Patents by Inventor Ian D. Robb

Ian D. Robb 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: 20150232743
    Abstract: A persulfate compound activated by a strong base is used for low-temperature breaking of fluids viscosified with a multi-chain polysaccharide. The breaker system can be used in an oilfield or pipeline application where a multi-chain polysaccharide may be used in a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Lalit P. Salgaonkar, Achala V. Danait, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 9102863
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9085726
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9062243
    Abstract: A persulfate compound activated by a strong base is used for low-temperature breaking of fluids viscosified with a multi-chain polysaccharide. The breaker system can be used in an oilfield or pipeline application where a multi-chain polysaccharide may be used in a fluid. It is particularly useful at low temperatures of less than 100° F. Optionally, the water can be a brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lalit P. Salgaonkar, Achala V. Danait, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20140228260
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140228259
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8739877
    Abstract: Methods for oil and/or gas production may employ mixed surfactants to treat a subterranean formation. The methods can comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a first surfactant having a charge, a second surfactant having an opposite charge, and a compatibilizer; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Richard D. Rickman, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8573302
    Abstract: Improved treatment fluids and methods for use in subterranean operations including the treatment of low permeability shale formations. In one embodiment the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a controlled wetting system that comprises: a water soluble polymer having a charge, a surfactant having an opposite charge, and a compatibilizer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Jason E. Bryant, Richard D. Rickman
  • Patent number: 8544546
    Abstract: A method including the steps of: (a) providing a dispersion comprising: a water-soluble polysaccharide and a carrier fluid, wherein the carrier fluid comprises: (i) glycerol, and (ii) a mono-hydroxylic alcohol having 1-3 carbons, wherein the mono-hydroxylic alcohol is present in at least 0.1% by weight of the glycerol, wherein the polysaccharide is insoluble in the carrier fluid; (b) mixing the dispersion with at least water to form an aqueous well treatment fluid, wherein the polysaccharide is soluble in the aqueous phase of the aqueous wellbore treatment fluid; and (c) introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8541348
    Abstract: Emulsions for use in a well including: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. Methods include the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion described above; and (b) introducing the emulsion into a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry Gale Gaskins, Jimmy D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130130946
    Abstract: Emulsions for use in a well including: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. Methods include the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion described above; and (b) introducing the emulsion into a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8404623
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130025860
    Abstract: Composite particulates for use in high permeability subterranean formations may contain, at least, a gel particulate having a solid particulate incorporated. Some methods of using the diverting agent may include introducing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a diverting agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation and allowing the diverting agent to bridge fractures, provide fluid loss control, seal the rock surfaces for fluid diversion, or plug an area along the annulus of a wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Feng Liang, Bradley L. Todd
  • Publication number: 20120325482
    Abstract: A persulfate compound activated by a strong base is used for low-temperature breaking of fluids viscosified with a multi-chain polysaccharide. The breaker system can be used in an oilfield or pipeline application where a multi-chain polysaccharide may be used in a fluid. It is particularly useful at low temperatures of less than 100° F. Optionally, the water can be a brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: LALIT P. SALGAONKAR, Achala V. Danait, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20120160498
    Abstract: One method described includes the steps of: providing an HPG concentrate having a polymer load of about 2 to about 25% w/v and being present in a worse-than-theta aqueous solvent, the HPG concentrate comprising HPG polymer and an aqueous based solvent that comprises water and a non-solvent for the HPG that is soluble in the aqueous based solvent; and diluting the HPG concentrate with an aqueous fluid to form a subterranean treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Paul D. Lord
  • Patent number: 7989400
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of formulating a treatment fluid and introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore. The treatment fluid comprises water; diutan; and a sufficient amount of salt to increase the density of the treatment fluid to at least 8.5 lb/gal, wherein at least 50% by weight of the salt is selected from the group consisting of: bromide salts, non-bromide salts having a higher salting-in effect than bromide according to the Hofmeister series as measured by the salt's effect on the cloud point of poly(ethylene oxide) that has a molecular weight of 4×106, and any combination in any proportion thereof. The invention also provides a treatment fluid for use in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the treatment fluid comprising: water; diutan; and a sufficient amount of salt to increase the density of the treatment fluid to at least 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20110174492
    Abstract: Improved treatment fluids and methods for use in subterranean operations including the treatment of low permeability shale formations. In one embodiment the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a controlled wetting system that comprises: a water soluble polymer having a charge, a surfactant having an opposite charge, and a compatibilizer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Jason E. Bryant, Richard D. Rickman
  • Publication number: 20110174485
    Abstract: Improved methods of oil and/or gas production by employing mixed surfactants to treat formations comprising multiple rocks. In one embodiment the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a first surfactant having a charge, a second surfactant having an opposite charge, and a compatibilizer; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Richard D. Rickman, Jason E. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20110177985
    Abstract: Improved methods of oil and/or gas production by reducing the occurrence of water blocks and/or gas condensates in the treated portion of the formation are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a friction reducing agent, and a quaternary ammonium surfactant described by at least the following formula: wherein R1 is either a saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight chain alkyl comprising about 12 carbons to about 22 carbons, and R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of either a saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight chain alkyl or aryl comprising about 1 to about 14 carbons, and any combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20110155376
    Abstract: A method is provided comprising the steps of: (a) providing a dispersion comprising: a water-soluble polysaccharide and a carrier fluid, wherein the carrier fluid comprises: (i) glycerol, and (ii) a mono-hydroxylic alcohol having 1-3 carbons, wherein the mono-hydroxylic alcohol is present in at least 0.1% by weight of the glycerol, wherein the polysaccharide is insoluble in the carrier fluid; (b) mixing the dispersion with at least water to form an aqueous well treatment fluid, wherein the polysaccharide is soluble in the aqueous phase of the aqueous wellbore treatment fluid; and (c) introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Jason E. Bryant