Patents by Inventor Slaheddine Kefi

Slaheddine Kefi 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: 11091686
    Abstract: Well treatment compositions comprise water, a lipophilic anionic surfactant, a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant, a second non-ionic surfactant, a water-solubilizing solvent, a water-immiscible solvent and a lipophilic non-ionic surfactant. Optionally, a second solvent may be incorporated. When added to spacer fluids, chemical washes or both, the compositions promote the removal of non-aqueous drilling fluids from casing surfaces. Additionally, the treated casing surfaces are water wet, thereby promoting optimal bonding to cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Quentin Barral, Nicolas Droger, Slaheddine Kefi, Loic Regnault De La Mothe
  • Patent number: 9896612
    Abstract: Method for controlling lost circulation in a subterranean well using oil-dispersible lost-circulation materials which comprise fibers that are coated (or sized) with a lipophilic coupling agent, a lipophilic film-forming polymer or both. The fibers are preferably between about 6 mm and about 25 mm long, and between about 10 ?m and about 200 ?m in diameter. The fibers may be added to carrier fluids comprising oil-base fluids, synthetic-base fluids, invert-emulsion-base fluids and combinations thereof. The preferred fiber concentration in the carrier fluid is between about 0.55 g/L and about 28.5 g/L. The carrier fluid may be a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid or a lost-circulation pill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Slaheddine Kefi, Jesse C. Lee, Chrystel Brunet-Cambus, Nikhil Shindgikar
  • Publication number: 20180010032
    Abstract: Well treatment compositions comprise water, a lipophilic anionic surfactant, a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant, a second non-ionic surfactant, a water-solubilizing solvent, a water-immiscible solvent and a lipophilic non-ionic surfactant. Optionally, a second solvent may be incorporated. When added to spacer fluids, chemical washes or both, the compositions promote the removal of non-aqueous drilling fluids from casing surfaces. Additionally, the treated casing surfaces are water wet, thereby promoting optimal bonding to cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Quentin BARRAL, Nicolas DROGER, Slaheddine KEFI, Loic REGNAULT DE LA MOTHE
  • Patent number: 9528365
    Abstract: An apparatus may be used to test the ability of a first fluid to remove a second fluid from a surface. The apparatus comprises a reservoir that contains the first fluid and a testing cell that contains the second fluid. The testing cell also contains a rotor within. The first fluid is pumped into the testing cell, thereby displacing the second fluid. The displaced second fluid flows to a collection vessel. The apparatus is particularly useful for determining the ability of a chemical wash or a spacer fluid to remove non-aqueous drilling fluids from a metallic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Quentin Barral, Alice Chougnet-Sirapian, Bernard Dargaud, Nora Bennani, Dominique Zamora, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 9290689
    Abstract: A process of making observations of a subterranean reservoir penetrated by a wellbore uses distinguishable sets of tracer particles and comprises steps of: (i) delivering a plurality of sets of tracer particles to respective subterranean locations via the wellbore, the particles in each set comprising a tracer substance which distinguishes that set form the other sets; (ii) causing or allowing the tracer substances to flow out from the tracer particles whilst the particles are at the respective subterranean locations; (iii) causing or allowing production of fluid out of said reservoir via the wellbore; and (iv) detecting the presence or absence of the tracer substances in the produced fluid. The tracer substances are sufficiently distinguishable from each other to enable a tracer substance detected in the produced fluid to identify the set of tracer particles from which it has come and hence identify the location from which it has come.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Valerie Lafitte, Trevor Hughes, Slaheddine Kefi, Matthew Miller, Gary Tustin, Shiyi Wang
  • Publication number: 20160060502
    Abstract: Well treatment compositions comprise at least one cleavable surfactant. The surfactant may be anionic, nonionic or cationic or a combination thereof. When added to spacer fluids, chemical washes or both, the compositions promote the removal of non-aqueous drilling fluids from casing surfaces. Additionally, the treated casing surfaces are water wet, thereby promoting optimal bonding to cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Slaheddine Kefi
  • Publication number: 20160060500
    Abstract: Well treatment compositions comprise at least one surfactant, and an ionic liquid, a deep eutectic solvent or both. When added to spacer fluids, chemical washes or both, the compositions promote the removal of non-aqueous drilling fluids from casing surfaces. Additionally, the treated casing surfaces are water wet, thereby promoting optimal bonding to cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Slaheddine Kefi
  • Publication number: 20160060501
    Abstract: Method for controlling lost circulation in a subterranean well using oil-dispersible lost-circulation materials which comprise fibers that are coated (or sized) with a lipophilic coupling agent, a lipophilic film-forming polymer or both. The fibers are preferably between about 6 mm and about 25 mm long, and between about 10 ?m and about 200 ?m in diameter. The fibers may be added to carrier fluids comprising oil-base fluids, synthetic-base fluids, invert-emulsion-base fluids and combinations thereof. The preferred fiber concentration in the carrier fluid is between about 0.55 g/L and about 28.5 g/L. The carrier fluid may be a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid or a lost-circulation pill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Slaheddine Kefi, Jesse C. Lee, Chrystel Brunet-Cambus, Nikhil Shindgikar
  • Patent number: 9206343
    Abstract: A carbohydrate-based compound is used as a setting accelerator in a pumpable geopolymeric suspension for oil and/or gas industry applications. The suspension further comprises an aluminosilicate source, a carrier fluid, and an activator. The suspensions may be placed in a subterranean well and used for well primary cementing operations and/or remedial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Elena Pershikova, Olivier Porcherie, Slaheddine Kefi, Yamina Boubeguira, Hafida Achtal
  • Publication number: 20150240142
