Placing Fluid Into The Formation Patents (Class 166/305.1)
  • Patent number: 8991497
    Abstract: The following describes a novel and alternative mechanism in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material allows to obtain a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse C. Lee, Stephane Boulard, Nikhil Shindgikar, Slaheddine Kefi
  • Patent number: 8992771
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Saleh Elomari, Robert Martin Carlson
  • Patent number: 8991495
    Abstract: A relative permeability modifier may be used to protect a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation without detrimentally affecting its ability to produce hydrocarbons. Methods for protecting a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation can comprise: introducing a first treatment fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier to a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation also comprising a water-producing zone; concurrently with or after introducing the first treatment fluid to the hydrocarbon-producing zone, introducing a second treatment fluid comprising a sealant composition to the water-producing zone; and allowing the relative permeability modifier to substantially prevent the sealant composition from entering the hydrocarbon-producing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard James Curtice
  • Patent number: 8993490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to environmentally friendly compositions and methods for removing or suppressing metal ions in waters, flowback waters, and produced waters to make such waters suitable for subsequent use in oil-field applications and for delinking metal cross-linked gelling agents. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a competitive binder and allowing the competitive binder to interact with interfering metal ions in a flowback fluid to suppress or remove interfering metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Jeremy Holtsclaw, David M. Loveless, Lucas K. Fontenelle, Prajakta R. Patil, Ramesh Muthusamy
  • Publication number: 20150083425
    Abstract: An improved method for the removal of non-targeted components from a non-targeted component containing gas stream, the method includes the steps of: (i) contacting the non-targeted component containing gas stream with a fluid solvent stream; (ii) passing the product of step i) through a co-current phase separation step to produce both a non-targeted component containing solvent stream and a partially purified gas stream; (iii) passing the partially purified gas stream product of step ii) through a mass transfer step to produce a wet gas product; and (iv) passing the wet gas product of step iii) through a final co-current phase separation step to produce a purified gas stream, wherein the method is performed in a subsea location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: RELEASE ENERGY PTY LTD
    Inventors: John Dermot Sullivan, David Stanbridge
  • Patent number: 8985205
    Abstract: An in situ extraction process for heavy oil reservoirs using solvent comprises removing liquids and gases from areas contacting with the heavy oils to increase an interfacial area of unextracted heavy oil contactable by the solvent. Solvent vapor is injected into the areas to raise the reservoir pressure until sufficient liquid solvent is present to contact the increased interfacial area. The reservoir is shut in for a sufficient time for the solvent to diffuse into the unextracted oil across the interfacial area in a ripening step to create a reduced viscosity blend of solvent and oil. One or more reservoir characteristics is measured to confirm the extent of solvent dilution that has occurred of the unextracted oil in the reservoir. Gravity drainage based production is commenced from the reservoir upon the blend having a viscosity low enough to permit the blend to drain through the reservoir to a production well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: N-Solv Heavy Oil Corporation
    Inventor: John Nenniger
  • Patent number: 8985209
    Abstract: A technique facilitates removal of excess sand during a jet perforating operation without requiring that the perforating string be pulled out of hole. A jet perforating tool is provided with at least one perforating nozzle for creating perforations in a well via high-pressure fluid. The jet perforating tool also comprises at least one wash nozzle oriented to direct fluid under pressure against a sand plug to break loose excess sand. A pair of seats and plug members may be used in the jet perforating tool to control the flow of pressurized fluid through the perforating jet nozzle and/or the wash nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Carolina Gonzalez Martinez
  • Patent number: 8985231
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selectively displacing water from a hydraulically continuous water zone in a porous geological formation. The target zone to be displaced is defined by a hydrodynamically maintained pressure differential, which has been shown to be capable of confining an expanding injected gas zone. One or more gas injection wells and water production wells are located within the zone. During pressurized gas injection within the zone, the gas displaces water downward within the confined zone such that water is selectively produced from the target zone and the injected gas zone is confined within the hydraulically continuous water zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cenovus Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Gittins, Harbir Chhina, Katherine Stavropoulos, Xiaohuan Liu, Alvin Winestock
  • Patent number: 8985206
