Prevention Of Lost Circulation Or Caving Patents (Class 175/72)
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Patent number: 7918289Abstract: A method for drilling and completing a wellbore that includes drilling a wellbore through a subterranean formation with a wellbore fluid, the wellbore fluid comprising: a base fluid; and micronized weighting agent; and disposing a sand screen in an interval of the wellbore with the wellbore fluid is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: Doug Oakley, Gunnar Fimreite, Grete Svanes, Jarrod Massam, Andrew Bradbury
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Patent number: 7854277Abstract: Wellbore fluid containing a base fluid and a particulate bridging agent comprised of melamine. A method is also described of forming a removable filter cake on the walls of a wellbore that penetrates a porous and permeable rock formation by placing in the wellbore a wellbore fluid containing a base fluid and melamine, and permitting the melamine to deposit from the wellbore fluid onto or into the walls of the wellbore to form the filter cake, whereby fluid loss to the formation through the removable filter cake is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company LimitedInventors: Simon Neil Duncum, Christopher Alan Sawdon
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Publication number: 20100300760Abstract: This invention relates to drilling a well, particularly an oil or gas well, where casing or liner will be installed to stabilize the wellbore. The present invention is intended to permit more drilling and longer lengths of casing or liner to be installed at one time. The present invention includes a combination of a smear tool and specially sized granular lost circulation material solids in the drilling mud which work together to close and seal leaking formations and fractures whether pre-existing or induced by drilling. By the natural collection of the inventive solids along with the conventional particles in the drilling mud to form a filter cake at the problem areas along the wall of the wellbore and the smear tool arranged to compress the filter cake into the problem areas, lost circulation is minimized. Maintaining circulation naturally allows for longer drilling cycles and potentially fewer liner joints in the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: David H. Beardmore, Paul D. Scott, Rick D. Watts
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Patent number: 7829507Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Patent number: 7810559Abstract: A subpart of a drill string is described having an outer circumferential surface which is contoured and adapted to engage the wall of the borehole with a small angle of attack while exerting during rotary drilling operations an compacting pressure on mud cake and/or cuttings present in the annulus between the drill string and the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Iain Cooper, Claude Vercaemer, William Lesso, Benjamin Peter Jeffryes, Michael Charles Sheppard
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Publication number: 20100230164Abstract: Drilling fluid additive compositions are provided for use with synthetic, oil based, or water based drilling fluids. The combined additive and drilling fluid are effective for reducing lost circulation, seepage loss as well as wellbore strengthening and/or wellbore lining. The method includes injecting the drilling fluid and 0.01 or more pounds per barrel of a loss control additive including ground and sized pumice, barite, anthracite or dolomite.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Daniel Guy POMERLEAU
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Publication number: 20100230169Abstract: Drilling fluid additive compositions are provided for use with synthetic, oil based, or water based drilling fluids. The combined additive and drilling fluid are effective for reducing lost circulation, seepage loss as well as wellbore strengthening and/or wellbore lining. The method includes injecting the drilling fluid and 0.01 or more pounds per barrel of a loss control additive including ground and sized pumice, barite or dolomite.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
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Patent number: 7770666Abstract: A method to recover a lost circulation material from a drilling fluid used in a drilling operation comprising the steps of: directing a drilling fluid containing a lost circulation material into a drill string positioned in a well bore, the lost circulation material having a magnetic property; recovering the drilling fluid containing at least a portion of the lost circulation material from the well bore; and magnetically separating the lost circulation material from the drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Barrett Allen
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Publication number: 20100193244Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides drilling fluid additives for reducing or controlling lost circulation in a drilling operation. The additives comprises particles. The particles comprise one or more solids in association a wax or waxy substance. A drilling fluid comprising a drilling fluid additive of the invention is also provided, as well as a method and use of the drilling fluid additive in a drilling operation to reduce or control lost circulation. Methods for manufacturing the drilling fluid additives are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: CANADIAN ENERGY SERVICES, L.P.Inventor: Terry W. Hoskins
