Patents Examined by Timothy J. Kugel
  • Polymers and their production and use as gas hydrate inhibitors
    Patent number: 7893009
    Abstract: The invention relates to polymers with a mean molecular weight of between 500 and 500,000 g/mol that can be produced as follows: A) reaction of a compound of formula 1, in which n stands for 0, 1 or 2 and A for an arbitrarily substituted C1-C40 group with a compound of the formula 2 B(OH)m in which m is from 2 to 10 and B is a represents an arbitrarily substituted C2-C40 group, B) subsequently reaction of the product thus obtained with a nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid which comprises from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, where the molar ratio between the number of free OH groups of the polyester obtained in step A and the nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid is between 1:0.1 and 1:1. The polymers are used to inhibit gas hydrate formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Leinweber, Michael Feustel
  • Energy recovery and reuse for gel production
    Patent number: 7888294
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing a fracturing gel using a preheated hydration fluid. The hydration fluid can be preheated using heat energy recycled from a different part of the operation. Recycling the heat energy can, in certain instances, reduce gel production costs and gel hydration times while improving gel yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Lynn Weinstein, Jason McIntyre, Bruce Carl Lucas
  • Composition and method for recovering hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir
    Patent number: 7888296
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising hydrophobic polymers having a backbone with labile pendant groups, the microparticles having an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile pendant groups on the backbone are subject to hydrolysis under a change in environmental conditions that results in 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: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: John D. Morris, Kin-Tai Chang
  • Crosslinked polymer solutions and methods of use
    Patent number: 7888295
    Abstract: A well treatment composition is formed from an aqueous crosslinkable hydrated polymer solution. Combined with the polymer solution is a solid boric acid or borate crosslinking agent and a solid metal oxide or metal hydroxide pH buffering agent that has limited solubility (less than 100 kg/m3 at 20° C.) within the polymer solution that provides the solution with a pH of from about 8 to about 11. The composition may be introduced into a subterranean formation through a wellbore that penetrates the formation. The composition may provide at least one of shortened shear recovery time and an increase in the thermal stability of the aqueous polymer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Diankui Fu, Andrey Federov
  • Composition that can form a gel comprising a copolymer, and useful copolymers
    Patent number: 7884056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that can form a gel comprising a copolymer. Said composition is an aqueous composition, and the copolymer is a star copolymer. The invention also relates to useful copolymers, especially for the inventive compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Denis Bendejacq, Claire Pitois, Katerina Karagianni
  • Ceramic microspheres for cementing applications
    Patent number: 7884055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing ceramic microspheres from industrial slag. The microspheres have a particle size of about 38 microns to about 150 microns. The microspheres are used to create a cement slurry having a density of at least about 11 lbs/g. The resultant cement slurry may then be used to treat subterranean wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: George Quercia, Yibran Perera, Aiskely Blanco, Fedymar Pereira
  • Non-flammable, non-aqueous group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinkers and fracturing fluid compositions incorporating same
    Patent number: 7879771
    Abstract: A non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition includes a non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide, wherein the metal is chemically bonded to a glycol containing 4 or more carbons, to an alkoxy group containing 6 or more carbons, or a mixture of both. A fracturing fluid employed in the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations is formulated through mixture of the non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition with a polymer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Benchmark Performance Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek E. Vaughn, Robert H. Duncan, David N. Harry, Dennis A. Williams
  • Oxidative internal breaker for viscoelastic surfactant fluids
    Patent number: 7879770
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Oxidizing agents such as air, oxygen, persulfates, bromates, peroxides, and others are used. The break may be accelerated, for example with a free radical propagating species, or retarded, for example with an oxygen scavenger. In certain brines, for example bromide brines, certain zwitterionic viscoelastic fluid systems that can decarboxylate and that require an anion-containing co-surfactant undergo delayed degradation if oxygen is present, for example from fluid preparation or in a foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Yiyan Chen, Philip F. Sullivan, Belgin Baser, Carlos Abad, Jesse C. Lee
  • Method of treating a formation using deformable proppants
    Patent number: 7875574
    Abstract: A substance and method for treating a subterranean formation using hydraulic fracturing. A non-metallic, substantially deformable, proppant particle is “elastically flexible” or “plastically compressible” and adapted for use at concentrations which will substantially create a partial monolayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Canyon Technical Services, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Gordon Fulton, Adolph Joseph John Peskunowicz, Garnet Ross Olson
  • Compositions and methods for water and gas shut-off in subterranean wells with VES fluids
    Patent number: 7875575
    Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) based fluid systems for zone isolation and flow control are effective in water and/or gas shutoff applications. The fluid systems may include brine, a viscosity enhancer, as well as the VES, and optionally a stabilizer for high temperature applications. The stabilizer may be an alkali earth metal oxide, alkali earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali metal hydroxide, Al2O3, and mixtures thereof. The viscosity enhancer may include pyroelectric particles, piezoelectric particles, and mixtures thereof. The fluid system is easy to pump into the formation, and after pumping, the fluid system will generate very high viscosities to prevent the VES fluid from flowing back to stop undesirable water and/or gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, John R. Willingham
