Dissolving Or Preventing Formation Of Solid Oil Deposit Patents (Class 166/304)
  • Publication number: 20140262280
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides chemical compositions useful for minimizing or preventing the precipitation of sludge, such as asphaltenes, maltenes, or similar asphaltic components, during an acidizing treatment. Methods for preventing or minimizing sludge formation are also disclosed. The anti-sludge compositions can be added to an aqueous acidic solution before injecting the solution into a well for treatment. The compositions can include a formulated dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, a cationic surfactant, a corrosion inhibitor, and an iron reducing agent, in addition to other additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Hill
  • Patent number: 8794332
    Abstract: A wellhead system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation that includes concentric tubulars that form an annulus. The annulus is vented by flowing fluid from the annulus through a bleed line having a valve that is selectively opened and closed. Upstream of the bleed line valve, the bleed line is routed adjacent a production flow line. The temperature of the fluid in the production flow line is greater than annulus temperature and warms the bleed line. Hydrate formation in the bleed line is thereby inhibited by the thermal energy it receives from the production flow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bell
  • Patent number: 8794322
    Abstract: Treatments and compounds can be useful in subterranean formations where particulates and/or surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with particulate packs. Of these, certain methods may treat particulate packs in a subterranean formation with silica scale control additives, certain methods may combine silica scale control additives with particulates prior to formation of a particulate pack, and certain compounds may provide the features of both silica scale control additives and particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique A. Reyes, Jimmie D. Weaver, Matt E. Blauch, Corine L. McMechan
  • Publication number: 20140202700
    Abstract: A biodegradable and environmentally friendly oil external emulsion for the removal of asphaltenes, paraffin's, and/or scales which accumulate in the well bores and walls of the pipes used to bring the oil up from the underground deposits, and methods of using and formulating the composition are disclosed. The emulsion comprises oil extracted from orange peels as the external continuous phase and acid as the internal phase. The emulsion has a particular utility in cleaning asphaltenes and paraffin residues from the well formation surface, well cuttings, and down hole and surface oil well drilling and production equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CUDD PRESSURE CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Cecil Curtis Blair
  • Patent number: 8778850
    Abstract: Formulation for a natural product as a replacement for the use of traditional acidic chemical stimulation methods for the emulsification, removal and release of paraffin and asphaltenes from low producing or pumped off wells and reservoirs with the use of traditional methodologies. Also a method of use of formulation for stimulating an oil well consisting of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable, non-reactive fluid system containing a water-miscible fatty acid solvent, a solution of fatty acids, an amino alcohol, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The fluid system may be further in the form of a nanoemulsion that is formed by combining a colloidal solution with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Green Earth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrecola
  • Publication number: 20140187449
    Abstract: Removing an asphaltene particle from a substrate includes contacting a silicate nanoparticle with a chemical group to form a functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the chemical group includes a first portion; and a second portion comprising an aromatic moiety, the first portion being bonded to the silicate nanoparticle; contacting the asphaltene particle with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the asphaltene particle being disposed on the substrate; interposing the functionalized silicate nanoparticle between the asphaltene particle and the substrate; and separating the asphaltene particle from the substrate with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle to remove the asphaltene particle. A composition includes a functionalized silicate nanoparticle comprising a reaction product of a silicate nanoparticle and an aromatic compound; and a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Valery Khabashesku, Oleg Mazyar, Soma Chakraborty, Gaurav Agrawal, Toby D. Hain
  • Patent number: 8763724
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion, consisting of an oil phase and an aqueous phase and comprising as emulsion components (?1) 15 to 40% by weight of at least one water-immiscible organic solvent as solvent of the oil phase, (?2) 15 to 40% by weight of water as solvent of the aqueous phase, (?3) 10 to 40% by weight of at least one surfactant, (?4) 10 to 40% by weight of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and (?5) 0 to 25% by weight of at least one other additive, wherein the quantities by weight of the components (?1) to (?5) are each relative to the total weight of the emulsion, and together add up to 100% by weight. The invention further relates to a method for producing an emulsion, to the emulsion which can be obtained from said method, to the use of an emulsion, to a method for cleaning the surfaces of well holes, drilling devices or drillings, to a method for producing a well bore, and to a method for producing an oil or a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Emery Oleochemicals GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Müller, Diana Mäker
