Patents by Inventor Ahmad Moradi

Ahmad Moradi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9267075
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye Lynn Scully
  • Patent number: 9139760
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker so as to form a stable gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Everett L. Johnston, Faye L. Scully
  • Patent number: 9139762
    Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, The University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye Lynn Scully
  • Publication number: 20140238702
    Abstract: The invention is directed to polymers that self-crosslink at acidic pH or can be crosslinked by phenolic agents in brine. Such polymers have lower viscosity and can be pumped deep into reservoirs, where they will cross link in situ, thus increasing their viscosity and/or form a gel and blocking thief zones. Methods of making and using such polymers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicants: University of Kansas, ConocoPhillips Comapny
    Inventors: Huili GUAN, Cory BERKLAND, Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Terry M. CHRISTIAN, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. Hedges, Min CHENG, Faye L. SCULLY
  • Publication number: 20140209305
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles that can be used to deliver agents deep into hydrocarbon reservoirs. Methods of making and using said polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: University of Kansas, ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ying-Ying LIN, Cory BERKLAND, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Terry M. CHRISTIAN, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. HEDGES, Min CHENG, Faye L. SCULLY, David R. ZORNES
  • Publication number: 20140202693
    Abstract: The instant application relates to nanogels or compositions that hold multivalent metal ions until some level of nanogel degradation has occurred, then slowly release the multivalent metal ions for gelation with carboxylate containing polymers. Compositions comprising such nanogels, together with polymers that can be crosslinked with multivalent metal ions, allow the deployment of such mixtures in various applications, and greatly increased gelation times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: The University of Kansas, CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Huili GUAN, Cory BERKLAND, Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Terry M. CHRISTIAN, Riley B. Needham, Min CHENG, Faye Lynn SCULLY, James H. HEDGES
  • Publication number: 20140196894
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked swellable fluorescently tagged polymeric microparticles, methods for making same, and their various uses. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the microparticles expand. The swelled polymer diverts water to lower permeability regions and improves oil recovery. The tags allow monitoring of the presence and concentration of the tagged microparticles and ultimately allow evaluation of the performance of such treatments. Detection of polymeric microparticles in producing wells can be instructive for teaching about the character and extent of thief zones in the subsurface. Better knowledge of the reservoir flow will enable improved application of the gel treatments, improved oil recovery, and allow improved forecasting using simulation modeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicants: University of Kansas, ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Cory BERKLAND, Huili GUAN, Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Terry M. CHRISTIAN, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. HEDGES, Min CHENG, Faye L. SCULLY
  • Publication number: 20140162912
    Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: University of Kansas, ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, James H. HEDGES, David R. ZORNES, Riley B. NEEDHAM, Huili GUAN, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Cory BERKLAND, James P. JOHNSON, Min CHENG, Faye Lynn SCULLY
  • Publication number: 20140144628
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable and labile crosslinked water swellable polymeric microparticles that can be further gelled, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker comprising PEI or other polyamine based tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and swelling of the particle, so as to form a stable gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, Min CHENG, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. HEDGES, Ramesh S. SARATHI, Faye L. SCULLY, Terry M. CHRISTIAN, Huili GUAN, Cory BERKLAND, Jenn-Tai LIANG
  • Publication number: 20140131043
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: University of Kansas, ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, James H. HEDGES, David R. ZORNES, Riley B. NEEDHAM, Huili GUAN, Jenn-Tai LIANG, Cory BERKLAND, James P. JOHNSON, Min CHENG, Faye Lynn SCULLY
  • Publication number: 20140102707
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker so as to form a stable gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ahmad MORADI-ARAGHI, David R. ZORNES, Riley B. NEEDHAM, James H. Hedges, Everett L. JOHNSTON, Faye L. Scully
  • Patent number: 8691736
    Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Patent number: 8669214
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Patent number: 8648018
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker so as to form a stable gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Everett L. Johnston, Faye L. Scully
  • Patent number: 8389446
    Abstract: The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: ConocoPhillips Company, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20120037364
    Abstract: The invention is directed to delayed gelation agents comprising a degradable polymeric cage containing therein one or more gelation agents. The cage degrades in situ, e.g, in an oil reservoir, thus releasing the gelation agent(s), which can then crosslink second polymers in situ to form a gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: University of Kansas, ConocoPhillips Company-IP Services Group
    Inventors: Huili Guan, Cory Berkland, Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, Jenn-Tai Liang, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Min Cheng, James H. Hedges, James P. Johnson, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20100314115
    Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: ConocoPhillips Company - IP Services Group, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20100314114
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: ConocoPhillips Company - IP Services Group, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20100292109
    Abstract: The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicants: ConocoPhillips Company, University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, James H. Hedges, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, Huili Guan, Jenn-Tai Liang, Cory Berkland, James P. Johnson, Min Cheng, Faye L. Scully
  • Publication number: 20100234252
    Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker so as to form a stable gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Ahmad Moradi-Araghi, David R. Zornes, Riley B. Needham, James H. Hedges, Everett L. Johnston, Faye L. Scully