Hydroxyalkylcellulose (e.g., Hec, Etc.) Patents (Class 507/114)
  • Patent number: 11642301
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hair care systems comprising: (1) a booster composition containing at least one ionic polymer functionalized with at least one carboxylic acid moiety; optionally, at least one compound selected from an alkoxysilane, a nonionic latex polymer, or mixtures thereof; a thickening agent; and a cosmetically acceptable carrier; and (2) a hair treatment composition containing at least one surfactant selected from an anionic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or mixtures thereof. The hair care systems of the present disclosure can be used to clean and/or condition hair, as well impart frizz control and manageability benefits to hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Allison Perner, Jim Singer, Siliu Tan, Nghi Van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11060016
    Abstract: A dry polymer powder for use in enhanced petroleum recovery without being prehydrated before being added to water or brine to be introduced into a wellhead. The dry polymer powder consisting of at least one of a polyacrylamide, a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylic acid, a galactomannan, or cellulosic polymer or derivatives thereof, and the polymer can be crosslinked or not crosslinked, provided that if they are homo- or co-polymers of acrylic acid, they are not crosslinked. The dry polymer powder has a polymer size range distribution of 6.6%<40 mesh and 85.4% of 40 to 200 mesh and 8%>200 mesh, and wherein the polymer size range ensures that the dry polymer powder will efficiently hydrate in the water or brine within about one minute without forming fisheyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: CHEMEOR, INC.
    Inventors: Yongchun Tang, Allen Thomas Lyssy, Yaser Asgari, Carl W. Aften, Hongxin Tang
  • Patent number: 10920122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling fluid compositions and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation including obtaining or providing a drilling fluid composition including a viscosifier including at least one of a poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer, a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol), and a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer. The method also includes placing the composition in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Zhou, Jay Paul Deville
  • Patent number: 10774260
    Abstract: Shale inhibiting additives for subterranean drilling and/or treatment fluids that include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include: providing a treatment fluid including an aqueous base fluid and a shale inhibiting additive including polyvinyl alcohol; introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation to contact at least a portion of the subterranean formation that comprises shale; and allowing the shale inhibiting additive to interact with the shale in the subterranean formation to at least partially inhibit the shale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Paul Deville, Philip Wayne Livanec, Hui Zhou
  • Patent number: 10717912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling fluid compositions and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation including obtaining or providing a drilling fluid composition including a viscosifier including at least one of a poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer, a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol), and a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer. The method also includes placing the composition in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Zhou, Jay Paul Deville
  • Patent number: 10590336
    Abstract: Methods of using an organic acid composition in oil industry activities, said composition comprising: methane sulphonic acid, a metal iodide or iodate, and an alcohol or derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Fluid Energy Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Clay Purdy, Darren Thatcher, Jon Garner, Bruce Ulmer, Alexander David Jamieson
  • Patent number: 10280362
    Abstract: An organic acid composition for use in oil industry activities, said composition comprising: methane sulphonic acid; a metal iodide or iodate; and an alcohol or derivative thereof. The uses include: injection/disposal in wells; squeezes and soaks or bullheads; acid fracturing; acid washes or matrix stimulations; fracturing spearheads (breakdowns); pipeline scale treatments; cement breakdowns or perforation cleaning; pH control; and de-scaling applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FLUID ENERGY GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Clay Purdy, Darren Thatcher, Jon Garner, Bruce Ulmer, Alexander David Jamieson
  • Patent number: 10233374
    Abstract: Polymer-based drilling fluids may be used as an alternative to drilling fluids containing bentonite or other clay materials, although filter cake formation with polymer-based drilling fluids can often be inadequate. Drilling methods can comprise: providing a drilling fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a non-crosslinked hydroxyalkylcellulose polymer, and a plurality of non-biodegradable particulates; drilling a borehole in the presence of the drilling fluid; and forming a filter cake within the borehole, the filter cake comprising the non-crosslinked hydroxyalkylcellulose polymer and the non-biodegradable particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston Andrew May, Ryan Patrick Collins
  • Patent number: 9321851
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to water soluble polymer powder formulations, and more particularly, to a cellulose ether formulation which in powder form is suitable for direct addition to water-based systems to produce smooth, lump free solutions. The cellulose ethers are crosslinked with an aldehyde crosslinker and include a dry weak acid which slows hydrolysis of the hermiacetal linkage formed by the crosslinker. The selected acid does not adversely affect solubility stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HERCULES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Prachur Bhargava, Glen T. Carroll, Tuyen T. Nguyen, Kostantin A. Vaynberg