    Abstract: A method for enhancing foam stability in foaming compositions for use in oilfield treatment application, including but not limited to use in mobility control for gas flooding. The method comprises the step of adding to a foaming composition a foam stabilizer of formula (I): wherein R1 is an alkylamido group or a branched or linear alkyl group; R2 and R3 are individually hydrogen or a methyl group; R4, R5 and R6 are individually hydrogen or a hydroxy group, with the proviso that at least one of R4, R5 or R6 is a hydroxyl group; wherein the alkyl group has greater than about 10 carbon atoms. Also disclosed are methods to enhance foam stability in an aqueous foaming composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Mikel Morvan, Max Chabert, Manilal S. Dahanayake
  • Patent number: 8985212
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a water-soluble crosslinkable composition, a particulate water-swellable superabsorber, and an aqueous base fluid, placing the fluid in a treated portion of the formation, wherein the treated portion comprises a first region having a first region permeability and a second region having a second region permeability, wherein a permeability contrast is a ratio between first region permeability and second region permeability, and wherein the permeability contrast is equal to or greater than 10 prior to placement of the fluid, allowing the superabsorber to occupy at least a portion of the first region, thereby reducing the first region permeability, and allowing the crosslinkable composition to penetrate at least a portion of the second region, thereby reducing the second region permeability, wherein the permeability contrast is reduced to less than 10 after placement of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Freddy Molina Crespo, B. Raghava Reddy, Natalie Pascarella
  • Publication number: 20150075781
    Abstract: Wellbore assembly for injecting fluid into a subsurface formation having multiple intervals comprising a plurality of packers having bypass channels at desired locations between the respective intervals. The assembly allows fluid to be injected down a tubing string, back up an annular region, and through the series of packers to impart incremental pressure drops along the intervals. The assembly enhances pressure support by allowing the operator to optimize wellbore injection along intervals having different formation characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Scott R. Buechler
  • Publication number: 20150075796
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling wellsite packets for a wellsite are provided. The wellsite packets include soluble packaging with wellsite materials therein. The wellsite has surface equipment and downhole equipment positioned about a wellbore. The handling system includes at least one feeder, at least one mixer, at least one metering device, and a pump. The feeder moves the wellsite packets directly or indirectly into the mixer. The mixer stimulates dissolution of the soluble packaging so as to mix the wellsite materials with a fluid to form a wellsite mixture. The metering device selectively controls the number of wellsite packets moving to the mixer. The pump is operatively coupled to the mixer to pump the wellsite mixture at the wellsite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno Lecerf, Dan Fu, Zinaida Usova, Avinash Ramesh, Garud Sridhar, William Troy Huey, Jesse Lee
  • Publication number: 20150075795
    Abstract: A well treatment fluid uses ingredients that include an aqueous base, a non-associative, ionic, synthetic polymer, and optionally, at least one metal crosslinker. The polymer contains a backbone and a functional group that hinders hydrolysis of the backbone. The functional group is distributed at intervals on the backbone. A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a non-associative, ionic, synthetic polymer and a first aqueous base. The first fluid exhibits a first viscosity greater than a viscosity of the first aqueous base. The method includes treating a well during a stage using the first fluid exhibiting the first viscosity. A second well treatment fluid is formed by combining ingredients including the polymer, a second aqueous base, and at least one crosslinker and by crosslinking the synthetic polymer. The method includes treating the well during another stage using the second fluid exhibiting the second viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Richard S. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20150075792
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of delaying viscosification of a well treatment fluid within a well or within a subterranean formation penetrated by a well by introducing into the well a hydratable viscosifying agent of particulates having a minimum of 40% retention on a 60 mesh screen and a minimum of 1% retention on a 20 mesh screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Brandl, Christina Magelky, Angel Anh Doan, Windal Scott Bray
  • Patent number: 8978762
    Abstract: A well servicing fluid is formulated by combining ingredients comprising: an aqueous based fluid comprising sulfate ions at a concentration greater than 50 mg/l; a chelating agent; and an acid in an amount sufficient to result in the well servicing fluid having a pH of 4.5 or less. A method of servicing a well is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sandra L. Berry, Joel L. Boles, Kay E. Cawiezel, Kern L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150068755
    Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising an emulsion or a microemulsion for use in various aspects of the life cycle of an oil and/or gas well are provided. In some embodiments, the emulsion or the microemulsion comprises water, a solvent, and a surfactant, and optionally, one or more additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: CESI Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal M. Hill, Melinda Soeung, Monica Gonzalez-Roldan
  • Publication number: 20150068751
