Patents by Inventor W. Keith Idol

W. Keith Idol 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: 6227296
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing the water saturation in the near-well region. Along with various well treatment possibilities, one application of this invention increases the injectivity rate of a substantially nonaqueous fluid into a subterranean formation. The preferred embodiment uses this invention to increase the injectivity of solvent gas into an oil-bearing formation for enhancing the amount and/or rate of oil recovery from the formation. The method includes injecting a second fluid into the near-well region of the injection well to displace at least a portion of the water from that region. Displacement of the water and subsequent displacement of the secondary fluid allow maximum injectivity for the primary solvent being injected for oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Todd R. Reppert, W. Keith Idol