Patents by Inventor Harry D. Smith

Harry D. Smith 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: 20240110471
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole logging tool. A first proppant is pumped into the wellbore, after the first set of data is captured. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. A second proppant is also pumped into the wellbore, after the first proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive, and the second tracer is different than the first tracer. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The first and second sets of data are compared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy ZHANG, Harry D. SMITH, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11781412
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole logging tool. A first proppant is pumped into the wellbore, after the first set of data is captured. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. A second proppant is also pumped into the wellbore, after the first proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive, and the second tracer is different than the first tracer. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The first and second sets of data are compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230279772
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for evaluating a gravel pack, a frac-pack, or cement in a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, a method for evaluating a gravel pack, frac-pack or cement in a wellbore, includes pumping a first material into the wellbore, wherein the first material comprises a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method includes pumping a second material into the wellbore, wherein the second material comprises a second tracer that is not radioactive. The method includes obtaining a set of data using the downhole tool in the wellbore after the first and second materials are pumped into the wellbore. The method includes obtaining a baseline using the downhole tool in the wellbore in a depth interval without the first or second material. The method includes comparing the set of data with the baseline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Jeremy ZHANG, Harry D. SMITH, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230250719
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole tool. The method also includes pumping a first proppant into the wellbore after the first set of data is obtained. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method also includes pumping a second proppant into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive. The second tracer is different than the first tracer. The first proppant and the second proppant flow into fractures in the wellbore. The method also includes obtaining a second set of data in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The method also includes comparing the first and second sets of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Jeremy ZHANG, Harry D. SMITH, JR.
  • Patent number: 11649718
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for evaluating a gravel pack, a frac-pack, or cement in a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, a method for evaluating a gravel pack, frac-pack or cement in a wellbore, includes pumping a first material into the wellbore, wherein the first material comprises a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method includes pumping a second material into the wellbore, wherein the second material comprises a second tracer that is not radioactive. The method includes obtaining a set of data using the downhole tool in the wellbore after the first and second materials are pumped into the wellbore. The method includes obtaining a baseline using the downhole tool in the wellbore in a depth interval without the first or second material. The method includes comparing the set of data with the baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11613989
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole tool. The method also includes pumping a first proppant into the wellbore after the first set of data is obtained. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method also includes pumping a second proppant into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive. The second tracer is different than the first tracer. The first proppant and the second proppant flow into fractures in the wellbore. The method also includes obtaining a second set of data in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The method also includes comparing the first and second sets of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11384630
    Abstract: Methods for logging a well utilizing natural radioactivity originating from clay based particulates are disclosed. The methods can include utilizing a gravel pack slurry containing a liquid and gravel pack particles to hydraulically place the particles into a gravel pack zone of a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation and obtaining a post gravel pack data set by lowering into the borehole traversing the subterranean formation a gamma ray detector and detecting gamma rays resulting from a native radioactivity of the gravel pack particles. The methods can further include using the post gravel pack data set to determine a location of the gravel pack particles and correlating the location of the gravel-pack particles to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location, height, and/or percent fill of gravel-pack particles placed in the gravel pack zone of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11131788
    Abstract: Methods of using capture gamma-ray spectroscopy for analyzing gravel-packs, frac-packs, and cement are disclosed herein. The methods can include distinguishing particles placed in a borehole region from particles placed in a subterranean formation outside of the borehole region, by utilizing a slurry comprising a liquid, particles, and a thermal neutron absorbing material to place the particles into the borehole region. The methods can also include obtaining first and second data sets by lowering into a borehole traversing the borehole region a pulsed neutron logging tool comprising a pulsed neutron source and a detector, emitting pulses of neutrons from the pulsed neutron source into the borehole region at intervals of one pulse per about 1,000 ?sec for the first data set and about one pulse per about 100 ?sec for the second data set, and detecting capture gamma rays resulting from nuclear reactions in the borehole and the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210285320
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole tool. The method also includes pumping a first proppant into the wellbore after the first set of data is obtained. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method also includes pumping a second proppant into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive. The second tracer is different than the first tracer. The first proppant and the second proppant flow into fractures in the wellbore. The method also includes obtaining a second set of data in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The method also includes comparing the first and second sets of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jeremy ZHANG, Harry D. SMITH, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210254452
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for evaluating a gravel pack, a frac-pack, or cement in a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, a method for evaluating a gravel pack, frac-pack or cement in a wellbore, includes pumping a first material into the wellbore, wherein the first material comprises a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method includes pumping a second material into the wellbore, wherein the second material comprises a second tracer that is not radioactive. The method includes obtaining a set of data using the downhole tool in the wellbore after the first and second materials are pumped into the wellbore. The method includes obtaining a baseline using the downhole tool in the wellbore in a depth interval without the first or second material. The method includes comparing the set of data with the baseline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, JR.
