Patents by Inventor Lewis R. Norman

Lewis R. Norman 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: 20160032175
    Abstract: A solid chemical delivery system for delivering chemicals to an underground. formation. The solid chemical is formed by dehydrating a silica to form anhydrous silica. Well chemicals are then introduced to the silica and form a tablet or pelletized chemical. The pelletized chemical is coated to further time-release the introduction of the chemical. The pelletized solid chemical is then delivered to the underground formation through the well bore with a proppant and fracturing fluid. This allows the well treatment chemicals to be released over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Melvin B. Smith, Todd Jelinek
  • Patent number: 9068109
    Abstract: A method for the encapsulation and triggered-release of water-soluble or water-dispersible materials. The method comprises a) providing an amount of electrolyte having a charge, b) providing an amount of counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolyte and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form aggregates, d) adding a compound to be encapsulated, and e) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the aggregates. Release of the encapsulated species is triggered by disassembly or deformation of the microcapsules though disruption of the charge interactions. This method is specifically useful for the controlled viscosity reduction of the fracturing fluids commonly utilized in the oil field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohit K. Rana, Vinit S. Murthy, Michael S. Wong, Lewis R. Norman
  • Patent number: 9018147
    Abstract: Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Luo, Lewis R. Norman, Ronald J. Powell, Rajesh K. Saini, Ashok K. Santra, Craig W. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8931554
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing fracture conductivity involving providing a fracturing fluid and a flowable propping composition having a hardenable external phase and an internal phase where the internal phase is immiscible with the external phase; introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation; introducing the flowable propping composition into a fracture in the subterranean formation; allowing the hardenable external phase to form a hardened external phase in the fracture in the subterranean formation; and allowing the presence of the internal phase to be reduced from the hardened external phase thereby leaving a void volume in the hardened external phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis R. Norman
  • Patent number: 8772204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, to fluorosurfactants useful for the reduction of water blocks, gas blocks, and/or gas condensates and their associated treatment fluids and methods. Provided is a method of treating a subterranean formation. The Method may comprise contacting the subterranean formation with a fluorosurfactant. The fluorosurfactant may comprise an amine group, wherein the amine group comprises at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one substituent comprises about 3 carbons to about 22 carbons. Also provided are polymeric surfactants and treatment fluids that comprise fluorosurfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 8770279
    Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kumar Saini, Lewis R Norman
  • Patent number: 8763703
    Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kumar Saini, Lewis R Norman
  • Patent number: 8739876
    Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-stabilized emulsions in a well are provided that include the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion comprising: (i) a nanohybrid; (ii) water or an aqueous solution; and (iii) a water-immiscible liquid; (b) introducing a well fluid comprising the emulsion into a well; and (c) after the step of introducing, modifying the nanohybrid to break the emulsion in the well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Lewis R. Norman
  • Patent number: 8669212
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, to fluorosurfactants useful for the reduction of water blocks, gas blocks, and/or gas condensates and their associated treatment fluids and methods. Provided is a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method may comprise contacting the subterranean formation with a fluorosurfactant. The fluorosurfactant may comprise an amine group, wherein the amine group comprises at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one substituent comprises about 3 carbons to about 22 carbons. Also provided are polymeric surfactants and treatment fluids that comprise fluorosurfactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Publication number: 20130345099
    Abstract: A method for the encapsulation and triggered-release of water-soluble or water-dispersible materials. The method comprises a) providing an amount of electrolyte having a charge, b) providing an amount of counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolyte and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form aggregates, d) adding a compound to be encapsulated, and e) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the aggregates. Release of the encapsulated species is triggered by disassembly or deformation of the microcapsules though disruption of the charge interactions. This method is specifically useful for the controlled viscosity reduction of the fracturing fluids commonly utilized in the oil field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicants: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Rohit K. RANA, Vinit S. MURTHY, Michael S. WONG, Lewis R. NORMAN
  • Publication number: 20130105167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhancing fracture conductivity. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a fracturing fluid and a flowable propping composition having a hardenable external phase and an internal phase where the internal phase is immiscible with the external phase; introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation; introducing the flowable propping composition into a fracture in the subterranean formation; allowing the hardenable external phase to form a hardened external phase in the fracture in the subterranean formation; and allowing the presence of the internal phase to be reduced from the hardened external phase thereby leaving a void volume in the hardened external phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Lewis R. Norman
  • Publication number: 20120181029
    Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-stabilized emulsions in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion comprising: (i) a nanohybrid; (ii) water or an aqueous solution; and (iii) a water-immiscible liquid; (b) introducing a well fluid comprising the emulsion into a well; and (c) after the step of introducing, modifying the nanohybrid to break the emulsion in the well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Lewis R. Norman
  • Publication number: 20120181033
    Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: RAJESH K. SAINI, LEWIS R. NORMAN
  • Publication number: 20120181019
    Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: RAJESH K. SAINI, LEWIS R. NORMAN
  • Publication number: 20120167803
    Abstract: Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Hongyu Luo, Lewis R. Norman, Ronald J. Powell, Rajesh K. Saini, Ashok K. Santra, Craig W. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20120172262
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, to fluorosurfactants useful for the reduction of water blocks, gas blocks, and/or gas condensates and their associated treatment fluids and methods. Provided is a method of treating a subterranean formation. The Method may comprise contacting the subterranean formation with a fluorosurfactant. The fluorosurfactant may comprise an amine group, wherein the amine group comprises at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one substituent comprises about 3 carbons to about 22 carbons. Also provided are polymeric surfactants and treatment fluids that comprise fluorosurfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 8183186
    Abstract: Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Luo, Lewis R. Norman, Ronald J. Powell, Rajesh K. Saini, Ashok K. Santra, Craig W. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8101556
    Abstract: The present invention provides treatment fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, in at least one aspect, a treatment fluid that comprises a carrier fluid and a cationic surfactant comprising a cationic head group, a polar group attached to the head group, and a hydrophobic group that is either a saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight chain alkyl, and comprises about 6 carbons to about 22 carbons. The treatment fluids of the present invention are at least suitable for use as a remedial treatment for the reduction of existing water blocks, oil blocks, and/or gas condensates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis R. Norman, Bobby E. Hall, Rajesh K. Saini, Anindya Ghosh
  • Publication number: 20110214860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low environmental impact treatment fluids comprising a compliant crosslinking agent, and methods of use employing such treatment fluids to treat subterranean formations. The methods include providing a low environmental impact treatment fluid including an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying agent, and a compliant crosslinking agent that comprises an iron ion and a non-iron crosslinking metal ion; and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the viscosifying agent may be a compliant viscosifying agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Rajesh K. Saini, David M. Loveless, Gary P. Funkhouser, Feng Liang, Rocky M. Fitzgerald, Jeremy Holtsclaw, Phillip C. Harris, Lewis R. Norman
  • Publication number: 20110214868
    Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying agent, and a compliant dual-functional additive are provided. The present invention provides methods of using the treatment fluids in subterranean formations. One example of a suitable method includes providing a fracturing fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying agent, and a compliant dual-functional additive that acts as a fluid loss control agent and a breaker and introducing the fracturing 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: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Feng Liang, Rajesh K. Saini, Jeremy Holtsclaw, Lewis R. Norman