Producing Foam Or Gas In Well By Foaming Or Gas Producing Material Patents (Class 166/309)
  • Publication number: 20130062067
    Abstract: A method of deploying a downhole article comprising a shape memory material, the shape memory material comprising a nanoparticle having greater thermal conductivity than an identical shape memory material but without the nanoparticle; the method comprising heating the article while in a compacted state to change the article to a non-compacted state. A method of deploying the downhole article where the article is a packer element is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Randall V. Guest, Soma Chakraborty, Gaurav Agrawal, Don C. Cox, XiaoWei Wang
  • Patent number: 8360151
    Abstract: Compositions and methods that mitigate pressure buildup in the annular space between two tubular bodies in subterranean wells. The composition of the invention comprises an aqueous solution of crosslinkable acrylamide-base polymer, a crosslinker and a gas. Once foamed and placed in the annular space, the composition provides a resilient, flexible, compressible and durable body that is able to compensate for pressure increases in the annular space, thereby protecting the integrity of the tubular bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Williams, Emmanuel Therond, Laurent Delabroy
  • Publication number: 20120285694
    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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Mikel MORVAN, Max CHABERT, Manilal S. DAHANAYAKE
  • Publication number: 20120279715
    Abstract: A method of foaming a fluid for recovering gas from a gas well and enhancing oil production from a gas-lifted oil well penetrating a subterranean oil-bearing formation is disclosed and claimed. The method includes introducing into the fluid a foam-forming amount of a composition comprising at least one compound having the general formula: R1 is selected from a saturated linear or branched alkyl, an unsaturated linear or branched alkyl, a substituted naphthalene, a substituted benzene, a natural oil, and a natural oil derivative. R2 is a C2-C8 alkyl. R3, R4, and R5 are independently selected from trimethyl, triethyl, diethyl, monoethyl, benzyl dimethyl, and benzyl diethyl. X is selected from hydrogen, methyl, and ethyl. Z? is a negatively charged counterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Duy T. Nguyen, Fenfen Huang
  • Patent number: 8302683
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Publication number: 20120267107
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising CKD, a foaming agent, a gas, and water; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore. Another embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream, a foaming agent, a gas, and water, wherein the partially calcined kiln feed comprises SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James Robert Benkley, Joseph V. Spencer, Zachary Robert Kranz, Christopher Jay Garrison, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8267176
    Abstract: Of the methods provided herein, is a method comprising: providing a clean-up fluid comprising a peroxide-generating compound and an aqueous base fluid; placing the clean-up fluid in a subterranean formation; removing contaminants from at least a portion of the subterranean formation to form a cleaned portion of the formation; providing a consolidation agent; placing the consolidation agent on at least a portion of the cleaned portion of the formation; and allowing the consolidation agent to adhere to at least a plurality of unconsolidated particulates in the cleaned portion of the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Bhadra Desai
  • Patent number: 8207094
    Abstract: This invention relates to fluid compositions used in treating a subterranean formation. In particular, the invention is aqueous wellbore treatment compositions which are foams containing a viscosifying agent, a foam extender, a gas component, and a surfactant, as well as methods of forming such fluids, and uses thereof. The viscosifying agent may be a hydratable polymer, viscoelastic surfactant, or heteropolysaccharide. The foam extender may be a material such as a polyoxyalkyleneamines, ethylenepolyamines, tertiary polyamines, bicarbonate, carbonate, phosphate, or sesquicarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Hutchins, Ann M. W. Hoefer, Stanley B. McConnell, Alejandro Pena
  • Publication number: 20120138292
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining fluid samples in a subterranean wellbore comprises a carrier assembly configured to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore; a sampling chamber operably associated with the carrier assembly; a pressure assembly coupled to the sampling chamber and configured to pressurize a fluid sample obtained in the sampling chamber, wherein the pressure assembly is configured to contain a pressure generating agent; an activation mechanism configured to activate the pressure generating agent; and a power device operably associated with the carrier assembly and configured to provide an impulse for activating the activation mechanism, wherein the power device is not disposed on the pressure assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Scott L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120125620
