Patents by Inventor Harold D. Brannon

Harold D. Brannon 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).

  • Publication number: 20200181475
    Abstract: A method of cementing a wellbore comprises injecting into the wellbore a cement slurry comprising an encapsulated accelerant comprising an accelerant encapsulated within an encapsulation material; a cementitious material; and an aqueous carrier; and releasing the accelerant from the encapsulation material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventors: Shailesh Shashank Dighe, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Harold D. Brannon, Matthew Kellum
  • Patent number: 10422204
    Abstract: A system and method for stimulating hydrocarbon production from a wellbore that perforates the formation around the wellbore in strategic locations so that fractures can be formed in the formation having specific orientations. The system includes deep penetration perforators that extend past a portion of the formation adjacent the wellbore having locally high internal stresses (a stress cage); and big hole perforators that form perforations with a larger entrance diameter. The perforators form perforations in the formation that are axially consolidated along the wellbore. After perforating, the wellbore is hydraulically fractured with high pressure fluid, which creates fractures in a formation surrounding the wellbore that extend radially outward from the perforations. Creating perforations that are axially consolidated reduces the chances of forming competing fractures in the formation during fracturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy Sampson, Stephen Zuklic, Khaled Gasmi, Brent W. Naizer, Rajani Satti, Scott G. Nelson, Harold D. Brannon, Jason McCann, James N. Gilliat, Juan C. Flores
  • Patent number: 10087363
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprises: combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a borated galactomannan to form a hydraulic fracturing composition; and pumping the hydraulic fracturing composition into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Alyssa Michelle Volk, Michael R. Farris, Paul S. Carman, Hong Sun, Scott G. Nelson, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20170267915
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprises: combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a borated galactomannan to form a hydraulic fracturing composition; and pumping the hydraulic fracturing composition into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alyssa Michelle Volk, Michael R. Farris, Paul S. Carman, Hong Sun, Scott G. Nelson, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20170234116
    Abstract: A method and system for treating a wellbore, where an additive casting having energetic material and a treatment substance is deployed downhole, and then the energetic material is reacted so that it releases the treatment substance into the wellbore. A perforating system is used to initiate the reaction of the energetic material. An example of the energetic material includes a propellant that generates gases which urge the treatment substance into openings in sidewalls of the wellbore, such as perforations or fractures. One embodiment of the treatment substance includes a crystalline anhydrous acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James N. Gilliat, Rajani Satti, Stephen Zuklic, Scott G. Nelson, Juan C. Flores, Harold D. Brannon, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20170167233
    Abstract: A system and method for stimulating hydrocarbon production from a wellbore that perforates the formation around the wellbore in strategic locations so that fractures can be formed in the formation having specific orientations. The system includes deep penetration perforators that extend past a portion of the formation adjacent the wellbore having locally high internal stresses (a stress cage); and big hole perforators that form perforations with a larger entrance diameter. The perforators form perforations in the formation that are axially consolidated along the wellbore. After perforating, the wellbore is hydraulically fractured with high pressure fluid, which creates fractures in a formation surrounding the wellbore that extend radially outward from the perforations. Creating perforations that are axially consolidated reduces the chances of forming competing fractures in the formation during fracturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy Sampson, Stephen Zuklic, Khaled Gasmi, Brent W. Naizer, Rajani Satti, Scott G. Nelson, Harold D. Brannon, Jason McCann, James N. Gilliat, Juan C. Flores
  • Publication number: 20160347985
    Abstract: A fluid for temporarily plugging a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is disclosed. The fluid includes a carrier fluid and a crosslinked synthetic polymer, wherein the polymer comprises a labile group to degrade the polymer when exposed to a change in a condition of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Jia Zhou, Hong Sun, Harold D. Brannon, Magnus Legemah
  • Patent number: 9366124
    Abstract: A packer on a tubing string and diverting material pumped down the tubing string may be used to isolate a fracture cluster in a multizone horizontal wellbore that has been previously hydraulically fractured. Once hydraulically isolated, fluid may be pumped down the tubing string to re-fracture the previously fractured fracture cluster in an effort to increase hydrocarbon production from the horizontal wellbore. The tubing string may include a testing device used to determine whether a specific fracture cluster within the horizontal wellbore should be re-fractured. Diverting material may be pumped down the tubing string and positioned adjacent a fracture cluster to hydraulically isolate the fracture cluster during the re-fracturing process. The diverting material may be cleaned out of the horizontal wellbore after all desired fracture clusters along the horizontal wellbore have been individually re-fractured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold D. Brannon, Jimie DeVon Lemons
  • Patent number: 9291045
    Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard S. Wheeler, Chandler C. Newhall, Roger R. Myers, Brian Ward, Brian B. Beall, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20150144347
    Abstract: A packer on a tubing string and diverting material pumped down the tubing string may be used isolate a fracture cluster in a multizone horizontal wellbore that has been previously hydraulically fractured. Once hydraulically isolated, fluid may be pumped down the tubing string to re-fracture the previously fractured fracture cluster in an effort to increase hydrocarbon production from the horizontal wellbore. The tubing string may include a testing device used to determine whether a specific fracture cluster within the horizontal wellbore should be re-fractured. Diverting material may be pumped down the tubing string and positioned adjacent a fracture cluster to hydraulically isolate the fracture cluster during the re-fracturing process. The diverting material may be cleaned out of the horizontal wellbore after all desired fracture clusters along the horizontal wellbore have been individually re-fractured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Harold D. Brannon, Jimie DeVon Lemons
  • Publication number: 20130032346
    Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Richard S. Wheeler, Chandler C. Newhall, Roger R. Myers, Brian Ward, Brian B. Beall, Harold D. Brannon
  • Patent number: 8109336
    Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard S. Wheeler, Chandler C. Newhall, Roger R. Myers, Brian Ward, Brian B. Beall, Harold D. Brannon
  • Patent number: 8084402
    Abstract: An ionic liquid may be used to inhibit the swelling and/or disintegration of clay in a subterranean formation. A subterranean clay-containing formation may be treated with the ionic liquid by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition containing the ionic liquid dispersed or dissolved in a carrier fluid. Damage to the formation caused by contact with the well treating composition is reduced or substantially eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Huges Incorporated
    Inventors: Sandra L. Berry, Brian B. Beall, Joel L. Boles, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20110168396
    Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Richard S. Wheeler, Chandler C. Newhall, Roger R. Myers, Brian Ward, Brian B. Beall, Harold D. Brannon
  • Patent number: 7913762
    Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard S. Wheeler, Chandler C. Newhall, Roger R. Myers, Brian Ward, Brian B. Beall, Harold D. Brannon
  • 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: 20100018707
    Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Richard S. Wheeler, Chandler C. Newhall, Roger R. Myers, Brian Ward, Brian B. Beall, Harold D. Brannon
  • 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: 7494711
    Abstract: Plastic beads, including polyamides and polystyrene beads crosslinked with divinylbenzene, having a curable resin coating are highly useful for sand control and/or hydraulic fracturing of subterranean. The curable resin coated plastic beads preferably have an apparent specific gravity less than about 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Phillip B. Kaufman, Harold D. Brannon, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Publication number: 20090029880
    Abstract: An ionic liquid may be used to inhibit the swelling and/or disintegration of clay in a subterranean formation. A subterranean clay-containing formation may be treated with the ionic liquid by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition containing the ionic liquid dispersed or dissolved in a carrier fluid. Damage to the formation caused by contact with the well treating composition is reduced or substantially eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sandra L. Berry, Brian B. Beall, Joel L. Boles, Harold D. Brannon