    Abstract: A well treatment additive includes a siloxane surfactant, a solvent and an aqueous phase. The solvent, in some embodiments, is a terpene hydrocarbon. Also disclosed is a method for using the well treatment additive to form and enhance the properties of foams useful for the treatment of oil and gas wells. Methods of using the novel well treatment foams include using the additives in a variety of well treatment processes including, but not limited to, acidizing operations, hydraulic fracturing operations, well remediation operations and water removal operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: CESI Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Hasnain Saboowala, Randal M. Hill
  • Patent number: 8973659
    Abstract: A method of treating a treatment zone in a well is provided, the method including the steps of: (A) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a degradable polymer particulate; (ii) a legume particulate; and (iii) a continuous liquid phase; and (B) introducing the treatment fluid into the treatment zone of the well. The invention can be used, for example, for leak-off control or fluid diversion purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad Baburao Karadkar, Yogesh Kumar Choudhary, Vijaya Kumar Patnana
  • Patent number: 8975217
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a portion of a well. The method according to this aspect comprises the steps of: (A) forming a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a water-soluble polymer; (iii) a complexed metal cation that: (a) has a valence state of at least three; and (b) is capable of cross-linking the water-soluble polymer; and (iv) an aromatic compound that is capable of dissolving, melting, or chemically decomposing, dissociating, or reacting, to form a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent comprising vicinal substituents containing donor heteroatoms, and wherein the chelating agent is capable of chelating the metal cation; and (B) introducing the treatment fluid into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Rajesh K. Saini, Sherry G. Gaskins
  • Publication number: 20150060072
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed that include placing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a solid agent and one or more polymers capable of consolidating to form a composite polymeric structure at a downhole location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Brent Busby, Sergey Makarychev-Mikhailov, Jazmin Godoy-Vargas, Philip F. Sullivan, Patrice Abivin, Marie Cambournac
  • Publication number: 20150065399
    Abstract: An operations fluid is provided for treatment operations on wellbores associated with hydrocarbon production, the operations fluid comprising: water, an inorganic primary acid; and an alkyl acid surfactant. The alkyl acid surfactant has the general formula {R—X}, wherein R comprises at least one of linear and branched alkyl and alkyl aryl hydrocarbon chains and X comprises an acid, and X may comprise an acid selected from the group comprising sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, phosphoric acids, and mixtures thereof. The alkyl acid may include an acid selected from the group consisting of alkyl or alkyl aryl acids. The operations fluid may be useful in treatment operations related to formation stimulation or mitigation of non-aqueous filter cakes (NAF) and/or formation invasion by NAF drilling fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Cooper E. Haith, Barbara Carstensen, Cornelius H. Brons
  • Publication number: 20150060066
    Abstract: This invention relates to oil and gas production, more specifically, to the methods of producing polymer emulsion for downhole operations and mixing degradable (hydrolysable) polymer emulsion with the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dean Willberg, Christopher N. Fredd, Vadim Kamilievich Khlestkin, Denis Olegovich Menshikov
  • Publication number: 20150060074
    Abstract: An operations fluid composition for operations on wells associated with the production of hydrocarbons, the fluid composition comprising: not less than 40 wt % of hydrocarbon fluid, based upon the total weight of the fluid composition; water; and from 0.1 to 10 wt % of a surfactant selected from alkyl acid surfactant, based upon the total weight of water in the fluid composition. Method for using the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Copper E. Haith, Barbara Carstensen, Cornelius H. Brons
  • Patent number: 8969262
    Abstract: The present invention includes the use of anhydride compositions, including alkyl and aryl anhydrides, for use as a demulsifier in resolving emulsions of water and oil. In particular, the anhydride composition can be used alone or in a blend with other demulsifiers. Suitable anhydrides suitable for the present invention include acetic and propionic, with acetic anhydride being preferred. The anhydride composition can be added directly to crude oil or other compositions to be resolved. As such, the demulsifier composition includes an anhydride, such as acetic anhydride, alone or in combination with other demulsifiers. The anhydride can be used in an amount ranging between trace and 100% by weight of the demulsifier composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Duncan E. Williams, Richard Mgla
  • Publication number: 20150053399
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a well face during formation testing at a drill site is disclosed. A collection chamber disposed in a formation tester tool may be at least partially filled with cleansing fluid. The formation tester tool may be introduced into a wellbore and the cleansing fluid may be ejected through a probe coupled to the formation tester tool. The collection chamber may then be at least partially filled with a formation fluid sample. A face of the probe may be contacted by a retractable cleaning mechanism coupled to the formation tester tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Irani, Clive D. Menezes
  • Publication number: 20150053409