  • Publication number: 20140151048
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting scale in a subterranean formation comprises pretreating the subterranean formation with a polyquaternary amine that serves as a squeeze life extention (SLE) agent, and then introducing a scale inhibitor pill into the subterranean formation, wherein the scale inhibitor pill includes one or more scale inhibitor compositions. For example, the polyquaternary amine may be a polymer having up to 5 quaternary amine centers, but is preferably a nonpolymeric diquaternary amine having a molecular weight of from 250 to 500. One such example is 1,3-propandiaminium, 2-hydroxy-N,N,N,N?,N?,N?-hexamethyl-, dichloride. The SLE agent is preferably introduced into the formation in a brine solution having a concentration from 0.1 to 20 weight percent. The SLE agents may be used with a variety of known scale inhibitors and scale inhibitor chemistries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: CORSICANA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Julie Hardy, Curtis Sitz
  • Patent number: 8720570
    Abstract: A method of mitigating corrosion of downhole articles includes mixing a plurality of nanoparticles into a first downhole fluid to form a nanoparticle fluid. The method also includes exposing a surface of a downhole article in a wellbore to the nanoparticle fluid. The method further includes disposing a barrier layer comprising a portion of the nanoparticles on the surface of the article and exposing the surface of the downhole article to a second downhole fluid, wherein the barrier layer is disposed between the second downhole fluid and the surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Kushal Seth, Soma Chakraborty, Allen Grabrysch, Gaurav Agrawal
  • Patent number: 8695718
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include dispersion compositions having a nonionic surfactant for use in enhanced petroleum recovery, and methods of using the dispersion compositions in petroleum recovery processes. For the various embodiments, the nonionic surfactant of the dispersion composition promotes the formation of a dispersion from carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Aaron W. Sanders, Keith P. Johnston, Quoc Nguyen, Stephanie Adkins, Xi Chen, Ed G. Rightor
  • Patent number: 8695707
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of removing an organic deposit including introducing a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises at least two non-polar organic solvents and at least two polar organic solvents; allowing the fluid to dissolve at least a portion of the organic deposit; and removing at least a portion of the fluid. This invention relates to compositions and methods of removing an organic deposit including introducing a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises at least two non-polar organic solvents and at least two polar organic solvents, wherein the non-polar organic solvents comprise aromatic naphtha, terpenes, kerosene, and combination thereof, and wherein the polar solvents comprise heavy aromatic naphtha, cyclohexanone, N-2-methyl pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and combination thereof, allowing the fluid to dissolve at least a portion of the organic deposit, and removing at least a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Li, Syed A. Ali, Oscar Bustos, Matthew J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8691732
    Abstract: A water-based fluid, containing: a non-ionic surfactant, which is stable in a temperature range from 10 to 90° C. and soluble in water; and a salt, wherein the non-ionic surfactant contains an alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of a C8 alkyl polyglucoside, a C10 alkyl polyglucoside, and mixtures thereof, and the salt is present, and is present in an amount up to 60%. In addition, a process for preventing the formation of a W/O inverse emulsion or resolving a W/O inverse emulsion that has already formed in an oil well in which an oil-based mud has been employed by injecting the water-based fluid into the oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucilla Del Gaudio, Paola Albonico, Sandra Cobianco, Chiara Neva Emiliani, Giuseppe Ripa
  • Publication number: 20140076567
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor composition and method of inhibiting corrosion on a surface in an oil or gas application is disclosed and claimed. The corrosion inhibitor includes at least one fatty acid; at least one alkanolamine; at least one alkylamine; and at least one organic sulfonic acid. The method of inhibiting corrosion includes on a surface in an oil or gas application comprises contacting an effective dosage of the corrosion inhibitor with the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: G. Richard Meyer, Keith Allen Monk
  • Publication number: 20140041873
    Abstract: An apparatus is for supplying a treatment fluid to a well portion. A container is provided with a fluid chamber which is in closable fluid communication with at least one first outlet, the fluid chamber being defined by front and rear pistons. The front piston, in a starting position, forms a fluid barrier between the fluid chamber and the at least one first outlet, and the rear piston is provided with a rear piston rod projecting from a rear container end. A method is for supplying a treatment fluid to a well portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Archer Norge AS
    Inventor: Reidar Lovik
  • Publication number: 20140020898