  • Tunable surfactants for oil recovery applications
    Patent number: 7871963
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as surfactants. These compositions have particular utility for energy-related applications. In embodiments, they may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, they may be useful for extracting bitumen from oil sands. In embodiments, they may be useful for environmental remediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Soane Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Kristoffer K. Stokes, David Soane, Michael C. Berg, Kevin T. Petersen, William A. Mowers
  • Compositions and methods for mitigating or preventing emulsion formation in hydrocarbon bodies
    Patent number: 7871964
    Abstract: A composition for mitigating or preventing the formation of an emulsion between naphthenic acid and metal cations in a hydrocarbon body, the composition including at least one alkoxylated amine and at least one acid and/or alcohol is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: M-I Australia Pty. Ltd., M-I SWACO Norge AS
    Inventors: James Smith, Chandrashekhar Y. Khandekar, Rohan Wilson
  • Viscoelastic cationic carbohydrate ether compositions
    Patent number: 7867951
    Abstract: A viscoelastic composition containing an effective amount of at least one cationic carbohydrate ether having one or more cationic fragments and one or more carbohydrate fragments connected through one or more linker fragments for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition, wherein at least some carbohydrate fragments are connected to the linker fragments through ether bonds. The viscoelastic composition of the present technology may be used to alter fluid rheology and impart both viscous and elastic properties to the treated fluids. Applications of the viscoelastic composition of the present technology include, but are not limited to, oil field fluids such as, for example, well bore treatment fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Stepan Company
    Inventors: Paul Wayne Knox, Nicole Francis Perreault
  • Pumice containing compositions for cementing a well
    Patent number: 7867954
    Abstract: A cement composition comprises fine pumice particles, for use in cementing subterranean wells, and oil and gas wells in particular. The pumice containing cement blends feature enhanced compressive strength, and favorable compressive strength to Young's Modulus ratios. Lightweight cement blends containing pumice, and their use in cementing oil and gas wells are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sanjel Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Neil Warrender, Amir Mahmoudkhani, Nga Tu Huynh, Charles Sylvestre
  • Methods of using drilling fluids containing biodegradable organophilic clay
    Patent number: 7867953
    Abstract: Methods of treating a wellbore comprise displacing a drilling fluid comprising an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage into the wellbore. Methods of drilling a wellbore comprise: applying torque to a bit within the wellbore and concurrently applying force to urge the bit to extend through the wellbore; and circulating a drilling fluid past the bit to remove cuttings therefrom, the drilling fluid comprising an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage. Methods of preparing a drilling fluid comprise: forming an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage; and combining the organophilic clay with an oil-based fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Miller
  • Oil-based insulating packer fluid
    Patent number: 7863223
    Abstract: A packer or annular fluid includes a hydrocarbon fluid; and a gelling agent; wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid. A method for preparing a packer fluid includes preparing a mixture of a hydrocarbon fluid, and a gelling agent; heating the mixture to a selected temperature; and shearing the mixture. A method for emplacing a packer fluid into an annulus includes preparing the packer fluid that includes a hydrocarbon fluid and a gelling agent, wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid; and pumping the packer fluid into the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Larry H. Leggett, Charles Svoboda, Morris Arvie, Jr., Robert L. Horton, Joyce H. Zhang
  • Wellbore servicing compositions comprising a set retarding agent and methods of making and using same
    Patent number: 7863224
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, a polyphosphate, a pozzolan, and a set retarding agent, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt, placing the composition in the wellbore and allowing the composition to set. A composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement in an amount of from about 30 wt. % to about 60 wt. % and a set retarding agent in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % based upon the total weight of the composition, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt in a ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Crystal Lynne Keys, Lance E. Brothers
  • Well fluid comprising a fluorinated liquid phase
    Patent number: 7858564
    Abstract: A well drilling, completion or workover fluid has a continuous phase of the fluid essentially consists of a liquid fluorinated compound. In a variant, the liquid fluorinated compound is a perfluorinated compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: David Pasquier, Alain Driancourt, Annie Audibert
  • Degradable polymers for wellbore fluids and processes
    Patent number: 7858561
    Abstract: A viscosifying agent for wellbore fluids is described including a polymer polymerized using at least two pre-polymers “A” and “B”, the polymer being capable of essentially fully degrading into soluble fragments after the initiation of a breaking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Kay Robinson, Trevor Hughes
  • Wellbore treatment with hydrocarbon-responsive fluid containing oligomeric viscoelastic surfactant
    Patent number: 7858563
    Abstract: A treatment of a subterranean formation which contains a hydrocarbon-bearing zone, is carried out using a hydrocarbon-responsive fluid thickened with an oligomeric surfactant consisting of from 2 to 8_linked surfactant monomer subunits. The process of treatment comprises (i) mixing a thickening amount of oligomeric surfactant with an aqueous liquid to make a viscoelastic treatment fluid, (ii) pumping said viscoelastic treatment fluid through a wellbore and into the subterranean formation, where (iii) contact with hydrocarbons within the formation dissipates the viscosity of the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor Hughes, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Gary John Tustin, Jian Zhou