Patents by Inventor Katherine Leigh Hull

Katherine Leigh Hull 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: 11946344
    Abstract: A method for subsurface sequestration of carbon includes injecting a treatment composition comprising a mineralization accelerant into a subterranean zone at least partially saturated with saline water. The mineralization accelerant is reactive with carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate. The method further includes injecting carbon in the form of carbon dioxide into the subterranean zone and sequestering at least a portion of the carbon in the subterranean zone by precipitation in the subterranean zone of a carbonate mineral formed from reaction of the bicarbonate with metal cations dissolved in the saline water. At least a portion of the bicarbonate is formed by reaction of the mineralization accelerant with the carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hasmukh A. Patel, Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Rajesh Goteti, David Jacobi
  • Publication number: 20240093600
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for quantitative prediction and sorting of carbon underground treatment and sequestration is described. The method includes preprocessing multiple data sets, wherein the multiple datasets are multi-modal and multiscale data sets. The method also includes predicting geological structural properties, chemical properties, and geological properties by inputting the preprocessed multiple data sets into trained machine learning models. Additionally, the method includes ranking the storage and treatment potential of a formation based on the predicted geological structural properties, chemical properties, and geological properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Weichang Li, Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
  • Patent number: 11934757
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for treating a geologic formation that includes providing a hydraulic fracture model, providing a first value representative of a volume of kerogen breaker in a fracturing fluid, determining a discrete fracture network (DFN) based on the hydraulic fracture model and the first value, determining a geomechanical model based on the DFN and a reservoir model based on the DFN, determining a hydrocarbon production volume based on the geomechanical model and the reservoir model, adjusting the first value based on the hydrocarbon production volume, and adjusting a volume of kerogen breaker in the fracturing fluid to a hydrocarbon reservoir based on the adjusted first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Yanhui Han, Leiming Li, Ghaithan Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, David Jacobi
  • Publication number: 20240084189
    Abstract: A method for subsurface sequestration of carbon dioxide includes placing into a subterranean zone an oxidizer having a redox potential of at least 0.5 volts. The subterranean zone has an average total organic content of at least three weight percent. Carbon dioxide is injected into the subterranean zone via one or a plurality of wells. A total volume of all fluids injected into the subterranean zone via the one or the plurality of wells includes, on average per well per month, at least sixty-five weight percent carbon dioxide and less than thirty weight percent water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Hasmukh A. Patel, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi, Poorna Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20240060406
    Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting a breakdown pressure of a formation and fracturing the formation account for filter cake effects. The systems and methods measure a time-dependent permeability and a time-dependent thickness of a filter cake formed by a first drilling mud. The systems and methods determine a time-dependent permeability model and a time-dependent thickness model of the filter cake. The systems and methods select a breakdown pressure model based on (i) the time-dependent thickness of the filter cake, (ii) the time-dependent permeability of the filter cake, and (iii) the permeability of the formation. The systems and methods use the selected breakdown pressure model to predict the breakdown pressure of the formation and fracture the formation using a drilling fluid having a mud weight associated with the predicted breakdown pressure of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Chao Liu, Yanhui Han, Dung Phan, Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
  • Patent number: 11905804
    Abstract: Techniques for treating a hydrocarbon reservoir include delivering a composition to the hydrocarbon reservoir. The composition includes at least one acid, and liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2). The method further includes exposing the delivered composition to water to activate the composition; and treating a rock formation of the hydrocarbon reservoir with the activated composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Amy J. Cairns, Rajesh Kumar Saini
  • Patent number: 11885205
    Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting a breakdown pressure of a formation and fracturing the formation account for filter cake effects. The systems and methods measure a time-dependent permeability and a time-dependent thickness of a filter cake formed by a first drilling mud. The systems and methods determine a time-dependent permeability model and a time-dependent thickness model of the filter cake. The systems and methods select a breakdown pressure model based on (i) the time-dependent thickness of the filter cake, (ii) the time-dependent permeability of the filter cake, and (iii) the permeability of the formation. The systems and methods use the selected breakdown pressure model to predict the breakdown pressure of the formation and fracture the formation using a drilling fluid having a mud weight associated with the predicted breakdown pressure of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Chao Liu, Yanhui Han, Dung Phan, Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
  • Publication number: 20240018849
    Abstract: A method for subsurface sequestration of carbon includes injecting a treatment composition comprising a mineralization accelerant into a subterranean zone at least partially saturated with saline water. The mineralization accelerant is reactive with carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate. The method further includes injecting carbon in the form of carbon dioxide into the subterranean zone and sequestering at least a portion of the carbon in the subterranean zone by precipitation in the subterranean zone of a carbonate mineral formed from reaction of the bicarbonate with metal cations dissolved in the saline water. At least a portion of the bicarbonate is formed by reaction of the mineralization accelerant with the carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Hasmukh A. Patel, Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Rajesh Goteti, David Jacobi
  • Patent number: 11851610
