Fracturing (epo) Patents (Class 166/308.1)
  • Publication number: 20150000920
    Abstract: Stimulation valves are provided that have a valve housing, an indexed driver, a reciprocating shifter, an actuation seat, and an isolation seat. The indexed driver is linearly actuated from an initial position through intermediate positions to a terminal position. In the driver initial and intermediate positions, the valve body shuts off fluid communication through ports provided in the housing. In the driver terminal position the valve body allows fluid communication through the ports. The reciprocating shifter indexes the indexed driver from its initial position through its intermediate positions to its terminal position. The actuation seat receives a ball for actuation of the shifter and releases the ball after actuation of the shifter. The isolation seat allows passage of the ball when the indexed driver is in its initial and intermediate positions and receives the ball when the indexed driver is in its terminal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Harris, Kenneth J. Anton
  • Patent number: 8919434
    Abstract: A system and method for fracturing a well, wherein the system can comprise a base pipe comprising an insert port capable of housing a stop ball partially within the chamber of it, and a sliding sleeve. The sliding sleeve can comprise a first sleeve with an in inner surface. That inner surface can comprise a void. The first sleeve can be maneuverable into two positions. In the first position, the void can rest on a surface of the base pipe not comprising an insert port. Such positioning can prevent a stop ball from exiting the chamber of the base pipe. In the second position, the void can rest over an insert port. Such positioning can allow the stop ball to the chamber of said the base pipe and to enter the void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kristian Brekke
  • Patent number: 8919443
    Abstract: A method for performing a downhole perforating and fracturing operation from a wellbore (12) positioned within a subterranean formation (18). The method includes locating a perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12), detonating a first perforating gun (28) to create a first discrete fracture initiation site (42) in the formation (18), repositioning the perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12) and detonating a second perforating gun (30) to create a second discrete fracture initiation site (44) in the formation (18). Thereafter, the method also includes pumping a fracture fluid into the wellbore (12) and propagating a single dominant planar fracture (56, 58) from each of the discrete fracture initiation sites (42, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Allen Parker, Neil Joseph Modeland, Cam Le, Kenneth Lee Borgen, Douglas Ray Scott
  • Patent number: 8919440
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting screen-out using a fracturing valve for mitigation, wherein the fracture method can comprise fracturing a well using a fracturing valve, while a downhole pressure is less than a predetermined threshold. The method can also comprise actuating by automated process the fracturing valve from a fracturing position to a nonfracturing position upon detecting by a pressure sensor in the wellbore that the downhole pressure has reached said predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Kristian Brekke
  • Publication number: 20140374102
    Abstract: A solid chemical delivery system for delivering chemicals to an underground formation. The solid chemical is formed by dehydrating a silicate to form anhydrous silicate. Well chemicals are then introduced to the silica and form a tablet or pelletized chemical. The pelletized solid chemical is then delivered to the underground formation through the well bore with a proppant and fracturing fluid. This allows the well treatment chemicals to be released over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Melvin B. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140367109
    Abstract: On-site generation of a fracturing fluid stream system includes a fracturing fluid generation assembly and a fracturing fluid supply assembly. The fracturing fluid generation assembly is configured to receive a hydrocarbon stream and to generate a fracturing fluid stream from the hydrocarbon stream. The fracturing fluid stream has an oxygen concentration, which is less than a limiting oxygen concentration for supporting combustion of a combustible fluid that is present within a subterranean formation. The fracturing fluid stream also has a combustible portion, which defines a concentration that is below a lower flammability limit of the combustible portion in the fracturing fluid stream. The fracturing fluid supply assembly is configured to receive the fracturing fluid stream and to convey the fracturing fluid stream to the subterranean formation to fracture the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 8905137
    Abstract: A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sichuan Honghua Petroleum Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi Zhang, Jun Chen, Mingshe Wang, Xuanguo Liu, Ping Tang, Meng He, Jiangyang Wang, Tao Chen, Wei Xie, Zhongcai Liang, Yinchun Liu, Guang Chen
  • Patent number: 8905138
    Abstract: Generally, a system for hydraulic fracturing of a geologic formation. Specifically, a transportable heating apparatus and method for the production of heated water for use in hydraulic fracturing of a geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: H2O Inferno, LLC
    Inventors: Garry R. Lundstedt, Brian R. Lundstedt, Lloyd D. Leflet
  • Patent number: 8905135
