Patents by Inventor Mary A. H. Laramay

Mary A. H. Laramay 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).

  • Method of gravel packing a well
    Patent number: 5363916
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of gravel packing a subterranean formation using a gel of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyalkyl cellulose prepared by a redox reaction with vinyl phosphonic acid. The gel is formed by hydrating the graft copolymer in an aqueous liquid. The gel in crosslinked by the addition of a crosslink initiator comprising a Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base, which is substantially free of polyvalent metal ions, to the gel in an amount sufficient to effect crosslinking of the graft copolymer. The viscosity of the crosslinked gel is reduced by contacting the gel with an acidic fluid whereby the pH of the gel is caused to decrease. The reduction in gel viscosity facilitates formation of the gravel pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Ronald E. Himes, Marlin D. Holtmyer, Charles V. Hunt, Mary A. H. Laramay
  • Method of preventing gas coning and fingering in a hydrocarbon bearing formation
    Patent number: 5320173
    Abstract: A method of preventing gas coning or fingering from a gas cap in an oil producing well is provided. A polymerizable material is injected into the gas cap under conditions such that it polymerizes to form a substantially impermeable zone or layer above the oil bearing formation to prevent gas from flowing into the oil well during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Mary A. H. Laramay, Jimmie D. Weaver
  • Method of preventing gas coning and fingering in a high temperature hydrocarbon bearing formation
    Patent number: 5320171
    Abstract: A method of preventing gas coning or fingering from a gas cap in an oil producing well is provided. A silicate solution and a delayed activator are injected into the gas cap under conditions such that the activator causes the silicate to gel after a predetermined period of time to form a substantially impermeable zone or layer above the oil bearing formation to prevent gas from flowing into the oil well during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Mary A. H. Laramay
  • Method of crosslinking cellulose and guar derivatives for treating subterranean formations
    Patent number: 5304620
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating of subterranean formation using a gel of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyalkyl cellulose, guar or hydroxypropyl guar prepared by a redox reaction with vinyl phosphonic acid. The gel is formed by hydrating the graft copolymer in an aqueous liquid containing at least a trace amount of at least one divalent cation. The gel is crosslinked by the addition of a Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base, which is substantially free of polyvalent metal ions, to the gel in an amount sufficient to effect crosslinking of the graft copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Marlin D. Holtmyer, Charles V. Hunt, Mary A. H. Laramay, Alireza B. Rahimi, Murray G. Clark