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).
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Patent number: 10508539Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for determining fracture toughness of a subsurface geologic formation. Embodiments include collecting (from drilling fluid circulated into a wellbore during a drilling operation) a drill cutting generated by a drill bit cutting into a subsurface formation, preparing (from the drill cutting) a drill cutting specimen comprising a miniature single edge notch beam (SENB) having a specified length in the range of 1 millimeter (mm) to 100 mm, conducting a three-point bend testing of the drill cutting specimen to generate load-displacement measurements for the drill cutting specimen, and determining (based on the load-displacement measurements for the drill cutting specimen) a fracture toughness of the subsurface formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Mohammad H. Haque, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, Yanhui Han
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Patent number: 10479927Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan A. Al-Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi
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Publication number: 20190331654Abstract: Nano-indentation test to determine mechanical properties of reservoir rock can be implemented as multi-stage or single-stage tests. An experimental nano-indentation test (multi-stage or single-stage) is performed on a solid sample. A numerical nano-indentation test (multi-stage or single-stage) is performed on a numerical model of the solid sample. One or more experimental force-displacement curves obtained in response to performing the experimental nano-indentation test and one or more numerical force-displacement curves obtained in response to performing the numerical test are compared. Multiple mechanical properties of the solid sample are determined based on a result of the comparing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Yanhui Han, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan Muntasheri
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Patent number: 10451601Abstract: Nano-indentation test to determine mechanical properties of reservoir rock can be implemented as multi-stage or single-stage tests. An experimental nano-indentation test (multi-stage or single-stage) is performed on a solid sample. A numerical nano-indentation test (multi-stage or single-stage) is performed on a numerical model of the solid sample. One or more experimental force-displacement curves obtained in response to performing the experimental nano-indentation test and one or more numerical force-displacement curves obtained in response to performing the numerical test are compared. Multiple mechanical properties of the solid sample are determined based on a result of the comparing.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Yanhui Han, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan Muntasheri
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Patent number: 10435617Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan A. Al-Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi
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Publication number: 20190271622Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
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Publication number: 20190264089Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan A. Al-Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi
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Patent number: 10379068Abstract: Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock is described. A nano-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The nano-scale beam includes reservoir rock and kerogen having polymeric properties. A mechanical experiment is performed on the nano-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the nano-scale beam is determined based on the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
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Publication number: 20190233714Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan A. Al-Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi
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Patent number: 10351758Abstract: Provided in this disclosure, in part, are methods, compositions, and systems for degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, in a subterranean formation. Further, these methods, compositions, and systems allow for increased hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean formations, such as unconventional rock reservoirs. Also provided in this disclosure is a method of treating kerogen in a subterranean formation including placing in the subterranean formation a composition that includes a first oxidizer including a persulfate and a second oxidizer including a bromate.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Ghaithan A. Al-Muntasheri, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi
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Publication number: 20190211658Abstract: Technologies relating to increasing hydraulic fracturing efficiencies in subterranean zones by degrading organic matter, such as kerogen, are described. A method for treating kerogen in a subterranean zone includes placing a composition in the subterranean zone, and the composition includes an oxidizer including sodium bromate and an additive including a tetrasubstituted ammonium salt.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2018Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, David Jacobi
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Patent number: 10281413Abstract: Examples of nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock are described. A micro-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The beam has reservoir rock and kerogen, which has polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the micro-scale beam is at most 1000 micrometers. A mechanical experiment that includes a tension test or a compression test is performed on the micro-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the micro-scale beam is determined based on results of the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging. The material parameter includes a behavior of the kerogen in response to the mechanical experiment. The behavior of the kerogen can be used to determine, among other things, the energy required to break kerogen in a kerogen-rich shale to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Sebastian Csutak
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Publication number: 20190017947Abstract: Examples of nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock are described. A micro-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The beam has reservoir rock and kerogen, which has polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the micro-scale beam is at most 1000 micrometers. A mechanical experiment that includes a tension test or a compression test is performed on the micro-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the micro-scale beam is determined based on results of the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging. The material parameter includes a behavior of the kerogen in response to the mechanical experiment. The behavior of the kerogen can be used to determine, among other things, the energy required to break kerogen in a kerogen-rich shale to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Sebastian Csutak
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Publication number: 20190003992Abstract: Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock is described. A nano-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The nano-scale beam includes reservoir rock and kerogen having polymeric properties. A mechanical experiment is performed on the nano-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the nano-scale beam is determined based on the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
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Patent number: 10151715Abstract: Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock is described. A nano-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The nano-scale beam includes reservoir rock and kerogen having polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the nano-scale beam is at least 100 nanometer (nm) and at most 1000 nm. A tension test is performed on the nano-scale beam. The tension test is imaged using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the nano-scale beam is determined based on results of the tension test and images obtained responsive to the imaging.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
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Patent number: 10151714Abstract: Examples of nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock are described. A micro-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The beam has reservoir rock and kerogen, which has polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the micro-scale beam is at most 1000 micrometers. A mechanical experiment that includes a tension test or a compression test is performed on the micro-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the micro-scale beam is determined based on results of the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging. The material parameter includes a behavior of the kerogen in response to the mechanical experiment. The behavior of the kerogen can be used to determine, among other things, the energy required to break kerogen in a kerogen-rich shale to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Sebastian Csutak
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Publication number: 20180347355Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for determining fracture toughness of a subsurface geologic formation. Embodiments include collecting (from drilling fluid circulated into a wellbore during a drilling operation) a drill cutting generated by a drill bit cutting into a subsurface formation, preparing (from the drill cutting) a drill cutting specimen comprising a miniature single edge notch beam (SENB) having a specified length in the range of 1 millimeter (mm) to 100 mm, conducting a three-point bend testing of the drill cutting specimen to generate load-displacement measurements for the drill cutting specimen, and determining (based on the load-displacement measurements for the drill cutting specimen) a fracture toughness of the subsurface formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Mohammad H. Haque, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, Yanhui Han
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Publication number: 20180328171Abstract: Realtime on-site mechanical characterization of wellbore cuttings is described. At a surface of a wellbore being drilled at a wellbore drilling site, multiple cuttings resulting from drilling the wellbore are received. At the wellbore drilling site, nano-indentation tests on each of the multiple cuttings are performed. At the wellbore drilling site, mechanical properties of the multiple cuttings are determined based on the results of the nano-indentation tests.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman
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Publication number: 20180319708Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating synthetic source rocks with organic materials, for example, using high energy resonant acoustic mixing technology, are provided. An example method includes preparing one or more organic components including kerogen, mixing, by utilizing resonant acoustic waves, the one or more organic components with one or more inorganic components to obtain a mixture, and processing the mixture to fabricate a synthetic source rock. Another example method includes mixing one or more organic components and one or more inorganic components with a kerogen precursor as an organic binder to obtain a mixture including artificial kerogen and processing the mixture to fabricate a synthetic source rock. One or more mechanical or chemo-mechanical properties of the synthetic source rock can be characterized as one or more functions of the one or more organic components and the one or more inorganic components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Mohammad Hamidul Haque, Younane N. Abousleiman, Katherine Leigh Hull, David Jacobi, Yanhui Han
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Publication number: 20180195982Abstract: Nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock is described. A nano-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The nano-scale beam includes reservoir rock and kerogen having polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the nano-scale beam is at least 100 nanometer (nm) and at most 1000 nm. A tension test is performed on the nano-scale beam. The tension test is imaged using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the nano-scale beam is determined based on results of the tension test and images obtained responsive to the imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman