Organic Component Is Carbohydrate Or Derivative Thereof (e.g., Sugar Or Gum, Such As Galactomannan, Xanthan, Etc.) Or Carboxylic Acid Ester Of An Alcohol Which Has Five Or More Hydroxy Groups Bonded Directly To Carbons Patents (Class 507/110)
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Publication number: 20080300149Abstract: A composition comprising a carboxylated, sulfonated polysaccharide and a wellbore servicing fluid. A wellbore servicing composition comprising a hydraulic cement and a carboxylated, sulfonated polysaccharide. A wellbore servicing composition comprising a polysaccharide having carboxylate and sulfonate groups.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Anindya Ghosh, Russell M. Fitzgerald
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Publication number: 20080217064Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including at least one of a branched alcohol ethoxylate and a capped alcohol ethoxylate, a detergent builder and a viscosifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: TECHSTAR ENERGY SERVICESInventors: STEFAN ALEXANDRU STOIAN, CARL KEITH SMITH
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Patent number: 7393407Abstract: The present invention relates to a slurry containing water, amorphous silica panicles having a particle size less than 1 micron and silica flour with a particle size between 2-200 microns. In order to stablize the slurry, the slurry contains a polysaccharide. The invention further relates to a method for the production of a slurry containing water, amorphous silica having a particle size below 1 micron, and silica flour with a particle size between 2-200 microns, where a polysaccharide is added to a slurry of water and amorphous silica, whereafter the silica flour is mixed into the slurry of amorphous silica.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Elkem ASAInventors: Eldar O Dingsoyr, Magne Dastol, Cor Oldenziel, Bjorn Vassoy
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Publication number: 20080070808Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Larry S. Eoff
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Publication number: 20080070805Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Larry S. Eoff
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Publication number: 20080070807Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Trinidad Munoz, Larry S. Eoff
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Publication number: 20080070806Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Bromate oxidizing agents are used along with selected breaking activators for the bromate breaking compounds. Useful bromate breaking activators include acid-generating breaking activators, oxidizing sulfur containing breaking activators, and reducing agent breaking activators.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Lijun Lin, Carlos Abad, Belgin Baser, Leiming Li
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Patent number: 7332458Abstract: A drilling fluid for use in high oil viscosity formations containing tar, sand and oil entrained therein. The drilling fluid can be comprised of a polymer in an amount from between 0.05% and 5% by volume, a solvent in an amount from between 1% and 20% by volume and de-emulsifier in an amount from between 0.05% and 10% by volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Q'Max Solutions Inc.Inventors: Len Baltoiu, Flori Baltoiu, Brent Warren
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Patent number: 7320951Abstract: The drilling mud with a lowered coefficient of friction having a silicate-based mud and a lubricant selected from the group consisting of: glycosides, alkylpolyalkoxyalcohols, alcohol ester polymers, amine phosphates, starch and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Michele Scott Albrecht, Kenneth Michael Cowan, Robert Irving McNeil, III, Eric Van Oort, Ronald Lee Rock, Sr.
