Fracturing (epo) Patents (Class 166/308.1)
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Patent number: 11142997Abstract: A flow transported obturating tool for actuating a valve in a wellbore includes a housing including a radially translatable engagement assembly, a core slidably disposed in the housing, an interrupt member disposed radially between the core and the housing, a bore sensor disposed in the housing and in engagement with the interrupt member, and a biasing member disposed in the housing and in engagement with the interrupt member.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: ABD Technologies LLCInventor: Neil Akkerman
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Patent number: 11124690Abstract: Reducing leak-off during acid stimulation with dissolvable material sized to preferentially block crevices and wormholes, thus allowing the acid to travel further down the fractures, etching deeper into the reservoir than a similar process not using such dissolvable materials. After stimulation, the materials dissolve and production can proceed and will be improved over what is possible without such dissolvable materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventor: Vibhas Pandey
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Patent number: 11118438Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
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Patent number: 11111747Abstract: A delivery tool creates relative axial movement to retract a retaining sleeve from an adaptive seat so that the adaptive seat can release from the delivery tool and find support in a tubular string. The relative movement is created directly with a power charge acting on a piston attached to the retaining sleeve. Movement of the retaining sleeve releases support dogs that position the delivery tool when releasing the adaptive seat. The adaptive seat is protected for running in with a collapsible ring structure that passes through the adaptive seat opening when the delivery tool is pulled out of the hole. The retaining sleeve is replaced and the power charge is renewed to allow the delivery tool to be used more than once.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: DISRUPTIVE DOWNHOLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Stephen L. Crow
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Patent number: 11098555Abstract: A device and method for collecting sample fluids from an underground source which includes sample wells terminating in a corrugated conduit and sieve. The sampling regions for each sample well is separated by a grout or expanding seal barrier. Negative pressure is optionally applied to extract fluids from the underground matrix for sampling. The device can also be used for remediating an environmental contaminant from soil or aquifers. Upon identification of at least one environmental contaminant, a remediation composition is injected into the soil or aquifer using the sampling wells of the device. The remediation fluids can be directed to specific locations by selectively utilizing one or more sampling wells to inject the remediation fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: EN RX Chemical, Inc.Inventors: Lance I. Robinson, Erik R. Piatt
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Patent number: 11078408Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of producing a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluid, the VES fluid comprising desulfated seawater. The method of producing the VES fluid comprises adding an alkaline earth metal halide to seawater to produce a sulfate precipitate. The method further comprises removing the sulfate precipitate to produce the desulfated water. The method further comprises adding a VES and one or more of a nanoparticle viscosity modifier or a polymeric modifier to the desulfated seawater. Other embodiments are directed to VES fluids that maintain a viscosity greater than 10 cP at temperatures above 250° F.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Leiming Li, Feng Liang, Tao Chen
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Patent number: 11041114Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions for creating microfractures within subterranean formations and delivering microproppant particles into microfractures within subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a surfactant, and a plurality of microproppant particles having a mean particle diameter of about 100 microns or less; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to initiate the formation of at least one microfracture within the subterranean formation; and allowing at least a portion of the microproppant particles to enter the at least one microfracture within the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Multi-Chem Group LLCInventors: Liang Xin Xu, Kai He, Paul David Lord, Philip Nguyen
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Patent number: 11008842Abstract: A method for capturing hydrocarbons from a formation is provided. After a first hydraulic fracturing of a formation to produce a first conditioned formation, and while hydrocarbons are being produced from the first conditioned formation, a predetermined wellbore characteristic is monitored for. The predetermined wellbore characteristic is based on at least a pressure within the first conditioned formation. After detecting the predetermined wellbore characteristic, a second hydraulic fracturing of the formation is effected to produce a second conditioned formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: CNOOC PETROLEUM NORTH AMERICA ULCInventors: Roberto Aguilera, Daniel Orozco, Karthikeyan Selvan, Faisal Qureshi
