Separate Steps Of (1) Cementing, Plugging Or Consolidating And (2) Fracturing Or Attacking Formation Patents (Class 166/281)
  • Patent number: 9920600
    Abstract: An assembly for performing multiple downhole hydraulic stimulation applications in a well. The different applications may be performed without removal of the assembly from the well between the different applications. So, for example, even a hydraulic perforating application may be performed with prior or subsequent clean-out applications. Yet, there is no need to remove the assembly for manual surface adjustment of the hydraulic perforating tool in order to allow for such clean-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry McCallum, Jason Swaren, Bradley P. Malone, Kevin Mullen, Kevin Douglas Mauth
  • Patent number: 9890610
    Abstract: The finger or other protrusion allows downward movement of both fluid and balls, darts, or plugs through the tool or sliding sleeve until the ball, dart, or plug releases or actuates the gate. Once actuated the gate prevents further downward movement of any ball, dart, or plug past the gate while allowing fluid flow past both the gate and the ball, dart, or plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Frac Systems, LP
    Inventor: Joe Jordan
  • Patent number: 9840896
    Abstract: A method of treating a formation, a wellbore, or equipment in a wellbore is disclosed herein. The method includes introducing a soluble abrasive material into a wellbore for various oil and gas operations. The method also includes introducing an acidic solution into the wellbore to dissolve at least a portion of the soluble abrasive material to allow for more efficient removal of the soluble abrasive material from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Britton, Roger Schultz
  • Patent number: 9835006
    Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GEODYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin R. George, John T. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 9809736
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a lost-circulation composite material into a wellbore, wherein the lost-circulation composite material comprises a swellable component and a reinforcing component. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a reinforcing component disposed within a swellable component wherein the swellable component comprises a crosslinked polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Murphy, Matthew L. Miller
  • Patent number: 9796916
    Abstract: The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANT LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Mahoney, David S. Soane, Marie K. Herring, Kevin P. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 9617462
    Abstract: In general, the current application relates to degradable composite and blend materials that have accelerated degradation in water in low temperature conditions, and their various industrial, medical and consumer product uses. In some embodiments, the degradable composite composition comprises a degradable polymer mixed with discrete particles of a filler that acts to accelerate the degradation of the degradable polymer. Such materials degrade in 60 C water in less than 30 days, <14 days, and even <7 days. Various materials are provided that can degrade equally fast at lower temperatures, such as 50 C, or even 40 C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tashiro, S. Sherry Zhu, Huilin Tu, Sudeep Maheshwari
  • Patent number: 9617839
    Abstract: A method for forming extended wormholes in a subsurface formation comprising locating producer wells, injection wells, and guard wells in a field; determining a flux rate for a formation-dissolving fluid such as an acid, the flux rate being dependent upon different variables including the composition of the rock matrix making up the subsurface formation and the type of acid selected; injecting a guard fluid into the subsurface formation, through at least one guard well to form designed pressure boundaries and injecting the acid into the formation at a rate to reach the determined flux rate and thereby forming an extended network of wormholes through the subsurface formation in a defined direction or plane, with or without guard wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Abdollah Modavi, Richard E. Beckham
  • Patent number: 9416620
    Abstract: A method for cementing a tubular string into a wellbore from a drilling unit includes: running the tubular string into the wellbore using a workstring; hanging the tubular string from a wellhead or from a lower portion of a casing string set in the wellbore; and pumping cement slurry through the workstring and tubular string and into an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore. The method further includes, during thickening of the cement slurry: circulating a liquid or mud through a loop closed by a seal engaged with an outer surface of the workstring, the closed loop being in fluid communication with the annulus, and periodically choking the liquid or mud, thereby pulsing the cement slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Don M. Hannegan
  • Patent number: 9399728
    Abstract: A method of treating a zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method including the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a strong acid); (iii) a water-soluble polymer having at least one functional group that can be crosslinked with aluminum(III); (iv) a water-soluble aluminum carboxylate; and (v) a complexion agent for calcium ions; wherein the pH of the treatment fluid is less than the pH required for the aluminum to crosslink the polymer to form a crosslinked gel; (b) introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the zone; and (c) allowing time for the strong acid in the treatment fluid to spend in the formation such that the pH of the fluid increases sufficiently for the aluminum of the aluminum carboxylate to crosslink the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Anjali Ramesh Sarda, Shoy George Chittattukara, Anupom Sabhapondit
  • Patent number: 9366125