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Patent number: 7766099Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for drilling well bores penetrating producing zones while controlling formation particulates. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of consolidating formation particulates surrounding a well bore comprising the steps of providing a drilling composition comprising a drilling fluid and a consolidating material, using the drilling composition to drill at least a portion of the well bore, allowing the consolidating material in the drilling composition to penetrate into the walls of the well bore, and allowing the consolidating material in the drilling composition to consolidate at least a portion of the formation particulates surrounding the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7749943Abstract: Latex additives, methods for treating latex additives, drilling fluid systems, and lost circulation pills comprising the latex additives, the latex additive comprising latex particles having a particle size distribution before aging comprising an average particle diameter of about 1 micron or less; and a quantity of one or more water soluble oxygenated organic molecules comprising two or more oxygen atoms effective to maintain substantially the same particle size distribution before and after freezing the latex additive.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tao Xiang, Dennis K. Clapper
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Publication number: 20100155067Abstract: Systems and methods usable to urge a passageway through subterranean strata, place protective lining conduit strings between the subterranean strata and the wall of said passageway without removing the urging apparatus from said passageway, and target deeper subterranean strata formations than is normally the practice for placement of said protective lining conduit strings by providing apparatuses for reducing the particle size of rock debris to generate lost circulation material to inhibit the initiation or propagation of subterranean strata fractures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
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Patent number: 7740066Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions that include a composition comprising a high alumina cement; a salt comprising at least one salt selected from the group consisting of an acidic salt, a neutral salt, and a low basicity salt; and a swellable clay; and methods of using that composition in subterranean formations.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ying Xu, B. Raghava Reddy, Rickey Lynn Morgan
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Patent number: 7741247Abstract: A region of a borehole with one or more openings to be sealed off, such as one or more fractures, voids, and or pores, may or may not be sealed off around a tubular string with a borehole seal such as a packer or plug. A carrying fluid may be utilized to transport a filtration material into the opening to create a bridge, which at least partially seals the opening, but still provides a flow path that permits fluid flow therethrough. A solid material and/or settable material may then utilize the fluid flow subsequently or be simultaneously spotted with or behind the filtration material to thereby form compositions which effectively seals off the flow path into the one or more openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Inventor: Ling Wang
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Publication number: 20100116497Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition comprising solid latex into the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Ronald E. Sweatman, Christopher L. Gordon
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Patent number: 7703513Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. A material including wax may be introduced into one or more wellbores. The material introduced into two or more wells may mix in the formation and congeal to form a barrier to fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ernest E. Carter, Jaime Santos Son, Taixu Bai, Mohamad Fereydoon Khoda Verdian
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Patent number: 7687438Abstract: Of the many methods provided, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising: placing a drill-in fluid in a subterranean formation, the drill-in fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifier, a relative permeability modifier fluid loss control additive, and a degradable bridging agent comprising a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole; and forming a self-degrading filter cake comprising the bridging agent upon a surface within the formation whereby fluid loss through the self-degrading filter cake is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Jr., Larry S. Eoff
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Patent number: 7678743Abstract: Of the many compositions provided herein, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a drill-in fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifier, a relative permeability modifier fluid loss control additive, and a degradable bridging agent comprising a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Jr., Larry S. Eoff
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Patent number: 7678742Abstract: Of the many methods provided herein, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a drill-in fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifier, a relative permeability modifier fluid loss control additive, and a degradable bridging agent comprising a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole; placing the drill-in fluid in a subterranean formation; and allowing the relative permeability modifier fluid loss control additive to reduce fluid loss from the drill-in fluid to the subterranean formation. Another example is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a filter cake produced by a drill-in fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifier, a relative permeability modifier fluid loss control additive, and a degradable bridging agent comprising a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole; and allowing the degradable bridging agent to degrade.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Jr., Larry S. Eoff