    Abstract: A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. Crosslinking increases viscosity of the fluid during a development time. A pH decrease is controlled during the development time using the acidifying substance. The method also includes delaying the development time of the viscosity increase by controlling the pH decrease. A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a hydratable polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. The method includes delaying development time of a viscosity increase by controlling a pH decrease without adding further acidifying substance after combining the polymer, crosslinker, acidifying substance, and base fluid. A well treatment fluid formulated with ingredients include a base fluid, a polymer, a crosslinker, and an acidifying substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: MAGNUS U. LEGEMAH, PAUL S. CARMAN, RUPA VENUGOPAL, HONG SUN
  • Publication number: 20150053404
    Abstract: A well treatment additive includes a siloxane surfactant, a solvent and an aqueous phase. The solvent is preferably a terpene hydrocarbon. Also disclosed is a method for using the well treatment additive to form and enhance the properties of terpene solvent based additives useful for the treatment of oil and gas wells. Methods of using the novel well treatment additives include using the additives in a variety of well treatment processes including, but not limited to, acidizing operations, hydraulic fracturing operations, well remediation operations and water removal operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: CESI Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn S. Penny, Keith Ingram Dismuke, Richard Nelson Fox, Andrei Zelenev, Randal M. Hill
  • Patent number: 8960290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to environmentally friendly delayed crosslinking complexes that are useful in subterranean treatment fluids. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a treatment fluid having a first viscosity and includes: an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying agent, a delayed crosslinking complex having: a metal and a ligand, the ligand having at least one hydroxyl group and at least one carboxylic acid group; and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the delayed crosslinking complex is compliant and/or the viscosifying agent is compliant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Weston, Jeremy Holtsclaw, David Loveless
  • Publication number: 20150047848
    Abstract: A well treatment composite is characterized by particulates wherein at least a portion of the substrate of the particulates is coated with a polycationic polymer. The presence of the polycationic polymer on the surface of the well treatment particulates reduces the generation of dust and fines during a well treatment operation. The polycationic polymer further reduces the amount of dust or fines generated during transport of the well treatment particulates to a remote location as well during the manufacture or processing of well treatment particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Naima Bestaoui-Spurr, Mark Alan Vorderbruggen, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Harold Gene Hudson
  • Publication number: 20150047838
    Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating a stabilized treatment slurry downhole into the well and dehydrating a portion of the slurry to form a barrier in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno Lecerf, Dmitry Potapenko, Elena Tarasova, Robert A. Parrott, Michael Bertoja
  • Patent number: 8955588
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided including the steps of: (A) introducing a well fluid comprising an electron-poor orthoester into a well; and (B) allowing or causing the electron-poor orthoester to hydrolyze to produce an acid and an alcohol in the well. In another embodiment, a water-based well fluid is provided, the well fluid including: (A) a continuous aqueous phase having a pH of a least 6; (B) an electron-poor orthoester; and (C) a viscosity-increasing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James William Ogle, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Gary P. Funkhouser
  • Publication number: 20150041138
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a novel additive as an agent for inhibiting the swelling of clays, in particular in the field of boreholes. More specifically, the present invention concerns the use of a specific diamine and diacid salt as an agent for inhibiting the swelling of clays in an aqueous medium, and a drilling or hydraulic fracturing fluid composition comprising the salt according to the invention and methods for drilling or hydraulic fracturing implementing said salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Thierry Badel, Arnaud Cadix
  • Publication number: 20150041132
    Abstract: The flow of well treatment fluids may be diverted from a high permeability zone to a low permeability zone within a fracture network within a subterranean formation by use of a mixture comprising a dissolvable diverter and a proppant. At least a portion of the high permeability zone is propped open with the proppant of the mixture and at least a portion of the high permeability zone is blocked with the diverter. A fluid is then pumped into the subterranean formation and into a lower permeability zone of the formation farther from the wellbore. The diverter in the high permeability zones may then be dissolved at in-situ reservoir conditions and hydrocarbons produced from the high permeability propped zones of the fracture network. The mixture has particular applicability in the enhancement of production or hydrocarbons from high permeability zones in a fracture network located near the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Scott G. Nelson, Harold Dean Brannon, Jimie DeVon Lemons, Thomas Ray Starks, II, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Publication number: 20150041123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing and/or harvesting hydrocarbons from a wellbore. A method may include modeling a well to determine a length of a stimulation zone in the production interval, wherein the model is based, at least in part, on a reaction time for a stimulation process. Packers are placed in the well to fluidically isolate the stimulation zone from other zones in the well. The targeted zone is stimulated, such as by acid treatment. Hydrocarbons may be recovered from the stimulation zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Andrey A. Troshko, James S. Brown, III, Chris E. Shuchart