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Patent number: 11008845Abstract: Provided are example methods and systems for treating a subterranean formation. An example method comprises alternately pumping a volume of proppant-laden fluid and a volume of spacer fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The proppant-laden fluid comprises an aqueous fluid and proppant. The spacer fluid comprises an aqueous fluid. At least one of the proppant-laden fluid or the spacer fluid comprises a synthetic clay. The volume of proppant-laden fluid and the volume of spacer fluid may be pumped in any order. The method further comprises repeating the alternately pumping a volume of proppant-laden fluid and a volume of spacer fluid at least once.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Dipti Singh, Ubong Inyang, Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 10989029Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spatially orienting a subterranean pressure pulse to a hydrocarbon-bearing formation are provided. The apparatus includes an injection body with a fixed shape, where the injection body is operable to hold an exothermic reaction component prior to triggering an exothermic reaction of the exothermic reaction component, and where the injection body maintains the fixed shape during and after triggering of the exothermic reaction component. The injection body includes a chemical injection port, where the chemical injection port is operable to feed components of the exothermic reaction component to the injection body. The injection body includes a reinforced plug, where the reinforced plug is operable to direct a pressure pulse generated by the exothermic reaction component within the injection body to a perforation to generate a spatially-oriented fracture, where spatial orientation of the spatially-oriented fracture is pre-determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Ayman R. Al-Nakhli, Sameeh Issa Batarseh
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Patent number: 10989180Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed provide a hydraulic fracturing unit that includes a reciprocating plunger pump configured to pump a fracturing fluid and a powertrain configured to power the reciprocating plunger pump. The powertrain includes a prime mover and a drivetrain, the prime mover including a gas turbine engine. The hydraulic fracturing unit also includes auxiliary equipment configured to support operation of the hydraulic fracturing unit including the reciprocating plunger pump and the powertrain. A power system is configured to power the auxiliary equipment. The power system includes a power source and a power network. The power source is configured to generate power for the auxiliary equipment. The power network is coupled to the power source and the auxiliary equipment, and configured to deliver the power generated by the power source to the auxiliary equipment. Associated systems including a plurality of hydraulic fracturing units are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLCInventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster, Nicholas Tew
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Patent number: 10989032Abstract: A well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: abrasively perforating the zone with a tubing deployed perforating assembly, fracturing the perforated zone with flow from surface via a well annulus, and then plugging the fractured zone with a removable plug substance, the perforating assembly displacing in the wellbore while the fractured zone is being plugged. Another well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: perforating the zone using an abrasive perforator, then displacing the perforator in the wellbore away from the earth's surface, then fracturing the zone, and plugging the fractured zone with a flowable plug substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Andrew M. Ferguson, Stanley W. Loving, Roger L. Schultz, Mark S. Britton, Brock W. Watson
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Patent number: 10975674Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons includes the steps of a) providing a source of liquefied natural gas (LNG), b) regasifying the LNG at the well, c) pressurizing the regasified LNG above the formation pressure, d) injecting the pressurized LNG into the well, e) allowing the injection stream to flow into the producing formation, and f) recovering and transporting the regasified LNG and produced gas from the formation. The injection stream may include at least 85% methane and no more than 5 PPM water. Step f) may be carried out without separating the recovered gases. Step d) may continue for at least 24 hours. Step b) may comprise passing the LNG through a vaporizer. Step c) may be carried out before step b). An apparatus for injecting regasified LNG into a hydrocarbon formation may comprise an LNG tank, a vaporizer, a compressor, and a fluid connection to the producing formation.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: STABILIS ENERGY LLCInventors: Shawn Voigt, Koby Knight