  • Patent number: 9164018
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method used for determination of inhibition durability index (IDI) of an inhibitive mud system can include multiple stages, with each stage including specific steps. The first stage can include a dispersion test that evaluates the inhibition effects of a stability inhibitor after exposing the test material to the inhibitor. The second stage can include a durability inhibition assessment, which includes assessing the longevity of the effect of the inhibitor. A third stage can be used to graph or otherwise evaluate the results of the second stage or the first and second stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Md Amanullah, Mohammed Al-Arfaj, Adel Al-Ansari
  • Patent number: 9090807
    Abstract: A drill-in and completion fluid for drilling through a producing zone in a subterranean formation or for completing a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The fluid comprises a blend of a phosphate brine and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Natalia Collins, Carl Thaemlitz
  • Publication number: 20150027702
    Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed that include placing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a one or more polymers capable of consolidating to form a polymeric structure at a downhole location. Also disclosed are treatment fluids including a polymeric structure for treating a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jazmin Godoy-Vargas, Sergey Makarychev-Mikhailov, Brent Busby, Philip Sullivan, Patrice Abivin, Marie Cambournac
  • Publication number: 20150021098
    Abstract: Compositions for controlling fluid loss may include an aqueous fluid, a viscosifier, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a delayed acid source, and a weighting agent. The composition may further comprise at least one selected from bridging solids, cleaning agent, dispersant, interfacial tension reducer, pH buffer, thinner, or surfactant. Such compositions may be used in producing a hydrocarbon from a formation by drilling the formation with a drill-in fluid to form a wellbore, emplacing the composition in the wellbore, and shutting the well for a predetermined time to allow the viscosity of the fluid loss composition to decrease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: David P. Kippie
  • Publication number: 20140066340
    Abstract: Viscosifying compositions having reduced toxicity are used in treatment fluids in subterranean operations; methods include providing such treatment fluids including a viscosifying composition and an aqueous base fluid, the viscosifying composition including hydroxyethyl cellulose, about 10% to about 60% by weight of 2-pyrrolidone, and about 10% to about 60% by weight of a water soluble monoalkyl ether of propylene glycol having substantially no swelling effect on the hydroxyethyl cellulose, wherein a weight ratio of hydroxyethyl cellulose to 2-pyrrolidone is in a range from about 1:2 to about 2.6:1 and the method including placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Herman Hoff
  • Publication number: 20140024560
    Abstract: A drilling fluid, comprising an aqueous continuous phase, and a surfactant system comprising a mixture of an ester phosphate and a non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol. The drilling fluid may also contain one or more of at least one salt, an alkaline material, a viscosifying agent, a starch or starch derivative, a bridging agent, a weighting material, and a diesel oil or non-aromatic oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Miguel Gonzalez Poche, Franklin Quintero Godoy, Rosa Linda Marquez Silva, Sergio Rosales, Jesus Enrique Arellano Varela, Harry Wilson Ogalde Arquero, Domingo Pernia
  • Publication number: 20130324441
    Abstract: A drilling fluid is provided that comprises a non-ionic or cationic polymer having general formula I or II. The drilling fluid may be used in drilling or other oilfield operations to prevent or limit the accretion of hydrocarbons to metal components when these are in contact with highly viscous hydrocarbons such as those present in formations containing heavy crude oil or tar sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Diversity Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ioan Ghesner
  • Publication number: 20130053283
    Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions suitable as drilling fluids, completion fluids, work-over fluids, or stimulation/fracking fluids, which exhibit shale inhibiting, thermostabilizing, viscosifying, and fluid loss reducing effects when used for these purposes. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides compositions that include a cellulose product comprising the contact product of: at least one cellulosic ether; at least one salt of a polyvalent metal ion; and at least one ligand or a salt of the ligand. The resulting cellulose products are useful in drilling of oil, gas, and other wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CP KELCO OY
    Inventor: Antonius Franciscus Maas
  • Publication number: 20120186877
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising: providing a drilling fluid, completion fluid, or workover fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a nonionic cellulose ether polymer having hydroxyethyl groups and being further substituted with one or more hydrophobic substituents, and placing the drilling fluid, completion fluid, or workover fluid in a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan G. Ezell