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Publication number: 20080009422Abstract: A water based drilling fluid which includes an aqueous fluid, at least one of a weighting agent and a gelling agent, and a lubricant, which includes at least one ester derivative of at least one fatty acid derived from castor oil is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: M-I LLCInventors: Arvind D. Patel, Emanuel Stamatakis, Steve Young, Jim Friedheim
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Publication number: 20070293404Abstract: Methods using foamed fluids to perform subterranean formation treatments, the fluid containing methanol having a decreased concentration of gelling agent, while retaining excellent rheological properties in the foamed state, and processes for preparing foamed fluid for use in treating subterranean formations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventors: Richard D. Hutchins, Stanley B. McConnell
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Patent number: 7304019Abstract: Suspensions are provided of water-soluble materials in non-aqueous carrier fluids using suspension agents that include organophilic clays. Methods of forming such suspensions are provided. Methods are also provided for using such suspensions to prepare aqueous solutions, in particular thickened aqueous solutions, in particular for use in oilfield treatments.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lijun Lin, Alejandro Pena, Golchehreh Salamat, Michael D. Parris, Geoff Robinson
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Patent number: 7279446Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation by injecting down a well an aqueous fluid containing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid comprising an enhanced shear recovery agent wherein shear recovery time of the viscoelastic surfactant fluid is reduced by the addition of the enhanced shear recovery agent, and a viscoelastic surfactant fluid composition thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignees: Rhodia Inc., Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Allwyn Colaco, Jean-Pierre Marchand, Fang Li, Manilal S. Dahanayake
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Patent number: 7279445Abstract: A method of increasing shale formation stability with a water based drilling fluid, the method including: delivering to the shale formation a drilling fluid formulated to include an aqueous fluid; a first reactant which is a soluble monomer, oligomer, or polymer with exposed ketone, aldehyde, or aldol groups or with groups which can be shifted to ketone or aldehyde functionality; and, a second reactant which is a primary amine, diamine, or polyamine which by condensation reaction forms a semi-soluble or precipitated filming product with the first reactant.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Robert F. Schlemmer
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Patent number: 7268101Abstract: A liquid gel concentrate for forming a high viscosity treating fluid is provided which can be premixed and stored before being used. The concentrate is comprised of an aqueous formate solution, at least one hydratable polymer which yields viscosity upon hydration and optionally an inhibitor having the property of reversibly reacting with the hydratable polymer in a manner whereby the rate of hydration of the polymer is retarded. Upon the selective reversal of the hydration inhibiting reaction the polymer is hydrated and high viscosity yielded thereby. The concentrate can be diluted with water to hydrate the hydratable polymer and form a large volume of high viscosity treating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Diederik van Batenburg, Morice Hoogteijling
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Patent number: 7265078Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids suitable for use in connection with oil well drilling. The drilling fluids of the invention include in one embodiment a liquid base, an alkyl glucoside, such as methyl glucoside, and a borehole stability promoter that includes a maltodextrin, a carboxyalkyl starch, a hemicellulose-containing material, or a mixture of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the drilling fluid includes a liquid base and molasses solids, preferably in combination with an alkyl glucoside and more preferably in further combination with one of the aforementioned borehole stability promoters. The drilling fluids of the invention surprisingly have a reduced tendency to swell shale as compared with known drilling fluids. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and process. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string, which may be conventional, that is fluidically coupled to a source of drilling fluid, the source of drilling fluid including the drilling fluid of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Grain Processing CorporationInventors: David F. Cali, Kevin H. Schilling, Michael Riley
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Patent number: 7214647Abstract: The invention provides well drilling and servicing fluids, and methods of drilling, completing, or working over a well therewith, preferred fluids comprise an aqueous liquid, a water soluble polymer viscosifier (preferably xanthan gum), a polymeric fluid loss control additive (preferably a partially depolymerized partially crosslinked hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of starch or a hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of a partially crosslinked and partially depolymerized starch), a bridging agent comprising a particulate calcined magnesia that has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds, and an additive selected from the group consisting of citric acid, alkali metal salts of citric acid, ammonium citrate, and mixtures thereof in an amount sufficient to increase the low shear rate viscosity of the fluids, preferably from about 0.05–5 ppb, most preferably from about 0.15–3 ppb.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Texas United Chemical Company, LLC.Inventors: James W. Dobson, Jr., Kim O. Tresco, Jorge M. Fernandez