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Patent number: 10961830Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a waterless foam generator for fracturing shale oil and gas reservoirs and use thereof. The structure of the waterless foam generator includes: a top of the proppant storage tank is provided with a proppant inlet, a second feed port of liquid CO2 and a safety valve, and a bottom of the proppant storage tank is connected to the high-pressure gas-liquid-solid mixer, a side wall of the high-pressure gas-liquid-solid mixer is provided with a first feed port of liquid CO2, an feed port of N2 and an feed port of waterless foam foaming agent, and the high-pressure gas-liquid-solid mixer is connected to the first shaker of waterless foam fracturing fluid, the first shaker of waterless foam fracturing fluid, the second shaker of waterless foam fracturing fluid and the third shaker of waterless foam fracturing fluid are connected in sequence.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM—BEIJINGInventors: Qichao Lv, Rong Zheng, Tongke Zhou, Zhaoxia Dong, Juan Zhang, Zihao Yang, Meiqin Lin
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Patent number: 10947830Abstract: A fracturing method for creating a complex crack network by intermittent fracturing on site, which relates to oil and gas field development, and comprises the following steps: pumping a fracturing fluid into an oil well to enter the reservoir, continuing pumping the fracturing fluid into fractured cracks after a pumping pressure has reached a preset pressure, and stopping pumping the fracturing fluid after a preset condition has been reached; performing under-pressure shut-in for the oil well; stopping the shut-in operation when a signal detecting vehicle cannot receive an obvious microseismic signal in the under-pressure shut-in process; repeating the above three steps multiple times; pumping the fracturing fluid into the oil well to enter the reservoir by the fracturing truck until an amount of the pumped in fracturing fluid reaches a design pump-in liquid amount; pumping a sand-carrying fluid into the oil well to enter the reservoir by means of a sand blending truck and the fracturing truck after the amounType: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: China University of Petroleum—BeijingInventors: Guangqing Zhang, Yuanxun Nie, Cankun Lin
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Patent number: 10914153Abstract: An illustrative monitoring system for a hydraulic fracturing operation includes: a data acquisition module collecting microseismic signals from a subterranean formation undergoing a hydraulic fracturing operation; a processing module implementing a monitoring method; and a visualization module that displays an estimate or prediction of fracture extent. The monitoring method implemented by the processing module includes: deriving microseismic event locations and times from the microseismic signals; fitting at least one fracture plane to the microseismic event locations; projecting each microseismic event location onto at least one fracture plane; determining a time-dependent distribution of the projected microseismic event locations; calculating one or more envelope parameters from the time-dependent distribution; and generating an estimate or prediction of fracture extent using the or more envelope parameters.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jianfu Ma, Avi Lin, Baidurja Ray
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Patent number: 10913889Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of producing a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluid, the VES fluid comprising desulfated seawater. The method of producing the VES fluid comprises adding an alkaline earth metal halide to seawater to produce a sulfate precipitate. The method further comprises removing the sulfate precipitate to produce the desulfated water. The method further comprises adding a VES and one or more of a nanoparticle viscosity modifier or a polymeric modifier to the desulfated seawater. Other embodiments are directed to VES fluids that maintain a viscosity greater than 10 cP at temperatures above 250° F.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Leiming Li, Feng Liang, Tao Chen
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Patent number: 10907459Abstract: A system and method for operating a fleet of pumps for a turbine driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of operating a fleet of pumps associated with a hydraulic fracturing system includes receiving a demand Hydraulic Horse Power (HHP) signal. The demand HHP signal may include the Horse Power (HP) required for the hydraulic fracturing system to operate and may include consideration for frictional and other losses. The method further includes operating all available pump units at a percentage of rating below Maximum Continuous Power (MCP) level, based at least in part on the demand HHP signal. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a signal for loss of power from one or more pump units. The method further includes operating one or more units at MCP level and operating one or more units at Maximum Intermittent Power (MIP) level to meet the demand HHP signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLCInventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Samir Nath Seth, Joseph Foster
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Patent number: 10895152Abstract: Breaking rock and concrete, based upon a Controlled-Foam Injection or PCF (Penetrating Cone Fracture) uses a high-pressure fluid to pressurize a pre-drilled hole. A high pressure seal is formed between the injection barrel and walls of the pre-drilled hole in the material to be broken. A leak-free poppet valve holds a fluid in a pressure vessel before rapid discharge. Variable charges of foam/water are generated and delivered to the breaker. The injection barrel is prefilled with a low viscosity fluid. An annular reverse acting poppet valve allows concurrent injection of chemical additives and/or micro particles to modify foam viscosity during its high pressure release into the material to be broken. A high pressure foam generator is compact and reliable. Removal and wash-out of the seal frees the injection barrel.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: CFI Technologies, LLCInventors: Chapman Young, III, J. Roberto Frias
