Patents by Inventor Paul S. Carman

Paul S. Carman 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: 11390799
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an aqueous acidizing fluid. In addition to an acid, the fluid contains an organophosphorus surfactant and/or an acid retarder. The organophosphorus surfactant may be an amino phosphonate or a phosphino carboxylate. The acid retarder comprises the combination of urea or a urea derivative and a bifunctional organic compound. Suitable bifunctional organic compounds contain at least one quaternary ammonium or phosphonium and at least one alcohol as well as salts of nitrogen containing heterocyclic rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Ahmed S. Zakaria, Sumit Bhaduri, Frances H. DeBenedictis, Paul S. Carman
  • Patent number: 10941335
    Abstract: A fines-fixing agent that has improved compatibility with organic complexed borate fracturing fluids is disclosed. Existing fines fixing agents have a high concentration of unreacted caustic that results in a product pH of approximately 12. This high pH affects the crosslinker and the overall fracturing fluid system stability, promoting precipitation of the organic crosslinker. These effects can be mitigated by neutralizing the fines fixing agents with an acid such as hydrochloric or acetic acid to a pH of 6 or lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Paul S. Carman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Jennifer L. Cutler
  • Publication number: 20200399530
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an aqueous acidizing fluid. In addition to an acid, the fluid contains an organophosphorus surfactant and/or an acid retarder. The organophosphorus surfactant may be an amino phosphonate or a phosphino carboxylate. The acid retarder comprises the combination of urea or a urea derivative and a bifunctional organic compound. Suitable bifunctional organic compounds contain at least one quaternary ammonium or phosphonium and at least one alcohol as well as salts of nitrogen containing heterocyclic rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Ahmed S. Zakaria, Sumit Bhaduri, Frances H. DeBenedictis, Paul S. Carman
  • Patent number: 10273401
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing process comprises combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a plurality of proppant particles to form a fracturing fluid; and disposing the fracturing fluid in a downhole environment. When the aqueous carrier has a total dissolved solid content of equal to or less than 400 parts per million and a hardness of less than 100 parts per million as calcium carbonate, the superabsorbent polymer comprises particles having a size of about 145 microns to about 600 microns. When the aqueous carrier has a total dissolved solid content of greater than 400 parts per million to less than 8,000 parts per million and a hardness of greater than 100 parts per million to less than 2,500 parts per million as calcium carbonate, the superabsorbent polymer comprises particles having a size of about 145 microns to about 300 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPNAY, LLC
    Inventors: Hong Sun, Paul S. Carman, Alyssa Michelle Volk, Johnny Chapman
  • Patent number: 10161223
    Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprises: providing a diverting fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a first superabsorbent polymer and a second superabsorbent polymer, the second superabsorbent polymer having a shape, or a composition, or a combination thereof different from that of the first superabsorbent polymer; injecting the diverting fluid into the subterranean formation; and injecting a fracturing fluid into the formation after injecting the diverting fluid. A viscosity modifying agent can be present in the diverting fluid. Superabsorbent polymers can also be used to develop a temporary filter cake at the formation face to reduce or eliminate the fluid leakoff out of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Jia Zhou, Harold Dean Brannon, Paul S. Carman, Leiming Li, Thomas Ray Starks, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Harold G. Hudson, Scott G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10087363
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprises: combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a borated galactomannan to form a hydraulic fracturing composition; and pumping the hydraulic fracturing composition into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Alyssa Michelle Volk, Michael R. Farris, Paul S. Carman, Hong Sun, Scott G. Nelson, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20170298266
    Abstract: A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. Crosslinking increases viscosity of the fluid during a development time. A pH decrease is controlled during the development time using the acidifying substance. The method also includes delaying the development time of the viscosity increase by controlling the pH decrease. A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a hydratable polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. The method includes delaying development time of a viscosity increase by controlling a pH decrease without adding further acidifying substance after combining the polymer, crosslinker, acidifying substance, and base fluid. A well treatment fluid formulated with ingredients include a base fluid, a polymer, a crosslinker, and an acidifying substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: MAGNUS U. LEGEMAH, PAUL S. CARMAN, RUPA VENUGOPAL, HONG SUN
  • Publication number: 20170267915
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well comprises: combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a borated galactomannan to form a hydraulic fracturing composition; and pumping the hydraulic fracturing composition into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Alyssa Michelle Volk, Michael R. Farris, Paul S. Carman, Hong Sun, Scott G. Nelson, Harold D. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20170260444
    Abstract: A fracturing fluid containing a hydratable viscosifying polymer and a zirconium acetylacetonate crosslinker provides a green alternative to conventional systems. The zirconium aceylacetonate is dissolved in benzyl alcohol or in a mixture of benzyl alcohol and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4(yl)-methanol. The pH of the fracturing fluid may be between from about 3.5 to about 11.5. The fracturing fluid may contain an acidic buffering agent or a basic buffering agent. The fracturing fluid may be pumped into a well in order to initiate or enlarge a fracture within a subterranean formation penetrated by the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Paul S. Carman, Minh Vo
  • Publication number: 20170218258
    Abstract: A fines-fixing agent that has improved compatibility with organic complexed borate fracturing fluids is disclosed. Existing fines fixing agents have a high concentration of unreacted caustic that results in a product pH of approximately 12. This high pH affects the crosslinker and the overall fracturing fluid system stability, promoting precipitation of the organic crosslinker. These effects can be mitigated by neutralizing the fines fixing agents with an acid such as hydrochloric or acetic acid to a pH of 6 or lower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: PAUL S. CARMAN, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Jennifer L. Cutler
  • Patent number: 9714375