    Abstract: A method of using a slurry-like fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing in an unconventional reservoir: injecting the slurry-like fracturing fluid into the unconventional reservoir, the slurry-like fracturing fluid comprises a particulate portion and a slurry water, the particulate portion comprises a solid acid component, injecting the slurry-like fracturing fluid is operable to generate a network of fractures, the slurry-like fracturing fluid is operable to reduce a reservoir temperature from a resting reservoir temperature, permitting the slurry-like fracturing fluid to cure into a permeable bed, allowing the reservoir temperature to return to the resting reservoir temperature to trigger the hydrolysis of the solid acid, hydrolyzing the solid acid to produce a liquid acid, and stimulating the network of fractures with the liquid acid to increase permeability of the permeable bed in the network of fractures in the unconventional reservoir, the increased permeability operable to create a sweet spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hazim Hussein Abass, Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Al-Mulhem, Mirajuddin R. Khan, Victor V. Hilab
  • Patent number: 9334721
    Abstract: A three step method of using a non-acidic stimulation fluid in high temperature sandstone formation is provided. The method consists of using a preflush brine, a non-acidic stimulation fluid, and an overflush brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Mohammed Nasser Al Dahlan, Khalid Abdullah Al Dossary, Abdullah Mohammed Al Harith
  • Patent number: 9206678
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fracturing multiple zones in a wellbore are provided. Cement can be pumped through a work string into a first annulus formed between a liner and a wall of the wellbore. One or more first contact valves in the liner can be opened with the work string. Fluid can flow through the work string and the one or more first contact valves to fracture a first zone. One or more second contact valves in the liner can be opened with the work string. Fluid can flow through the work string and the one or more second contact valves to fracture a second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Rytlewski
  • Patent number: 9151417
    Abstract: A pipe lining composition and a method for installing the pipe lining composition into a pipeline requiring repair is provided. The lining composition is a layered lining composite formed of alternating plies of felt and carbon fiber strand reinforcing such that layers of carbon fiber reinforcing strands are trapped between layers of felt. Once the composite is laid up the composite is preferably stitched to provide stability and to maintain the layers relative to one another and then formed into a tube. In accordance with the method, the lining tube is then sequentially filled resins of increasing viscosity as it is drawn through rollers in a manner that fully wets out the carbon fiber before it is placed into the pipe to be lined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: WARREN ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
    Inventor: Danny Warren
  • Patent number: 9151125
    Abstract: Systems, methods and compositions for temporary sealing fractures in subterranean formations employ at least one constituent for temporary sealing a fracture in a subterranean well. The degradation kinetics of the composition is dependent upon at least one degradation temperature-time parameter for designating a temperature range and a time at which the composition degrades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: AltaRock Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Watters, Daniel Bour
  • Publication number: 20150136392
    Abstract: A one trip interventionless method for fracking multiple intervals incorporates a remotely operated passage isolation valve for each interval. A screen backed by a base pipe is provided to route screened production through a shutoff valve before the production reaches the passage in the completion assembly. The shutoff valve is remotely operated as well. The fracking port is associated with a pressure responsive operator such as a j-slot mechanism with a spring return. The j-slot mechanism is behind a rupture disc so that it remains unaffected while other operations are going on in the wellbore. The rupture discs are set at different pressures for the intervals involved. Sequentially, each fracked zone is isolated and the zone above is opened with breaking the rupture disc and applying predetermined number of pressure cycles. The screen valves are remotely operated as needed after the fracking to initiate production from one or more intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd C. Jackson, Marc N. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 9022112
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a subterranean formation including forming a fluid comprising chelant and polylactide resin fiber; and introducing the fluid to a subterranean formation, wherein the temperature of the formation is about 300° F. or warmer. Compositions and methods for treating a subterranean formation including forming a fluid comprising viscoelastic surfactant, trisodium hydroxyethylethylenediamine-triacetate and polylactide resin fiber; and introducing the fluid to a subterranean formation, wherein the temperature of the formation is about 300° F. or warmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hassan Chaabouni, Sherif Sharkass, Olubiyi Olaoye, David Sobernheim
  • Publication number: 20150107836
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for completing a wellbore in a formation is disclosed, that in one non-limiting embodiment includes placing a casing in the wellbore, cementing an annulus between the casing and the wellbore, and forming an annular cavity of a selected length in the cement between the casing and the wellbore. In one aspect, the forming the annular space includes placing a dissolvable material on an outside of the casing before placing the casing in the wellbore, and dissolving the dissolvable material after cementing to form the annular space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert S. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20150107837