  • Publication number: 20120190593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component fluid loss control system comprising a core substrate and a polymeric shell cooperating with each other to form a microcomposite, wherein the core substrate and the polymeric shell are formed from different materials. The system can demonstrate switchable behavior. The core substrate and the polymeric shell can be further modified, where modifications cooperate with each other to form the microcomposite. Also disclosed are formulations for fluid loss control and methods for controlling fluid loss in a well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: David S. Soane, Robert P. Mahoney, Rosa Casado Portilla, Philip Wuthrich
  • Patent number: 7749941
    Abstract: The invention provides aqueous based well drilling and servicing fluids containing a polymer viscosifier with enhanced thermal stability provided by a diacid or diacid salt preferably having about two to about eight carbon atoms, such as, for example, sodium oxalate. The invention also provides a method of enhancing the thermal stability of aqueous based well drilling and servicing fluids containing a polymer viscosifer by adding diacid or diacid salt to the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jody L. Maresh, William W. Shumway, Kenneth W. Pober
  • Publication number: 20100075871
    Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized aqueous polymer compositions containing A) a stabilizing amount of a least a sulfur dye or containing a stabilizing amount of a sulfur dye with a compound comprising a heterocyclic system containing nitrogen and sulphur as ring heteroatoms and B) at least one polymer comprising groups which are capable of complex formation with ions. The aqueous polymer compositions are stabilized against thermal or other degradation processes of the polymer by addition of component A) to allow their use even under harsh conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Friedrich Engelhardt, Werner Spielmann, Christian Bremer, Anja Obermüller, Joachim Christian
  • Patent number: 7648946
    Abstract: Methods of degrading filter cakes in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation, the filter cake comprising an inorganic portion and an organic portion, and having been established in the formation by a well drill-in and servicing fluid that comprises a delayed-release acid component. An example of a composition is a well drill-in and servicing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090291862
    Abstract: A drilling fluid includes a base fluid and a circulation loss reducing additive package having a polysaccharide, a cellulose derivative and a pH controlling component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Sarkis Kakadjian, Jacques Reinaldo Gabay, Gerardo Alonso Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7622427
    Abstract: A completion and workover fluid composition comprising, water and at least one rheology modifier and/or fluid loss control agent, and at least one other ingredient selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts, shale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitor, biocide, defoamers and finely divided solids particles (e.g., bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, calcium carbonate, etc.), depending upon the desired attributes, wherein the rheology modifier and/or the fluid loss control agent is an ethoxylated raw cotton linters or a modified ethoxylated raw cotton linters. The ethoxylated raw cotton linters provides comparable or better rheology and viscosity properties compared to high molecular weight commercial HECs made from purified cotton linters. These ethoxylated raw cotton linters derivatives are suitable for applications in oil-well servicing fluids, particularly to enhance functional properties of completion and workover fluids used during oil-well drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Arjun C. Sau, Mohand Melbouci
  • Patent number: 7612021
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to compositions and methods for using a composite particulate comprising a cellulosic fiber and a filler as a lost-circulation material. An example of a method of controlling lost circulation in a subterranean method, comprises contacting a subterranean formation with a fluid comprising a base fluid and a lost circulation material, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a composite particulate, and wherein the composite particulate comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. An example method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the cement compositions comprises a cement, water, and a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. Example compositions include lost-circulation materials, treatment fluids and cement compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Bobby King, Darrell C. Brenneis
  • Patent number: 7553800
    Abstract: Improved in-situ filter cake degradation compositions for use in subterranean formations, well drill-in and servicing fluids including such in-situ filter cake degradation compositions, and methods of using such in-situ filter cake degradation compositions and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean operations are provided. An example of a method is a method for forming a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition is a well drill-in and servicing fluid. Another example of a composition is an in-situ filter cake degradation composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Trinidad Munoz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090054270
    Abstract: Hydrocolloid gum compositions, methods of forming the same, and products formed therefrom. The composition may comprise a hydrocolloid gum, such as xanthan gum, a cellulose thickener, and a solvent component. The solvent component may comprise a lactate ester and, optionally, an alkylene glycol alkyl ether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Archer-Daniels-Midalnd Company
