Patents by Inventor Allan R. Rickards

Allan R. Rickards 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: 10696897
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20190040312
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 10087364
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 9377392
    Abstract: Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: PropTester, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R. Rickards, Ian J. Renkes, David A. L. Garner
  • Publication number: 20150259593
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 9051512
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20150059447
    Abstract: Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: PropTester, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R. Rickards, Ian J. Renkes, David A. L. Garner
  • Patent number: 8286514
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a proppant testing apparatus with a portable piston extractor and related methods. In one embodiment, a testing apparatus includes a test cell body in which an upper piston is constrained to vertically reciprocate within a test cavity. A laterally-extending width bar is coupled to the piston above the test cell body. A portable piston extractor is provided for freeing the stuck piston following testing. The piston extractor includes an extractor base removably supported on the test cell body and an extractor arm movably coupled to the extractor base. A drive mechanism is configured for driving the extractor arm into vertical engagement with the width bar, to raise the piston for extraction. In another embodiment, a set of gear boxes interconnected by shafts may be used to apply a uniform separation force between the piston and test cell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Prop Tester, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Anschutz, Allan R. Rickards, Cole J. Chavey
  • Publication number: 20120205100
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Phillip B. KAUFMAN, D.V. Satyanarayana GUPTA, Allan R. RICKARDS, Christopher J. STEPHENSON
  • Patent number: 8186434
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20110220355
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7950455
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20110100113
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a proppant testing apparatus with a portable piston extractor and related methods. In one embodiment, a testing apparatus includes a test cell body in which an upper piston is constrained to vertically reciprocate within a test cavity. A laterally-extending width bar is coupled to the piston above the test cell body. A portable piston extractor is provided for freeing the stuck piston following testing. The piston extractor includes an extractor base removably supported on the test cell body and an extractor arm movably coupled to the extractor base. A drive mechanism is configured for driving the extractor arm into vertical engagement with the width bar, to raise the piston for extraction. In another embodiment, a set of gear boxes interconnected by shafts may be used to apply a uniform separation force between the piston and test cell body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: PropTester, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Anschutz, Allan R. Rickards, Cole J. Chavey
  • Patent number: 7857057
    Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher J. Stephenson, Allan R. Rickards, Harold D. Brannon, Gino F. Di Lullo Arias, Philip James Rae
  • Publication number: 20090306898
    Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus and method for testing a particulate material suitable for use as a proppant. According to one embodiment, a sample of the particulate material is captured in the cavity of a test vessel between a cavity wall and a piston sealed with the cavity wall. A fluid is flowed into the test vessel from a fluid inlet of the test vessel to wet the sample of particulate material. The fluid is pressurized to a target fluid pressure greater than ambient pressure and heated to a target temperature greater than ambient temperature. The piston is moved into direct contact with the particulate material with sufficient force to crush at least a portion of the particulate material while maintaining one or both of the target temperature and the target pressure for one or more test cycles. Each test cycle has a duration of at least about 120 seconds and as long as about 24 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Prop Tester, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Anschutz, Allan R. Rickards
  • Publication number: 20090178807
    Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20090095473
    Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher J. Stephenson, Allan R. Rickards, Harold D. Brannon, Gino F. Di Lullo Arias, Philip James Rae
  • Patent number: 6772838
    Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for sand control and/or hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particles as particulate sand control or proppant material. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally-occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent. Effectiveness of a modifying agent may be optionally enhanced by facilitating interaction between a modifying agent and one or more components present in a naturally occurring material by using enhancing agents and/or by using conditions that enhance interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Dawson, Allan R. Rickards
  • Patent number: 6749025
    Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for controlling sand production from subterranean formations that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particles as particulate sand control material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Harold D. Brannon, Allan R. Rickards, Christopher J. Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20030102128
    Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for sand control and/or hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particles as particulate sand control or proppant material. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally-occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent. Effectiveness of a modifying agent may be optionally enhanced by facilitating interaction between a modifying agent and one or more components present in a naturally occurring material by using enhancing agents and/or by using conditions that enhance interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Dawson, Allan R. Rickards