Patents Examined by Timothy J. Kugel
  • Patent number: 7923415
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore: providing a treatment fluid made of: a fluid; a particulate material, and a viscosifier material; wherein the viscosifier material is inactive in a first state and is able to increase viscosity of the treatment fluid when in a second state; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore; and providing a trigger able to activate the viscosifier material from first state to second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mohan K. R. Panga, Bruno Drochon, Isabelle Couillet, Juan-Carlos Santamaria, Peter J. Photos, John W. Still
  • Patent number: 7923418
    Abstract: This invention provides acrylate polymers having at least two different ester groups. The ester groups are selected from the following: a) an aralkyl group; b) a linear alkylether group; c) a polyethoxylated alkylaryl group; and d) a polyethoxylated alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of said ester groups is selected from b) or d). Processes for preparing such polymers and processes for breaking emulsions with these acrylate polymers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Harold L. Becker
  • Patent number: 7919437
    Abstract: Wellbore fluid having a continuous aqueous phase, and comprising at least one polymer which has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 10,000 to less than 100,000, wherein the polymer is selected from a copolymer of at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one hydrophobic monomer containing an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms. The hydrophilic monomer is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid and itaconic acid, and sulfonate groups have been introduced into the copolymer by reaction of at least a portion of the carboxylic acid and/or anhydride groups with a compound of general formula R12N(CH2)nSO3X (I) or a compound of general formula HO(CH2)nSO3X (II). Each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, X is either H or a Group IA metal, and n is an integer of from 1 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Simon Neil Duncum, Christopher Alan Sawdon
  • Patent number: 7915205
    Abstract: An acidizing formulation for use in the stimulation of hydrocarbon production is stable when packaged and stored as a single fluid for periods exceeding one year. The formulation contains a miscibility solvent which substantially prevents any phase separation between the constituents and lack of dispersion of the additives in the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford Engineered Chemistry Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Clayton Smith, Darin Oswald, Dan Skibinski, Nicole Sylvestre
  • Patent number: 7915203
    Abstract: A new class of secondary emulsifying agents for use in inverted mud and other inverted system is disclosed and method for making and using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Olusegun Matthew Falana, Arthur T. Gilmer, Edward Marshall
  • Patent number: 7915202
    Abstract: A clay stabilizer which is capable of inhibiting swelling in a wide variety of clay types and is also capable of restoring permeability in formations which have previously been damaged by clay swelling. Amine salts of differing molecular weights configurations and ionic strength are combined to provide transport into micropores, mesopores and macropores in the formation and to effect cationic change therein. A poly quaternary amine having a high to very high charge density is added along with lower molecular weight amine salts to substantially permanently exchange cations with the clay in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford Engineered Chemistry Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Clayton Smith, Darin Oswald, Michael D Daffin
  • Patent number: 7906463
    Abstract: A well stimulation fluid includes water, a polymer, and a biocide consisting of 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione in an amount effective to inhibit bacterial growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kemira Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Joe Starkey, II, Geoffrey Allen Monteith, Carl Wilhelm Aften
  • Patent number: 7906464
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising providing a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor, an acid precursor, and an aqueous fluid, and contacting the composition with oil wet solids in the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based fluid into a wellbore, wherein the oil-based fluid forms oil wet solids in the wellbore, contacting the oil wet solids in the wellbore with a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor; an acid precursor and an aqueous fluid, and allowing the oil wet solids to become water wet. A method of servicing a well bore comprising contacting a composition comprising a formate ester with oil wet solids in the well bore under conditions wherein the formate ester hydrolyzes to release formic acid, wherein the formic acid catalyzes the hydrolysis of additional formate ester, and wherein all or a portion of the formate ester converts at least a portion of the oil-wet solids to water-wet solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Davidson
  • Patent number: 7906462
    Abstract: A method of acidizing and cleaning up a formation is disclosed, the formation being above 150 degrees C. The formation is treated with a mutual solvent system comprising a mutual solvent of oil and water, an aqueous acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and an iron control agent. In some embodiments, the iron control agent is present in an amount of less than 1% by weight of the mutual solvent system. In some embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor may be present in an amount of less than 10% by weight of the mutual solvent system. In some embodiments, the mutual solvent system further comprises an intensifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: SynOil Fluids Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun T. Mesher, David L. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7906461
    Abstract: A composition is comprised of a mixture of the reaction product of an amine and a poly-functional isocyanate, and the reaction product of (i) a carboxylic acid with at least two carboxylic moieties; (ii) a polyamine having an amine functionality of two or more; and a chemical selected from the group consisting of (i) alkoxylated alkyl amines, (ii) fatty acid amides and (iii) mixtures thereof, and it is used as a drilling fluid additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Elementis Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dino, Jeffrey Thompson, Richard Geurtsen
  • Patent number: 7902123