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Patent number: 7211546Abstract: The invention provides well drilling and servicing fluids, and methods of drilling, completing, or working over a well therewith, preferred fluids comprise an aqueous liquid, a water soluble polymer viscosifier (preferably xanthan gum), a polymeric fluid loss control additive (preferably a partially depolymerized partially crosslinked hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of starch or a hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of a partially crosslinked and partially depolymerized starch), a bridging agent comprising a particulate calcined magnesia that has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds, and citric acid in an amount sufficient to increase the low shear rate viscosity of the fluids. The invention further provides a method of increasing the low shear rate viscosity of fluids which contain a water soluble polymer and a calcined magnesia bridging agent which has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Texas United Chemical Company, LLC.Inventors: James W. Dobson, Jr., Kim O. Tresco, Jorge M. Fernandez
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Patent number: 7199084Abstract: Suspensions are provided of water-soluble materials in non-aqueous carrier fluids using suspension agents that include thixotropic agents and, optionally, organophilic clays. Methods of forming such suspensions are provided. Methods are also provided for using such suspensions to prepare aqueous solutions, in particular thickened aqueous solutions, in particular for use in oilfield treatments.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Michael Parris, Geoff Robinson
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Patent number: 7199083Abstract: Self-generating foamed fluids for circulation through a well during drilling operations and methods for circulating such self-generating foamed drilling fluids are provided for. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous solvent, a polymer, a surfactant, a first foam generating agent, and a second foam generating agent. The first and second foam generating agents react to generate a gas within the drilling fluid and thereby to foam the drilling fluid. Preferably, the foam generating agents are selected such that they react to generate carbon dioxide. Preferably a base fluid comprising excess amounts of only one of the foam generating agents is pumped into the drill string using a hydraulic pump. The other foam generating agent then is injected in a controlled manner downstream of the circulation pump such that the drilling fluid is foamed after being pumped for circulation through the well. The novel drilling fluids preferably have a density of from about 5.8 lb/gal to about 0.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Self Generating Foam IncoporatedInventor: Manuel Legendre Zevallos
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Patent number: 7148183Abstract: Water based drilling, drill-in, and completion fluids comprising surfactant-polymer blends that are effective to generate effective rheology comprising low shear rate viscosity and effective fluid loss control properties. The water based fluids preferably are substantially solid free.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Lirio Quintero
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Patent number: 7147067Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially drilling fluids, that comprise zeolite and a carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Donald A. Getzlaf, Karen Luke, Russell M. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 7131492Abstract: This invention relates to divinyl sulfone crosslinking agents, viscosified treatment fluids, and methods of using these compositions in applications wherein viscosified treatment fluids may be used. In one embodiment, this invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a crosslinked gelling agent, the crosslinked gelling agent comprising at least one alkyl sulfone bridge, and treating the portion of the subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Kriegel
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Patent number: 7063176Abstract: A method of increasing shale formation stability with a water based drilling fluid, the method including: delivering to the shale formation a drilling fluid formulated to include an aqueous fluid; a first reactant which is a soluble monomer, oligomer, or polymer with exposed ketone, aldehyde, or aldol groups or with groups which can be shifted to ketone or aldehyde functionality; and, a second reactant which is a primary amine, diamine, or polyamine which by condensation reaction forms a semi-soluble or precipitated filming product with the first reactant.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Robert Schlemmer
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Patent number: 7033977Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions of matter and methods of using those compositions. More particularly, and as part of one of the preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of fluids useful for sealing formation fractures and/or inhibiting downhole fluid loss. The present invention is useful as a pill or series of pills that can be formulated and spotted to a particular formation zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Masi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Tommy F. Brookey, Jack Cowan, Mike Kilchrist
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Patent number: 7033976Abstract: A new fluid system additive is provided that serves to disperse and maintain fluid system solids in a stabilized condition and also “toughen” the filter cake. Fluid systems containing this additive also tolerate calcium contamination better than existing additives, and in laboratory tests simulating well conditions, the treated fluid systems demonstrate good fluid properties at high temperatures (e.g. 250° F.) in contrast to similar fluid systems treated with conventional, more costly additives. In a preferred embodiment, a composition or additive for use in hydrocarbon exploitation includes a biopolymer derived from at least one species of the family Musaceae.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventor: Jose Guzman
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Patent number: 7028771Abstract: Low concentrations, 1–10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Clearwater International, L.L.C.Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Rusty R. Mackey, John H. Hallman