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Patent number: 10865631Abstract: The present invention discloses a hydraulic fracturing system for driving a plunger pump with a turbine engine, including a fracturing equipment, a high-low pressure manifold, a blending equipment and a sand-mixing equipment; a turbine engine is used as the power source of the fracturing equipment, the turbine engine is fueled by natural gas or diesel and drives the plunger pump to solve the current problems of diesel drive and electric motor drive. The fuel supply of a turbine engine with a dual-fuel system is diverse and not limited, especially when natural gas is used as the fuel, it will save more cost. The supply of natural gas in the whole hydraulic fracturing system is diversified, better meeting the demands of more customers.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Yantai Jereh Petroleum Equipment & Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rikui Zhang, Xiance Li, Xincheng Li, Yipeng Wu, Chunqiang Lan, Sheng Chang, Peng Zhang, Xiaolei Ji
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Patent number: 10864487Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel sand mixing device, including an electric motor and a hydraulic system, wherein the electric motor is used as the power source of the hydraulic system, and the hydraulic system drives all the actuating elements in the sand mixing device. Beneficial effects: in the present invention, the traditional diesel engine drive mode is changed into a motor drive mode and a hydraulic system is maintained, and the power is all in the form of an electro-hydraulic system, realizing the advantages of environmental protection and energy saving with the electric motors as the power source, also taking into account the advantages of small size and flexible layout of the drive parts of the hydraulic system. Therefore, the issues of not environmental-friendly, large size, inconvenient transportation, well site layout, and maintenance in the application of traditional sand mixing device can be addressed.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: American Jereh International CorporationInventors: Maomao Han, Shuwei Li, Weiwei Liu, Mingsheng Li, Xiangxiang Ren, Changli Li, Binggang Yang
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Patent number: 10844710Abstract: A method for acquiring an opening timing of natural fracture under an in-slit temporary plugging condition and a device thereof are provided. The method includes steps of: acquiring physical parameters of stratum according to site geological data, and measuring a slit length L of a hydraulic fracture; dividing the hydraulic fracture into N unit bodies of equal length and numbering them sequentially; and dividing a total calculation time t into meter fractions of time with equal interval; calculating a width of each unit body in the hydraulic fracture at the initial time; calculating a fluid pressure in the hydraulic fracture at the k-th fraction of time; calculating a closed pressure at an entrance of the natural fracture on an upper side and a lower side of the hydraulic fracture at the k-th fraction of time; and determining whether the natural fracture is opened by a determining criteria based on the above calculation results.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIVERSITYInventors: Cong Lu, Jianchun Guo, Yang Luo, Bin Qian, Meiping Li, Congbin Yin, Yunchuan Zheng, Yong Ren, Ye Zhong, Chi Chen, Yongjun Xiao, Xianjun He
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Patent number: 10815050Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for delivering material directly to a blender hopper. The system includes primary base and optional secondary base modules supporting surge hoppers which receive material from material containers. The surge hopper may then dispense the material directly and rapidly to the blender hopper by gravity feed. During continuous operation, exhausted material containers may be removed from the surge hoppers and replaced with full material containers as material empties from the surge hoppers. This allows steady, high-volume flow of material to the blender hopper.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Can Do Logistics LLCInventors: Michael C. Hess, Preston M. Hess
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Patent number: 10815764Abstract: A system and method for operating a fleet of pumps for a turbine driven fracturing pump system used in hydraulic fracturing is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of operating a fleet of pumps associated with a hydraulic fracturing system includes receiving a demand Hydraulic Horse Power (HHP) signal. The demand HHP signal may include the Horse Power (HP) required for the hydraulic fracturing system to operate and may include consideration for frictional and other losses. The method further includes operating all available pump units at a percentage of rating below Maximum Continuous Power (MCP) level, based at least in part on the demand HHP signal. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a signal for loss of power from one or more pump units. The method further includes operating one or more units at MCP level and operating one or more units at Maximum Intermittent Power (MIP) level to meet the demand HHP signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLCInventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Diankui Fu, Warren Zemlak, Samir Nath Seth, Joseph Foster