    Abstract: A well screen assembly for use downhole comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restrictor disposed in the fluid pathway, and a plug disposed in series with the flow restrictor in the fluid pathway. The plug substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway. The plug is configured to be at least partially dissolvable when contacted by a fluid, and the fluid comprises a chemical configured to dissolve the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8618025
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a composition and method of inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid comprising water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbon comprising adding to the fluid an effective anti-agglomerant amount of the following formula and optionally salts thereof: wherein each R1 is independently absent, C1-C10 alkyl, benzyl, or H; wherein R2 is C1-C10 alkyl; wherein R3 C1-C10 alkyl; and wherein R4 is C4-C22 alkyl or alkenyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventor: Peter A. Webber
  • Publication number: 20130327528
    Abstract: A downhole assembly for delivering chemical treatment to a wellbore at the level of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is provided. The chemical treatment is in solid phase, and slowly dissolves when exposed to wellbore fluids. A method of treating a wellbore using a solid chemical is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Odessa Separator, Inc.
    Inventor: Cavin B. Frost
  • Publication number: 20130312969
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation may be treated with an aqueous well treatment fluid which contains a hexose oxidase, such as glucose oxidase, mannose oxidase or galactose oxidase. The aqueous well treatment fluid further may contain a viscosifying polymer and an aldohexose. The aldohexose reacts in-situ with the hexose oxidase and molecular oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide may then act as a breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 8586511
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for inhibiting scale formation within a hydrocarbon producing system, said method comprising contacting said system with a copolymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and at least one other monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Champion Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping Chen, Xing Yan, Thomas Hagen, Harry Montgomerie
  • Patent number: 8544546
    Abstract: A method including the steps of: (a) providing a dispersion comprising: a water-soluble polysaccharide and a carrier fluid, wherein the carrier fluid comprises: (i) glycerol, and (ii) a mono-hydroxylic alcohol having 1-3 carbons, wherein the mono-hydroxylic alcohol is present in at least 0.1% by weight of the glycerol, wherein the polysaccharide is insoluble in the carrier fluid; (b) mixing the dispersion with at least water to form an aqueous well treatment fluid, wherein the polysaccharide is soluble in the aqueous phase of the aqueous wellbore treatment fluid; and (c) introducing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Jason E. Bryant
  • Publication number: 20130248186
    Abstract: An illustrative method of reducing an amount of treatment water injected into a subterranean well may include providing an environmentally friendly polymer, such as a biodegradable polymer (e.g., an aspartic acid based polymer), to the subterranean well. In some cases, the aspartic acid based polymer may include one or more of a copolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, a terpolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, an aspartic acid based polymer derivative, an aspartic acid based polymer having an end cap, and a soluble salt of the aspartic acid based polymer. In some cases, the treatment water use may be reduced within the range of about five percent to about ninety five percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Larry P. Koskan, Abdul R. Meah
  • Patent number: 8522876
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon-containing organic matter is extracted from a hydrocarbon-containing material that is a viscous liquid, liquid or gaseous fossil fuel material. A turpentine liquid is contacted with a hydrocarbon-containing material in-situ in an underground formation containing the fossil fuel material to form an extraction mixture so as to extract hydrocarbon-containing organic matter into the turpentine liquid and form an extraction liquid. The extraction liquid is removed from the formation, the extraction liquid including the turpentine liquid containing the extracted hydrocarbon-containing organic matter. The extracted hydrocarbon-containing organic matter is separated from a residual material not extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Green Source Energy LLC
    Inventors: Liang-tseng Fan, Shahram Reza Shafie, Julius Michael Tollas, William Arthur Fitzhugh Lee
  • Patent number: 8522881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the prevention or dissolution of hydrates in an undersea well. One example system includes a submersible isolation bell for capturing effluent being exhausted from the well, and an umbilical. A power cable supplies electric power to the submersible isolation bell, for example for heating of the interior of the submersible isolation bell to prevent or discourage the formation of methane hydrates and the precipitation of other byproducts. Diluents may be supplied to the submersible isolation bell to further discourage the formation of hydrates and precipitation of other byproducts. The diluents may be heated locally at the submersible isolation bell, using electric power supplied by the power cable. A conformable seal may substantially seal the submersible isolation bell to a riser or other structure at the wellhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Composite Technology Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Worrall, Craig Hazelton, Michael Tupper
  • Publication number: 20130220607
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of well treatment that includes providing a well treatment composition containing a non-functionalized cellulose material and a halide salt composition containing at least zinc halide, calcium halide or a mixture thereof, and placing the well treatment composition within a wellbore or a subterranean formation, and wherein the halide salt composition dissolves at least a portion of the non-functionalized cellulose material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Alhad Phatak, Carlos Abad
  • Publication number: 20130153230
    Abstract: A method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool through which a well fluid flows can include heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage through which the well fluid flows. A system for of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include an interior flow passage having a surrounding wall, and a heater which heats the wall of the flow passage. Another method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include monitoring the accumulation of the substance in the well tool, and heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage in response to detecting the accumulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
  • Patent number: 8453740
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the deposition of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, or inorganic scale in an oil well pipe by providing a system of pipes that convey any flowable medium, such as oil and gas. More particularly the system of pipes is provided with different coatings or linings for the interior and exterior surfaces of such pipes, depending on the environment in which the pipes are used. The pipes may be coated with different materials, which may be of different thicknesses, with various configurations of coatings or linings. Such coating may be on the interior and/or exterior of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Pidatala K. Mohan, Steven A. Mestemacher, Kimberly Dawn Farnsworth, Laurence Waino McKeen, W. Douglas Obal
  • Patent number: 8424600
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for treating a well having a wellbore extending from a ground surface or subsea surface downhole to an oil producing formation. Oil producing formations are capable of generating formation fluids into a wellbore. Formation fluids are comprised of at least an oil fraction and an aqueous fraction. Emulsions may form during oil production, and such emulsions may be comprised of oil and water. Inhibitor compositions may be employed to break such emulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell L. Gallup
  • Patent number: 8424608
    Abstract: A system for remediating hydrates has a heat storage box with an interior volume, a heater for heating fluid flowing into the hot fluid inlet of the heat storage box, a heat exchanger positioned in the interior volume of the heat storage box so as to be in heat exchange relationship with heated water from the interior volume of the heat storage box, and a line connected to a heated water outlet of the heat exchanger so as to be manipulated toward a location of the hydrates for the purpose of delivering the heated water toward the hydrates. The heat exchanger is piping extends in a serpentine pattern within an upper portion of the heat storage box. The line can be connected to a hot stab suitable for a manipulation by an ROV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Trendsetter Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario R. Lugo, Randolph G. Smith, Scott A. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8414776
    Abstract: A sucker-rod pumping system includes diametrically charged rare earth magnets having significant monopolar character mounted on the rod string and, optionally, within a magnet barrel below the pump barrel. The magnets are jacketed to preclude contact with crude petroleum. The magnets subject the petroleum to a significant magnetic flux to substantially preclude precipitation of paraffins and asphaltenes with a minimum of retrofit to existing equipment and without substantially altering the operation of the rod string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: RFG Technology Partners LLC
    Inventor: John T. Hale
  • Publication number: 20130048289
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use downhole comprising an expandable component; a support member that has a selected corrosion rate; wherein the support member is disposed on the expandable component; where the support member comprises a plurality of particles fused together; the particles comprising a core comprising a first metal; and a first layer disposed upon the core; the first layer comprising a second metal; the first metal having a different corrosion potential from the second metal; the first layer comprising a third metal having a different corrosion potential from the first metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Oleg Antonovych Mazyar, Michael H. Johnson, Casey L. Walls
  • Patent number: 8372786
    Abstract: A polyelectrolyte complex for the controlled release of an oil and gas field chemical selected from the group consisting of (a) a gel-forming or cross-linking agent, (b) a scale inhibitor, (c) a corrosion inhibitor, (d) an inhibitor of asphaltene or wax deposition, (e) a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, (f) a hydrate inhibitor, (g) a breaking agent, and a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Cory Berkland, Mary Cordova, Jenn-Tai Liang, G. Paul Willhite
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8343897