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Patent number: 7018955Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids that include carboxyalkylated corn hulls in an amount effective to inhibit fluid loss from a wellbore formation. The carboxyalkylated corn hulls are heat stable and surprisingly effective at inhibiting fluid loss. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and a drilling process.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Grain Processing CorporationInventors: Kevin H. Schilling, Michael Riley, Roger E. McPherson
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Patent number: 6989352Abstract: A lubricant for use in silicic acid muds and other drilling fluids comprising silicate or silica species is disclosed. The lubricant significantly improves the lubricity of the fluid. A method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation employing the lubricant is also disclosed. A preferred lubricant of the invention comprises about 80 volume percent 2-octyldodecanol and about 20 volume percent alkylglucoside. The alkylglucoside is preferably comprised of 2-ethylhexylglucoside or a mixture of alkylglucosides having more than about 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: James V. Fisk, Jr., Jim D. Kerchevile, Kenneth W. Pober
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Patent number: 6897186Abstract: An excavation fluid composition useful for enlarging a cavity in the earth includes a synthetic polymer and sodium silicate. The excavation fluid composition is formulated so as to enable the fluid in contact with unstable or sandy soils in the selected areas of the excavation to react and form silicate-based derivatives with lesser solubility, and movement and thus improve soil stability at the excavation wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: KG International, LLCInventors: K. Gifford Goodhue, Jr., Max M. Holmes, Clinton Scott Norman, John M. Wilkerson, III
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Patent number: 6884762Abstract: A lubricating composition containing one or more esters obtained as a reaction product from a reaction mixture of a glycerol component, a fatty acid component, and a carboxylic acid component wherein said glycerol component comprises glycerol, glycerol oligomers, or combinations thereof and further wherein said glycerol oligomers comprise linear chains, branched chains, cyclic chains, or combinations thereof and further wherein said glycerol oligomers have at least 2 repeat glycerol units and further no more than about 32 repeat glycerol units; wherein said fatty acid component comprises alkyl groups having at least about 8 carbon atoms and further wherein said alkyl groups have no more than about 32 carbon atoms; wherein said carboxylic component has at least one carbon atom per molecule and no more than about 8 carbon atoms per molecule; and wherein the fatty acid component comprises at least 50 percent by weight of the fatty acid component of oleic acid; wherein the fatty acid component comprises at leastType: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Newpark Drilling Fluids, L.L.C.Inventors: David L. Breeden, Robert L. Meyer
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Patent number: 6848519Abstract: Methods of forming chemical casings include drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid having a pH in the range of from about 6 to 10 and comprising water, a water soluble or water dispersible polymer which is capable of being cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causing the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble or dispersible thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid-catalyst for curing the solid thermoset resin and the water soluble thermoset resin, whereby the drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the wellbore that cures into a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing thereon.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Larry S. Eoff, Donald L. Whitfill, J. Michael Wilson, Denise Berryhill, Russel M. Fitzgerald, Thomas E. Becker, Jimmie D. Weaver
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Patent number: 6825152Abstract: A dense drilling fluid additive used to control lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations is disclosed. Such additive is formed from ground base materials, such as inorganic matter, and may be used to manage the rheological properties of drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Grinding & Sizing Co., Inc.Inventor: Ban D. Green
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Patent number: 6818597Abstract: Liquid water soluble polymer suspensions in non-aqueous solvents are extremely stable over long periods of time with minimum separation of the solvent and no hard packing of the dispersed water soluble polymer. The suspensions enable a user to rapidly add the suspension to water, being mixed at low speeds, without the formation of lumps or fisheyes and without generating fugitive dust in the process. The suspensions are environmentally safe and biodegradable. Unlike many other liquid polymer suspensions, the suspensions exhibit minimal oil or grease upon dilution. They contain no surfactants that can add to the oil and grease determination. The suspensions and the fluids produced by diluting the fluids to a working concentration of the water soluble polymer exhibit low toxicity to marine organisms and to humans. The suspensions can be manufactured from ingredients suitable for use in personal care applications such as cosmetics, shampoos and the like.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Benchmark Research & Technology, Inc.Inventor: William Franklin Harris