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Patent number: 10809404Abstract: A method includes obtaining distributed measurements of acoustic energy as a function of time and position downhole. The method also includes deriving acoustic activity values as a function of time and position from the one or more distributed measurements. The method also includes predicting fluid flow for a downhole perforation cluster as a function of time, wherein predicting fluid flow involves a flow prediction model that is a function of perforation cluster geometry, fluid characteristics, and at least one of the acoustic activity values. The method also includes storing or displaying the predicted fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Lee Stokely
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Patent number: 10808488Abstract: An apparatus according to which a subterranean formation in which a wellbore extends is hydraulically fractured, the apparatus comprising first and second manifolds, the first manifold including first and second flow lines adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second pumps, respectively, the first pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the first flow line, and the second pump being adapted to pressurize fluid received from the second flow line, and the second manifold including a third flow line adapted to convey pressurized fluid from the first and second pumps to the wellbore to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to another apparatus used to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation in which the wellbore extends by moving one, or both, of the first and second flow lines relative to the third flow line.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Witkowski, Nadiya Fuller, Nuder Said, Duc Thanh Tran, Peter Walter
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Patent number: 10794166Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system that includes a fixed-speed gas turbine assembly having a gas generator and power turbine, both mounted to a semi-trailer. The system further includes a hydraulic pump mounted to the semi-trailer and connected to an output shaft of the power turbine and a hydraulically-driven fracturing fluid pump mounted to the semi-trailer and being in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic pump supplying fluid pressure to the hydraulically-driven fracturing fluid pump. The system is configured such that the hydraulically-driven fracturing fluid pump receives fracturing fluid containing chemicals and proppants and pressurizes the fracturing fluid to a pressure sufficient for injection into a wellbore to support a hydraulic fracturing operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: DRESSER-RAND COMPANYInventors: Udo Reckels, Harold Jones
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Patent number: 10767456Abstract: A method and system for recovering oil from a subterranean reservoir. The method includes delivering an injection gas through an injection flow path into a plurality of regions of the reservoir via a plurality of outflow devices arranged along the injection flow path, producing oil from a plurality of regions of the subterranean reservoir via a production flow path with a plurality of inflow devices arranged along the production flow path, and restricting flow of the injection gas into the production flow path from the reservoir. The restricting of the flow in injection gas may be by choking the flow of the injection gas through at least one of the plurality of inflow devices such that the residence time of the injection gas within the subterranean reservoir is increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Swellfix UK LimitedInventor: Michael Robert Konopczynski
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Patent number: 10767473Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting impact of induced micro-fractures in a subsurface formation are disclosed. The method includes determining an unloading effective stress (?ul) in a formation sample taken from a wellbore drilled into the subsurface formation, determining a fracture closure stress (?cl) of the formation sample, determining that the unloading effective stress (?ul) is greater than or equal to the fracture closure stress (?ul), and in response to determining that unloading effective stress (?ul) is greater than or equal to the fracture closure stress (?ul), operating the well system to inhibit impact of micro-fractures in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Hui-Hai Liu, Jilin Zhang, Gary Eppler
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Patent number: 10752824Abstract: Disclosed are time controlled, hydrolytically degradable compositions that include a polyurethane; precipitated silica, carbon black, or a combination thereof; an organic acid adapted to facilitate degradation when the composition is contacted with water; a stabilizer; a first crosslinking agent; and an optional co-agent. The composition is adapted to degrade over a predetermined time period upon contact with water at a pH ranging from 5 to 8 and at a temperature ranging from 100° F. to 250° F.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: CDI Energy Products, Inc.Inventors: Xuan Fu, Frederick Bligh Pippert