    Abstract: A method of producing petroleum from at least one open hole in at least one petroleum production zone of a hydrocarbon well comprising the steps of locating a plurality of sliding valves along at least one production tubing; inserting the plurality of sliding valves and the production tubing into the at least one open hole; cementing the plurality of sliding valves in the at least one open hole; opening at least one of the cemented sliding valves; removing at least some of the cement adjacent the opened sliding valves without using jetting tools or cutting tools to establish at least one communication path between the interior of the production tubing and the at least one petroleum production zone; directing a fracing material radially through the at least one sliding valve radially toward the at least one production zone; producing hydrocarbons from the at least one petroleum production zone through the plurality of the sliding valves the cement adjacent to which has been removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond Hofman
  • Publication number: 20150090448
    Abstract: A downhole system including a tubular having a wall with at least one port there through. At least one member arranged to cover the at least one port in a compressed condition thereof. Configured to at least partially displace cement pumped on an exterior of the tubular in a radially expanded condition of the at least one member. Also included is a method of non-ballistically opening ports in a tubular of a downhole system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, James G. King, Charles C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150090449
    Abstract: A cement masking system including a tubular having a wall with at least one radial port. At least one swellable member arranged to cover the at least one port. The at least one swellable member configured to at least partially displace cement radially of the tubular during radial expansion of the at least one swellable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. O'Malley, Charles C. Johnson, James G. King
  • Publication number: 20150083421
    Abstract: The present invention is a valve tool utilized for hydraulically fracturing multiple zones in an oil and gas well without perforating the cement casing. An oil/gas well completion method involves the use of a valve that is installed as part of the casing string of the well. A mandrel-less casing provides for cement flow within the casing when the valve element is in a closed position and allows for axial flow of fracturing fluid through the cement casing to fracture the formation near the valve when the sleeve is open. The invention disclosed herein is an improved valve used in this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Sommers
  • Patent number: 8985211
    Abstract: Methods of drilling with a wellbore fluid may include pumping the wellbore fluid with an oxidative degradable polymer into a wellbore with and an inactivated oxidant; forming a filtercake in a downhole environment, allowing some of the fluid to filter into a subterranean rock formation to produce a filtercake containing the oxidative degradable polymer and inactivated oxidant; and removing the filtercake formed by the wellbore fluid from the wellbore walls by exposing the filtercake with a breaker fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, and at least one iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew G. K. Jones, Raul Navarro-Mascarell, Mark Luyster
  • Publication number: 20150075791
    Abstract: The present invention is a valve tool utilized for hydraulically fracturing multiple zones in an oil and gas well without perforating the cement casing. An oil/gas well completion method involves the use of a valve that is installed as part of the casing string of the well. A mandrel-less casing provides for cement flow within the casing when the valve element is in a closed position and allows for axial flow of fracturing fluid through the cement casing to fracture the formation near the valve when the sleeve is open. The invention disclosed herein is an improved valve used in this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Sommers
  • Patent number: 8967276
    Abstract: A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough, and plugs positioned within the perforations that are configured to dissolve in response to exposure to a first environment thereby creative of a second environment that can dissolve or increase porosity of cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Bennett M. Richard
  • Patent number: 8950485
    Abstract: A method of drilling and fracturing a well includes installing a drilling/frac adapter on a lower wellhead housing. The drilling/frac adapter has a higher internal pressure rating than the lower wellhead housing. The operator drills through the drilling/frac adapter to a desired depth, then runs and cements a casing string in the well. A lower packoff is installed in an annulus between the casing hanger and the lower wellhead housing and an upper packoff is set in an annulus between the drilling/frac adapter and the casing hanger. Frac fluid is pumped through the frac tree into the casing string at a higher pressure than the pressure rating of the lower housing but less than the pressure rating of the drilling/frac adapter. Then, the upper packoff and the drilling/frac adapter are removed from the lower housing and installing an upper wellhead housing on the lower wellhead housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventors: Danny R. Wilkins, Thomas H. Holtkamp, Jerry D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150021024
    Abstract: An improved ball drop apparatus including an atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber. A ball is first inserted into the atmosphere-to-pressure ball injection chamber from a ball feeding apparatus. The ball is then pushed into a pressure equalization section through a first seal pack. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure equalization section is connected to a pressure equalization apparatus and also to the wellbore through a second seal pack. Once the ball is injected into the pressure equalization section, the pressure equalization apparatus applies pressure, thereby causing the pressure of the pressure equalization section to increase until it reaches close to wellbore pressure. Once the pressures of the pressure equalization section and the wellbore are close, the atmosphere-to-pressure frac ball injection chamber and the frac ball are pushed through the second seal pack and into the wellbore, where the frac ball can be pumped downhole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: OIL STATES ENERGY SERVICES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Danny Artherholt, Bob McGuire, Jeremy Gardner, Dennis Artherholt
  • Patent number: 8936083
    Abstract: Methods of forming channels within propped fractures that are essentially free of proppants and more spacious than the interstitial spaces within traditional proppant packs. Specifically, various proppant-laden fluids may be placed within a fracture in a subterranean formation, the proppants in the proppant-laden fluids having at least two distinct ranges of density. Once placed inside the fracture, the proppants can settle, separate, and consolidate into at least two distinct permeable masses according to their densities. Consequently, the high-density and low-density proppants can separate and form separate proppant masses when the fracture closes on the proppants. Through this process, a highly conductive channel can form inside the fracture through which production fluids can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8936084
    Abstract: Methods of making a degradable ball composition comprising a carboxylic acid, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, or a combination thereof comprising the steps of: forming a thermoplastic mass, and allowing the thermoplastic mass to cool as to form a degradable ball that is introduced in subterranean treatments by a carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Luo, Dwight D. Fulton
  • Patent number: 8915297
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for improving the reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations is disclosed. A pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus is disclosed which includes a hold down device, at least one flow reducer coupled to the hold down device, and a jetting tool coupled to the flow reducer. The flow reducer is positioned downstream from the jetting tool. A fluid flowing through the jetting tool passes through the flow reducer and forms a sand plug downstream from the pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Basuki Surjaatmadja, Billy Wilson McDaniel, Loyd E. East
  • Patent number: 8905136
    Abstract: An aqueous-swellable and degradable diverting system and the use of the system in treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The diverting system includes a carrier fluid and a partially dehydrated or anhydrous borate source material that does not swell or does not swell substantially when placed in contact with the carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is capable of carrying and placing the borate source material into a stimulation network substantially distanced from a wellbore. Exposure of the diverting composition to a sufficient amount of aqueous fluid swells the borate source material, bridges a desired portion of the stimulation network, and then dissolves at least a portion of the diverting composition. The diverting techniques allow for treatment in a subterranean formation to be diverted to a previously untreated portion of the formation, in particular a portion of the formation that is significantly distanced from the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Stanley J. Heath, Jeff T. Fleming
  • Patent number: 8893790
    Abstract: Biomimetic adhesive compositions can be used in various aspects of subterranean treatment operations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing an adhesive composition that comprises a first polymer comprising a plurality of monomers that comprise a phenolic moiety, a biopolymer that is crosslinkable with the first polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an oxidizing agent; introducing the adhesive composition into a subterranean formation; and forming a coacervate-bound surface in the subterranean formation by crosslinking the first polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique A. Reyes, Pinmanee Boontheung, Narongsak Tonmukayakul
  • Patent number: 8887803
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd Eddie East, Jr., Sharlene Dawn Lindsay, Nicholas Hubert Gardiner
  • Patent number: 8857513
    Abstract: The method of the present invention deploys controlled electrolytic material, CEM, into the existing perforations to seal them and then using a bottom hole assembly, BHA, that isolates a portion of the wellbore to deliver a material that removes the CEM at a predetermined rate so that the BHA can be used to refracture the recently opened perforation. Additional new perforations can be made and fractured during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8851187
    Abstract: A method for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing carbonate formation within a reservoir. The method has the steps of (a) introducing a viscous gel under pressure into the oil-bearing carbonate formation and (b) extracting oil. The aqueous viscous gel has water and an amount of a non-polymeric viscosifying surfactant sufficient to provide the flooding fluid with an oil/water interfacial surface tension of about 10 mN/m or less and a viscosity of about 10 cP or more of the one or more non-polymeric surfactants. The one or more non-polymeric, viscosifying surfactants is selected from the group of one or more cationic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous viscous gel is also substantially free of solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rhodia, Inc.