    Abstract: This invention is generally related to using treatment fluids having additives that modify rheological characteristics. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of using treatment fluids comprising an aqueous fluid and an associative polymer additive, wherein the associative polymer additive increases the PV of the treatment fluid by more than at least 50% and wherein the associative polymer additive increases the yield point by no more than about 30% of the corresponding increase in the PV relative to a treatment fluid without the associative polymer additive in a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Iverson, Ashok K. Santra, Priscilla T. Reyes
  • Patent number: 8905133
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a treatment fluid comprising a blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 3 mm and 2 cm and a second amount of particulates having a second average size between about 1.6 and 20 times smaller than the first average particle size or a second amount of flakes having a second average size up to 10 times smaller than the first average particle size; by introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore; and by creating a plug with the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry Ivanovich Potapenko, Alexey Alexandrovich Sova, Svetlana Viktorovna Nesterova, Olga Petrovna Alekseenko, Lecerf Bruno, Marina Nikolaevna Bulova, John Daniels
  • Publication number: 20140352968
    Abstract: A system for simultaneously fracturing multiple wells is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes fracturing trees installed at multiple wells. A fracturing manifold is connected to the fracturing trees and includes output valves to independently control flow of fracturing fluid from the manifold to each of multiple wells. The system may also include a controller connected to the output valves so that the controller can remotely operate the output valves to simultaneously fracture the multiple wells and independently control the volume of fracturing fluid entering each of the wells from the fracturing manifold. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jason L. Pitcher, Edward L. Ganzinotti, III, Jay P. Painter
  • Publication number: 20140352952
    Abstract: A method of deploying a cable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that includes providing a cable. The cable includes an insulated conductor; an armor wire layer surrounding the insulated conductor; and a polymeric material disposed in interstitial spaces formed between armor wires forming the armor wire layer, and in interstitial spaces formed between the at least one armor wire layer and the at least one insulated conductor. The method also includes introducing the cable into a wellbore and performing at least one operation in the wellbore utilizing the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Varkey, Byong Jun Kim, Garud Sridhar, Wayne Fulin, Noor F. Sait, Matthew Billingham, Andrea Sbordone
  • Patent number: 8899325
    Abstract: A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Nevin
  • Patent number: 8899332
    Abstract: A method for building a plug in a horizontal wellbore using a fluid pill containing a suspended well treatment agent. The well treatment agent contains an ultra lightweight (ULW) deformable core and a viscosifying polymer and crosslinking agent coated onto the core. The fluid pill is pumped into the wellbore at the end of a fracturing treatment. The fluid pill is displaced by a displacement fluid and the fluid pill transforms to a thickened gel. The thickened gel is formed by the in-situ reaction of the viscosifying polymer and crosslinking which become disassociated from the ULW deformable core. The gelled fluid containing the ULW deformable core assists in the bridging of the ULW deformable core and forming the bridge plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Harold Gene Hudson
  • Patent number: 8895480
    Abstract: A well fracturing fluid is shown which includes an aqueous base fluid, a hydratable polymer, such as a guar gum, and a suitable crosslinking agent for crosslinking the hydratable polymer to form a polymer gel. The hydratable polymer has a higher molecular weight which is achieved by improvements in the processing of the guar split. The higher molecular weight polymer provides improved performance in well fracturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Dawson, Hoang Van Le
  • Patent number: 8893794
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing from multiple zones in a subterranean formation are provided. The system can include a liner including a first frac valve, a second frac valve, and a formation isolation valve. The second frac valve can be positioned above the first frac valve, and the formation isolation valve can be positioned above the second frac valve. A completion assembly can be disposed at least partially within the liner. The completion assembly can include a valve shifting tool adapted to actuate the formation isolation valve between an open position and a closed position. The completion assembly can also include a first flow control valve in fluid communication with the first frac valve and a second flow control valve in fluid communication with the second frac valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 8895481
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore involves introducing an acid treatment fluid through the wellbore into the formation. The treatment fluid is formed from a zwitterionic viscoelastic surfactant, an acid in an amount to provide the treatment fluid with an initial pH of ?0 and a rheology enhancer. The treatment fluid has a high viscosity at the initial pH and a lower viscosity when the pH of the treatment fluid is raised to an intermediate pH of from greater than 0 to about 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yiyan Chen, Abbas Mahdi, Richard Marcinew, Matt Graham, Timothy L. Pope
  • Patent number: 8887803
    Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd Eddie East, Jr., Sharlene Dawn Lindsay, Nicholas Hubert Gardiner
  • Patent number: 8881808