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Patent number: 10751769Abstract: Techniques for forming a directional drillhole for hazardous waste storage include identifying a subterranean formation suitable to store hazardous waste; determining one or more faults that extend through the subterranean formation; forming a vertical drillhole from a terranean surface toward the subterranean formation; and forming a directional drillhole from the vertical drillhole that extends in or under the subterranean formation and parallel to at least one of the one or more faults. The directional drillhole includes a hazardous waste repository configured to store the hazardous waste.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2020Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Deep Isolation, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Muller, Elizabeth Muller
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Patent number: 10738578Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to a method for hydraulic fracturing a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore including characterizing the formation using measured properties of the formation, including mechanical properties of geological interfaces, identifying a formation fracture height wherein the identifying comprises calculating a contact of a hydraulic fracture surface with geological interfaces, and fracturing the formation wherein a fluid viscosity or a fluid flow rate or both are selected using the calculating. Embodiments herein also relate to a method for hydraulic fracturing a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore including measuring the formation comprising mechanical properties of geological interfaces, characterizing the formation using the measurements, calculating a formation fracture height using the formation characterization, calculating an optimum fracture height using the measurements, and comparing the optimum fracture height to the formation fracture height.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dimitry Chuprakov, Romain Charles Andre Prioul, Xiaowei Weng
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Patent number: 10738569Abstract: An oil and gas configuration is disclosed that creates and uses a single straight-line fluid path between a zipper module and a fracturing (or Christmas) tree. The single straight-line fluid path is created through connecting a series of valves (e.g., manual or automatic gate or plug valves) that coaxially share inner fluid passageways for transporting hydraulic fracturing fluid between the zipper module and the fracturing tree. The hydraulic fracturing fluid flows along the single straight-line fluid path upon from the zipper module to the fracturing tree. The fracturing tree is equipped with a multi-way block that directs—through one or more internal angled walls—the hydraulic fracturing fluid downward and toward a wellhead.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Seaboard International Inc.Inventor: Duc Thanh Tran
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Patent number: 10718182Abstract: A ported collar has a tubular body that forms part of or is installed in a tubular that is run into a wellbore, and defines a port for permitting radial fluid communication into or out of the ported collar. A sleeve is movable relative to the port to vary an open area of the port. The activation device includes a fixed key and a traveling key movable relative to the fixed key. The activation device is inserted into the tubular body of the ported collar. A fixed key profile is releasably mated with a tubular body key profile to fix the position of the activation device in the ported collar. A traveling key profile is releasably mated with a sliding sleeve key profile, and the traveling key is moved relative to the fixed key to move the sliding sleeve, and thereby vary the open area of the port.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Inventor: Randal Brent Biedermann
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Patent number: 10711585Abstract: Techniques in horizontal well completions that facilitate multistage fracturing may be performed in shale gas reservoirs. The techniques may involve the creation of large scale fracture networks, connecting the reservoir and the wellbore, facilitated by activating pre-existing natural fractures (NFs). In addition, geo-mechanical characteristics facilitate the optimization of maximum stimulated reservoir volumes (SRVs). In particular, completion optimization patterns are provided for horizontal wellbores, designated herein as altered alternate fracturing (AAF) completions. Completion optimization patterns may involve a multi-step combination of simultaneous and alternate fracturing patterns. Additionally, the dynamic evolution and progression of NF growth are modeled using a variety of alternative criteria. Further, specific analyses are provided of how the well completion pattern influences the fracture network.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignees: UTI Limited Partnership, Southwest Petroleum UniversityInventors: Fanhui Zeng, Jianchun Guo, Zhangxing Chen, Xinfeng Jia, Xiaozhao Cheng, Jamie Mcinnis
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Patent number: 10704367Abstract: A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, Timothy Hunter, Roger L. Schultz