    Inventors: Manilal Dahanayake, Max Chabert, Mikel Morvan, David Sorin
  • Publication number: 20140290944
    Abstract: Zone isolation is a leading concern for operators that wish to fluidly treat a well. Typically in an open hole packers hydraulically actuated solid body packers have been are deployed at particular intervals along the wellbore to provide zonal isolation of various formations or portions of a formation. By isolating the various zones valves may be selectively opened or closed to treat a particular zone independently of the remainder of the well. In an improvement over the past procedures a cup style packer that is particularly useful in open hole may now be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Braekke Kristoffer
  • Publication number: 20140290945
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a treatment fluid comprising a blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 3 mm and 2 cm and a second amount of particulates having a second average size between about 1.6 and 20 times smaller than the first average particle size or a second amount of flakes having a second average size up to 10 times smaller than the first average particle size; by introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore; and by creating a plug with the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Dmitriy Ivanovich Potapenko, Alexey Alexandrovich Sova, Svetlana Nesterova, Olga Petrovna Alekseenko, Bruno Lecerf, Marina Nikolaevna Bulova, John Daniels
  • Patent number: 8839862
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a blasthole prior to detonation which comprises the step of coating the inner wall of the blasthole with a stabilizing composition. In one embodiment, the invention comprises coating the blast hole with a movable spraying application. The invention further relates to the use of a silicate-containing resin but is also suitable for use with a thermoset resin system. The method can be used to apply the stabilizing composition to both dry and wet blastholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Minova International Limited
    Inventor: Robert Hawker
  • Publication number: 20140262240
    Abstract: A system for and methods of producing hydrocarbons from a formation. A method may include drilling a wellbore in a formation, forming a first fracture in the formation that emanates from the wellbore, forming a second fracture in the formation that emanates from the wellbore and is approximately parallel to the first fracture, and simultaneously (a) injecting a fluid from an injection tubing string in communication with the second fracture and (b) producing hydrocarbons that travel from the first fracture into a production tubing string that is substantially parallel to the injection tubing string. The wellbore may be substantially horizontal. The fluid may increase pressure in an area of the formation adjacent to the first fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas J. Boone, Stuart R. Keller, John T. Linderman, Matthew A. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20140251612
    Abstract: A packer or plug for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular mandrel made from a composite material including a pyrotechnic composition; an expandable seal disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an igniter operable to initiate combustion of the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey POWERS
  • Publication number: 20140251610
    Abstract: The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. At least one of the proppant-free stage or proppant laden stage contains a viscosifying agent to which the breaker has affinity. The viscosifying agent may be a superabsorbent, a viscosifying polymer (other than a superabsorbent) or a viscoelastic surfactant. The breaker has greater affinity for the viscosifying agent not present in the same stage as the breaker. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage may be foamed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Brian N. Ward, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Scott Gregory Nelson
  • Patent number: 8826985
    Abstract: A fracturing operation is done in open hole without annular space isolation. The annular space is spanned by telescoping members that are located behind isolation valves. A given bank of telescoping members can be uncovered and the telescoping members extended to span the annular space and engage the formation in a sealing manner. Pressurized fracturing fluid can be pumped through the telescoped passages and the portion of the desired formation fractured. In a proper formation, cementing is not needed to maintain wellbore integrity. The telescoping members can optionally have screens. Normally, the nature of the formation is such that gravel packing is also not required. A production string can be inserted into the string with the telescoping devices and the formation portions of interest can be produced through the selectively exposed telescoping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Bennett M. Richard
  • Publication number: 20140238673