  • Patent number: 8950490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alhad Phatak, Carlos Abad
  • Patent number: 8950492
    Abstract: An invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: (A) an external phase, wherein the external phase comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; (B) an internal phase, wherein the internal phase comprises a hygroscopic liquid; (C) a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent is a polymer, and wherein the polymer comprises urea linkages; and (D) a particulate, wherein the particulate has a density less than 3.5 g/cm3, wherein a test fluid consisting essentially of the external phase, the internal phase, the suspending agent, and the particulate, and in the same proportions as the treatment fluid, and after static aging for 2 months at a temperature of 200° F. (93.3° C.), has a 10 minute gel strength of at least 30 lb/100 ft2 (1,436 Pa) at a temperature of 120° F. (48.9° C.). A method of using the invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadaab S. Maghrabi, Vikrant B. Wagle, Dhanashree G. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8950488
    Abstract: Methods using an anchoring agent for a water-soluble polymer that is in-place polymerized in a subterranean formation. The anchoring agent comprises a hydrolyzable silyl group that reacts with one or more dangling hydroxyl groups of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation to form “hard” bonds, “anchoring” to the mineral surface. The anchoring agent is selected to have another functional group for covalent attachment to the water-soluble polymer. This can help a water-soluble polymer be anchored to a mineral surface in a subterranean formation. Accordingly, it is believed that monomolecular layers of water-soluble polymer will be formed and anchored to the mineral surface, which will provide excellent elastic properties to the matrix. The monomolecular layers are not expected to interfere with the permeability of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie D. Weaver, Larry S. Eoff
  • Publication number: 20150034322
    Abstract: Systems and methods relate to recovering hydrocarbons by injecting into a reservoir steam along with carbon dioxide recovered from flue gases produced while generating the steam and from separation of produced fluids. Due to benefits from the carbon dioxide injection, carbon dioxide capture rates from the flue gases selected below fifty percent in such combined recovery of the carbon dioxide enables lower fuel consumption even given that additional fuel is needed for the carbon dioxide capture versus steam only operations. As the capture rates from the flue gases increase above fifty percent like when employed for sequestration purposes, such approaches use more fuel than the steam only operations and may not be cost efficient. A carbon dioxide recovery unit coupled to an air-fired boiler or an auxiliary oxy-fired boiler may supply the carbon dioxide recovered from the flue gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Scott MACADAM, James SEABA, David LARKIN
  • Publication number: 20150034323
    Abstract: A technique facilitates a more desirable inflow distribution of fluid along a tubing string deployed in a wellbore. The technique comprises providing a tubing string with a plurality of flow control devices and conveying the tubing string downhole into the wellbore. An injection fluid is pumped down along an interior of the tubing string and out through the plurality of flow control devices for entry into the surrounding formation. Based on a function of this injection flow, the flow areas of the flow control devices are adjusted to improve the subsequent distribution of inflowing fluids. The injection and the subsequent adjustment of flow areas as a function of the injection flow through each flow control device may be repeated for continued improvement, e.g. continued optimization, of the inflow distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Robin M. Greene, Terje Moen
  • Publication number: 20150027692
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Loyd Eddie EAST, Sharlene Dawn LINDSAY, Nicholas Hubert GARDINER
  • Publication number: 20150027712
    Abstract: Apparatus for pumping fluid into an underground well bore at a well site and being transportable between multiple well sites includes a chassis configured to be transportable between well sites, first and second fluid pumps disposed upon the chassis and configured to pump pressurized fluid into the well bore at the same time and an electric motor disposed upon the chassis and configured to concurrently drive both pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce A Vicknair, Blake Burnette
  • Patent number: 8940666
    Abstract: A fluid composition for cleanout of wellbores and pipe systems includes an effective amount of an amphiphilic chemical combined with an effective amount of a friction reducer in an aqueous solution of a base liquid. A remainder of the composition includes the base liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Bear Creek Services, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan R. Hutchings, Stewart A. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8940667
    Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; and (c) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Kroff Chemical Company, Nabors Completion & Production Services Co.
