Patents by Inventor Richard W. Pauls

Richard W. Pauls 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: 7571766
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a production interval of a subterranean formation adjacent a wellbore that is open hole or has an uncemented liner is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) perforating a zone of the production interval by injecting a pressurized fluid through a hydrajetting tool into the subterranean formation, so as to form one or more perforation tunnels; and (b) injecting a fracturing fluid into the one or more perforation tunnels so as to create at least one fracture along each of the one or more perforation tunnels; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the pressurized fluid and the fracturing fluid comprises a viscoelastic surfactant fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20090166038
    Abstract: Subterranean treatment fluids comprising one or more organic acids and methods of use in subterranean operations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a plurality of particulates, a gelling agent, and one or more organic acids; introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and depositing at least a portion of the particulates in a portion of the subterranean formation so as to form a gravel pack in a portion of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Mary Van Domelen
  • Patent number: 7547665
    Abstract: Treatment fluids are provided that comprise a gelling agent that comprises scleroglucan and/or diutan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20090042750
    Abstract: Acidic treatment fluids used in industrial and/or subterranean operations, and more particularly, acidic treatment fluids comprising clarified xanthan gelling agents, and methods of use in industrial and/or subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing an acidic treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, an acid, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified xanthan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7475728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean treatment operations. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved treatment fluids and methods of using such improved treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of treating a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of drilling in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a treatment fluid comprising a degradable diverting agent. Another example of a composition of the present invention is a degradable diverting agent for use in a subterranean treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Larry S. Eoff, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080289827
    Abstract: Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method includes a method comprising introducing a viscosified remedial fluid comprising a base fluid, a viscosifying agent, and an oxidizer into at least a portion of a subterranean formation having damage present therein so as to contact the damage with the viscosified remedial fluid; and allowing the viscosified remedial fluid to at least partially remediate the damage present in the subterranean formation. Another method provided herein includes introducing a viscosified remedial fluid comprising a base fluid, a first viscosifying agent, and an oxidizer into at least a portion of a subterranean formation before a treatment fluid comprising a second viscosifying agent is introduced therein, wherein the oxidizer is available to remediate damage in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, David E. McMechan, John M. Terracina
  • Publication number: 20080280789
    Abstract: A method for treating a wellbore tubular or subsurface completion equipment to help remove scale is provided. In general, the method comprises the steps of: (A) determining the likelihood of the presence of carbonate scale in the wellbore tubular or subsurface completion equipment; (B) forming or providing a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a chelating agent capable of forming a heterocyclic ring that contains a metal ion attached to at least two nonmetal ions; and (iii) a viscosity-increasing agent; and (C) introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore tubular or the subsurface completion equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20080277112
    Abstract: A method for treating a portion of a subterranean formation or a proppant pack is provided. In general, the method comprises the steps of: (A) forming or providing a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a chelating agent capable of forming a heterocyclic ring that contains a metal ion attached to at least two nonmetal ions; and (iii) a viscosity-increasing agent; and (B) introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore under sufficient pressure to force the treatment fluid into the matrix of the formation or the proppant pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20080217011
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The method includes a step of introducing a treatment fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation through the wellbore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (i) water; (ii) a gelling agent comprising a polymer grafted with a vinyl phosphonic acid or derivative thereof; and (iii) a crosslinking agent, and the step of subsequently introducing an oxidizer into a zone of a subterranean formation through the wellbore. According to another aspect the method includes a step of introducing a treatment fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation through the wellbore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: (i) water; (ii) a gelling agent comprising a polymer grafted with a vinyl phosphonic acid or derivative thereof; and (iii) a magnesium oxide; and the step of: introducing an acid into the zone through the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Michael W. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20080194430
    Abstract: Treatment fluids are provided that include a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan, and at least a plurality of particulates. Additional treatment fluids are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20080194428
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a clarified diutan; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be placed into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20080194427
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a acidic treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, an acid composition, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be allowed to interact with a component of the subterranean formation so that the component is at least partially dissolved. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20080190609
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a diutan composition; providing a breaker that comprises an acid composition; allowing the breaker to interact with the treatment fluid; and allowing the viscosity of the treatment fluid to decrease. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may comprise a base fluid, a gelling agent that comprises a diutan composition, and a breaker that comprises an acid composition. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a portion of the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the portion of the subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song
  • Publication number: 20080078548
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a production interval of a subterranean formation adjacent a wellbore that is open hole or has an uncemented liner is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) perforating a zone of the production interval by injecting a pressurized fluid through a hydrajetting tool into the subterranean formation, so as to form one or more perforation tunnels; and (b) injecting a fracturing fluid into the one or more perforation tunnels so as to create at least one fracture along each of the one or more perforation tunnels; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the pressurized fluid and the fracturing fluid comprises a viscoelastic surfactant fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20080078545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosified treatment fluids used in well completion and stimulation operations for oil and gas production, and more particularly, to viscosified treatment fluids comprising xanthan gelling agents. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises water and a gelling agent that comprises a modified xanthan; and treating the portion of the subterranean formation. The present invention also provides methods of fracturing, gravel packing, acidizing with the viscosified treatments fluids. Also provided are viscosified treatment fluid compositions and gelling agent compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Patent number: 7334640
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a gelling agent, providing a breaker composition that comprises an oxidizing breaker and a breaker activator that comprises a metal and a protein, allowing the viscosified treatment fluid to interact with the breaker composition, treating the subterranean formation with the viscosified treatment fluid, and allowing a viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to be reduced. Further, methods of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluids and methods of activating oxidizing breakers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hanes, Jr., Richard W. Pauls, David E. Griffin, Keith A. Frost, John M. Terracina
  • Publication number: 20080035338
    Abstract: Many methods and compositions are provided. One of the methods provided comprises the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity. An example of a composition is a viscosified treatment fluid for treating subterranean formations comprising: an aqueous base fluid and an apparent cross linked reaction product of a polysaccharide and a dual functional component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason Bryant
  • Publication number: 20080035341
    Abstract: Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example is a method that comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing an acid to generate from the acid-generating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Bradley L. Todd, David E. McMechan, Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20080035342
    Abstract: Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example of a method of the present invention comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the acid-generating compound to produce an acid that then acidizes at least a portion of the subterranean formation or damage contained in the formation or well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Bradley L. Todd, David E. McMechan, Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20070251693
    Abstract: A composition is provided for delivering an organic solvent to a downhole portion of a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon or to a portion of a pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbon. The composition comprises: (A) water; (B) a weighting agent; (C) an organic solvent that is immiscible with water; and (D) a surfactant adapted for forming an oil-external emulsion of the organic solvent and the water, wherein the surfactant is unstable to hydrolysis. The composition is formed to be an oil-external emulsion. The density of the composition is formulated to be greater than that of pure water at standard temperature and pressure. A method is provided for delivering an organic solvent to a downhole portion of a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon or to a portion of a pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbon. The method comprises the steps of: (A) forming a composition according to the invention; and (B) introducing the composition into the wellbore or into the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Gary J. Cheramie, Richard W. Pauls