Contains Inorganic Component Other Than Water Or Clay Patents (Class 507/140)
  • Publication number: 20140256602
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a drilling fluid comprises: water and a set accelerator, wherein the drilling fluid has a 10 minute gel strength of less than 20 lb*ft/100 sq ft, wherein the drilling fluid has a density in the range of about 9 to about 14 pounds per gallon, wherein the drilling fluid remains pourable for at least 5 days, and wherein when at least one part of the drilling fluid mixes with three parts of a cement composition consisting of water and cement, the drilling fluid cement composition mixture develops a compressive strength of at least 1,200 psi. According to another embodiment, a method of using the drilling fluid comprises the steps of: introducing the drilling fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein at least a portion of the drilling fluid is capable of mixing with a cement composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Krishna RAVI, Donald WHITFILL, Rahul PATIL, Abhimanyu DESHPANDE
  • Patent number: 8822386
    Abstract: Nanomaterial compositions are useful for applications in drilling and completion fluids as enhancers of electrical and thermal conductivity, emulsion stabilizers, wellbore strength improvers, drag reduction agents, wettability changers, corrosion coating compositions and the like. These nanomaterials may be dispersed in the liquid phase in low volumetric fraction, particularly as compared to corresponding agents of larger size. Nanofluids (fluids containing nano-sized particles) may be used to drill at least part of the wellbore. Nanofluids for drilling and completion applications may be designed including nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes. These fluids containing nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, meet the required rheological and filtration properties for application in challenging HPHT drilling and completions operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Lirio Quintero, Antonio Enrique Cardenas, David E. Clark
  • Publication number: 20140213488
    Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. In some instances, a dry wellbore additive may comprise a plurality of first mineral particles having a specific gravity of about 2.6 to about 20; a plurality of second mineral particles having a specific gravity of about 5.5 to about 20; a plurality of lubricant particles having a specific gravity of about 2.6 to about 20; wherein the first mineral particles, the second mineral particles, and the lubricant particles are different; and wherein the first mineral particles, the second mineral particles, and the lubricant particles have a multiparticle specific gravity of about 3 to about 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Charles Landis, Jay Deville, Cato McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20140209387
    Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities, and methods relating thereto. Mineral particles may be utilized in a method that comprises introducing a wellbore fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles that comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese carbonate, NixFe (x=2-3), copper oxide, and any combination thereof, the mineral particles having a median diameter between about 5 nm and about 5000 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Charles Landis, Jay Deville, Cato McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20140209386
    Abstract: A method of using precipitated particles in a wellbore may comprise circulating a wellbore fluid in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid having a density of about 7 ppg to about 50 ppg and comprising a base fluid and a plurality of precipitated particles having a shape selected from the group consisting of ovular, substantially ovular, discus, platelet, flake, toroidal, dendritic, acicular, spiked with a substantially spherical or ovular shape, spiked with a discus or platelet shape, rod-like, fibrous, polygonal, faceted, star shaped, and any hybrid thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Charles Landis, Jay Deville, Cato McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20140187450
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation. The method may include providing a fluid-loss control pill that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and an internal breaker that is selected from the group consisting of inorganic delayed acids or inorganic salts. The method can include introducing the fluid-loss control pill into a subterranean formation, allowing the internal breaker to reduce the viscosity of the pill after a delay period, and allowing the fluid-loss control pill to break.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Superior Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Sumitra Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20140162909
    Abstract: A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: David Antony Ballard, Jarrod Massam
  • Publication number: 20140155300
    Abstract: A treatment fluid comprises: a metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide is capable of forming a chelate complex or coordination complex with a ligand, wherein the chelate complex or coordination complex has a setting time of less than 90 minutes at a temperature of 71° F. and a pressure of 1 atmosphere. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; allowing or causing a chelate complex or coordination complex to form between the metal oxide and a ligand; and allowing or causing the chelate complex or coordination complex to set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. JAMISON, Donald L. WHITFILL, Matthew L. MILLER, Kay A. MORRIS
  • Publication number: 20140155302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to oil well drilling comprising a weighting agent consisting of microfine, particulate ilmenite having a FeTiO3 content of at least 85% by weight, a specific surface area (BET) between 1 and 5 m2/g, where 90% by volume of the particles have a size of less than 12.5 ?m and a D50 between 3 ?m and 6 ?m by volume measured by laser diffraction using Malvern laser diffraction particle size analyzer, where the particles have an average circularity of at least 0.85 determined by image analysis. The invention further relates to high density oil well cement slurry comprising water, Portland cement, a weighting material and optionally silica flour, microsilica, fiber, rubbery particles a fluid loss addition and a retarder, where the weighting material is particulate microfine ilmenite having a FeTiO3 content of at least 85% by weight, a specific surface area (BET) between 1 and 5 m2/g, and where 90% by volume of the particles have a size of less than 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ELKEM AS
    Inventors: Mohamed Al-Bagoury, Christopher Drysdale Steele
  • Patent number: 8726990