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Patent number: 10683740Abstract: A method for avoiding a frac hit with an offset parent wellbore during a formation stimulation operation. The method includes providing a child wellbore within a hydrocarbon-producing field. The method also includes forming lateral boreholes off of a horizontal leg of the child wellbore at a first casing exit location. The method also includes conducting a formation stimulation operation at the first casing exit location through the lateral boreholes, as a first stage. The method additionally includes monitoring field data in a hydrocarbon-producing field associated with the child wellbore during the formation stimulation operation. The method then includes forming lateral boreholes off of the horizontal leg at a second casing exit location longitudinally offset from the first casing exit location along the horizontal leg. An orientation of the lateral boreholes at the second casing exit location relative to the horizontal leg is determined based on the field data.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: COILED TUBING SPECIALTIES, LLCInventors: Bruce L. Randall, Bradford G. Randall, David P. Brisco
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Patent number: 10677036Abstract: A method for performing a fracture operation. A log of a formation parameter is obtained for a formation surrounding a wellbore in which the fracture operation is to be implemented. A relation is determined between the formation parameter and a parameter of the fracture operation. A value of the parameter of the fracture operation is selected based on the relation and a value of the formation parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLCInventors: Sergey Stolyarov, Junjie Yang, Sergey Kotov, David Gadzhimirzaev, Jason Wayne Simmons
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Patent number: 10664633Abstract: A system provides thermal and stress analysis of complex well operations above the end of the downhole string to meet the analysis needs of downhole operations such as hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and gas field development.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Yongfeng Kang, Adolfo Gonzales, Jun Jiang, Zhengchun Liu, Robello Samuel
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Patent number: 10626689Abstract: The invention provides an actuator assembly for a downhole tool and a method of use. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator device, which includes a housing and a piston element movable with respect to the housing. First and second fluid paths are configured to couple first and second sides of the piston element to at least one source of fluid pressure in a drive module, and an actuator member is configured to be coupled to a downhole device. The actuator member is movable between a first position and a second position to operate the downhole device in response to a force acting on the piston element. The actuator assembly comprises a pressure release mechanism which is operable to equalise pressure between the first and second fluid paths of the actuator device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: XTREME WELL TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventor: Peter Moyes
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Patent number: 10613239Abstract: Simulation of downhole transient pressure effects due to propellant stimulation of a formation provides information that may be utilized to select a type of perforating tool system and other components that contribute to effective stimulation of a formation. A well simulator pressure vessel comprises a perforating tool system that comprises a type of perforating gun assembly that includes one or more shaped charges. A propellant disk assembly adjacent to a sample formation is coupled to the perforating tool system. The propellant disk assembly comprises one or more components for securing the propellant. A transient pressure effect may be measured once the one or more shaped charges are detonated and the propellant is ignited or deflagrated. The measured transient pressure effects may be utilized to alter or change the one or more components of the perforating tool system prior to, during, or after stimulation of the sample formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: John Douglas Manning, Jacob Andrew McGregor, Gerald Graves Craddock, Jr., John Norris Smith
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Patent number: 10584559Abstract: A sliding valve has a valve body, a sliding sleeve received in a longitudinal bore of the valve body, and a collet receivable in a longitudinal bore of the sliding sleeve. The valve body has one or more fluid ports on an uphole portion of the sidewall thereof. The sliding sleeve is movable between an uphole closed position closing the one or more fluid ports and a downhole open position opening the one or more fluid ports. The collet comprises a metal portion about an uphole end of the collet, and a ball seat having a ball-seat surface radially inwardly sloped from uphole to downhole at an acute slope angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the collet. The metal portion is radially outwardly expandable under a radially outward pressure to form a metal-to-metal seal at the interface between the collet and the sliding sleeve when the collet is received in the sliding sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: SC ASSET CORPORATIONInventor: Sean P. Campbell
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Patent number: 10584272Abstract: A method includes admixing an aqueous polysaccharide solution into an oleaginous base fluid, and adding a divalent ion source to produce one or more polysaccharide microspheres.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER NORGE ASInventor: Anders Grinrod