    Abstract: A method of foaming a fluid for recovering gas from a gas well and enhancing oil production from a gas-lifted oil well penetrating a subterranean oil-bearing formation is disclosed and claimed. The method includes introducing into the fluid a foam-forming amount of a composition comprising at least one compound selected from the following: X+ alkyl benzene sulfonate; X+ alkylnapthalene sulfonate; alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate; diallyldiphenyloxide disulfonate; X+ alkyl sulfate; naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate; and combinations thereof. The method of invention further provides foamers that are compatible with a reverse osmosis membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Duy T. Nguyen, Fenfen Huang
  • Publication number: 20120073820
    Abstract: A fluid injection sub for a well creates eduction to draw well fluid into a mixing chamber and discharge the well fluid mixed with an injection fluid pumped down a string of tubing to the sub. The injection sub has a well fluid intake passage leading from an exterior of the housing to the mixing chamber. The injection sub also has a mixed fluid discharge passage extending from the mixing chamber to the exterior of the housing for discharging the mixed fluid exterior of the housing. A nozzle at the lower end of the mixing chamber discharges the injection fluid into the mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Rite Increaser, LLC
    Inventor: E. Edward Rankin
  • Patent number: 8141661
    Abstract: New oil-based foam drilling fluids for oil and/or gas wells include a base oil, a foaming agent and a polymer including at least one aromatic olefin monomer and at least one diene monomer. The polymer improves foam properties rendering a foam stable at temperatures at or above 350° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Sarkis R. Kakadjian, Olusegun M. Falana, Edward Marshall, Michael DiBiasio, Frank Zamora
  • Publication number: 20120067587
    Abstract: A method of deploying a borehole filtration device is provided utilizing the steps of: deploying a filtration device comprising a polymer foam having a first cell structure, a portion of the molecular structure of which polymer foam is degradable by exposure to a post-treatment fluid, into a borehole; and exposing the polymer foam to the post-treatment fluid, thereby modifying the cell structure of the polymer foam to a second cell structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gaurav Agrawal, Ping Duan
  • Publication number: 20120067586
    Abstract: A composition for providing a stable foam with high tolerance to hydrocarbons includes (a) an aqueous liquid; (b) at least one water soluble or dispersible silicon-containing polyether foamant contained within the aqueous liquid; and (c) a non-aqueous liquid. The aqueous liquid includes water and brine. The non-aqueous liquid includes liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Kalman KOCZO, Oleg Tselnik, Benjamin Falk, George A. Policello
  • Patent number: 8113288
    Abstract: The system and method are utilized to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and field produced salt water to optimize production from an oil or gas well. The invention is suitable for use with a well that utilizes gas-lift as artificial lift. The equipment is designed to regulate the flow of injection gas into the production tubing to optimize production of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: David Bachtell, Charles Bachtell, Mike Bachtell
  • Publication number: 20120031619
    Abstract: The current application discloses methods and systems for generating high pressure dual phase mixture. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve mounting a dual phase mixture generator on a transportable platform wherein the dual phase mixture generator comprises a mixing chamber connected with at least a first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet. A first container and a first pump are also mounted on the transportable platform wherein the first pump is operably connected with the first container. The transportable platform and the mounted equipments are then deployed at a wellsite. A base fluid is pumped into the first inlet under high pressure, and a gas is pumped into the second inlet under high pressure. The base fluid and the gas is combined in the mixing chamber to generate a high pressure dual phase mixture, which is then discharged via the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Goddard, Roger Keese
  • Patent number: 8109335
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising at least a plurality of degradable diverting agents that comprise at least one degradable material selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a proteinous material, and a combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation during a subterranean operation via a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongyu Luo, Dwight D. Fulton
  • Patent number: 8091643
    Abstract: A method of producing natural gas from a heavy hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation includes: placing a catalyst comprising a transition metal into the formation, injecting an anoxic stimulation gas into the formation, and collecting the natural gas generated in the formation. The method may be performed outside the context of a subterranean formation under controlled conditions. Thus, a method of producing natural gas from bitumen includes: providing an anoxic mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and a catalyst having a transition metal, adding an anoxic stimulation gas to the mixture, and heating the mixture in the presence of the stimulation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Petroleum Habitats, LLC
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Patent number: 8042614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous oilfield treatment fluids containing a gas component and fibers, wherein the fluids may further include a viscosifying agent and/or proppant. The fluids have good proppant suspension and transport properties as well as excellent gas phase stability. Use of fluids comprising an aqueous medium, a gas component, viscosifying agent, and fibers for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation, cleanup operations, and gravel packing a wellbore, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Christopher N. Fredd
  • Publication number: 20110198090
    Abstract: An apparatus to alter the flow of a fluid (e.g., drilling fluid, mud, cement, etc.) in a wellbore for example by creating turbulence in the flowing fluid. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a plurality of blade members extending outward from an elongated member. The elongated member is attached to the exterior surface of a tubular that is then positioned in a wellbore. The apparatus passively altering the flow of a fluid in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: FRANK'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jean P. BUYTAERT, Troy MCDANIEL
  • Patent number: 7992653
    Abstract: A method of drilling or gas-lifting is disclosed where the methods including the use of a foaming agent and a gas, where the foaming agent is a keratin and the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the well is for a portion of the drilling or gas-lift operation less than an hydrostatic pressure of the formation being drilled or under production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Clearwater International
    Inventors: Frank Zamora, Sarkis Kakadjian
  • Publication number: 20110183852
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a block polymeric material. Typically the block polymer comprises units capable of having an average cationic charge density of about 15 or less, preferably 5 or less, more preferably from about 0.05 to about 5, even more preferably from about 0.05 to about 2.77, even more preferably from about 0.1 to about 2.75, most preferably from about 0.75 to about 2.25 units per 100 daltons molecular weight at a pH of from about 4 to about 12. The polymeric material is a suds enhancer and a suds volume extender for personal care products such as soaps and shampoos. The compositions have increased effectiveness for preventing re-deposition of grease during hand and body washing. The polymers are also effective as a soil release agent in fabric cleaning compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: RHODIA INC.
    Inventors: Dominic Wai-Kwing YEUNG, Vance BERGERON, Jean-Francois BODET, Mark Robert SIVIK, Bernard William KLUESENER, William Michael SCHEPER
  • Publication number: 20110180264
    Abstract: A method and a device for sealing a void incompletely filled with a cast material, in which an expandable material is placed in the void which is to be filled with a cast material, the expandable material expanding, when expanding after the cast material has cured, into spaces which are not filled with cast material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rune Freyer
  • Publication number: 20110155378
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing injection of a foaming composition into a well for deliquification are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the method generally comprise injecting a foaming composition into a well to deliquify the well. The method may further comprise measuring the foaming properties of the produced fluids from the well. In addition, the method may comprise correlating the foaming properties of the produced fluids to production rate and then adjusting the injection rate of the foaming composition in light of the results of the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Jaime Cabanilla, Bryan D. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20110146997
    Abstract: Of the methods provided herein, is a method comprising: providing a clean-up fluid comprising a peroxide-generating compound and an aqueous base fluid; placing the clean-up fluid in a subterranean formation; removing contaminants from at least a portion of the subterranean formation to form a cleaned portion of the formation; providing a consolidation agent; placing the consolidation agent on at least a portion of the cleaned portion of the formation; and allowing the consolidation agent to adhere to at least a plurality of unconsolidated particulates in the cleaned portion of the formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Ronald G. Dusterhoft, Bhadra Desai
  • Patent number: 7963338
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed to treat produced water from hydrocarbons production facilities. The disclosed methods can be used to either: (1) de-NORM produced water; or (2) de-NORM and partially de-salt produced water; or (3) de-NORM and partially de-salt and de-ionize produced water; or (4) de-oil, de-NORM, de-salt and de-ionize produced water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Mansour S. Bader
  • Patent number: 7946346