    Abstract: A composition comprises: a treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the lost-circulation material has a median particle size in the range from about 0.001 millimeters to about 25.4 millimeters. According to another embodiment, a composition comprises: the treatment fluid comprising a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a ceramic, and wherein the median particle size and the concentration of the lost-circulation material is selected such that the treatment fluid has a sealing pressure of at least 50 psi (0.3 MPa). A method of eliminating or reducing lost circulation from a well comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Karcher, Rickey Lynn Morgan, James R. Benkley, Chad Brenneis
  • Patent number: 8703656
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of converting an oxy halide salt into a halide dioxide in a reaction zone under certain conditions is provided. More specifically, the method includes generating chlorine dioxide from a stable composition comprising an oxy halide salt by introducing said composition to a reducing agent and minimum temperature within the reaction zone. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition for a stable chlorine dioxide precursor comprising an oxy halide salt is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sabre Intellectual Property Holdings LLC
    Inventor: John Y. Mason
  • Patent number: 8697611
    Abstract: A composition and method for use in drilling or completing a subterranean well comprising a solidsfree, high-density brine composed of alkali metal polytungstate and blends thereof. These high-density brines are also useful as wellbore fluids and other non-oilfield fluids requiring high density properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Robert L. Horton, Bethicia B. Prasek, Mary L. K. Dimataris
  • Publication number: 20140094394
    Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid comprising one or more high-density weighting materials selected from the group consisting of tungsten-containing materials, bismuth-containing materials, and tin-containing materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Marshall D. BISHOP, John E. ANDERSON
  • Publication number: 20140051607
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a solid phase barite containing material for use in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of providing the barite containing material having relatively small particles with a particle size distribution of at least 50 vol % particles having a diameter in the range of 1 ?m to 10 ?m and at least 90 vol % particles having a diameter in the range of 4 ?m to 20 ?m; and contacting the barite containing material with a liquid in order to form relatively large particles having a particle size distribution with at least 90 vol % of the particles having a diameter of at least 30 ?m. There is also described a method of treating a wellbore with a fluid including the barite containing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: M-I DRILLING FLUIDS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Jarrod Massam, Richard Bingham, Mazin Philip
  • Patent number: 8623790
    Abstract: A method of drilling a gas or oil well consists of use of a water-based drilling fluids containing high molecular weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid as viscosifying agent. The drilling fluid may further contain a lubricant, weighting agent and/or a wetting agent as well as a synthetic silicate or smectite clay. The aqueous based drilling fluid exhibits a coefficient of friction which is substantially close to the coefficient of friction of oil based drilling muds. The drilling fluid exhibits stability at well temperatures in excess of 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Newpark Drilling Fluids LLC
    Inventors: David L. Breeden, Scott Gordon
  • Patent number: 8609594
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of converting an oxy halide salt into a halide dioxide in a reaction zone under certain conditions is provided. More specifically, the method includes generating chlorine dioxide from a stable composition comprising an oxy halide salt by introducing said composition to a reducing agent and minimum temperature within the reaction zone. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition for a stable chlorine dioxide precursor comprising an oxy halide salt is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sabre Intellectual Property Holdings LLC
    Inventor: John Y. Mason
  • Patent number: 8592349
    Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohammad Tej, Stephen Bruce Fry, John B. Trenery
  • Publication number: 20130296199
    Abstract: An engineered composition for reducing lost circulation in a well includes a mixture of coarse, medium and optional fine particles, and a blend of long fibers and short fibers. The long fibers are rigid and the short fibers are flexible. The long fibers form a tridimensional mat or net in the lost-circulation pathway that traps the mixture of particles and short flexible fibers to form a mud cake. The mixture of particles and blend of fibers may be added to water based and oil-based drilling fluids. The composition, size, and concentration of each component of the mixture of particles and blend of fibers may be fine-tuned for each application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jaleh Ghassemzadeh
  • Patent number: 8569213
    Abstract: Invert emulsion drilling fluids that have extended emulsion stability and reduced sag potential can be realized through incorporation of colloidal particles therein. The invert emulsion drilling fluids can be free of organophilic clays. The organophilic clay-free drilling fluids can comprise: an oleaginous fluid continuous phase; an aqueous fluid internal phase; a surfactant; a weighting agent; and a plurality of colloidal particles, the colloidal particles comprising fibrous colloidal particles and at least one other type of colloidal particle; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of colloidal particles interact with the surfactant to form an associative supporting structure that inhibits sag of the weighting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Miller, Nicholas Braley, Donald R. Siems, Dale E. Jamison, Patrick Baker
  • Patent number: 8563483
    Abstract: A high-temperature drilling fluid is disclosed based on brine and on a mixture of solids of controlled grain size, with water, dissolved salts and insoluble mineral solids comprising at least in part a weighting material of a grain size such that its D50 ranges between 1 and 25 ?m and in part colloids of a grain size such that its D50 ranges between 0.2 and 2 ?m. The total volume fraction of the solids ranges between 30 and 50% in relation to the total volume, and the total volume comprises at least 10% by volume of the colloids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: IFP, Total S.A.
