Patents by Inventor Curtis B. Threlkeld

Curtis B. Threlkeld 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 for reducing the permeability of subterranean formations to brines
    Patent number: 4120361
    Abstract: A method for reducing the quantity of water produced from a well bore-penetrated subterranean formation and for increasing the production rate of fluid hydrocarbons produced from said formation. Said method comprises injecting into said formation an aqueous solution of a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, and contacting said polyacrylamide in situ with an aqueous solution containing divalent and/or trivalent metal cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Curtis B. Threlkeld, James E. Hessert, Richard L. Clampitt
  • Method for reducing the permeability of subterranean formations to brines
    Patent number: 3949811
    Abstract: A method for reducing subterranean formation permeability to brines wherein the formation is penetrated by at least one well bore comprising, injecting into the formation two slugs of an aqueous polymer solution interspaced with a brine slug. A method for reducing the quantity of water recovered from a subterranean formation which is penetrated by at least one well bore wherein in one embodiment prolonged mobility control and/or plugging is maintained with the injection into the formation of slugs of aqueous solutions of at least two distinguishable viscosity increasing agents separated by a brine spacer slug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1976
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Curtis B. Threlkeld, James E. Hessert, Richard L. Clampitt, Riley B. Needham