    Abstract: A plume of combined gases are infused into hydrocarbon-bearing formations, “inert” as the major gas and “reactive” as the minor gas, where the minor gas reacts with hydrocarbons to fully saturate hydrocarbons with supercritical fluid, which migrate hydrocarbons out of formations, even at great distances from the regulated fuel cell source. Coal, tar sands, petroleum-contaminated soil, and/or oil wells that have lost gas pressure can also be desorbed by this in-situ method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: David Allen Zornes
  • Patent number: 7918281
    Abstract: The annular surface between the tubing and casing of an oil or gas well as well as flow conduits and vessels may be contacted with a foamed treatment composition containing a gas, a foaming agent and a treatment agent. The treatment agent may be an inhibitor or removal agent for scales, corrosion, salts, paraffins or asphaltenes. The foam, upon destabilization, renders a thin film of concentrated treatment agent on the external surfaces of the tubing, inside the casing and in the perforations of the oil or gas well or on the flow conduits or vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James Michael Brown, John Gregory Darby
  • Patent number: 7909101
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrocarbon recovery in a well for coal bed methane (CBM) recovery, tight sand gas extraction, and other gas extraction techniques provides for the formation of a hydrocarbon foam comprised of a fluid delivered into a downhole portion of the well and the hydrocarbon, maximizing water removal for gas recovery. The apparatus may include a check valve that feeds a nozzle to deliver or atomize the spray of fluid into the downhole portion of the well when the pressure applied to the fluid is sufficient to overcome a hydrostatic pressure in the downhole portion of the well and to deliver the fluid into the downhole portion of the well. The fluid is not sprayed directly into the formation, thereby protecting the formation from damage and recovering the fluid even in the case where water is not present. The capillary tube feeding the fluid to the check valve may be placed externally to the production tube to facilitate ease of cleaning and clearing of the production tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco One Source, LLC
    Inventor: Greg Allen Conrad
  • Publication number: 20110048720
    Abstract: Methods for controlling lost circulation in subterranean wells, and in particular, fluid compositions and methods for operations during which the fluid compositions are pumped into a wellbore, enter voids in the subterranean-well formation through which wellbore fluids escape, and form a seal that limits further egress of wellbore fluid from the wellbore. The methods include preparing a carrier fluid containing compressed expandable foam that may be encapsulated. The carrier fluid is then placed into a lost-circulation zone, whereupon the foam expands to form a barrier that minimizes or blocks further ingress of carrier fluid. Lost-circulation control may be supplemented by introducing additional lost-circulation materials, pumping a cement slurry behind the foam-containing carrier fluid or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Nelson Diaz, Jesse Lee, Stéphane Boulard
  • Patent number: 7896071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus, capable of being conveyed on wireline, for continuous downhole injection of foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s), comprising a reservoir and means for dispensing foaming agent(s) and/or beneficial chemical(s) from the reservoir of such apparatus and into the surrounding wellbore environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Shane Hinds, Randall J. Block, Bradley Jay Vincent, Joel Hebert
  • Patent number: 7882893
    Abstract: A method of oil production is provided. The method includes forming an injection well and a production well. The method also includes pumping a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) into the injection well. In addition, the method also includes minimizing gravity segregation by providing a relatively high level of CO2 in the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Legacy Energy
    Inventor: Michael Fraim
  • Patent number: 7842650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for producing foams, in particular for mineral oil and natural gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Steinbrenner
  • Patent number: 7823647
    Abstract: A composition of a wet hydrocarbon foaming agent including a siloxane can foam wet hydrocarbons. The siloxane wet hydrocarbon foaming agent advantageously foams hydrocarbons that have as little as 5 percent water present and those hydrocarbons having as much as 90 percent water present. The wet hydrocarbon foaming agent can be used in oil and gas production for gas lift and foam blocking applications. The foaming agent can also be used for clearing hydrocarbons from pipelines and other vessels used for transporting oil and gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jiang Yang, Vladimir Jovancicevic, Mark Caskie
  • Patent number: 7806186
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system for use downhole that includes a housing, a pump and gas separator within the housing, a motor for driving the pump and separator, and a foaming agent injection system. The foaming agent injection system injects a foaming agent upstream of the pump and optionally upstream of the separator. The foaming agent injection system comprises a foaming agent supply, an injection pump, and foaming agent injection line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Brown Lyle Wilson, David H. Neuroth
