Patents by Inventor Qi Qu

Qi Qu 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).

  • HYDRAULIC FRACTURING COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR MAKING AND USE OF SAME
    Publication number: 20140332214
    Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing composition includes: a superabsorbent polymer in an expanded state; a plurality of proppant particles disposed in the superabsorbent polymer; an additive comprising a surfactant, a viscose polymer, or a combination thereof, and a fluid to expand the superabsorbent polymer into the expanded state. A process for disposing a plurality of proppant particles in a fracture comprises: disposing a hydraulic fracturing composition in a downhole environment; forming a fracture; disposing the hydraulic fracturing composition in the fracture; breaking the superabsorbent polymer after forming the fracture; and releasing the plurality of proppant particles from superabsorbent polymer. The process also comprises injecting a proppant-free fluid and a proppant-containing fluid in an alternating order into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jia Zhou, Qi Qu, Scott G. Nelson, Hong Sun, Leiming Li
  • Method of Real Time Monitoring of Well Operations Using Self-Sensing Treatment Fluids
    Publication number: 20140318783
    Abstract: Downhole conditions in a wellbore may be monitored in real time by pumping into the well a sensing treatment fluid which includes a piezoelectric or piezoresistive material and measuring changes in electrical resistivity within the wellbore. The monitoring in real time of the piezoelectric or piezoresistive material enhances the integrity of the wellbore during the setting of the treatment fluid as well as during the lifetime of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Robert S. Martin, Guido Gustavo Narvaez, Qi Qu, Gregory B. Itskovich
  • Use of hexose oxidases to create hydrogen peroxide in aqueous well treatment fluids
    Patent number: 8863838
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation may be treated with an aqueous well treatment fluid which contains a hexose oxidase, such as glucose oxidase, mannose oxidase or galactose oxidase. The aqueous well treatment fluid further may contain a viscosifying polymer and an aldohexose. The aldohexose reacts in-situ with the hexose oxidase and molecular oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide may then act as a breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Qi Qu
  • Electrolocation apparatus and methods for providing information about one or more subterranean feature
    Patent number: 8841914
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of approximating or determining at least one dimension of at least one underground geological feature in a zone of interest proximate to a well bore includes generating an electric field in the zone of interest while the well bore and geological feature at least partially contain conductive fluid. At least two sensing electrodes are provided in the well bore and configured to detect differences therebetween in electric potential caused by at least one target object in the zone of interest and provide data relating thereto to at least one data processing system. The data processing system(s) approximates or determines the dimension(s) of the geological feature(s) based at least partially upon data provided by the sensing electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Qi Qu, Russell L. Maharidge, Thomas J. Pisklak
  • Sulfates and phosphates as allosteric effectors in mannanohydrolase enzyme breakers
    Patent number: 8833457
    Abstract: The allosteric effectors, sulfate and phosphate, can be used with mannanohydrolase enzymes to better control the break of gelled fracturing fluids in wellbore operations. The fracturing fluid contains a hydratable polymer of guar, a guar derivative, a cellulose derivative, a water soluble biopolymer or a combination thereof and a crosslinking agent. The mannanohydrolase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of ?-(1,4) mannosidic linkages to break the polymeric backbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Hoang Le, Bharath Rajappa, Qi Qu
  • METHOD OF ENHANCING THE COMPLEXITY OF A FRACTURE NETWORK WITHIN A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION
    Publication number: 20140251626
    Abstract: The complexity of a fracture network within a subterranean formation may be enhanced by pumping a high breakdown pressure fluid followed by a low breakdown pressure fluid into the formation. The method increases the Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) of the formation and provides for a network of ancillary fractures within the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ahmed M. Gomaa, Qi Qu, Russell L. Maharidge, Scott G. Nelson, Ted B. Reed
  • Light-weight proppant from heat-treated pumice
    Patent number: 8796188
    Abstract: A process for forming a strong, low-density proppant, which process includes heating pumice particulates, or shaped agglomerates thereof, so as to form heat-treated pumice particulates, or heat-treated, shaped pumice agglomerates, having an apparent density of 2.4 or less and a crush resistance of no more than 10% fines at 4000 psi. Proppants, and well treatment fluids comprising proppants, meeting these characteristics and processes for treating subterranean formations using fluids which include such proppants are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pisklak, Richard F. Stevens, Jr., Qi Qu, Elizabeth G. Morillo
  • Apparatus and methods for providing information about one or more subterranean feature
    Patent number: 8797037
    Abstract: A method of approximating or determining at least one dimension or other characteristic of at least one underground geological feature in a zone of interest proximate to a well bore includes generating an electric field in the zone of interest. At least two sensing electrodes are provided in the well bore and configured to detect differences therebetween in electric potential caused by at least one target object in the zone of interest. Proppant containing signal generating devices (SGD) is delivered into the geological feature(s). The SGD generate a detectable signal in response to at least one downhole condition or property. At least one receiver receives the detectable signals and provides data relating thereto. At least one dimension or other characteristic of the geological feature is approximated or determined based at least partially upon data provided by the sensing electrodes and receiver(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Qi Qu, Russell L. Maharidge, Thomas J. Pisklak
  • COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS TO PREVENT CORROSION BY CO2 ON CEMENT COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20140134340
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that protect cement compositions from corrosion, particularly from wet carbon dioxide, are provided. A soluble salt additive is provided to react with reaction products generated during the reactions that occur when cement is exposed to wet carbon dioxide. The soluble salt reacts to form an insoluble salt that forms a protective layer on the surface of the cement that protects it from further corrosion from exposure to wet carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark Alan Vorderbruggen, Qi Qu