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Patent number: 10577909Abstract: Fracturing operations that include fluid diversion cycles may include real-time, continuous-flow pressure diagnostics to analyze and design the fluid diversion cycles of fracturing operations. The real-time, continuous-flow pressure diagnostics are injection rate step cycles that may include open low injection rate step cycles, propped low injection rate step cycles, diverted low injection rate cycles, and high injection rate cycles.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Harold Grayson Walters, Neil Alan Stegent
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Patent number: 10570692Abstract: A frac zipper manifold bridge connector comprises two bridge spools for connecting a well configuration unit of a frac zipper manifold to a frac tree of a wellhead. The connector comprises multiple connections involving threaded flanges, such that the orientation of the bridge spools may be adjusted to ensure that they are correctly aligned with the frac tree.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.Inventors: Richard Brian Sizemore, Bob McGuire, Danny L. Artherholt, Mickey Claxton, Blake Mullins, Charles Beedy
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Patent number: 10563119Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of producing a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluid, the VES fluid comprising desulfated seawater. The method of producing the VES fluid comprises adding an alkaline earth metal halide to seawater to produce a sulfate precipitate. The method further comprises removing the sulfate precipitate to produce the desulfated water. The method further comprises adding a VES and one or more of a nanoparticle viscosity modifier or a polymeric modifier to the desulfated seawater. Other embodiments are directed to VES fluids that maintain a viscosity greater than 10 cP at temperatures above 250° F.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Leiming Li, Feng Liang, Tao Chen
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Patent number: 10519730Abstract: Providing electric power distribution for fracturing operations comprising receiving, at a transport, electric power from a mobile source of electricity at a first voltage level and supplying, from the transport, the electric power to a fracturing pump transport at the first voltage level using only a first, single cable connection. The first voltage level falls within a range of 1,000 V to 35 kilovolts. The transport also supplies electric power to a second transport at the first voltage level using only a second, single cable connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Jeffrey G. Morris, Adrian Benjamin Bodishbaugh, Neal Jensen
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Patent number: 10519750Abstract: A reclosable multi-zone isolation tool including a mandrel assembly with a pull-force lock feature. The tool includes an outer and inner tubular having an annular flow path defined there between, and a central flow path defined by the inner tubular. The annular flow path is in fluid communication with the first zone, while the central flow path is in fluid communication with the second zone. A sleeve is positioned in the annular flow path and moveable between an open and closed position. A mandrel assembly is slidingly positioned within the inner tubular and coupled to the sleeve to actuate the sleeve between the open and closed position only when a push force is applied. If a pull force is applied, the mandrel assembly “locks out,” thereby preventing movement of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Jason Earl Davis, William David Henderson
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Patent number: 10513910Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of controlling a microbial level in an aqueous fluid or a solid component used in an oilfield operation or a pre- or post-production process associated with wellbore production, the method comprising: measuring a microbial parameter of the aqueous fluid; and subsequently using the measured microbial parameter to decide on an appropriate antimicrobial treatment. These proposals also relate to methods further including monitoring of a microbial parameter in such a fluid or on such a solid component over a period of time. The methods and aspects of the present disclosure may be applied in any oilfield operation or a pre- or post-production process associated with wellbore production.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: James Fajt, Abraham Zambrano
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PCR amplification methods for detecting and quantifying sulfate-reducing bacteria in oilfield fluids
Patent number: 10501790Abstract: At least one nucleic acid from a sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) may be extracted from an oilfield fluid and may be amplified by a PCR amplification method in the presence of at least one primer to form an amplification product. The primer(s) may be or include a sequence including, but not necessarily limited to, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, and mixtures thereof. The amplification product may be hybridized with a probe specific for a fragment of an alpha subunit of an APS gene, and a presence of hybridization and a degree of hybridization may be detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLCInventor: Crystal Lee