydrogen sulfide from recovered downhole fluids and/or the subterranean reservoir wellbore from which the downhole fluid was recovered. The fluid composition may include at least one cysteine synthase enzyme and a base fluid, such as a drilling fluid, a servicing fluid, a production fluid, a completion fluid, an injection fluid, a refinery fluids, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Prasad D. Dhulipala, Charles D. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9580642
    Abstract: A method for building a plug in a horizontal wellbore using a fluid pill containing a suspended well treatment composite. The well treatment composite contains a core comprising at least one deformable particulate and at least one dissolvable diverter. At least a portion of the surface of the core is coated with at least one viscosifying polymer and at least one crosslinking agent. The fluid pill is pumped into the wellbore at the end of a fracturing treatment and the fluid pill may be displaced by a displacement fluid. The fluid pill may be diverted to an area of lower permeability by disassociating the dissolvable diverter from the core. The disassociated diverter blocks an area of higher permeability. The sized particle distribution of the diverter is sufficient to at least partially block the penetration of fluid into the high permeability zone. In the lower permeability zone, a thickened gel is formed by the in-situ reaction of the viscosifying polymer and crosslinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Harold Gene Hudson, Scott Gregory Nelson, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Patent number: 9580638
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment a method of cementing in a subterranean formation is described. The method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising pumice, hydrated lime, a cement set retarder, a synthetic smectite, and water; introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Boul, Kyriacos Agapiou, Thomas Jason Pisklak, Ronnie Glen Morgan, Lance Everett Brothers, Pauline Akinyi Otieno
  • Patent number: 9562426
    Abstract: Providing high energy materials that can be placed in previously created fractures and activating them in place to extend or change an existing fracture system. Also detecting the location of fractures or permeable pathways and a means to assess the extent and efficiency of proppant emplacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery James Roberts, Roger D. Aines, Eric B. Duoss, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Kevin S. Vandersall
  • Patent number: 9556541
    Abstract: Fibers comprising a first thermoplastic composition having a softening temperature up to 120° C and a curable resin. Also disclosed are compositions comprising a plurality of fibers, with some of the fibers comprising a first thermoplastic composition having a softening temperature up to 120° C and some of the fibers comprising a curable resin. The fibers have an aspect ratio of at least 2:1 and a maximum cross-sectional dimension up to 60 micrometers. Fluid compositions containing the fibers and methods of contacting a subterranean formation using the fibers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Berrigan, James G. Carlson, Michael D. Crandall, Clayton A. George, Ignatius A. Kadoma, Yong K. Wu
  • Patent number: 9550934
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that related to cementing operations. Methods and compositions that include pumice and/or perlite as a replacement for fly ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Dwane Karcher, Chad Brenneis, Lance E. Brothers
  • Patent number: 9540574
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing and separating oil. An aqueous fluid having an ionic content of at most 0.15 M and a total dissolved solids content of from 200 ppm to 10,000 ppm is introduced into an oil-bearing formation. Oil and water are produced from the formation subsequent to the introduction of the aqueous fluid into the formation. A demulsifier and a brine solution having a total dissolved solids content of greater than 10,000 ppm are mixed with the oil and water produced from the formation. Oil is then separated from the mixture of oil, water, demulsifier, and brine solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Albert Joseph Hendrik Janssen, Bartholomeus Marinus Josephus Maria Suijkerbuijk
  • Patent number: 9540919
    Abstract: A one trip system for perforating and fracking multiple intervals uses a releasable barrier. The barrier can be an inflatable. A pressure booster system is associated with the BHA so that the existing hydrostatic pressure is boosted when the gun or portions thereof are fired. After firing in one interval, the BHA is raised and the barrier is redeployed and the pattern repeats. Instruments allow sensing the conditions in the interval for optimal placement of the gun therein and for monitoring flow, pressure and formation conditions during the fracturing. Circulation between gun firings cleans up the hole. If run in on wireline a water saving tool can be associated with the BHA to rapidly position it where desired. A multitude of perforation charges mounted in the BHA can be selectively fired by selected corresponding detonator based on a predetermined sequence or surface telemetry command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Homero C. Castillo, Otto N. Fanini
  • Patent number: 9518447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a drilling or cutting operation performed by a wireline tool downhole, comprising the steps of commencing a drilling or cutting operation in a downhole object, such as a casing or valve; detecting vibration produced during the drilling or cutting operation in the downhole object using a vibration sensor adapted to transmit detected vibrations; processing a vibration signal from the vibration sensor to produce a real-time frequency spectrum; comparing the frequency spectrum to a reference frequency spectrum; and controlling the operation based upon the comparison of the frequency spectrum and the frequency spectrum specification. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wireline tool for performing a drilling or cutting operation downhole and carrying out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9518213