    Abstract: Determining a value indicative of fracture quality. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: obtaining or measuring gas saturation of a formation to create a value indicative of pre-fracture gas saturation; and after a fracturing process measuring gas saturation of the formation to create a value indicative of post-fracture gas saturation; and creating a value indicative of fracture quality based on the value indicative of pre-fracture gas saturation and the value indicative of post-fracture gas saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Dorffer, Weijun Guo
  • Patent number: 8881820
    Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to treatment fluids that comprise entangled equilibrium polymer networks in subterranean applications. Such methods include providing a treatment fluid comprising at least one entangled equilibrium polymer network, and placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. Other methods include providing a treatment fluid having a first viscosity comprising an aqueous base fluid and at least one entangled equilibrium polymer network; placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation; contacting the treatment fluid with a hydrocarbon; and allowing the viscosity of the treatment fluid to decrease to a second viscosity that is lower than the first viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Van Zanten, Ryan G. Ezell
  • Patent number: 8881821
    Abstract: A well that has a plurality of sliding sleeves used to originally fracture multiple zones with balls of increasing size dropped on balls seats to sequentially open ports for fracturing in a direction toward the well surface is refractured. The method involves using a bottom hole assembly (BHA) that has a fluid motor driven mill that mills out ball seats and has with it a ported sub and a resettable packer. Once the lowermost ball seat is milled out a ball is dropped into the BHA to isolate the fluid motor and open a ported sub below a resettable packer. The dropped ball also enables a collet to latch an open sleeve to give a surface signal that the BHA is located properly for packer deployment so that the refracturing can begin through the coiled tubing string that can support the BHA or in a surrounding annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Patent number: 8875790
    Abstract: A method for fracking and completing a well having a well bore through a formation includes packer jack fracking the formation using a packer to form a packer fractured formation moving the packer to seal the packer fractured formation, and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation by injecting a fracking fluid through the packer. These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals of the formation. To complete a new well, a perforated liner can be placed in the well bore to direct the fracking fluid into the packer fractured formation. To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner and form at least one opening to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid. A system includes a perforated liner and a packer configured to fracture and seal successive intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baski, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry A. Baski
  • Publication number: 20140318794
    Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process can be controlled to create water that has desirable characteristics for use in secondary processes such as fracking or irrigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Velocys Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Claude LeViness, Ivan Greager
  • Patent number: 8871691
    Abstract: Methods of treating flowback water from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore are provided, comprising: (a) providing remediated flowback water having a ferrous iron (Fe+2) ion concentration of less than about 100 milligrams of ferrous iron ion per liter of flowback water, a barium ion (Ba+2) concentration of less than about 500 milligrams of barium ion per liter of flowback water, and a calcium ion (Ca+) concentration of at least about 1,000 milligrams of calcium ion per liter of remediated flowback water; and (b) treating the flowback water with: (i) at least one friction reducing agent; and (ii) at least one scale formation inhibiting agent and/or at least one iron precipitation control agent to provide treated flowback water which can be reused as fracturing fluid in a well drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kroff Chemical Company
    Inventors: Paul Rey, Susan Rey, David Grottenthaler
  • Patent number: 8874376
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for inducing fractures in a subterranean formation and more particularly methods and apparatus to place a first fracture with a first orientation in a formation followed by a second fracture with a second angular orientation in the formation are disclosed. The first and second fractures are initiated at about a fracturing location. The initiation of the first fracture is characterized by a first orientation line. The first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation. The initiation of the second fracture is characterized by a second orientation line. The first orientation line and the second orientation line have an angular disposition to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Y. Soliman
  • Patent number: 8869904
    Abstract: A retrievable stimulation frac (retrievable stimulation frac) plug for a well casing having an elongate mandrel having a fluid flow bore, a check valve mandrel seal moveable between an open position and a closed position for selectively sealing the fluid flow bore, a sealing mechanism for sealing between the mandrel and the casing, and a locking mechanism for axially locking the retrievable stimulation frac plug in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sure Tech Tool Services Inc.