  • Patent number: 11078771
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the location and height of cement in a subterranean borehole region using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The methods include obtaining a pre-cementing data set, placing in the borehole region a cement slurry that includes a liquid a thermal neutron absorbing material, obtaining a post-cementing data set, comparing the pre-cementing data set and the post-cementing data set to determine the location of the cement, and correlating the location of the cement to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location and height of the cement placed in the borehole region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaogang Han, Harry D. Smith, Jr., Robert Duenckel, Jeremy Zhang
  • Patent number: 11015437
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole tool. The method also includes pumping a first proppant into the wellbore after the first set of data is obtained. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method also includes pumping a second proppant into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive. The second tracer is different than the first tracer. The first proppant and the second proppant flow into fractures in the wellbore. The method also includes obtaining a second set of data in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The method also includes comparing the first and second sets of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200277846
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole logging tool. A first proppant is pumped into the wellbore, after the first set of data is captured. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. A second proppant is also pumped into the wellbore, after the first proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive, and the second tracer is different than the first tracer. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The first and second sets of data are compared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10655445
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole logging tool. A first proppant is pumped into the wellbore, after the first set of data is captured. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. A second proppant is also pumped into the wellbore, after the first proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive, and the second tracer is different than the first tracer. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The first and second sets of data are compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200123895
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole tool. The method also includes pumping a first proppant into the wellbore after the first set of data is obtained. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. The method also includes pumping a second proppant into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive. The second tracer is different than the first tracer. The first proppant and the second proppant flow into fractures in the wellbore. The method also includes obtaining a second set of data in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The method also includes comparing the first and second sets of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Jeremy ZHANG, Harry D. Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200024939
    Abstract: Methods for logging a well utilizing natural radioactivity originating from clay based particulates are disclosed. The methods can include utilizing a gravel pack slurry containing a liquid and gravel pack particles to hydraulically place the particles into a gravel pack zone of a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation and obtaining a post gravel pack data set by lowering into the borehole traversing the subterranean formation a gamma ray detector and detecting gamma rays resulting from a native radioactivity of the gravel pack particles. The methods can further include using the post gravel pack data set to determine a location of the gravel pack particles and correlating the location of the gravel-pack particles to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location, height, and/or percent fill of gravel-pack particles placed in the gravel pack zone of the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Qianmei ZHANG, Harry D. SMITH, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190242232
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the location and height of a fracture in a subterranean formation using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The methods include obtaining a pre-fracture data set, hydraulically fracturing the formation with a slurry that includes a liquid and a proppant in which at least a portion of the proppant is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material, obtaining a post-fracture data set, comparing the pre-fracture data set and the post-fracture data set to determine the location of the proppant, and correlating the location of the proppant to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location and height of the propped fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Xiaogang Han, Harry D. Smith, Robert Duenckel, Jeremy Zhang
  • Patent number: 10344581
    Abstract: Methods for logging a well utilizing natural radioactivity originating from clay based particulates are disclosed. The methods can include utilizing a gravel pack slurry containing a liquid and gravel pack particles to hydraulically place the particles into a gravel pack zone of a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation and obtaining a post gravel pack data set by lowering into the borehole traversing the subterranean formation a gamma ray detector and detecting gamma rays resulting from a native radioactivity of the gravel pack particles. The methods can further include using the post gravel pack data set to determine a location of the gravel pack particles and correlating the location of the gravel-pack particles to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location, height, and/or percent fill of gravel-pack particles placed in the gravel pack zone of the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: CARBO CERAMICS INC.
    Inventors: Qianmei Zhang, Harry D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190170897
    Abstract: A method for evaluating induced fractures in a wellbore includes obtaining a first set of data in a wellbore using a downhole logging tool. A first proppant is pumped into the wellbore, after the first set of data is captured. The first proppant includes a first tracer that is not radioactive. A second proppant is also pumped into the wellbore, after the first proppant is pumped into the wellbore. The second proppant includes a second tracer that is not radioactive, and the second tracer is different than the first tracer. A second set of data is obtained in the wellbore using the downhole tool after the first and second proppants are pumped into the wellbore. The first and second sets of data are compared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Qianmei Zhang, Harry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 10161237
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the location and height of a fracture in a subterranean formation using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The methods include obtaining a pre-fracture data set, hydraulically fracturing the formation with a slurry that includes a liquid and a proppant in which at least a portion of the proppant is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material, obtaining a post-fracture data set, comparing the pre-fracture data set and the post-fracture data set to determine the location of the proppant, and correlating the location of the proppant to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location and height of the propped fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: CARBO Ceramics Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaogang Han, Harry D. Smith, Jr., Robert Duenckel, Qianmei (Jeremy) Zhang