    Abstract: A nano-dispersion well servicing fluid is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: nanoparticles comprising at least one material chosen from aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxides, aluminum hydroxyoxides, zirconium oxides, zirconium hydroxides, zirconium hydroxyoxides, wherein the concentration of nanoparticles is greater than 0.5% by weight based on the total weight of the nano-dispersion well servicing fluid. The well servicing fluid also comprises an aqueous base continuous phase. Methods of employing the nano-dispersion to service a wellbore are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Kay Elaine Cawiezel
  • Patent number: 9488042
    Abstract: A method of increasing a stimulated reservoir volume in a wellbore in a gas-containing formation includes the steps of mixing an exothermic reaction component to achieve a pre-selected solution pH, the exothermic reaction component is operable to react at a wellbore temperature to generate a pressure pulse, mixing the exothermic reaction component with a viscous fluid component operable to fracture the gas-containing formation to create fractures, and a proppant component, the proppant component carried to the fractures by the viscous fluid, the proppant component comprises a proppant operable to hold open the fractures, to form a fracturing fluid, injecting the fracturing fluid into the wellbore in the gas-containing formation to create fractures, and generating the pressure pulse when the exothermic reaction component reaches the wellbore temperature, the pressure pulse operable to create auxiliary fractures, wherein the auxiliary fractures create a fracture network, the fracture network increases the stimu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ayman R. Al-Nakhli, Hazim H. Abass, Victor V. Hilab, Mirajuddin R. Khan, Ahmad S. Al-Otaibi
  • Patent number: 9476291
    Abstract: This invention is a solvent based gravity drainage process whereby the vertical growth rate of the chamber is restricted by placing, monitoring and managing a buoyant gas blanket at the top of the vapor chamber. This invention reduces the heat loss to the overburden as well as providing a means to preserve a barrier layer of bitumen saturated reservoir sand at the top of the pay zone in reservoirs where there is limited or no confining layer present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: N-Solv Corporation
    Inventors: John Nenniger, Lowy Gunnewiek
  • Patent number: 9469802
    Abstract: The current invention relates to the use of chitin nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystal derivatives. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of chitin nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystals used in oil and gas operations. The chitin nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystals derivatives can be used as additives to cement and wellbore fluids and can be used to inhibit corrosion in pipelines, on downhole tools and on other oil and gas related equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Jeremy Hall
  • Patent number: 9464514
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of thermal energy to horizontal wellbores are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises heating a heat transfer fluid; circulating the heat transfer fluid into a vertical bore to a heat exchanger; advancing feedwater into the vertical bore to the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the feedwater to generate steam; transmitting the steam from the heat exchanger into a horizontal wellbore to cause heating of a subterranean region; and returning the heat transfer fluid from the heat exchanger to the surface. The method may further comprise collecting liquefied formation in a second horizontal wellbore; and transmitting the liquefied formation to the surface through a production line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Future Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Kent B. Hytken
  • Patent number: 9464504
    Abstract: Gel compositions include a high molecular weight water-soluble acrylamide polymer, a crosslinking system capable of crosslinking the polymer, a crosslink delay system and an aqueous solvent. The gel compositions are prepared at the surface and injected into a zone of a formation assessable by a wellbore to form a continuous single-phase gel. The gel compositions may be tailored to a specific formation by predetermining gelation rate, gel strength and/or gel stability to form gels having predetermined properties suitable for the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: LUBRIZOL OILFIELD SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sarkis R. Kakadjian, Frank Zamora
  • Patent number: 9458960
    Abstract: Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory E. Casey, Angel Hoover, Andrew J. Barden
  • Patent number: 9458694
    Abstract: A system and method for extending a slotted liner shoe is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a low density material is injected into a liner having a plurality of openings. The liner is suspended below a cemented casing in a wellbore of a well in a subterranean formation. The low density material extrudes through a lower portion of the liner into an annulus between the liner and the wellbore. A cement is circulated into the liner above the low density material. The cement extrudes through an upper portion of the liner into the annulus between the liner and the wellbore. Water is displaced from the wellbore, and a solid cemented casing string is formed at a desired depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AltaRock Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Petty, Daniel L. Bour