Patents by Inventor Leopoldo Sierra

Leopoldo Sierra 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: 10920558
    Abstract: A variety of systems, methods, and compositions are disclosed, including, a method for treating a subterranean formation, the method comprising: injecting a pad fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; injecting a first treatment fluid into the at least one fracture, wherein the first treatment fluid comprises: an aqueous base fluid, and a first proppant particulate; allowing the first proppant particulate to gravitationally migrate into a portion of the at least one fracture; injecting a second treatment fluid into the at least one fracture, wherein the second treatment fluid comprises: a suspension base fluid comprising a viscosity of about 50 cP to about 10,000 cP, and a second proppant particulate; and allowing the fracture to close, thereby forming a full proppant pack and a partial proppant pack in the at least one fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Janette Cortez Montalvo, Leopoldo Sierra
  • Publication number: 20210010360
    Abstract: A variety of systems, methods, and compositions are disclosed, including, a method for treating a subterranean formation, the method comprising: injecting a pad fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; injecting a first treatment fluid into the at least one fracture, wherein the first treatment fluid comprises: an aqueous base fluid, and a first proppant particulate; allowing the first proppant particulate to gravitationally migrate into a portion of the at least one fracture; injecting a second treatment fluid into the at least one fracture, wherein the second treatment fluid comprises: a suspension base fluid comprising a viscosity of about 50 cP to about 10,000 cP, and a second proppant particulate; and allowing the fracture to close, thereby forming a full proppant pack and a partial proppant pack in the at least one fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Janette Cortez Montalvo, Leopoldo Sierra
  • Patent number: 10808515
    Abstract: Method of arranging proppant in a fracture of a subterranean formation are disclosed. The methods can include (a) introducing a first fluid blend through a wellbore and into the fracture to form a first proppant bank in the fracture, and (b) introducing a second fluid blend through the wellbore and into the fracture to form a second proppant bank in the fracture, wherein a viscosity of the first fluid blend is less than a viscosity of the second fluid blend. The flow of the fluids can be alternated or switched between a lower viscosity fluid blend(s) and a higher viscosity fluid blend(s), without stopping a flow of fluid to the fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Larry Steven Eoff
  • Publication number: 20140224489
    Abstract: A method for blocking the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation including the steps of: (a) selecting the portion of the subterranean formation to be treated, wherein the bottomhole temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation is equal to or greater than 250° F. (121° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghaithan A. Al-Muntasheri, Leopoldo Sierra, Albert Bakhtiyarov
  • Publication number: 20140144634
    Abstract: Methods of treating a wellbore in a subterranean formation having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a middle portion therebetween. The method includes providing a jetting fluid; providing a cement slurry; and providing a breakable gel fluid. Then introducing the jetting fluid into the bottom portion of the wellbore to create or enhance a bottom portion fracture; introducing the jetting fluid into the top portion of the wellbore to create or enhance a top portion fracture; introducing the cement slurry into the top portion fracture; introducing the cement slurry into the bottom portion fracture; and introducing the breakable gel fluid into the wellbore so as to prevent the expandable cementitious material from migrating out of the top portion fracture and bottom portion fracture. The expandable cementitious material is cured so as to form a cement pack, the breakable gel fluid is broken and removed from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Michael W. Sanders, Jason E. Bryant, Loyd E. East, Guillermo Antonio Izquierdo, Leopoldo Sierra, Timothy H. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140144635
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation having at least one fracture including providing a cement slurry comprising an expandable cementitious material and a breakable foamed carrier fluid, wherein the expandable cementitious material is capable of consolidating to form a plurality of expandable cementitious material aggregates and wherein the breakable foamed carrier fluid is capable of coating and isolating the expandable cementitious material aggregates; introducing the cement slurry into the fracture; curing the expandable cementitious material aggregates so as to form a cement pillar within the fracture in the subterranean formation, wherein the curing of the expandable cementitious material aggregates expands the expandable cementitious material aggregates such that at least one microfracture is created within the fracture; breaking the breakable foamed carrier fluid; removing the broken breakable foamed carrier fluid from the subterranean formation; and acid-fracturing the at least one fracture in
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Michael W. Sanders, Jason E. Bryant, Loyd E. East, Guillermo Antonio Izquierdo, Leopoldo Sierra, Timothy H. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20140144633
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation including providing a wellbore in a subterranean formation having at least one fracture; providing an expandable cementitious material; introducing the expandable cementitious material into the at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; curing the expandable cementitious material so as to form a cement pack, wherein the curing of the expandable cementitious material expands the expandable cementitious material such that at least one microfracture is created within the at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; and acid-fracturing the at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jimmie D. Weaver, Michael W. Sanders, Jason E. Bryant, Loyd E. East, Guillermo Antonio Izquierdo, Leopoldo Sierra, Timothy H. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8631869