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Patent number: 7674753Abstract: Presented herein are improved bridging agents comprising a degradable material, improved subterranean treatment fluids comprising such improved bridging agents, and methods of using such improved subterranean treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method presented is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of forming a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a treatment fluid including a viscosifier, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. Another example of a composition presented is a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Jr., Larry S. Eoff
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Patent number: 7660672Abstract: A method and computer program product of either preventing or minimizing pore pressure increase near the wellbore wall within argillaceous formations through which a borehole has been drilled. By interpreting relevant drilling experience data, the type, extent and time-dependency of wellbore instability mechanisms are determined. The impact of drilling mud designs on the time-dependent wellbore instability and hole enlargement is determined by back-analyzing observed drilling events. At least one field-based criterion relationship between net mud weight reduction percentage ratio and hole enlargement is determined. A maximum allowable percentage ratio(s) of net mud weight reduction and either breakout mud weight or mud weight used for the adopted maximum hole enlargement that the wellbore may experience during drilling is determined. Drilling mud salinity value and salt type to satisfy maximum allowable percentage ratio(s) is then determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Chee Phuat Tan, Magdalena Povstyanova
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Patent number: 7654326Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising contacting a metal oxide, a soluble chloride or phosphate salt, water, and a liquid retarder to form a cement composition via a continuous process, wherein the liquid retarder is an aqueous solution having a concentration of less than about 25 w/v %, placing the cement composition into the wellbore, and allowing the cement composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising (a) contacting an aqueous solution with a soluble salt to form a salt solution, (b) contacting an aqueous solution with a solid retarder to form a liquid retarder wherein the liquid retarder has concentration of less than about 25 w/v %, (c) contacting water, the salt solution, and the liquid retarder to form a mixture, (d) contacting the mixture with a metal oxide to form a cement slurry, wherein the cement slurry is produced with an output rate of from about 0.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ashok Santra, Christopher L. Gordon, Daniel L. Bour, Keith D Pewitt, Dwain King
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Publication number: 20100000791Abstract: Methods are described using resistivity ahead of a drill bit measurements obtained while drilling a subterranean well using a drilling mud. Resistivity data ahead of the bit is gathered during drilling and prior to penetrating a region of interest of a known subterranean formation using the drill bit and the drilling mud. The drill string progresses at known dip and azimuth angles toward the subterranean formation. The resistivity data is used to determine pore pressure ahead of the drill bit in the formation as a function of resistivity ahead of the drill bit in the formation while the drill bit advances toward but before the bit penetrates the formation while drilling. In certain embodiments, the methods include redirecting the drill bit while drilling toward locations in the formation where pore pressure is within an acceptable range. In other embodiments, a drilling mud parameter is adjusted based on the pore pressure in front of the bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: BP Corporation North America, Inc.Inventor: Mark William Alberty
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Publication number: 20090321142Abstract: An improved well drilling method for directional drilling in subterranean formations which comprises incorporating into the drilling fluid an effective amount of fibrillated hydrophobic polypropylene fibers to form a suspension and injecting the suspension into the drill string whereby debris is swept from the borehole and seepage of drilling fluid into the subterranean formation is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Brian Dempsey, Wade Duty
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Publication number: 20090294179Abstract: A method of controlling the loss of a drilling fluid from a well bore into a subterranean formation in which one illustrative embodiment includes: drilling the well bore with an aqueous based drilling fluid that includes an aqueous phase and a shale hydration inhibitor that is a polyether amine compound, and circulating into the well bore a fluid pill including a dialdehyde crosslinking agent. The dialdehyde crosslinking agent reacts with the polyether amine compound and forms a polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2006Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: David Ballard
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Patent number: 7568535Abstract: A system for recovering lost circulation material from spent drilling fluid, the spent drilling fluid containing lost circulation material, drilling fluid, and undesirable solids, the system having alternating separation apparatuses, including sizing apparatus, destiny/shear separation apparatus, and sizing apparatus; and methods for using such a system.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: National Oilwell Varco LPInventors: Thomas Robert Larson, Eric Simon Provost