    Abstract: Provided is a method for inhibiting scale formation within a hydrocarbon producing system, said method comprising contacting said system with a polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt, a monomer comprising one carboxylate group and a monomer comprising at least two carboxylate groups or an anhydride group. Also provided are hydrocarbon well treatment compositions and polymers for use in connection with the provided methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Sichuan Sanyuan Chem Limited, Corporation, Champion Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Harry Montgomerie, Ping Chen, Thomas Hagen, Liehua Zheng
  • Patent number: 8336624
    Abstract: A process for fracturing a subterraneous formation in the production of an oil well is described. The process steps include injecting an initial charge of a mixture, the mixture being formed from at least a water-insoluble adsorbent and at least one well treatment agent, into a well bore formed in the subterraneous formation so as to form a downhole matrix within the formation; injecting a solution comprised of an additional amount of the well treatment agent into the formation after the initial charge of the at least one well treatment agent has been substantially depleted; and then pressurizing the well bore for a time and under conditions sufficient to reactivate the downhole matrix in the formation, so that the treatment agent activity of the matrix is increased relative to the treatment agent activity of the matrix just prior to injecting the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold L. Becker, D. V. Satyanaryana Gupta
  • Publication number: 20120318513
    Abstract: A method of removing a corrodible downhole article having a surface coating includes eroding the surface coating by physical abrasion, chemical etching, or a combination of physical abrasion and chemical etching, the surface coating comprising a metallic layer of a metal resistant to corrosion by a corrosive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Oleg A. Mazyar, Matthew T. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8334240
    Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid that contain a specified generic formula are disclosed. The fluid can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventor: Erick J. Acosta
  • Patent number: 8327942
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for establishing a hydrate free regime in a subsea production flowline before discharging into the subsea production flowline a production flow of hydrate prone hydrocarbon product pursuant to a shutdown or at an initial start of production. The hydrate free regime is achieved by injecting into the flowline a heated water volume in advance of discharging the hydrocarbon product from the subsea production system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Tom Grimseth, Inge Wold, John Daniel Friedemann, Christian Borchgrevink
  • Patent number: 8272442
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon-containing organic matter is extracted from a hydrocarbon-containing material that is a viscous liquid, liquid or gaseous fossil fuel material. A turpentine liquid is contacted with a hydrocarbon-containing material in-situ in an underground formation containing the fossil fuel material to form an extraction mixture so as to extract hydrocarbon-containing organic matter into the turpentine liquid and form an extraction liquid. The extraction liquid is removed from the formation, the extraction liquid including the turpentine liquid containing the extracted hydrocarbon-containing organic matter. The extracted hydrocarbon-containing organic matter is separated from a residual material not extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Green Source Energy LLC
    Inventors: Liang-tseng Fan, Mohammad Reza Shafie, Julius Michael Tollas, William Arthur Fitzhugh Lee
  • Patent number: 8236734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using threshold scale inhibitors of the formula: wherein n is 2 or 3 and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, for preventing calcium carbonate, iron carbonate, and calcium sulfate scale formation in oilwell brines containing dissolved iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Dong Shen, Randall J. Perkins, Dwayne D. Schielke, David H. Shcolnik
  • Patent number: 8186438
    Abstract: The current application discloses a method of removing debris from a wellbore including contacting debris in a wellbore with a treatment fluid, wherein the fluid contains degradable fibers, collecting at least a portion of the treatment fluid, and allowing the degradable fibers to degrade. The current application also discloses a method of removing debris from a wellbore including contacting debris in a wellbore with a treatment fluid, wherein the fluid contains degradable fibers, collecting the treatment fluid, and exposing the fluid to a composition to encourage the degradable fibers to degrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Peter J. Photos, Francois M. Auzerais, Douglas Pipchuk
  • Patent number: 8181702
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation including emplacing in a wellbore a fluid, comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, and at least one bridging material, and contacting the formation with the fluid. A method and apparatus related to an invert emulsion fluid loss pill including an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, wherein the degradable material hydrolyzes to release an organic acid, and at least one bridging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Oscar Bustos, Syed Ali, Chau Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120111566
    Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: TRICAN WELL SERVICE LTD.