    Abstract: Methods of fracturing a weakly consolidated target interval in a wellbore in a subterranean formation including providing a pad fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and nanoparticulates; providing a fracturing fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and gravel; introducing the pad fluid in the wellbore at or above a fracture gradient rate so as to create or enhance at least one fracture at or near the weakly consolidated target interval, such that the nanoparticulates in the pad fluid penetrate into the weakly consolidated target interval and into the at least one fracture; introducing the fracturing fluid in the wellbore at or above the fracture gradient rate so as to enhance the at least one fracture and form a proppant pack in the at least one fracture; and consolidating the weakly consolidated target interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Loan K. Vo
  • Publication number: 20140238674
    Abstract: Methods of providing fluid loss control in a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of seeds; introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore such that the seeds block openings in the subterranean formation to provide fluid loss control; and degrading the seeds over time within the subterranean formation. In some methods, the seeds are present in the treatment fluid in an amount of at least about 5 pounds per barrel. In addition, in some methods the seeds are preferably degradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharath Savari, Dale E. Jamison, Ramyakrishna Kothamasu, Anita Gantepla, Cato McDaniel
  • Patent number: 8789596
    Abstract: Multiple zones of a subterranean formation penetrated by a multi-zoned completed well may be fractured by pumping into one or more zones an acidizing solution at or above the fracturing pressure of the subterranean formation. After fractures are created or enhanced in the formation, a displacement fluid is pumped into the formation to farther advance the acidizing solution into the fractures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James Andrew Curtis, Julio Rodolfo Gomez Casanova
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140190697
    Abstract: A method of use of single component resins to strengthen structural features in subterranean formations includes providing particulates, a carrier fluid, a curable resin and a latent curing agent. The curable resin is not cured by the latent curing agent at room temperature, standard pressure or neutral pH. The particulates are coated with the curable resin and the latent curing agent to create resin-coated particulates. A slurry of resin-coated particulates is created in the carrier fluid, and placed into a portion of a subterranean formation and allowing the latent curing agent to cure the curable resin to form cured, resin-coated particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Tingji Tang
  • Publication number: 20140190695
    Abstract: Methods comprising providing a drill-in fluid including an aqueous carrier fluid, a surfactant; and a self-degradable filter cake-forming agent which includes a plurality of degradable particulates which are operable to form an acid upon degradation, and a plurality of acid-degradable particulates. Drilling a wellbore through a reservoir section of a subterranean formation with the drill-in fluid, forming a thin internal filter cake within the wellbore from the self-degradable filter cake-forming agent. Releasing an acid derivative from at least a portion of the plurality of degradable particulates, interacting the acid with the filter cake so as to at least partially degrade the acid-degradable particulates therein. Thereby at least partially removing the filter cake allowing quick lift off of the remaining particulates, and producing a hydrocarbon fluid or gas from the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Van Zanten, Abdalla Moustafa Ezzat
  • Publication number: 20140174737
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising a diverter material into a wellbore, allowing the diverter material to form a diverter plug at a first location in the wellbore or subterranean formation, diverting the flow of a second wellbore servicing fluid to a second location in the wellbore or subterranean formation, and contacting the diverter plug with a third wellbore servicing fluid comprising a degradation accelerator and a phase transfer catalyst under conditions sufficient to form one or more degradation products. A method comprising contacting a diverter material with a phase transfer catalyst under conditions suitable to produce a composite material placing downhole a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising the composite material, and placing downhole a second wellbore servicing fluid comprising a degradation accelerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: B. Raghava REDDY, Janette CORTEZ
  • Publication number: 20140174736
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a composition comprising a carrier fluid and a degradable polymer into the subterranean formation wherein the degradable polymer comprises polyimide, allowing the degradable polymer to form a diverter plug at a first location in the wellbore or subterranean formation, diverting the flow of a wellbore servicing fluid to a second location in the wellbore or subterranean formation that is different than the first location; and removing all or a portion of the diverter plug by contacting the diverter plug with a degradation accelerator wherein the degradation accelerator comprises an amino alcohol, an amino alcohol precursor, an organic amine, an organic amine precursor or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising polysuccinimide wherein the wellbores servicing fluid has a pH of less than about 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: B. Raghava REDDY, Wirdansyah LUBIS, Hsin-Chen CHUNG, Natalie Lynn PASCARELLA