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Patent number: 7562723Abstract: A method for controlling formation pressure during drilling includes pumping a drilling fluid through a drill string in a borehole, out a drill bit at the end of the drill string into an annular space. The drilling fluid is discharged from the annular space proximate the Earth's surface. At least one of a flow rate of the drilling fluid into the borehole and a fluid flow rate out of the annular space is measured. Pressure of the fluid in the annular space proximate the Earth's surface and pressure of the fluid proximate the bottom of the borehole are measured. Pressure of the fluid proximate the bottom of the borehole is estimated using the measured flow rate, annular space pressure and density of the drilling fluid. A warning signal is generated if difference between the estimated pressure and measured pressure exceeds a selected threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: At Balance Americas, LLCInventor: Donald G. Reitsma
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Publication number: 20090151943Abstract: Methods of drilling a wellbore through a production zone within a subterranean formation using a drill-in fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and a water-based consolidating emulsion and using the drill-in fluid to drill at least a portion of a well bore into the production zone while allowing the water-based consolidating emulsion to penetrate into the walls of the well bore. The water-based consolidating emulsion itself comprises an aqueous liquid, a hardenable resin, a hardening agent component, and an emulsifying agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Richard D. Rickman
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Patent number: 7541317Abstract: The invention provides a method of altering the properties of a drilling fluid by adding effective amounts of crushed or whole oilseeds or mixtures of crushed whole oilseeds to a drilling fluid. The crushed or whole oilseeds or mixture of crushed or whole oilseeds are selected to impart any one of or a combination of effects including but not limited to: an increase in drilling fluid emulsion stability in oil-based or invert emulsion fluids, decreased specific gravity of the drilling fluid, seepage loss control, filtration control, oil wetting and deflocculation/dispersion, of entrained solids and/or reduced torque and drag of the drilling string.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Engineered Drilling Solutions Inc.Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
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Publication number: 20090126999Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to subterranean fluids, and more particularly, to subterranean drilling fluids that may be useful for reducing the production of water from a portion of a subterranean formation and/or stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation while drilling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the flow of water from a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an organoaluminum compound, the organoaluminum compound being capable of forming a reaction product in the presence of water. The present invention also includes methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation, methods of enhancing the stability of an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, methods of stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, and drilling fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Eric Davidson
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Patent number: 7530394Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing in the wellbore a cement composition comprising light-burned magnesium oxide, water and an alkaline metal chloride, and allowing the composition to set. A method of cementing comprising preparing a cement composition comprising a light-burned magnesium oxide, water and an alkaline metal chloride, and allowing the composition to set.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ashok K. Santra, Rocky Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 7530408Abstract: A method of stabilizing an underground formation surrounding a borehole comprising placing a treatment fluid in the formation, the treatment fluid comprising cross-linkable polymer and a cross-linking agent, and allowing the treatment fluid to gel in-situ, characterized in that after placement of the treatment fluid in the formation, an activator fluid is pumped into the well to bring about cross linking of the polymer to form the gel.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Chrystel Cambus-Brunet, Véronique Barlet-Gouedard
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Patent number: 7528096Abstract: A structured composite is comprised of particulates having particle size distribution of at least two modes and a binder. The particle size distribution is preferably bi-modal or tri-modal. The composite may further contain a density-modifying agent for modifying the density of the composite. The particulates are preferably substantially spherical and may be ultra lightweight (ULW) materials. The resulting composites exhibit the requisite strength to survive downhole imposed stresses and temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Harold Dean Brannon, Allan Ray Rickards, Phillip B. Kaufman