    Abstract: A method for subsurface sequestration of carbon dioxide includes placing into a subterranean zone an oxidizer having a redox potential of at least 0.5 volts. The subterranean zone has an average total organic content of at least three weight percent. Carbon dioxide is injected into the subterranean zone via one or a plurality of wells. A total volume of all fluids injected into the subterranean zone via the one or the plurality of wells includes, on average per well per month, at least sixty-five weight percent carbon dioxide and less than thirty weight percent water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Hasmukh A. Patel, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi, Poorna Srinivasan
  • Publication number: 20230392484
    Abstract: Techniques for treating a hydrocarbon reservoir include delivering a composition to the hydrocarbon reservoir. The composition includes at least one acid, and liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2). The method further includes exposing the delivered composition to water to activate the composition; and treating a rock formation of the hydrocarbon reservoir with the activated composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Amy J. Cairns, Rajesh Kumar Saini
  • Publication number: 20230383174
    Abstract: A method and hydraulic fracturing fluid that is a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluid having a surfactant and an inorganic oxidizer salt for hydraulic fracturing of a geological formation. The VES fracturing fluid is provided through a wellbore into the geological formation to hydraulically fracture the geological formation to form hydraulic fractures in the geological formation. The method includes oxidizing organic material in the hydraulic fractures with the VES fracturing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Desmond Schipper, Brady Kevin Crane
  • Publication number: 20230313022
    Abstract: Unconventional hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs can contain the organic material kerogen, intertwined with the rock matrix. The kerogen can alter the tensile strength of the rock and contribute to higher fracture energy needs. To degrade kerogen and other organic materials, oxidizing gasses are dissolved in carbon dioxide (CO2) which is then used as part of a fracturing fluid. The oxidizing gasses can be dissolved directly in the CO2 or generated in situ using precursors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Desmond Schipper, Katherine Leigh Hull, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Younane N. Abousleiman
  • Patent number: 11718784
    Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing fluids and methods to hydraulically fracture a subterranean formation and oxidize organic material in the subterranean formation. The hydraulic fracturing fluid includes water, another fluid, and a surfactant. An inorganic oxidizer is included in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Younane N. Abousleiman, Desmond Schipper
  • Patent number: 11713411
    Abstract: Unconventional hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs can contain the organic material kerogen, intertwined with the rock matrix. The kerogen can alter the tensile strength of the rock and contribute to higher fracture energy needs. To degrade kerogen and other organic materials, oxidizing gasses are dissolved in carbon dioxide (CO2) which is then used as part of a fracturing fluid. The oxidizing gasses can be dissolved directly in the CO2 or generated in situ using precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Desmond Schipper, Katherine Leigh Hull, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Younane N. Abousleiman
  • Patent number: 11713413
    Abstract: A method and hydraulic fracturing fluid that is a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluid having a surfactant and an inorganic oxidizer salt for hydraulic fracturing of a geological formation. The VES fracturing fluid is provided through a wellbore into the geological formation to hydraulically fracture the geological formation to form hydraulic fractures in the geological formation. The method includes oxidizing organic material in the hydraulic fractures with the VES fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Desmond Schipper, Brady Kevin Crane
  • Patent number: 11680882
    Abstract: A rock sample is nano-indented from a surface of the rock sample to a specified depth less than a thickness of the rock sample. While nano-indenting, multiple depths from the surface to the specified depth and multiple loads applied to the sample are measured. From the multiple loads and the multiple depths, a change in load over a specified depth is determined, using which an energy associated with nano-indenting rock sample is determined. From a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of the nano-indented rock sample, an indentation volume is determined responsive to nano-indenting, and, using the volume, an energy density is determined. It is determined that the energy density associated with the rock sample is substantially equal to energy density of a portion of a subterranean zone in a hydrocarbon reservoir. In response, the physical properties of the rock sample are assigned to the portion of the subterranean zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
  • Publication number: 20230183558
    Abstract: A method for subsurface sequestration of carbon dioxide includes placing into a subterranean zone an oxidizer having a redox potential of at least 0.5 volts. The subterranean zone has an average total organic content of at least three weight percent. Carbon dioxide is injected into the subterranean zone via one or a plurality of wells. A total volume of all fluids injected into the subterranean zone via the one or the plurality of wells includes, on average per well per month, at least sixty-five weight percent carbon dioxide and less than thirty weight percent water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Hasmukh A. Patel, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi, Poorna Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 11597867
    Abstract: A method and reactive treatment fluid for treating a wellbore for filter cake removal, including providing the reactive treatment fluid having a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) into a wellbore in a subterranean formation and attacking the filter cake via the reactive treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Brady Kevin Crane, Amy J. Cairns
  • Patent number: 11584889
    Abstract: A synthetic source rock including roasted tea powder and inorganic material. A technique for preparing the synthetic source rock, including grinding tea leaves to give tea powder, roasting the tea powder at a roasting temperature to give a roasted tea powder, and determining composition and porosity of the roasted tea powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: David Jacobi, Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Poorna Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 11542815
    Abstract: Estimating permeability enhancement of a subterranean formation due to presence of an oxidizer in a fracturing fluid, including determining kerogen volume percent in the subterranean formation and estimating fractured kerogen porosity, wherein the fractured kerogen porosity is associated with presence of the oxidizer. The technique includes determining an increase in connected porosity in the subterranean formation correlative with the kerogen vol % and the fractured kerogen porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Dung Phan, Khalid AlRuwaili