Patents by Inventor David E. McMechan

David E. McMechan 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: 7806185
    Abstract: Methods comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer, and an antiflocculation additive; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer, and an antiflocculation additive; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation at rate in the range of from about 30 barrels to about 250 barrels per minute so as to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Aqueous treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous fluid, a friction reducing polymer in an amount sufficient to reduce friction without forming a gel, and an antiflocculation additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. McMechan, Jimmie D. Weaver, Thomas D. Welton, Robert E. Hanes, Jr., Karen L. King, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Patent number: 7748456
    Abstract: Many methods and compositions are provided. One of the methods provided comprises the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity. An example of a composition is a viscosified treatment fluid for treating subterranean formations comprising: an aqueous base fluid and an apparent cross linked reaction product of a polysaccharide and a dual functional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason Bryant
  • Patent number: 7727935
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, dual-function additives that enhance fluid loss control and the stability of viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and their associated methods of use in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a dual-function additive that comprises a soap component; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7718584
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, dual-function additives that enhance fluid loss control and the stability of viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and their associated methods of use in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a dual-function additive that comprises a soap component; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7712534
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. A composition provided includes a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason E. Bryant, David E. McMechan, Michael A. McCabe, J. Michael Wilson, Karen L. King
  • Publication number: 20100089579
    Abstract: Treatments and compounds useful in subterranean formations are discussed, with particular attention to those where particulates and/or surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with particulate packs. Of these, certain methods may treat particulate packs in a subterranean formation with silica scale control additives, certain methods may combine silica scale control additives with particulates prior to formation of a particulate pack, and certain compounds may provide the features of both silica scale control additives and particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Enrique A. Reyes, Jimmie D. Weaver, Matt E. Blauch, David E. McMechan, Corine L. McMechan
  • Patent number: 7686080
    Abstract: Many methods are provided herein including a method of providing fluid loss control comprising: providing a treatment fluid; adding to the treatment fluid an acid-generating fluid loss control additive comprising an acid-generating component wherein the acid-generating fluid loss control additive forms droplets in the treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Other methods are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, David E. McMechan
  • Publication number: 20090305913
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, dual-function additives that enhance fluid loss control and the stability of viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and their associated methods of use in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a dual-function additive that comprises a soap component; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason E. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20090255668
    Abstract: Provided are methods that include a method comprising: placing a clean fluid comprising proppant particulates into a portion of a fracture in a subterranean formation, and depositing one or more of the proppant particulates into the fracture to form a partial monolayer. In another aspect, the invention provides methods that include placing a degradable fluid loss additive comprising collagen into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jeff T. Fleming, Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Bradley L. Todd, Jason Bryant
  • Publication number: 20090229827
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. A composition provided includes a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a biocide, a biocide enhancer, a friction reducer, and a compatibility aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Jason E. Bryant, David E. McMechan, Michael A. McCabe, J. Michael Wilson, Karen L. King
  • Patent number: 7582590
    Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethyl acrylate and introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethyl acrylate and introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Aqueous treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and an acrylic acid ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hanes, Jr., David E. McMechan, Karen L. King, Jiten Chatterji
  • Patent number: 7579302
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in water containing multivalent ions. Exemplary embodiments relate to methods of improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in a subterranean treatment, wherein the method comprises adding a complexing agent to water comprising multivalent ions. The method comprises adding the anionic friction reducing polymer to the water comprising the multivalent ions, wherein the anionic friction reducing polymer is added in an amount less than or equal to about 0.15% by weight of the water. The method comprises introducing the water comprising the multivalent ions, the complexing agent and the anionic friction reducing polymer into at least a portion of the subterranean formation such that the friction reducing polymer reduces energy loss due to turbulence in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. McMechan, Rob E. Hanes, Jr., Ian D. Robb, Thomas D. Welton, Karen L. King, Bobby J. King, Jiten Chatterji
  • Publication number: 20090166038
    Abstract: Subterranean treatment fluids comprising one or more organic acids and methods of use in subterranean operations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a plurality of particulates, a gelling agent, and one or more organic acids; introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and depositing at least a portion of the particulates in a portion of the subterranean formation so as to form a gravel pack in a portion of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Mary Van Domelen
  • Patent number: 7552648
    Abstract: Methods of determining the mechanical properties of a sample include applying a first pressure condition to a first portion of the sample and applying a second pressure condition to the second portion of the sample, the second pressure condition being different than the first pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. McMechan, David L. Meadows
  • Publication number: 20090084189
    Abstract: Methods of determining the mechanical properties of a sample include applying a first pressure condition to a first portion of the sample and applying a second pressure condition to the second portion of the sample, the second pressure condition being different than the first pressure condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: David E. McMechan, David L. Meadows
  • Patent number: 7504366
    Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising water, and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and an acrylic acid ester; and introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising water, and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and an acrylic acid ester; and introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Aqueous treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and an acrylic acid ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hanes, Jr., David E. McMechan, Karen L. King, Jiten Chatterji
  • Publication number: 20090023617
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in water containing multivalent ions. Exemplary embodiments relate to methods of improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in a subterranean treatment, wherein the method comprises adding a complexing agent to water comprising multivalent ions. The method comprises adding the anionic friction reducing polymer to the water comprising the multivalent ions, wherein the anionic friction reducing polymer is added in an amount less than or equal to about 0.15% by weight of the water. The method comprises introducing the water comprising the multivalent ions, the complexing agent and the anionic friction reducing polymer into at least a portion of the subterranean formation such that the friction reducing polymer reduces energy loss due to turbulence in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: David E. McMechan, Rob E. Hanes, JR., Ian D. Robb, Thomas D. Welton, Karen L. King, Bobby J. King, Jiten Chatterji
  • Publication number: 20080289827
    Abstract: Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method includes a method comprising introducing a viscosified remedial fluid comprising a base fluid, a viscosifying agent, and an oxidizer into at least a portion of a subterranean formation having damage present therein so as to contact the damage with the viscosified remedial fluid; and allowing the viscosified remedial fluid to at least partially remediate the damage present in the subterranean formation. Another method provided herein includes introducing a viscosified remedial fluid comprising a base fluid, a first viscosifying agent, and an oxidizer into at least a portion of a subterranean formation before a treatment fluid comprising a second viscosifying agent is introduced therein, wherein the oxidizer is available to remediate damage in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, David E. McMechan, John M. Terracina
  • Patent number: 7413013
    Abstract: Of the many methods provided, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a first surfactant, and a surfactant-based fluid loss control agent capable of forming a viscoelastic fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason E. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20080161211
    Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethyl acrylate and introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising: providing an aqueous treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethyl acrylate and introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Aqueous treatment fluids comprising: an aqueous fluid and a friction reducing copolymer that comprises acrylamide and an acrylic acid ester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Robert E. Hanes, David E. McMechan, Karen L. King, Jiten Chatterji