    Inventor: William Jani
  • Patent number: 8869898
    Abstract: Downhole tools for pumping an acid into a wellbore prior to pumping a fracturing fluid comprise a housing and an actuator member disposed therein. The housing comprises a port that is initially placed in fluid communication with an acid so the acid can be pumped into the wellbore and is then placed in fluid communication with a fracturing fluid so the fracturing fluid can be pumped into the same location within the wellbore. The downhole tool may comprise a chamber having the acid disposed therein. Alternatively, the acid can be part of an acid slug disposed at a leading edge of a fracturing fluid being pumped through the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ying Qing Xu, Tianping Huang
  • Patent number: 8863842
    Abstract: Methods comprising first introducing a solids-free fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate sufficient to enhance or create at least one fracture therein. Once a fracture is created or enhanced, a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a shear-thickening fluid is placed into the fracture. The shear-thickening fluid comprises a propping material selected from the group consisting of: proppant, proppant aggregates, solids free gel bodies, and combinations thereof. The propping material forms a bed within the fracture. In some embodiments, solids-free gel bodies may also be included in the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Jeff T. Fleming
  • Patent number: 8863840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal recovery of shallow bitumen using increased permeability inclusions. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes the steps of: propagating at least one generally planar inclusion outward from a wellbore into the formation; injecting a fluid into the inclusion, thereby heating the hydrocarbons; and during the injecting step, producing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore. A well system includes at least one generally planar inclusion extending outward from a wellbore into a formation; a fluid injected into the inclusion, hydrocarbons being heated as a result of the injected fluid; and a tubular string through which the hydrocarbons are produced, the tubular string extending to a location in the wellbore below the inclusion, and the hydrocarbons being received into the tubular string at that location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Grant Hocking
  • Patent number: 8863850
    Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Trican Well Service Ltd
    Inventors: Scott Sherman, Robert Pugh, Sean Majko, Steve Scherschel
  • Publication number: 20140305648
    Abstract: A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Donald Getzlaf, Marty Stromquist, Robert Nipper, Timothy H. Willems
  • Patent number: 8857516
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fracturing multiple zones in a wellbore. A first port in a first valve assembly can be opened with a shifting tool. A fluid flows through the first port to fracture a first zone, and the first port can be closed with the shifting tool after the first zone has been fractured. A second port can be opened in a second valve assembly with the shifting tool after the first port has been closed, wherein the second valve assembly is positioned below the first valve assembly. The fluid can flow through the second port to fracture a second zone, and the second port can be closed with the shifting tool after the second zone has been fractured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Partha Ganguly, Michael Huh, Jake Danos, Bryan Stamm
  • Patent number: 8857513
    Abstract: The method of the present invention deploys controlled electrolytic material, CEM, into the existing perforations to seal them and then using a bottom hole assembly, BHA, that isolates a portion of the wellbore to deliver a material that removes the CEM at a predetermined rate so that the BHA can be used to refracture the recently opened perforation. Additional new perforations can be made and fractured during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward J. O'Malley
  • Publication number: 20140299326
    Abstract: Relatively high viscosity materials and methods for introducing them as discrete bodies or masses into relatively low viscosity fluids, such as brine, give fracturing fluids that help control the diversion and distribution of fluids as they are pumped downhole against a subterranean formation, particularly shale, to fracture it. A wide range of relatively viscous materials may be used, including polymers, crosslinked polymers and/or surfactant gels, for instance gels created with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). Once the fracturing fluids containing these bodies or masses are within the hydraulic fracture, the processes of paths of least resistance, flow deviation, viscous material flow displacement, total fluid diversion, in situ fluid viscosity generation and distribution of delayed release treatment additives may be deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: James B. Crews
  • Patent number: 8853137
    Abstract: A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 8851187
    Abstract: A method for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing carbonate formation within a reservoir. The method has the steps of (a) introducing a viscous gel under pressure into the oil-bearing carbonate formation and (b) extracting oil. The aqueous viscous gel has water and an amount of a non-polymeric viscosifying surfactant sufficient to provide the flooding fluid with an oil/water interfacial surface tension of about 10 mN/m or less and a viscosity of about 10 cP or more of the one or more non-polymeric surfactants. The one or more non-polymeric, viscosifying surfactants is selected from the group of one or more cationic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous viscous gel is also substantially free of solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rhodia, Inc.
