Patents by Inventor James R. Benkley

James R. Benkley 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: 10570329
    Abstract: Engineering bead slurries may be useful in producing lightweight cement slurries for use in subterranean cementing operations. For example, a method may include engineering a bead slurry to have a shelf-life of about 1 month or greater by performing at least one of (1) calculating the shelf-life for the bead slurry and (2) calculating a minimum yield point required to prevent a lightweight bead of the bead slurry from floating or settling in the bead slurry; wherein the bead slurry comprises a gelled base fluid and a plurality of lightweight beads having a specific gravity of about 0.8 or less; producing the bead slurry; mixing the bead slurry and a cement slurry to yield a lightweight cement slurry; introducing the lightweight cement slurry into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the lightweight cement slurry to set therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph K. Maxson, Chad Brenneis, Rickey L. Morgan, Paul Mendenall, Ronnie G. Morgan, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 9903184
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Crystal L. Keys, James R. Benkley, Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, Rickey L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9809737
    Abstract: An embodiment comprises a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment comprises a method of cementing comprising: introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Yet another embodiment comprises a method comprising: providing a spacer fluid comprising biowaste ash and water; introducing the spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid from the well bore; and introducing a cement composition into the well bore, wherein the spacer fluid separates the cement composition and the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, James R. Benkley, D. Chad Brenneis
  • Patent number: 9376609
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise interground perlite and hydraulic cement. An embodiment provides a composition comprising interground perlite and hydraulic cement. Another embodiment provides a composition comprising: interground unexpanded perlite and Portland cement, the interground having a mean particle size of about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns; and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Dwane Karcher, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy, James R. Benkley
  • Publication number: 20160115366
    Abstract: Engineering bead slurries may be useful in producing lightweight cement slurries for use in subterranean cementing operations. For example, a method may include engineering a bead slurry to have a shelf-life of about 1 month or greater by performing at least one of (1) calculating the shelf-life for the bead slurry and (2) calculating a minimum yield point required to prevent a lightweight bead of the bead slurry from floating or settling in the bead slurry; wherein the bead slurry comprises a gelled base fluid and a plurality of lightweight beads having a specific gravity of about 0.8 or less; producing the bead slurry; mixing the bead slurry and a cement slurry to yield a lightweight cement slurry; introducing the lightweight cement slurry into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the lightweight cement slurry to set therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph K. Maxson, Chad Brenneis, Rickey L. Morgan, Paul Mendenall, Ronnie G. Morgan, James R. Benkley
  • Publication number: 20150247383
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Crystal L. Keys, James R. Benkley, Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, Rickey L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9023150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to acid-soluble cement compositions that comprise cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and/or a natural pozzolan and associated methods of use. An embodiment includes a method of cementing comprising: placing an acid-soluble cement composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the acid-soluble cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a component selected from the group consisting of CKD, pumicite, and a combination thereof, and water; allowing the acid-soluble cement composition to set; and contacting the set acid-soluble cement composition with an acid to dissolve the set acid-soluble cement composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy, James R. Benkley, Preston DePlacido, William J. Caveny, Rickey L. Morgan, Ronnie G. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20150107838
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Crystal L. Keys, James R. Benkley, Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, Rickey L. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8910708
    Abstract: Systems for remedial cementing are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. One of the systems for remedial cementing embodiments comprises a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon; mixing equipment for mixing the lightweight settable composition; and pumping equipment for delivering the lightweight settable composition to a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8899329
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. An embodiment provides a method of remedial cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon and is free of Portland cement; and using the lightweight settable composition in a remedial cementing method to seal one or more voids in a well bore. Also provided are pumice-containing remedial compositions and systems for remedial cementing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Publication number: 20140318784
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. An embodiment provides a method of remedial cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon and is free of Portland cement; and using the lightweight settable composition in a remedial cementing method to seal one or more voids in a well bore. Also provided are pumice-containing remedial compositions and systems for remedial cementing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Publication number: 20140318764
    Abstract: Systems for remedial cementing are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. One of the systems for remedial cementing embodiments comprises a lightweight settable composition comprising pumice, a calcium activator, and water, wherein the lightweight settable composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon; mixing equipment for mixing the lightweight settable composition; and pumping equipment for delivering the lightweight settable composition to a well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Publication number: 20140318419
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that utilize pumice and various additives. Embodiments provide pumice-containing remedial compositions. One of the pumice-containing remedial composition embodiments comprises pumice; a calcium activator; and water, wherein the pumice-containing remedial composition has a density of less than about 13.5 pounds per gallon, and wherein the pumice-containing remedial composition is free of Portland cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8726990
    Abstract: A composition comprises: a treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the lost-circulation material has a median particle size in the range from about 0.001 millimeters to about 25.4 millimeters. According to another embodiment, a composition comprises: the treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the median particle size and the concentration of the lost-circulation material is selected such that the treatment fluid has a sealing pressure of at least 50 psi (0.3 MPa). A method of eliminating or reducing lost circulation from a well comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Karcher, Rickey Lynn Morgan, James R. Benkley, Chad Brenneis
  • Publication number: 20140123879
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise interground perlite and hydraulic cement. An embodiment provides a composition comprising interground perlite and hydraulic cement. Another embodiment provides a composition comprising: interground unexpanded perlite and Portland cement, the interground having a mean particle size of about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns; and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery Dwane Karcher, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8691737
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Crystal L. Keys, James R. Benkley, Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, Rickey L. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140076204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to acid-soluble cement compositions that comprise cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and/or a natural pozzolan and associated methods of use. An embodiment includes a method of cementing comprising: placing an acid-soluble cement composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the acid-soluble cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a component selected from the group consisting of CKD, pumicite, and a combination thereof, and water; allowing the acid-soluble cement composition to set; and contacting the set acid-soluble cement composition with an acid to dissolve the set acid-soluble cement composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Engergy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy, James R. Benkley, Preston DePlacido, William J. Caveny, Rickey L. Morgan, Ronnie G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8672028
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise interground perlite and hydraulic cement. An embodiment provides a method of cementing comprising: providing a settable composition comprising perlite, hydraulic cement, and water, wherein the perlite and hydraulic cement are interground prior to combination with the water to form the settable composition; and allowing the settable composition to set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Karcher, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy, James R. Benkley
  • Patent number: 8555967
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus. Embodiments may include determining the boundary between a cement composition and a consolidating spacer fluid based on presence of tagging material in the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Ronnie G. Morgan, Craig W. Roddy, James R. Benkley, D. Chad Brenneis
  • Patent number: 8544543
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Crystal L. Keys, James R. Benkley, Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, Rickey L. Morgan