    Abstract: Provided are methods of using fluid loss control additives that comprise a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification. In one embodiment, a method of providing at least some degree of fluid loss control during a subterranean treatment is provided. In an example of such a method, the method may comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid and a fluid loss control additive, the fluid loss control additive comprising a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein there is at least a partial reduction in fluid loss into at least a portion of the subterranean formation from the treatment fluid and/or another aqueous fluid introduced into well bore subsequent to the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Eldon D. Dalrymple, Larry S. Eoff, Barireddy R. Reddy, Matthew E. Blauch, Mark A. Parker
  • Patent number: 8307893
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow. A non-conductive transverse fracture can form a barrier within the reservoir to divert injected fluids to increase sweep efficiency and reduce the influx of injected fluids into the production interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Loyd E. East, Jr., Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Publication number: 20120160484
    Abstract: Methods including providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Hydrocarbons are drained from the reservoir into at least one production interval of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow. A non-conductive transverse fracture can form a barrier within the reservoir to divert injected fluids to increase sweep efficiency and reduce the influx of injected fluids into the production interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Loyd E. East, Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Patent number: 8181703
    Abstract: Methods that include a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a relative permeability modifier, wherein the relative permeability comprises a water-soluble polymer having hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification; introducing the treatment fluid into an interval of a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; creating one or more perforations through a hydrajetting tool in the interval of the well bore, wherein the perforations extend from the well bore and into the subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment fluid to contact a portion of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Larry S. Eoff
  • Patent number: 8104535
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Hydrocarbons are drained from the reservoir into at least one production interval of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Loyd E. East, Jr., Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Publication number: 20110214857
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) an ammonium halide; and (d) water. According to another embodiment, a method for blocking the permeability of a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) selecting the portion of the subterranean formation to be treated, wherein the bottomhole temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation is equal to or greater than 250° F. (121° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicants: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: GHAITHAN A. AL-MUNTASHERI, Leopoldo Sierra, Albert Bakhtyarov
  • Publication number: 20110042083
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Hydrocarbons are drained from the reservoir into at least one production interval of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Loyd E. East, JR., Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Patent number: 7493957
    Abstract: Methods for stabilizing unconsolidated or weakly consolidated portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water in those portions include introducing a consolidating agent into the subterranean formation so as to transform a portion of the subterranean formation surrounding the well bore into a consolidated region; and introducing a relative permeability modifier fluid into the subterranean formation so as to penetrate at least a portion of the consolidated region. Fracturing steps may be used to reconnect the well bore to portions of the formation (e.g., formation reservoirs) in certain embodiments. Optionally, preflush fluids, after-flush fluids, and shutting-in periods may be used as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Leopoldo Sierra, Eldon D. Dalrymple, Larry S. Eoff
  • Publication number: 20070029087
    Abstract: Methods comprising introducing a relative permeability modifier fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation to form a treated portion of the subterranean formation; and introducing a consolidating agent into the treated portion of the subterranean formation so as to transform at least a section of the treated portion of the subterranean formation into a consolidated region. In some embodiments, the subterranean formation may have been previously hydraulically fracture-stimulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Nguyen, Stephen Ingram, Leopoldo Sierra, Eldon Dalrymple, Larry Eoff
  • Publication number: 20070012445
    Abstract: Methods for stabilizing unconsolidated or weakly consolidated portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water in those portions include introducing a consolidating agent into the subterranean formation so as to transform a portion of the subterranean formation surrounding the well bore into a consolidated region; and introducing a relative permeability modifier fluid into the subterranean formation so as to penetrate at least a portion of the consolidated region. Fracturing steps may be used to reconnect the well bore to portions of the formation (e.g., formation reservoirs) in certain embodiments. Optionally, preflush fluids, after-flush fluids, and shutting-in periods may be used as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Nguyen, Leopoldo Sierra, Eldon Dalrymple, Larry Eoff
  • Publication number: 20050199396
    Abstract: Provided are methods of using fluid loss control additives that comprise a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification. In one embodiment, a method of providing at least some degree of fluid loss control during a subterranean treatment is provided. In an example of such a method, the method may comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid and a fluid loss control additive, the fluid loss control additive comprising a water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein there is at least a partial reduction in fluid loss into at least a portion of the subterranean formation from the treatment fluid and/or another aqueous fluid introduced into well bore subsequent to the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Leopoldo Sierra, Eldon Dalrymple, Larry Eoff, Barireddy Reddy, Matthew Blauch, Mark Parker