    Inventors: Denise L. Williams, Michael L. Rambo, Peter J. Olney, Neil W. Camp, Bruce R. Sebree
  • Patent number: 7393407
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Elkem ASA
    Inventors: Eldar O Dingsoyr, Magne Dastol, Cor Oldenziel, Bjorn Vassoy
  • Patent number: 7384892
    Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid composition includes water and at least one rheology modifier and/or fluid loss control agent, and at least one other ingredient of polymeric additive, inorganic salts, dispersants, shale stabilizers, weighting agents, or finely divided clay particles, depending upon the desired attributes, wherein the rheology modifier and/or the fluid loss control agent comprises carboxymethylated raw cotton linters (CM-RCL) made from the baled raw cotton linters or comminuted raw cotton linters with increased bulk density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohand Melbouci, Arjun C. Sau
  • Patent number: 7304019
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Alejandro Pena, Golchehreh Salamat, Michael D. Parris, Geoff Robinson
  • Patent number: 7199084
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Parris, Geoff Robinson
  • Patent number: 7199083
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Self Generating Foam Incoporated
    Inventor: Manuel Legendre Zevallos
  • Patent number: 7152697
    Abstract: A method of controlling and delaying the inversion of a drilling fluid and the wettability of a filtercake by using a delayed phase changing agent. The filtercake is preferably formed while drilling a subterranean formation using a drilling fluid includes: an oleaginous fluid; a non-oleaginous fluid; an amine surfactant having the structure: wherein R is a C12–C22 aliphatic hydrocarbon; R? is an independently selectable from hydrogen or C1 to C3 alkyl; A is NH or O, and 1?x+y?3. In the method, the filter cake is exposed to a delayed phase changing agent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amine acids, salts of aliphatic amine acids and combinations thereof. In one preferred illustrative embodiment, the delayed phase changing agent is delivered in the form of a pill, the pill including a carrier fluid, a viscosifier and the delayed phase changing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Horton, Bethicia Prasek, Frank E. Evans, Taylor Green, Mark Luyster, Steve Mason
  • Patent number: 7147067
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially drilling fluids, that comprise zeolite and a carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Getzlaf, Karen Luke, Russell M. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7087556
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of treating subterranean zones penetrated by well bores in primary well cementing operations, well completion operations, production stimulation treatments and the like. The invention includes aqueous well treating fluids comprised of water and a water soluble polymer complex fluid loss control additive. Preferred polymer complexes comprise water-soluble polymers made in the presence of hydroxyethylcellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: WSP Chemicals & Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Shih-Ruey T. Chen, Jiten Chatterji, Valentino L. DeVito, Randy J. Loeffler, Kevin W. Frederick, Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6884760
    Abstract: The invention relates to water based wellbore fluids used during a hydrocarbon recovery process, such as drilling, fracturing, gravel packing and wellbore workover. According to the present invention, said wellbore fluid comprises a fluid loss additive and a bridging material that are hydrophobic in nature, hydrophobically modified or oil wettable. The wellbore fluid generates an active filter cake that once formed, is impermeable to an aqueous phase, thus reducing fluid loss and ensuring reduced damage to the formation, yet simultaneously is permeable to the back flow of hydrocarbons during a hydrocarbon recovery process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: M-I, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fabien J. Brand, Andrew Bradbury
  • Patent number: 6818597
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Benchmark Research & Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William Franklin Harris
  • Patent number: 6818598
    Abstract: A plugging fluid for plugging a subterranean formation zone surrounding a drill hole comprises an emulsion comprising a dispersed aqueous phase containing an aqueous base and a continuous hydrophobic phase containing a polymer consisting of a grafted cellulose ether derivative, a surfactant and a crosslinking activator of the polymer. The polymer is preferably 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose grafted with vinyl phosphonic acid. Upon shearing, preferably through the drilling bit, the emulsion inverts so that the rupture of the emulsion droplets releases the crosslinking activator into the water phase thus forming a gel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Maberry, Greg Garrison, Andre Garnier
  • Patent number: 6814145
    Abstract: A plugging fluid for plugging a subterranean formation zone surrounding a drill hole comprises an emulsion comprising a dispersed aqueous phase containing an aqueous base and a continuous hydrophobic phase containing a polymer consisting of a grafted cellulose ether derivative, a surfactant and a crosslinking activator of the polymer. The polymer is preferably 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose grafted with vinyl phosphonic acid. Upon shearing, preferably through the drilling bit, the emulsion inverts so that the rupture of the emulsion droplets releases the crosslinking activator into the water phase thus forming a gel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Maberry, Greg Garrison, Andre Garnier
  • Patent number: 6800593
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Texas United Chemical Company, LLC.