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including which comprises a surfactant and a propionate as co-surfactant and/or co-solvent. The composition can be used, for example, to clean drilling mud containing oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Surface Active Solutions (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: John Harrison, Mark Zwinderman
  • Patent number: 7902124
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore of a well having iron-containing components is carried out by introducing a treatment fluid into the wellbore of the well. The treatment fluid is formed from an aqueous solution, a mineral acid, a viscoelastic surfactant gelling agent and corrosion inhibitor system containing at least one of an alkyl, alkenyl, alicyclic or aromatic substituted aliphatic ketone and aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde. The treatment fluid is substantially free of any formic acid or precursor formic acid. In certain embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor system comprises a mixture of at least one of an alkenyl phenone or ?,?-unsaturated aldehyde, an unsaturated ketone or unsaturated aldehyde other than the alkenyl phenone and ?,?-unsaturated aldehyde, a dispersing agent, an extender and an alcohol solvent. A corrosion inhibitor intensifier may also be used in certain embodiments, which may include a mixture of cuprous iodide and cuprous chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Javier Sanchez Reyes, Mathew M. Samuel, Francois M. Auzerais
  • Patent number: 7902128
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that include a water-in-oil composition comprising an oil-based continuous phase and a discontinuous phase that comprises at least a plurality of hydrogel droplets and a method comprising providing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising an oil-based continuous phase and a discontinuous phase that comprises at least a plurality of hydrogel droplets; and placing the water-in-oil emulsion in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, Gregory P. Perez
  • Patent number: 7902127
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising crosslinked expandable polymeric microparticles comprising structured polymers having labile crosslinks or having a labile core and non-labile crosslinks. The starting configuration of the structured polymers constrains the microparticle to an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile crosslinks or the labile core of the structured polymers are subject to degradation which results expansion of the microparticle. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Pious Kurian, Kin-Tai Chang
  • Patent number: 7897545
    Abstract: Additives that may be useful in preventing fluid loss in certain subterranean formations and associated methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise: providing a low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer; and introducing the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve F. Wilson, Jimmie D. Weaver, Karen Savery
  • Patent number: 7897063
    Abstract: A composition and method for breaking down and denaturing friction-reducing compound introduced into the ground during the drilling of gas and oil wells and for destroying other contaminants and biohazards naturally present within and artificially introduced into hydrocarbon wells, which are formed as a result of the drilling and pumping processes. The composition includes several species of oxidizing agent compounds that are effective in breaking down hydrogen sulfide produced by bacteria as well as the friction-reducing polymer used during drilling and several other organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen C. Perry, Michael E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7897546
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising encapsulated expandable polymeric microparticles including expandable base microparticles encapsulated in a shell of at least one layer of a labile or degradable encapsulation material. The encapsulated microparticles have an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Brett M. Showalter, Peter E. Reed, Manian Ramesh, Joseph Paul Street, Kin-Tai Chang, Pious Kurian
  • Patent number: 7893010
    Abstract: A well treatment microemulsion for use in a subterranean formation is disclosed, the microemulsion comprises a solvent blend comprising a solvent and a co-solvent; a surfactant blend comprising a surfactant, wherein the surfactant blend is able to give formation intermediate wettability properties; an alcohol; and a carrier fluid; wherein the alcohol, the solvent and surfactant blends are combined with the carrier fluid to produce the well treatment microemulsion. By intermediate wettability it is meant that the water has an advancing contact angle on the surface between 62 and 133 degrees. The associate method of treating a subterranean formation of a well with the microemulsion and the associate method of modifying the wettability of the formation with the microemulsion are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Leiming Li, Paul R. Howard, Sumitra Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 7893114
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing aqueous silica-based sols which comprises providing a cationic ion exchange resin having at least part of its ion exchange capacity in hydrogen form; bringing said ion exchange resin in contact with an aqueous alkali metal silicate to form an aqueous slurry; adjusting the pH of the aqueous slurry and separating the ion exchange resin from the aqueous slurry, as well as the silica-based sols obtained by the process; the invention also relates to silica-based sols obtained by the process, as well as a process for producing paper which comprises providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibres; adding to the suspension one or more drainage and retention aids comprising a silica-based sol according to the invention; and dewatering the obtained suspension to provide a sheet or web of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Glenn Mankin, Marek Tokarz, Freddie Hansson
  • Patent number: 7893011
    Abstract: A wellbore servicing composition comprising a metal oxide, a soluble salt, a surfactant and an oleaginous fluid. A wellbore servicing composition comprising magnesium oxide, a chloride or phosphate salt, an organophilic surfactant and an oleaginous fluid. A wellbore servicing composition comprising magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, an organophilic surfactant, water and an oleaginous fluid wherein the organophilic surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.25% to about 5% base on the combined weight of the magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride, and the oleaginous fluid is present ratio of from about 95:5 cement:oleaginous fluid to about 50:50 cement:oleaginous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lewis, Chris Gordon, Mike Szymanski