    Inventors: Scott Sherman, Robert Pugh, Sean Majko, Steve Scherschel
  • Patent number: 8162056
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation includes pumping into a cased, perforated wellbore that intersects the formation an invert emulsion kill fluid, the invert emulsion kill fluid comprising: an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; at least one degradable material; and at least one bridging material; contacting the formation with the kill fluid; and allowing the degradable material to at least partially degrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Schlumberger Technology Corporation, M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Oscar Bustos, Syed Ali, Chau Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120090845
    Abstract: Emulsified acids have been used to increase production rates of oil and gas in carbonate reservoirs through acid fracturing and matrix acidizing operations. An emulsifier is used to emulsify the aqueous acid with an oil, usually diesel. Very small particles, such as colloidal clay particles and/or nanoparticles increase the stability of the emulsified acids over an elevated temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, John R. Willingham, Richard A. Mitchell, Kushal Seth
  • Patent number: 8146654
    Abstract: A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: James R. Bragg, Joseph P. Lederhos, Sergio A. Leonardi, Scott E. Hommema, Amy L. Chen, Shan H. Yang
  • Patent number: 8101554
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the retention of a scale inhibitor within a hydrocarbon producing system (e.g. a subterranean formation), said method comprising contacting said system with a polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and with said scale inhibitor, wherein said polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt has a molecular weight of greater than 50,000 (e.g. a molecular weight of 55,000 to 2,000,000).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignees: Champion Technologies Ltd., Statoilhydro ASA.
    Inventors: Harry Montgomerie, Ping Chen, Thomas Hagen, Rex Wat, Olav Martin Selle
  • Patent number: 8101812
    Abstract: Solvents and methods are provided for extracting a hydrocarbon fraction from a solid, semi-solid, liquid or viscous liquid hydrocarbon-containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Green Source Energy LLC
    Inventors: Liang-tseng Fan, Mohammad Reza Shafie
  • Publication number: 20120000657
    Abstract: The invention concerns a treatment fluid for wells drilled in oil mud in the form of an emulsion of water in oil comprising: a continuous organic phase comprising at least one emulsion-breaking organo-soluble additive; a dispersed aqueous phase including at least one solid-dissolving agent for the controlled destabilization of the processing fluid; at least one emulsifying agent; at least one weight-increasing agent; the proportion and the nature of the hydrosoluble additive being chosen so as to obtain a delay effect for the destabilization of the emulsion so as to be compatible with the tank fluids. The invention also concerns a method of processing wells bored with oil-based muds, using said processing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Christine Dalmazzone, Annie Audibert-Hayet
  • Patent number: 8058211
    Abstract: Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method includes a method comprising contacting a metal surface with an acidic fluid comprising an aqueous base-fluid, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and a corrosion inhibitor intensifier composition comprising a compound that corresponds to a formula R1R2XCCOOH, wherein X is a halogen, R1 comprises at least one group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C1-C20 oxyalkyl, and a C6-C20 aryl group, and R2 comprises at least one group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C1-C20 oxyalkyl, and a C6-C20 aryl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Juanita M. Cassidy, Chad E. Kiser, J. Michael Wilson
  • Patent number: 8043996
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) introducing into the underground formation a micellar dispersion comprising water, one or more organic acid precursors, one or more surfactants and, optionally, one or more salts, co-surfactants and/or organic liquids that are not organic acid precursors; and (b) allowing (i) the micellar dispersion to solubilize hydrocarbons, emulsions or water blocks present in the underground formation, and (ii) at least a portion of the organic acid precursor to hydrolyze in-situ to produce sufficient organic acid to substantively dissolve acid soluble material present in or adjacent to filter cakes or other damage in the underground formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Cleansorb Limited
    Inventor: Ralph Edmund Harris