Patents by Inventor Rusty R. Mackey

Rusty R. Mackey 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).

  • Hydrocarbon recovery
    Patent number: 7028771
    Abstract: Low concentrations, 1–10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Rusty R. Mackey, John H. Hallman
  • Hydrocarbon recovery
    Publication number: 20030221825
    Abstract: Low concentrations, 1-10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Clearwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Rusty R. Mackey
  • Invert emulsion drilling fluid and process
    Publication number: 20030092580
    Abstract: An invert emulsion, in which the aqueous phase includes a low concentration of potassium formate, is used in well drilling. The low concentration of potassium formate may be maintained by monitoring the potassium level in the circulating drilling fluid and/or by intermittently measuring the water activity of the drilling fluid. As an emulsifier, a reaction product of tall oil and a fatty alkanolamide may be used, optionally with an additional reaction product of tall oil with an aminoethylpiperazine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Clearwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Rusty R. Mackey, Larry W. Gatlin