  • Method of fracturing using boron crosslinkers
    Patent number: 8691735
    Abstract: Fracturing fluid compositions and methods of fracturing subterranean formations using polyboronic compounds as crosslinking agents are provided. The compositions and methods of the present invention allow for lower polymer loadings because achieving higher fracturing fluid viscosities can be achieved using less polymer than in traditional crosslinked systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hong Sun, Qi Qu, Frances De Benedictis, Jerry Edwin Pardue
  • Method of Reducing Water or Gas Permeability in a Subterranean Formation
    Publication number: 20140076562
    Abstract: Water and gas flow into a subterranean reservoir may be reduced by pumping into the reservoir a primary amine crosslinking agent and an anionic or hydrolyzable nonionic polymer capable of crosslinking with the crosslinking agent. The reaction product forms a gel plug impermeable to water and gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Sumit Bhaduri, Qi Qu
  • Method of reducing corrosion in cement
    Patent number: 8636068
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that protect cement compositions from corrosion, particularly from wet carbon dioxide, are provided. A soluble salt additive is provided to react with reaction products generated during the reactions that occur when cement is exposed to wet carbon dioxide. The soluble salt reacts to form an insoluble salt that forms a protective layer on the surface of the cement that protects it from further corrosion from exposure to wet carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Alan Vorderbruggen, Richard F. Stevens, Qi Qu
  • Fracturing Fluids and Methods For Treating Hydrocarbon-Bearing Formations
    Publication number: 20140000896
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises a labile group that is operative to facilitate decomposition of the synthetic polymer upon activation of the labile group; the synthetic polymer being operative to increase the viscosity of the carrier fluid to about 5 to about 50 centipoise; the fracturing fluid being operative to reduce friction during a downhole fracturing operation and to transport a proppant during the downhole fracturing operation; and an oxidizing agent. A method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiaolan Wang, Qi Qu, Scott Nelson, Hong Sun, Michael Guerin
  • Fracturing Fluids and Methods For Treating Hydrocarbon-Bearing Formations
    Publication number: 20140000897
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises a labile group that is operative to facilitate decomposition of the synthetic polymer upon activation of the labile group; the polymer being crosslinked, the fracturing fluid having a viscosity of about 200 to about 3000 centipoise at 100 s?1; and an oxidizing agent. A method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiaolan Wang, Qi Qu, Scott Nelson, Hong Sun, Michael Guerin
  • Fracturing Fluids and Methods For Treating Hydrocarbon-Bearing Formations
    Publication number: 20140000890
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer; the synthetic polymer being operative to increase the viscosity of the carrier fluid to about 5 to about 50 centipoise; the fracturing fluid being operative to reduce friction during a downhole fracturing operation and to transport a proppant during the downhole fracturing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hong Sun, Frances DeBenedictis, Jia Zhou, Scott Nelson, Tom N. Royce, Qi Qu
  • Microemulsion and Nanoemulsion Breaker Fluids With Organic Peroxides
    Publication number: 20130324445
    Abstract: Incorporating at least oil-soluble organic peroxide into a mixture of an aqueous phase and at least one surfactant creates a breaker fluid that is a microemulsion or a nanoemulsion that can then perform as an internal breaker for reducing the viscosity of aqueous fluids gelled with a polymer, such as a crosslinked polysaccharide. One phase of the breaker fluid is water or water-based, e.g. brine, containing at least one oil-soluble organic peroxide as a non-aqueous internal phase that will, over time and optionally with heat, break the polymer-gelled portion of the gel. The overall breaking using the breaker fluid is slower as compared to introducing the organic peroxide breaker in a non-microemulsified or non-nanoemulsified form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Lirio Quintero, Gianna A. Pietrangeli, Frances H. DeBenedictis, Qi Qu, Hong Sun
  • USE OF HEXOSE OXIDASES TO CREATE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN AQUEOUS WELL TREATMENT FLUIDS
    Publication number: 20130312969
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation may be treated with an aqueous well treatment fluid which contains a hexose oxidase, such as glucose oxidase, mannose oxidase or galactose oxidase. The aqueous well treatment fluid further may contain a viscosifying polymer and an aldohexose. The aldohexose reacts in-situ with the hexose oxidase and molecular oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide may then act as a breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Qi Qu
  • Method of using hexose oxidases to create hydrogen peroxide in aqueous well treatment fluids
    Patent number: 8517095
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation may be treated with an aqueous well treatment fluid which contains a hexose oxidase, such as glucose oxidase, mannose oxidase or galactose oxidase. The aqueous well treatment fluid further may contain a viscosifying polymer and an aldohexose. The aldohexose reacts in-situ with the hexose oxidase and molecular oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide may then act as a breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Qi Qu
  • ELECTROLOCATION APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT ONE OR MORE SUBTERRANEAN FEATURE
    Publication number: 20130193975
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of approximating or determining at least one dimension of at least one underground geological feature in a zone of interest proximate to a well bore includes generating an electric field in the zone of interest while the well bore and geological feature at least partially contain conductive fluid. At least two sensing electrodes are provided in the well bore and configured to detect differences therebetween in electric potential caused by at least one target object in the zone of interest and provide data relating thereto to at least one data processing system. The data processing system(s) approximates or determines the dimension(s) of the geological feature(s) based at least partially upon data provided by the sensing electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Qi Qu, Russell L. Maharidge, Thomas J. Pisklak
  • LIGHTWEIGHT HOLLOW PARTICLES FOR USE IN CEMENTING
    Publication number: 20130153222
    Abstract: A lightweight composite having an activated surface contains a lightweight hollow core particle having cement grains which may be adhered to the hollow core or embedded in the surface of the hollow core. The hollow core particle may be prepared from calcium carbonate and a mixture of clay, such as bentonite, and a glassy inorganic material, such as glass spheres, glass beads, glass bubbles, borosilicate glass and fiberglass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pisklak, Elizabeth G. Morillo, Qi Qu