  • Patent number: 7789159
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed to de-sulfate saline streams such as seawater, brine from seawater desalination plants, and the like. The disclosed methods can also co-produce de-ionized water and inorganic materials from such de-sulfated saline streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Mansour S. Bader
  • Patent number: 7789150
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions that include a latex, and at least one of a natural pozzolan or cement kiln dust. An embodiment includes a method comprising: placing a latex composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the latex composition comprises: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof, and water; and allowing the latex composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a latex composition comprising: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Ronnie G. Morgan, Callie R. Hudgins
  • Patent number: 7781380
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subterranean formations with rapidly hydratable treatment fluids based upon heteropolysaccharides. In particular, the invention relates to treatment methods with fluids containing a heteropolysaccharide, aqueous medium, and an electrolyte, wherein the fluids may further include a gas component, a surfactant and/or an organoamino compound. The fluids exhibit good rheological properties at elevated temperatures, and unusually rapid hydration rates which allows utilizing such fluids without the need of hydration tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Alejandro Pena, Golchehreh Salamat
  • Publication number: 20100200234
    Abstract: A method of producing natural gas from a heavy hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation includes: placing a catalyst comprising a transition metal into the formation, injecting an anoxic stimulation gas into the formation, and collecting the natural gas generated in the formation. The method may be performed outside the context of a subterranean formation under controlled conditions. Thus, a method of producing natural gas from bitumen includes: providing an anoxic mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and a catalyst having a transition metal, adding an anoxic stimulation gas to the mixture, and heating the mixture in the presence of the stimulation gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Frank D. Mango
  • Patent number: 7757766
    Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, an example method includes a method of treating a subterranean formation that comprises combining components comprising water and a density-matched suspension to prepare a treatment fluid, wherein the density-matched suspension comprises a suspending liquid and a solid particle suspended in the suspending liquid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore. An example composition includes a suspension that comprises a suspending liquid comprising a hydrophobic liquid, wherein the hydrophobic liquid hydrolyzes when placed in contact with an aqueous fluid to form hydrophilic products, and a solid particle suspended in the suspending liquid, wherein the suspension is a density-matched suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lewis, Michael Szymanski, Christopher Gordon
  • Patent number: 7743828
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods of cementing in subterranean formations using cement kiln dust in compositions having reduced Portland cement content. An embodiment of a method comprises placing a sealant composition that comprises cement kiln dust and is essentially free of Portland cement in a subterranean formation; and allowing the sealant composition to set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Ronnie G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7740065
    Abstract: A process for upgrading whole crude oil utilizing a recovery fluid, depressurizing an extracted whole crude oil/recovery fluid mixture in a step-wise fashion, and subsequently contacting at least a portion of the whole crude oil with supercritical water fluid to produce high value crude oil having low sulfur, low nitrogen, and low metallic impurities for use as hydrocarbon feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ki-Hyouk Choi
  • Patent number: 7717176
    Abstract: A permeable cement composition including an aqueous slurry of a hydraulic cement which is based upon a water-immiscible dispersed fluid phase and a hollow particulate material. The hollow particulate material breaks down in the presence of the cement so as to leave voids which together with the dispersed phase create a permeable structure in the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Danican, Bruno Drochon, Simon James, Beilin Ding
  • Patent number: 7681639