    Inventors: Paul Rey, Susan Rey, Michael John Seyman, Matthew E. Blauch
  • Publication number: 20150021018
    Abstract: Well conduit system and methods using a first outer conduit wall and at least one second inner conduit wall positioned through a wellhead to define an annulus with radial loading surfaces extending across the annulus and radially between at least two of the conduit walls to form passageways through subterranean strata concentrically, wherein an inner pipe body of greater outer diameter is inserted into an outer pipe body of lesser inner diameter by elastically expanding the circumference of the outer pipe body and elastically compressing the circumference of the inner pipe body, using a hoop force exerted therebetween. Releasing the hoop force after insertion will release the elastic expansion and compression of the pipe bodies to abut the radial loading surfaces within the annulus for sharing elastic hoop stress resistance and thereby forming a greater effective wall thickness, capable of containing higher pressures than the conduit walls could otherwise bear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce A. TUNGET
  • Publication number: 20150021027
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wellbore fluid, such as a drilling, completion or workover fluid, said wellbore fluid comprising a glucomannan additive. Further provided is a method of forming a gel plug from the wellbore fluid, a method of modifying the properties of a wellbore fluid, a method of drilling a subterranean hole with such a fluid and the use of glucomannan in wellbore fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LIMITED
    Inventor: John W. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8936111
    Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadaab Syed Maghrabi, Vikrant Bhavanishankar Wagle, Kushabhau Dagadu Teke, Dhanashree Gajanan Kulkarni, Kunal Sharad Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8936093
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon lift system and method for increasing petroleum production from an enclosed subterranean reservoir to the earth's surface comprises a column of buoyant balls in an outer pipe configured to entrain the buoyant balls into a first fluid in an annulus formed with an inner pipe drill string. A pressure differential in the inner pipe with respect to the reservoir via the entrained buoyant balls in a second fluid therein lifts the second fluid and the entrained balls via the inner pipe to increase petroleum production to the to earth's surface. A controlled rise velocity of the buoyant balls and the second fluid is predetermined by a ratio of a mass density of the buoyant balls to a mass density of the second fluid being greater than a mass density of the buoyant balls to a mass density of the first fluid for an increase over time in oil production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Smithsonian Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8936097
    Abstract: A method for downhole injecting treatment fluids, and for providing in an annular space between a well tubular and the surrounding formation or between pipes of a wellbore system, includes loading the treatment fluids into separate fluid containers that are arranged in an injection tool. Each container includes container walls that surround the fluid in the fluid container, and an outlet opening. The method also includes lowering the injection tool body into the wellbore or the well tubular to a predetermined position, and then pumping the fluids from each fluid container into the wellbore or the well tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Maersk Olie OG Gas A/S
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Publication number: 20150013964
    Abstract: A treatment plug includes, an anchor runnable and settable within a structure having, at least one slip movably engaged with the anchor to move radially into engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal movement of the at least one slip relative to surfaces of the treatment plug, at least one seal having a deformable metal member configured to radially deform into sealing engagement with the structure in response to being deformed radially outwardly, and a seat that is sealingly receptive to a plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Graeme Michael Kelbie
  • Publication number: 20150013987
    Abstract: A process for treating oilfield waste water includes contacting the oilfield waste water with hydrogen peroxide, the oilfield waste water comprising sulfide; oxidizing the sulfide to sulfur; and precipitating the sulfur to form treated water from the oilfield waste water. A process for recycling oilfield waste water includes combining the oilfield waste water and hydrogen peroxide, the oilfield waste water comprising sulfide; oxidizing the sulfide to sulfur; forming a precipitate comprising a colloidal sulfur precipitate, a bulk sulfur precipitate, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; removing the precipitate from the oilfield waste water to form treated water; introducing an additive to the treated water; and disposing the treated water in a subterranean environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy Underwood, Armando Gomez, Larry Gene Hines, Jenifer Lascano