    Abstract: A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. Crosslinking increases viscosity of the fluid during a development time. A pH decrease is controlled during the development time using the acidifying substance. The method also includes delaying the development time of the viscosity increase by controlling the pH decrease. A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a hydratable polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. The method includes delaying development time of a viscosity increase by controlling a pH decrease without adding further acidifying substance after combining the polymer, crosslinker, acidifying substance, and base fluid. A well treatment fluid formulated with ingredients include a base fluid, a polymer, a crosslinker, and an acidifying substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Magnus U. Legemah, Paul S. Carman, Rupa Venugopal, Hong Sun
  • Publication number: 20170190957
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing process comprises combining an aqueous carrier with a superabsorbent polymer and a plurality of proppant particles to form a fracturing fluid; and disposing the fracturing fluid in a downhole environment. When the aqueous carrier has a total dissolved solid content of equal to or less than 400 parts per million and a hardness of less than 100 parts per million as calcium carbonate, the superabsorbent polymer comprises particles having a size of about 145 microns to about 600 microns. When the aqueous carrier has a total dissolved solid content of greater than 400 parts per million to less than 8,000 parts per million and a hardness of greater than 100 parts per million to less than 2,500 parts per million as calcium carbonate, the superabsorbent polymer comprises particles having a size of about 145 microns to about 300 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hong Sun, Paul S. Carman, Alyssa Michelle Volk, Johnny Chapman
  • Patent number: 9663707
    Abstract: A fracturing fluid containing a hydratable viscosifying polymer and a zirconium acetylacetonate crosslinker provides a green alternative to conventional systems. The zirconium aceylacetonate is dissolved in benzyl alcohol or in a mixture of benzyl alcohol and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4(yl)-methanol. The pH of the fracturing fluid may be between from about 3.5 to about 11.5. The fracturing fluid may contain an acidic buffering agent or a basic buffering agent. The fracturing fluid may be pumped into a well in order to initiate or enlarge a fracture within a subterranean formation penetrated by the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Paul S. Carman, Minh Vo
  • Publication number: 20160289541
    Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprises: providing a diverting fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a first superabsorbent polymer and a second superabsorbent polymer, the second superabsorbent polymer having a shape, or a composition, or a combination thereof different from that of the first superabsorbent polymer; injecting the diverting fluid into the subterranean formation; and injecting a fracturing fluid into the formation after injecting the diverting fluid. A viscosity modifying agent can be present in the diverting fluid. Superabsorbent polymers can also be used to develop a temporary filter cake at the formation face to reduce or eliminate the fluid leakoff out of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jia Zhou, Harold Dean Brannon, Paul S. Carman, Leiming Li, Thomas Ray Starks, II, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Harold G. Hudson, Scott G. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150284624
    Abstract: Productivity from a subterranean formation is enhanced by pumping into a well penetrating the formation after the well has been drilled a hard water aqueous fluid containing a polymeric stabilizer and a crosslinkable viscosifying polymer such as carboxymethyl guar or carboxymethyl cellulose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Qi Qu, Hong Sun, Jia Zhou, Paul S. Carman, Ahmed M. Gomaa, Michael P. Mehle
  • Publication number: 20150210913
    Abstract: A clay stabilizer may be used to inhibit the swelling and/or disintegration of clay in a subterranean formation. A subterranean clay-containing formation may be treated with the clay stabilizer by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition containing the clay stabilizer dispersed or dissolved in a carrier fluid. Damage to the formation caused by contact with the well treating composition is reduced or substantially eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Paul S. Carman
  • Publication number: 20150107844
    Abstract: A fracturing fluid containing a hydratable viscosifying polymer and a zirconium acetylacetonate crosslinker provides a green alternative to conventional systems. The zirconium aceylacetonate is dissolved in benzyl alcohol or in a mixture of benzyl alcohol and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolan-4(yl)-methanol. The pH of the fracturing fluid may be between from about 3.5 to about 11.5. The fracturing fluid may contain an acidic buffering agent or a basic buffering agent. The fracturing fluid may be pumped into a well in order to initiate or enlarge a fracture within a subterranean formation penetrated by the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Paul S. Carman, Minh Vo
  • Publication number: 20150053409
    Abstract: A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. Crosslinking increases viscosity of the fluid during a development time. A pH decrease is controlled during the development time using the acidifying substance. The method also includes delaying the development time of the viscosity increase by controlling the pH decrease. A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a hydratable polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. The method includes delaying development time of a viscosity increase by controlling a pH decrease without adding further acidifying substance after combining the polymer, crosslinker, acidifying substance, and base fluid. A well treatment fluid formulated with ingredients include a base fluid, a polymer, a crosslinker, and an acidifying substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: MAGNUS U. LEGEMAH, PAUL S. CARMAN, RUPA VENUGOPAL, HONG SUN
  • Patent number: 8691734
    Abstract: Well treatment fluids and methods of treating high temperature subterranean formations of up to about 500° F. (260° C.) are provided. The well treatment fluids and methods utilize a high molecular weight synthetic copolymer and a pH buffer than maintains a pH in a range of about 4.5 to about 5.25 for the fluids. The high molecular weight synthetic copolymer is derived from acrylamide, acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, and vinyl phosphonates. The well treatment fluids may be energized or foamed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul S. Carman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Publication number: 20120012325
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation by introducing into the formation a high temperature well treatment fluid containing a polymeric gel and an electron donating compound comprising phenothiazine or a phenothiazine derivative. The high temperature well treatment fluid may further contain a crosslinking agent or the polymeric gel may be crosslinked. The electron donating compound performs as a stabilizer in the treatment of wells having a subterranean formation temperature of up to about 500° F. (260° C.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Paul S. Carman