    Abstract: A process to increase the area of microbial stimulation in a process of methane gas recovery in a multi seamed coal bed/methane dewatering and depressurizing production system by first utilizing an underbalanced multilateral drilling technique. At this point in the process one could introduce the microorganisms into the horizontal well bore to achieve a greater area of stimulation of the coal bed than would a vertical well. An even more preferred method would to first drill a series of lateral wells off of the horizontally drilled well bore, so as to increase or maximize the area of coal bed which is being covered. At that point, one would take the steps of what is known in the art of introducing a particular type of microorganism, which would then be injected via the plurality of lateral bores into the coal bed formation, to maximize the area of penetration, which would include, most, if not all, of the area of the coal bed through the series of lateral wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Drilling Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Robert Gardes
  • Patent number: 7665522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous oilfield treatment fluids containing a gas component and fibers, wherein the fluids may further include a viscosifying agent and/or proppant. The fluids have good proppant suspension and transport properties as well as excellent gas phase stability. Use of fluids comprising an aqueous medium, a gas component, viscosifying agent, and fibers for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation, cleanup operations, and gravel packing a wellbore, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Christopher N. Fredd
  • Patent number: 7642223
    Abstract: Methods of servicing a wellbore include generating gas in a plugging composition in situ within a permeable zone in the wellbore, thereby improving the ability of the plugging composition to seal the permeable zone. The gas may be generated via a chemical reaction by, for example, introducing first and second reactants to the plugging composition that can react at ambient temperatures in the wellbore. In an embodiment, the first and second reactants are concurrently pumped into the wellbore via separate flow paths within two concentric conduits to the permeable zone where they are allowed to contact each other in the presence of the plugging composition. In another embodiment, the first reactant, the second reactant, and a retarder for slowing the reaction between the two reactants are concurrently pumped to the permeable zone. In yet another embodiment, one of the reactants is encapsulated to delay a reaction between the two reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok K. Santra, B. Raghava Reddy, Frank Zamora, Giddo Antonio Ocana Gomez, Ronnie G. Morgan, Mark R. Savery
  • Patent number: 7631692
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of cementing comprises: introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement kiln dust, a natural pozzolan, and water; and allowing the cement composition to set. Another embodiment of a method comprises: introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a cement, a natural pozzolan, and water, wherein the cement comprises Portland cement interground with burned shale; and allowing the cement composition to set. Another embodiment includes a cement composition comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of cement, cement kiln dust, Portland cement interground with burned shale, and a combination thereof; a natural pozzolan; and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Ronnie G. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7624804
    Abstract: In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected with the lift gas into the an oil well such that the surface tension between the lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is selected to minimize corrosion. The surfactants consist essentially of sultaines, hydroxy sultaines, and their salts. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Sunder Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 7618926
    Abstract: A synergistic blend for foaming concentrated brines comprises at least one foaming agent (in an amount between from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of the blend) and a compound of the formula: CnH2n+1—N—[(CH2)mCOOM]2??(I) wherein n is 4 to 11, M is an alkali metal and m is 1 to 3. Especially suitable as foaming agent are quaternary ammonium salts, alkyl betaines, alkylamidopropyl betaines, sulfabetaines, hydroxysultaines, amphoteric perfluorohydrocarbons, as well as alkylether sulfates. Such synergistic blends are especially useful in the foaming of saturated or near saturated brines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: Marek K. Pakulski
  • Patent number: 7607484
    Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, an embodiment of a method comprises introducing a foamed cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the foamed cement composition comprises: a cementitious component; a foaming and stabilizing surfactant; an oil-swellable particle; gas; and water; and allowing the settable composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment of a method comprises introducing a foamed cement composition into an annulus between a pipe string and a subterranean formation, wherein the foamed cement composition comprises comprising: a cementitious component; a foaming and stabilizing surfactant; an oil-swellable particle; gas; and water; and allowing the settable composition to set in the annulus. An embodiment of a foamed cement composition comprises a cementitious component, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, a swellable particle, gas, and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Jiten Chatterji, Bobby J. King, D. Chad Brenneis