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Publication number: 20090095535Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for drilling well bores penetrating producing zones while controlling formation particulates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: Philip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7516803Abstract: The present invention is an air injection collar for use in the drilling industry that is used to reduce the weight of the column of returning drilling mud and debris without causing unnecessary frictional wear on the drill pipe. The invention is a unique sleeve that is coupled to a drill casing that includes an input port for receiving the pressurized air or other fluid from the surface, an annular plenum extending around the drill casing, and a series of openings in the plenum leading to the inside of the drill casing. These openings disperse the pressurized air or other fluid into the upflowing mud around the central drill pipe so that it is not concentrated in one place, especially the center of the casing, where it could cause frictional damage to the drill pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Inventor: Paul G Anthony
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Patent number: 7507692Abstract: A method for reducing circulation loss during drilling operations, the method comprising: performing drilling operations using a water-based drilling fluid system comprising a first amount of water insoluble particulate; providing the drilling fluid system with a second amount of alkali metal silicate, the first amount of water insoluble particulate and the second amount of alkali metal silicate comprising a circulation loss combination; and reducing the pH of the water-based drilling fluid system using a quantity of water soluble activating agent effective to form an effective circulation loss structure after a period of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Tao Xiang
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Patent number: 7497278Abstract: Many methods are presented including one that comprises: providing a well drill-in and servicing fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a viscosifier, a fluid loss control additive, a bridging agent, and an orthoester composition; using the well drill-in and servicing fluid to drill a well bore in a subterranean formation; allowing the well drill-in and servicing fluid to establish a filter cake in at least a portion of the well bore; contacting at least a portion of the filter cake with a breaker fluid comprising an orthoester composition; and allowing at least a portion of the filter cake to degrade.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Kirk Schriener, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Patent number: 7493948Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and methods for improving the stability of a wellbore during drilling operations using a rotary drill string. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for enhancing the performance of the filter or mud cake layer on the wall of the wellbore as a protective and isolating layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Iain Cooper, Claude Vercaemer, William Lesso, Benjamin Peter Jeffryes, Michael Charles Sheppard
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Patent number: 7493968Abstract: Improved lost circulation compositions that include melt-processed inorganic fibers and methods for using such compositions in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method of the present invention is a method comprising providing a drilling mud comprising a plurality of melt-processed inorganic fibers, wherein the melt-processed inorganic fibers have a length of less than about 10 millimeters, and comprise at least one melt-processed inorganic fiber selected from the group consisting of: a basalt fiber, a wollastonite fiber, and a ceramic fiber; and circulating the drilling mud in the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Krishna M. Ravi, Bryan K. Waugh
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Patent number: 7475728Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean treatment operations. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved treatment fluids and methods of using such improved treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of treating a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of drilling in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a treatment fluid comprising a degradable diverting agent. Another example of a composition of the present invention is a degradable diverting agent for use in a subterranean treatment fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Larry S. Eoff, Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090008095Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a particulate bridging agent comprised of a sparingly water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of melamine(2,4,5-triamino-1,3,5-triazine), lithium carbonate, lithium phosphate (Li3PO4), and magnesium sulfite.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: BP EXPLORATION OPERATING COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Simon Neil Duncum, Christopher Alan Sawdon
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Patent number: 7441609Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing the recovery of shale-containing cuttings during the drilling of a borehole in a shale-containing subterranean formation which comprises adding to the drilling fluid circulating in the borehole a finely ground, very sparingly soluble, anhydrous, alkali metal silicate glassy material to provide the drilling fluid with a concentration of soluble silica in the range from about 0.1% to about 1.0% by weight of the aqueous phase of the drilling fluid. Preferably the drilling fluid has a pH in the range from about 8.0 to about 11.0, most preferably about 8.5 to less than 11.0. The preferred alkali metal is potassium.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Newpark Drilling Fluids,LLCInventor: Harry L. Dearing, Jr.
