Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Welton

Thomas D. Welton 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).

  • Publication number: 20130118747
    Abstract: Anhydrous borate compounds can be used in a variety of subterranean treatment operations, where particulates of the anhydrous borate compounds slowly become soluble in an aqueous fluid after facilitating the treatment operation. Cleanup fluids can be used for affecting a more rapid removal of the anhydrous borate compounds from a subterranean formation. Methods for performing a cleanup of anhydrous borate compounds within a subterranean formation can comprise providing a cleanup fluid comprising a polyhydroxylated compound, introducing the cleanup fluid into a subterranean formation having a plurality of anhydrous borate particulates therein, and interacting the polyhydroxylated compound with the anhydrous borate particulates such that the anhydrous borate particulates become soluble in an aqueous fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 8434559
    Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton, Luke W. Holderman, Ivan Suleiman
  • Patent number: 8430173
    Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton, Luke W. Holderman, Ivan Suleiman
  • Publication number: 20130087328
    Abstract: A disclosed downhole optical sensor system includes at least one optical sensor positioned in a borehole and coupled to an interface via a fiber optic cable. Each of the optical sensors includes a waveguide for conducting light, and a reagent region positioned between the waveguide and a fluid in the borehole to absorb a portion of the light from the waveguide, the portion being dependent upon a concentration of a chemical species in the fluid. A described method for operating a well includes deploying one or more downhole optical sensors in a fluid flow path in the well, probing the one or more downhole optical sensors from a surface interface to detect concentrations of one or more chemical species, and deriving a rate of scale buildup or corrosion based at least in part on the detected concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Maida, JR., Etienne M. Samsom, Rory D. Daussin, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 8413721
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, David E. McMechan, John M. Terracina
  • Patent number: 8413720
    Abstract: Methods comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises using an aqueous base fluid, a synthetic cationic gelling agent, a plurality of particulates, and an organic acid. The treatment fluid is then introduced into at least a portion of a subterranean formation having a temperature of above about 275° F. wherein the particulates are deposited into the subterranean and the treatment fluid form at least one void in the subterranean formation itself. The viscosity of the treatment fluid in the subterranean formation is greater than about 20 cP for at least 20 minutes at temperatures higher than about 275° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Mary Van Domelen
  • Publication number: 20130081813
    Abstract: Method including the steps of providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and polymeric particulates wherein the polymeric particulates comprise a degradable polymer and a plasticizer and exhibit a Tg above about ?15° C.; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation having a temperature above about 65° C. such that the particulates transform from rigid to malleable form and are able to provide fluid loss, seal the rock surfaces for fluid diversion, or plug an area along the annulus of a well bore; and, degrading the malleable particulates over time in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Publication number: 20130081801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of degradable coatings suitable for use on downhole tools. In particular, the present invention relates to pliable coatings for use on downhole tools that have been designed to be able to resist flaking or breaking off of the tool in response to a physical shock. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of reacting lactic acid, glycolic acid, or a combination thereof in a polymerization reaction to form a degradable polymer; combining the degradable polymer and a plasticizer to form a coating composition; applying the coating composition to a downhole tool; placing the coated downhole tool into a portion of a subterranean formation; and, hydrolyzing the degradable polymer of the coating composition to release an acid and degrade the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Publication number: 20130000910
    Abstract: Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation. Methods for treating a sandstone formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising GLDA or a salt thereof into a sandstone formation, the treatment fluid having a pH above about 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20130000901
    Abstract: Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid having a pH equal to or greater than about 2. Fluids suitable for treating a subterranean formation can comprise water, GLDA or a salt thereof, and a surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20130000902
    Abstract: Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation comprising a carbonate mineral, and at least partially dissolving the carbonate mineral in the subterranean formation using the GLDA. Treatment fluids containing GLDA or a salt thereof may be used to increase the permeability of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20130000913
    Abstract: Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation, and at least partially removing an iron-containing material in the subterranean formation using the GLDA. Treatment fluids used in the methods may have a pH equal to or greater than about 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20120270758
    Abstract: A subterranean treatment fluid comprising a degradable gemini surfactant composition described by the following formula: A and A? are spacers that may be a hydrophobic group or a hydrophilic group. B is an ion and may contain a quaternary nitrogen, a sulfonate, or a phosphate. A, A?, B, B?, C, C, E and E? may be an alkyl, an aryl, a sugar, an ester, an ether, and any combination thereof. D and D? may be an aryl, a sugar, an ester, an ether, and any combination thereof. In some cases, A?, D?, and E? may be optional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Thomas D. Welton, Jason E. Bryant, Sherry G. Gaskins
  • Publication number: 20120261126
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for controlling the migration of particulates within a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise aqueous tackifying treatment fluids, curable resin compositions, and/or noncurable resin compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Johnny A. Barton
  • Publication number: 20120234543
    Abstract: Methods comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises using an aqueous base fluid, a synthetic cationic gelling agent, a plurality of particulates, and an organic acid. The treatment fluid is then introduced into at least a portion of a subterranean formation having a temperature of above about 275° F. wherein the particulates are deposited into the subterranean and the treatment fluid form at least one void in the subterranean formation itself. The viscosity of the treatment fluid in the subterranean formation is greater than about 20 cP for at least 20 minutes at temperatures higher than about 275° F.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Mary Van Domelen
  • Publication number: 20120220504
    Abstract: Consolidation fluids comprising: an aqueous base fluid comprising a hardening agent; an emulsified resin having an aqueous external phase and an organic internal phase; a silane coupling agent; and a surfactant. The consolidation fluid itself may be emulsified and further comprise an emulsifying agent. The consolidation fluid may also be foamed in some cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Rickman, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Philip D. Nguyen, Thomas D. Welton, Jimmie D. Weaver, Mike W. Sandars, Harvey J. Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20120205107
    Abstract: Method of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a consolidation fluid, introducing the resin consolidation fluid into a subterranean formation comprising unconsolidated particulates; and, curing the resin to at least partially consolidate the unconsolidated particulates. The consolidation fluid comprises a resin in emulsified form with an aqueous external phase and an organic internal phase wherein the emulsified resin does not comprise a hardening agent and an aqueous base fluid that further comprises a hardening agent. The consolidation fluid may further comprise an emulsifying agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Rickman, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Philip D. Nguyen, Thomas D. Welton, Jimmie D. Weaver, Mike W. Sanders, Harvey J. Fitzpatrick
  • Publication number: 20120190595
    Abstract: Methods of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid; providing a clean-up composition comprising a carboxylic acid; a chlorite-based breaker system comprising an alkali metal compound and an activator wherein the activator comprises a metal and an amine. Placing a viscosified treatment fluid in a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; first contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with the chlorite-based breaker; and then contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with the clean-up composition; and, allowing the viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to reduce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Jeff T. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20120186811
    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: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls
  • Publication number: 20120184469
    Abstract: Liquid-sensitive subterranean formation zones having at least one pathway enhanced by a stimulation process involving a stimulation fluid that comprises: a continuous gas phase comprising a stimulation gas; a consolidating agent in a solvent within the continuous gas phase; and, a surfactant that enhances the miscibility of the consolidating agent with the stimulation gas. In some cases the continuous gas phase may be a liquefied gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ottmar F. Hoch, Matthew E. Blauch, Thomas D. Welton