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Patent number: 6806231Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids suitable for use in connection with oil well drilling. The drilling fluids of the invention include in one embodiment a liquid base, an alkyl glucoside, such as methyl glucoside, and a borehole stability agent that includes a maltodextrin, a carboxyalkyl starch, a hemicellulose-containing material, or a mixture of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the drilling fluid includes a liquid base and desugared molasses solids, preferably in combination with an alkyl glucoside and more preferably in further combination with one of the aforementioned borehole stability agents. The drilling fluids of the invention surprisingly have a reduced tendency to swell shale as compared with known drilling fluids. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and process. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string, which may be conventional, that is fluidically coupled to a source of drilling fluid, the source of drilling fluid including the drilling fluid of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Grain Processing CorporationInventors: Kevin H. Schilling, Michael Riley, David F. Cali
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Patent number: 6800593Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophilic, water soluble polymer concentrate for addition to aqueous liquids to enhance the properties thereof, particularly to increase the viscosity or decrease the fluid loss of well drilling and servicing fluids, the concentrate comprising a hydrophobic, water insoluble liquid, an organophilic clay suspension agent, the water soluble polymer, and a stabilizing agent comprising one or more acids in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1.5%, one or more anionic surfactants in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1.0%, one or more nonionic surfactants in an amount from 0.001% to about 0.625% and, from about 0% to about 0.75% of one or more water soluble organic liquids, wherein the total concentration of the stabilizing agent is from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, these percentages being based on the weight of the concentrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Texas United Chemical Company, LLC.Inventors: James W. Dobson, Jr., Shauna Leigh Hayden, Carolina Trejo Rangel
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Patent number: 6800592Abstract: A foamable drilling fluid is provided which includes an aqueous solvent; a surfactant; and a polysaccharide preferably derived from a galactomannan gum. The foamed drilling fluid includes a liquid phase consisting of the aqueous solvent, polysaccharide and surfactant, and a gas phase of air, nitrogen, natural gas, CO2 and mixtures thereof. The drilling fluid is stable in the presence of crude oil and salt and environmentally friendly.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Intevep, S.A.Inventors: Yenny Virginia Rojas, Alida del Carmen Aponte
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Patent number: 6794340Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a wellbore employing a drilling fluid providing the advantages of easy pumpability of a low viscosity fluid with the drill cuttings suspension capability of a highly viscous fluid. The viscosity of the fluid is also easily and quickly adjustable so that the fluid rheology may be adapted during drilling as the subterranean conditions change. These advantages are obtained by including in said fluid a reversibly crosslinkable polymer and an encapsulated crosslink activator. The crosslink activator causes crosslinking after the fluid is in the wellbore. The crosslinking is reversed at the well surface to reduce the viscosity of the fluid to enable the drill cuttings to be easily removed. Crosslink activator is added back to the fluid and the fluid is returned to the borehole. The amount of crosslink activator and/or crosslinkable polymer may be adjusted in the fluid to change the fluid rheology to conform the fluid to changes in the well conditions as monitored real time.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Phillip C. Harris, Thomas E. Becker
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Publication number: 20040168802Abstract: Methods of cementing in subterranean formations, cement compositions, and methods for making the compositions are provided. A cement slurry is passed into a subterranean formation, and a swelling agent is passed into the subterranean formation to reduce an amount of water flowing into the cement slurry. The swelling agent may be combined with a carrier fluid before being displaced into the subterranean formation. Alternatively, the swelling agent may be pre-mixed with the cement slurry to form a new cement composition, followed by displacing the cement composition into the subterranean formation. The swelling agent is present in an amount effective to, upon absorption of water and swelling to form a gel mass, substantially block the flow path of the water into the cement composition or reduce losses to low pore pressure intervals, thereby preventing the integrity of the cement composition from being compromised or lost to voidage, fractures, fissures, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Prentice G. Creel, Charles L. Boatman, Richard H. Tate, Eldon Dwyann Dalrymple, Stephen P. Luscombe, John L. Eubank
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Patent number: 6784140Abstract: A method of treating a well including injecting a thermally stable, substantially water-free well-treating fluid into the well, wherein the well-treating fluid comprises a polymer, a glycol compound, and a salt is disclosed. In another embodiment, a thermally stable, substantially water-free well fluid including a polymer, a diol compound, and a salt is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: M-I L.L.C.Inventors: David P. Kippie, William E. Foxenberg
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Patent number: 6780822Abstract: The invention provides an organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosan and a method of preparing the same under high shear conditions which eliminates the use of solvents and excessive amounts of aqueous liquids. Also provided are organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosans containing an inorganic basic material which enhances the aging stability thereof. The invention also provides fluids useful in various well drilling and servicing operations comprising an alkaline aqueous liquid containing an organic diacid anhydride-modified chitosan, as well as a method of drilling wells therewith.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Venture Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Jack C. Cowan, Roy F. House, Tammy L. Rodrigue
