Patents by Inventor Stephen A. Bell

Stephen A. Bell 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: 7560418
    Abstract: Metal cross-linked phosphate ester compositions impart fragile progressive gel structure to a variety of oil and invert emulsion-based drilling fluids at neutral or acidic pH. The fluids are useful for drilling wellbores in subterranean formations without need for organophilic clays to suspend drill solids. At greater concentrations, metal cross-linked phosphate ester compositions enhance fluid viscosity for suspending weighting materials in drilling fluids during transport of the fluids, as from a manufacturing or mixing facility to a drilling site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Bell, William W. Shumway
  • Patent number: 7550411
    Abstract: Methods of controlling shale swelling in a subterranean formation comprising introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a polyoxazoline composition. Subterranean treatment fluids comprising a base fluid and a polyoxazoline composition. Other methods and compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Bell
  • Patent number: 7178610
    Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean treatment fluids. In particular, the present invention relates to subterranean treatment fluid compositions that comprise polyoxazoline compositions and methods for using such compositions in subterranean applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling shale swelling in a subterranean formation comprising introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a polyoxazoline composition. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: introducing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a polyoxazoline composition; and treating a portion of the subterranean formation. Other embodiments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen A. Bell