    Inventors: James W. Dobson, Jr., Shauna Leigh Hayden, Carolina Trejo Rangel
  • Patent number: 6794340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Phillip C. Harris, Thomas E. Becker
  • Patent number: 6784140
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: David P. Kippie, William E. Foxenberg
  • Patent number: 6774089
    Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided wherein the additive is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a combination of oil and glycol or cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet, treated or coated with the oil/glycol combination or the cellulose; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Alpine Mud Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry Rayborn
  • Patent number: 6770601
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Masi Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy F. Brookey
  • Patent number: 6737384
    Abstract: A drilling fluid additive system is provided wherein the system is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a carrier such as oils and glycols or talc with cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture to allow the beads to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then adding the suspended mixture with a mixture comprised of hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and a dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Alpine Mud Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry Rayborn
  • Patent number: 6737385
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley L. Todd, B. Raghava Reddy, James V. Fisk, Jr., James D. Kercheville
  • Patent number: 6730636
    Abstract: Environmentally acceptable well cement fluid loss control additives, cement compositions including the additives and methods of using the compositions are provided. The environmentally acceptable fluid loss control additives are comprised of ethoxylated hydroxyethylcellulose having a reduced molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Pieter Vijn, Bach Dao, Mohand Melbouci
  • Patent number: 6620769
    Abstract: This invention provides a water-free oil based fluid polymer suspension composition for use as a rheology modifier and fluid loss reducer in oil or gas well servicing fluids. It has been found that by using white medicinal oil as a carrier, high solids content and environmental friendly anhydrous fluidized polymer suspensions of xanthan gum, cellulose ethers, guar gum and derivatives thereof can be prepared. More specifically, in one aspect, an oil-based fluid polymer suspension (FPS) composition for use in oil or gas well servicing fluids is preferred containing: a) a hydrophilic polymer, b) an organophilic clay, c) a stabilizer, and d) a white medicinal oil having selected properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Herbert L. Juppe, Robert P. Marchant, Mohand Melbouci
  • Patent number: 6586587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ligand-modified cellulose product comprising cellulose ether, calcium salt and at least one ligand as a chelating agent. The product can be used e.g. in drilling fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Noviant Oy
    Inventors: Antonius F. Maas, Ulla Urpilainen, Oliver Ruppert
  • Publication number: 20030029616
    Abstract: A plugging fluid for plugging a subterranean formation zone surrounding a drill hole comprises an emulsion comprising a dispersed aqueous phase containing an aqueous base and a continuous hydrophobic phase containing a polymer consisting of a grafted cellulose ether derivative, a surfactant and a crosslinking activator of the polymer. The polymer is preferably 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose grafted with vinyl phosphonic acid. Upon shearing, preferably through the drilling bit, the emulsion inverts so that the rupture of the emulsion droplets releases the crosslinking activator into the water phase thus forming a gel structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jack Maberry, Greg Garrison, Andre Garnier