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Patent number: 6770601Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a viscosifier which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to at least 10,000 centipoise, an aphron-generating surfactant, and aphrons, wherein the fluid contains less than about 20% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously re-circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Masi Technologies, LLCInventor: Tommy F. Brookey
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Publication number: 20040140094Abstract: Methods of drilling and completing open hole well bores and methods of removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate are provided. A method of the invention for removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate from the walls of an open hole well bore is basically comprised of the steps of contacting the filter cake with a delayed clean-up solution comprised of water and a formate ester and removing the clean-up solution from the well bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, Eric Davidson
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Patent number: 6764981Abstract: The present invention provides a well treatment fluid that contains water, an oxidized chitosan-based compound, and a water-soluble compound having carbonyl groups, wherein the oxidized chitosan-based compound has the property of being soluble in water up to about 2 wt % while maintaining a viscosity of less than about 1000 cp. The water used for the well treatment fluid is selected from the group consisting of fresh water, seawater, natural brine, formulated brine, 2% KCl solution, and any mixtures in any proportion thereof. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising the steps of: (a) forming the well treatment fluid, and (b) contacting the subterranean formation with the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Larry S. Eoff, B. Raghava Reddy
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Patent number: 6737385Abstract: Well drilling and servicing fluids for use in producing formations and methods of removing filter cake therefrom are provided. The methods basically comprise using a drilling or servicing fluid comprised of water, a density increasing water soluble salt, a fluid loss control agent, a hydratable polymer solid suspending agent and a particulate solid bridging agent which is soluble in an aqueous ammonium salt solution. Thereafter, the filter cake deposited by the drilling or servicing fluid is contacted with a clean-up solution comprised of water and an ammonium salt for a period of time such that the bridging agent is dissolved thereby.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, B. Raghava Reddy, James V. Fisk, Jr., James D. Kercheville
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Publication number: 20040082487Abstract: A lubricating composition containing one or more esters obtained as a reaction product from a reaction mixture of a glycerol component, a fatty/acid component, and a carboxylic acid component. The lubricating composition can additionally contain a water-insoluble fluid. The lubricating composition is suitable for use as a lubricant and rate of penetration enhancing additive in drilling muds for oilwell drilling operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: David L. Breeden, Robert L. Meyer
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Patent number: 6723683Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable chemical compositions wherein core substrates, particularly oil well chemicals, are adsorbed onto particulate starch, particularly granular starch, providing a stable, controlled release formulation suitable for use in oil field applications. The invention further relates to the process of preparing obtaining these compositions.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding CorporationInventors: Martin C. Crossman, James A. Rosie, Daniel B Solarek
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Patent number: 6716797Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a polymer which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to the extent that the thixotropic index of the fluid is at least about 10 and a surfactant, and wherein the fluid contains less than about 15% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Masi Technologies, L.L.C.Inventor: Tommy F. Brookey
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Patent number: 6710019Abstract: The present invention relates to a wellbore fluid comprising a particulate material composed of the reaction product of A) one or more water soluble organic compound having possessing a molecular weight of less than 30,000 and possessing at least two hydroxyl groups and B) any other organic compound(s) capable of forming acetal or hemiacetal cross-links with the hydroxyl groups of compound A. The invention relates also to the specific particulate material itself and to applications of the wellbore fluid of the invention for well processes such as drilling, under-reaming, completing, working over, sealing loss zones, sealing fractures, sealing cavities or other very high permeability conduits in a rock formation, or hydraulic fracturing to stimulate a hydrocarbon-producing zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventors: Christopher Alan Sawdon, David Antony Ballard
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Patent number: 6702044Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations or forming chemical casing or both while drilling are provided. One method of the invention comprises drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid comprised of water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on weak zones or formations formed of unconsolidated clays, shale, sand stone and the like, a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid catalyst for curing the solid and water soluble resins. The drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the well bore that cures and consolidates the unconsolidated weak zones and formations penetrated by the well bore so that sloughing is prevented and forms a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing on the walls of the well bore.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Larry S. Eoff, Donald L. Whitfill, J. Michael Wilson, Denise Berryhill, Russel M. Fitzgerald, Thomas E. Becker, Jimmie D. Weaver