    Abstract: Well treatment compositions comprise water, a lipophilic anionic surfactant, a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant, a second non-ionic surfactant and a water-miscible solvent. Optionally, a second solvent may be incorporated. When added to spacer fluids, chemical washes or both, the compositions promote the removal of non-aqueous drilling fluids from casing surfaces. Additionally, the treated casing surfaces are water wet, thereby promoting optimal bonding to cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Slaheddine Kefi, Nora Bennani, Elena Pershikova Tomilina
  • Publication number: 20150159080
    Abstract: The following describes a novel and alternative mechanism in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material allows to obtain a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Jesse C. Lee, Stephane Boulard, Nikhil Shindgikar, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 8991497
    Abstract: The following describes a novel and alternative mechanism in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material allows to obtain a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse C. Lee, Stephane Boulard, Nikhil Shindgikar, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Publication number: 20140352948
    Abstract: An apparatus may be used to test the ability of a first fluid to remove a second fluid from a surface. The apparatus comprises a reservoir that contains the first fluid and a testing cell that contains the second fluid. The testing cell also contains a rotor within. The first fluid is pumped into the testing cell, thereby displacing the second fluid. The displaced second fluid flows to a collection vessel. The apparatus is particularly useful for determining the ability of a chemical wash or a spacer fluid to remove non-aqueous drilling fluids from a metallic surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Quentin Barral, Alice Chougnet-Sirapian, Bernard Dargaud, Nora Bennani, Dominique Zamora, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 8776882
    Abstract: Mixtures of fibers and solid particles are effective for curing fluid losses and lost circulation in a subterranean well. Stiff fibers are more effective than flexible ones; however, mixtures of stiff and flexible fibers have a synergistic effect. The quantity and particle-size distribution of the solids are optimized according to the stiffness, dimensions and concentrations of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse C. Lee, Slaheddine Kefi, Chrystel Brunet-Cambus, Michel Ermel
  • Patent number: 8689869
    Abstract: An encapsulated thixotropy agent may be added to aqueous well service fluids. Such fluids include drilling fluids, cement slurries and polymer pills. The well service fluid may be subjected to shearing action downhole, causing the thixotropy agent to be released and imparting thixotropy to the fluid. The thixotropy agent comprises a dry suspension of synthetic layered silicates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 8535437
    Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a fluid loss control additive in a pumpable geopolymeric suspension for oil and/or gas industry applications, said suspension further comprising an aluminosilicate source, a carrier fluid, and an activator, and method of providing such a suspension in a borehole. In particular, the suspension according to the invention is used for well primary cementing operations and/or remedial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Elena Pershikova, Olivier Porcherie, Slaheddine Kefi, Yamina Boubeguira, Hafida Achtal
  • Publication number: 20130160998
    Abstract: Compositions of lost circulation materials are provided that are useful for identifying the location of fluid loss in a wellbore. The compositions include additives which enhance a property of the composition such that they can be detected by an LWD or MWD tool capable of measuring the property when the composition is deployed in a region of loss, and can be distinguished by the LWD or MWD tool from the formation and mud fluid. Methods are also provided for using the composition to detect the location of fluid loss and for controlling the loss of fluid from the wellbore. The methods involve deploying the compositions in loss regions by adding the compositions to drilling mud, and measuring a property of the compositions using an LWD or MWD tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Francois M. Auzerais, Dzevat Omeragic, Slaheddine Kefi, Dean M. Homan, John P. Horkowitz, Benoit Vidick, Dominique Malard, Robert Utter, Andrew Hawthorn
  • Patent number: 8393395
    Abstract: A process for hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean reservoir formation penetrated by a wellbore includes pumping a fracturing fluid or other aqueous fluid from the surface via the wellbore and into the reservoir. This fluid is an aqueous suspension of particles which each comprise an oilfield chemical distributed within an encapsulating matrix of water-insoluble carrier material. The encapsulating matrix is chosen so as to provide a delayed release of the oilfield chemical from the particles into surrounding fluid, such that oilfield chemical is liberated from the particles after they have entered the fracture. The encapsulating matrix may be a polymer which is at least partially amorphous, with a glass transition temperature below the reservoir temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Cochet, Trevor Hughes, Slaheddine Kefi, Valerie Lafitte, Khooi Tan, Gary Tustin, Shiyi Wang
  • Patent number: 8371381
    Abstract: Mixtures of fibers and solid particles are effective for curing fluid losses and lost circulation in a subterranean well. Stiff fibers are more effective than flexible ones; however, mixtures of stiff and flexible fibers have a synergistic effect. The quantity and particle-size distribution of the solids are optimized according to the stiffness, dimensions and concentrations of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee, Slaheddine Kefi, Chrystel Cambus-Brunet, Michel Ermel
  • Publication number: 20120322695
    Abstract: Method for controlling lost circulation in a subterranean well using oil-dispersible lost-circulation materials which comprise fibers that are coated (or sized) with a lipophilic coupling agent, a lipophilic film-forming polymer or both. The fibers are preferably between about 6 mm and about 25 mm long, and between about 10 ?m and about 200 ?m in diameter. The fibers may be added to carrier fluids comprising oil-base fluids, synthetic-base fluids, invert-emulsion-base fluids and combinations thereof. The preferred fiber concentration in the carrier fluid is between about 0.55 g/L and about 28.5 g/L. The carrier fluid may be a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid or a lost-circulation pill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Slaheddine Kefi, Jesse C. Lee, Chrystel Brunet-Cambus, Nikhil Shindgikar