Patents by Inventor C. Dean Wehunt

C. Dean Wehunt 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).

  • Method to increase the flow capacity of a geologic formation
    Patent number: 5375660
    Abstract: Minerals in a subterranean formation are dissolved by treating them in the presence of an organic acid with a fluoride-containing compound having a concentration in the range of from 0.007 N to 0.05 N. The hydrogen ion concentration can be less than 0.02 N, preferably less than 0.004 N. The fluoride-containing compound can be hydrofluoric acid. Alternatively, the minerals can be treated by applying alternating stages of a solution of fluoride salt, such as ammonium fluoride or ammonium bifluoride, and an organic acid, such as acetic acid. The treatment can be done in a formation at a temperature of at least 350.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Chevron Research and Technology Company
    Inventor: C. Dean Wehunt