    Inventors: Manilal Dahanayake, Max Chabert, Mikel Morvan, David Sorin
  • Patent number: 8853135
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a wellbore by providing an aqueous mixture of a hydrated polysaccharide with a salt; adding to the mixture a cross-linking agent for cross-linking the hydrated polysaccharide, wherein the cross-linking agent comprises a zirconium compound, glutamic acid, and a polyol; pumping the aqueous mixture of the hydrated polysaccharide and the cross-linking agent into the wellbore; and cross-linking the hydrated polysaccharide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alhad Phatak, Michael D. Parris
  • Patent number: 8851186
    Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rod Shampine, Paul Dwyer, Ronnie Stover, Mike Lloyd, Jean-Louis Pessin, Edward Leugemors, Larry D. Welch, Joe Hubenschmidt, Philippe Gambier, William Troy Huey, Thomas Allan
  • Patent number: 8851178
    Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation while drilling a wellbore. The method includes providing a bottomhole assembly (“BHA”) having a reamer positioned above a pilot hole assembly, connecting the BHA to a drill string, actuating the BHA to drill a first wellbore section with the reamer and to drill a pilot hole with the pilot hole assembly, hydraulically sealing the pilot hole from the first wellbore section, and fracturing the formation proximate the pilot hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William Lesso, Robert Utter
  • Publication number: 20140290956
    Abstract: A pump assembly including a plunger in communication with a pumpable media, a plurality of combustion chambers and a plurality of pistons. Each piston is associated with one of the combustion chambers. The pistons are in communication with the plunger and operatively arranged to together collectively urge the plunger in a pumping direction when the combustion chambers are triggered for displacing the pumpable media with the plunger. Also included is a method of pumping a media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Blake C. Burnette
  • Publication number: 20140290947
    Abstract: A method for servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, and placing a wellbore servicing tool in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing tool comprises a baffle, wherein the baffle comprises a seat contoured to match a spherical zone of an obturator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Sevices, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt James MERRON, Zachary William WALTON
  • Publication number: 20140290957
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ECOSPHERE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Dennis McGuire
  • Publication number: 20140284058
    Abstract: A pressure response fracture port tool and method for its use reliably provides a noticeable indication at surface to an operator as to when the flow port is opened. The tool includes an outer housing and a sliding sleeve which resides within the outer housing. The outer housing has a first and second set of flow ports. The inner mandrel moves between a first position and a third position to expose the flow ports to the wellbore. The first set of flow ports, with its smaller area relative to the second set of flow ports, creates a noticeable pressure increase or spike that can be observed at surface when exposed to the wellbore. The second set of flow ports creates a noticeable pressure drop when it is exposed to the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Watson Well Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Watson, Nevin Dahl
  • Patent number: 8839865
    Abstract: A method of fluid placement in a hydraulic fracture created in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore that comprises the use of one or more reactants that form a low friction layer between the fluids that penetrate the fracture in consecutive treatment stages. Reactants can be added to the fluid that is the carrier or other fluid to be placed in a specific region of the fracture, namely as an upper or lower boundary of the fracture, or added to both the stage that requires placement in a specific section of the fracture and in the stage preceding it, especially the pad and carrier fluids used in consecutive stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Willberg, Kseniya Evgenievna Eliseeva
  • Patent number: 8839867
    Abstract: A fracturing system can include an integral fracturing manifold. More particularly, a fracturing system can include a plurality of fracturing trees and an integral fracturing manifold may be directly coupled to each of the plurality of fracturing trees. The integral fracturing manifold may accommodate spacing and elevation differences between the fracturing trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20140262239
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for and method of preparing a wellbore for improved recovery from a formation and a method of producing hydrocarbons from a formation. The system includes an approximately horizontal wellbore in a formation, a liner enclosing a portion of the approximately horizontal wellbore; and a packer inside the liner that comprises a swellable elastomeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stuart R. Keller, Thomas J. Boone, John T. Linderman, Matthew A. Dawson
  • Publication number: 20140262292
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods in which a fracturing fluid source is in fluid communication with a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. A compressor has an input in fluid communication with a natural gas source, and has an output in fluid communication with the wellbore. The compressor is operable to compress natural gas received at the input for delivery at the output. A liquefied gas source is also in fluid communication with the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jijo Joseph, Richard D. Hutchins, William Troy Huey, Joel Clinkscales, Philippe Enkababian, Alejandro Pena, George Waters, Salvador Ayala, J. Ernest Brown
  • Publication number: 20140262291
    Abstract: A system includes a first fluid comprising a viscosified fluid composed to generate an initial fracture geometry, a first spacer fluid, a second fluid being a high solids content fluid (HSCF) having a fine particle formulation, a third fluid being an HSCF having a coarse particle formulation, a second spacer fluid, a conventional proppant slurry fluid, and a flush fluid. The system includes a positive displacement pump fluidly coupled to a wellbore, the wellbore intersecting a formation of interest, and a controller that executes functions to perform complex fracture generation in the formation of interest. The controller provides pump commands to deliver a number of stage groupings to the formation of interest, each stage grouping including the first fluid, the first spacer fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and the second spacer fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140262290
    Abstract: A method for treating an open borehole including running a tool having axially spaced isolation band assemblies disposed thereon. The isolation band assemblies are deployed by pressuring on the tool. Fluid is applied to the open borehole between the isolation band assemblies. The tool is continuously moved through the borehole along a length of the borehole while treating. Further methods and a system for fracturing a borehole are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorpoarated
    Inventor: Terry R. Bussear
  • Patent number: 8835364
    Abstract: Breaking compositions are disclosed for controlled breaking of borate cross-linked fracturing fluids, and to method for making and using same, where the composition includes an oxidative component and an ester component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Thompson, Sarkis R. Kakadjian, Jose L. Garza, Frank Zamora