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Patent number: 7431106Abstract: A method of reducing formation breakdown during the drilling of a wellbore which method comprises: (a) circulating a drilling mud in the wellbore comprising (i) an aqueous or oil based fluid, (ii) at least one fluid loss additive at a concentration effective to achieve a high temperature high pressure (HTHP) fluid loss from the drilling mud of less than 2 ml/30 minutes and (iii) a solid particulate bridging material having an average particle diameter of 25 to 2000 microns and a concentration of at least 0.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignees: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Mark William Alberty, Mark Shelton Aston, Michael Richard Mclean
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Patent number: 7398826Abstract: Well treatment is disclosed that includes injecting a well treatment fluid with insoluble polyol polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) dispersed therein, depositing the insoluble polymer in the wellbore or an adjacent formation, and thereafter dissolving the polymer by reducing salinity and/or increasing temperature conditions in the environment of the polymer deposit. The method is disclosed for filter cake formation, fluid loss control, drilling, hydraulic fracturing and fiber assisted transport, where removal of the polyol at the end of treatment or after treatment is desired. The method is also disclosed for providing dissolved polyol as a delayed breaker in crosslinked polymer viscosified systems and viscoelastic surfactant systems. Also disclosed are well treatment fluids containing insoluble amorphous or at least partially crystalline polyol, and a PVOH fiber composition wherein the fibers are stabilized from dissolution by salinity.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Ann M. W. Hoefer, Philip F. Sullivan, Golchehreh Salamat, Curtis L. Boney, Jesse C. Lee, Yiyan Chen, Dean M. Willberg, Marina Bulova, Christopher N. Fredd, Belgin Baser, Timothy L. Pope
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Patent number: 7350576Abstract: Methods for using rapid setting plugging compositions comprising oil, clay, magnesium chloride, and magnesium oxide powder to seal permeable zones in subterranean formations are provided. The permeable zones may be sealed by passing the plugging composition and water to the subterranean formation. While being exposed to downhole temperatures in a range of from about 0° F. to about 500° F., the plugging composition quickly thickens to form a sealing mass that is substantially impermeable to fluid in less than about 1 minute after contacting the water. It then usually develops an effective amount of compressive strength to prevent it from being washed away within a period ranging from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours at temperatures ranging from about 0° F. to about 500° F.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Robertson, Ian A. Fowler
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Patent number: 7347265Abstract: A high temperature blocking gel contains a blend of an aqueous fluid and carboxymethyl guar and a crosslinking agent. The gel exhibits excellent hydration capability in brines and positive viscosity generation and controls fluid loss from an oil well during drilling, completion and/or workover operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: BJ Services CompanyInventors: Terry Monroe, Brian Evans, Hoang Le, Brian Beall
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Patent number: 7343974Abstract: A method for strengthening a wellbore with an exposed geological formation, the method including: determining or estimating material properties of the exposed geological formation; determining changes necessary in material properties of the exposed geologic formation to achieve desired improvements in property of the exposed geologic formation; and treating the geological formation to improve material property values by injecting a formulation that hardens in-situ to form a geosynthetic composite. In another aspect, an apparatus for utilizing the described method with minimal handling of chemicals includes is an automated in-line chemical metering and pumping apparatus that requires no large mixing tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Kenneth Michael Cowan
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Patent number: 7341106Abstract: A sealant composition and methods for using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method comprises placing a sealing agent and a nonaqueous carrier fluid in the wellbore. The method further comprises placing a nonaqueous activating fluid in the wellbore. In addition, the method comprises contacting the sealing agent with the nonaqueous activating fluid to form a sealant composition.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Mark R. Savery
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Patent number: 7341117Abstract: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL includes a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Glenda Wylie, Frank Zamora, Beegamudre N. Murali, Baireddy R. Reddy, Larry S. Eoff, Jimmie D. Weaver, John M. Wilson, Denise Berryhill, Russell M. Fitsgerald, Anne M. Culotta
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Patent number: 7328756Abstract: Settable fluids comprising particle-size distribution-adjusting agents, and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean and surface applications are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the settable fluid comprises a cement, a set retarder, and a particle-size distribution-adjusting agent. Exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, methods of drilling with the settable fluids, methods of cementing with the settable fluids, and methods of using a settable fluid to displace another fluid from a well bore in a subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Serivces, Inc.Inventors: B. Raghav Reddy, Anthony V. Palmer, Ashok K. Santra