    Inventors: Yannick Peysson, David Pasquier
  • Patent number: 8563481
    Abstract: A corrosion control system is disclosed including an anionic oxygen inhibitor, a cationic acid inhibitor or dispersant, and a noxious species inhibitor or scavenger for use in a fluid in contact with a metallic surface at low temperature, moderate temperature and especially at high temperature. A drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid and a geothermal fluid including an effective amount of the corrosion control system is also disclosed as well as methods for making and using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clearwater International LLC
    Inventors: Larry W. Gatlin, Khalid Ali Shah
  • Patent number: 8563479
    Abstract: Drilling mud compositions and related methods are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The drilling mud compositions are water-based and contain volcanic ash. The compositions and methods of the present invention provide improved properties relative to tolerance of high salt content, cement, lime, and temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Md. Amanullah, Abdulaziz S. Bubshait, Omar A. Fuwaires
  • Publication number: 20130244910
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation, comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a drilling fluid and lost circulation material into a lost circulation zone within the wellbore, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a polyelectrolyte multilayer material and a first counterion. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a drilling fluid and a lost circulation material comprising a polyelectrolyte multilayer material and a counterion comprising a halide, wherein the LCM has a first state that is hydrophilic. A tunable lost circulation material comprising a base material, a polyelectrolyte multilayer on said base material, wherein the polyelectrolyte multilayer comprises a first electrolyte layer, a second electrolyte layer, and a charged surface, and a counterion, wherein wettability of the lost circulation material is a function of the counterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Wayne LIVANEC, Matthew Lynn MILLER
  • Publication number: 20130233623
    Abstract: A method of strengthening subterranean formation by drilling and completing a wellbore penetrating at least one unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation, the method comprising: (a) drilling at least one interval of the wellbore that penetrates the unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation using a drilling mud comprising a base fluid comprising an aqueous phase containing up to 25% weight by volume (% w/v) of a water soluble silicate, wherein the drilling mud has an acid-soluble particulate bridging solid suspended therein that is formed from a salt of a multivalent cation, wherein the salt of the multivalent cation is capable of providing dissolved multivalent cations when in the presence of an acid; (b) subsequently introducing a breaker fluid containing an acid and/or an acid precursor into the wellbore; (c) allowing the breaker fluid to soak in the interval that penetrates the unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation for a predetermined period and strengthening formation by reacting wit
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Mark Shelton Aston, Dana Aytkhozhina
  • Publication number: 20130217603
    Abstract: The present invention relates to particles that are useful for enhancing hindered settling in suspensions. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a subterranean treatment fluid including a base fluid and a weighting agent having a first average settling velocity; and a neutral-density particle; and mixing the subterranean treatment fluid with the neutral-density particle thereby reducing the weighting agent to a second average settling velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Jamison, Stephen W. Almond
  • Publication number: 20130206479
    Abstract: A drilling fluid and method for drilling in a coal containing formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 0.05% calcium sulfate; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a coal seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: TECH-STAR FLUID SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Carl Keith Smith
  • Patent number: 8476201
    Abstract: Invert emulsion drilling fluids that have extended emulsion stability and reduced sag potential are described herein. The drilling fluids comprise an invert emulsion, a weighting agent, and a plurality of colloidal particles. The invert emulsion comprises an oleaginous fluid continuous phase, an aqueous fluid internal phase, and a surfactant. At least a portion of the plurality of colloidal particles interact with the surfactant to form an associative supporting structure that inhibits sag of the weighting agent. In some embodiments, the weighting agent comprises barite particles, particularly barite particles that are less than about 45 ?m in size. Methods for placing the invert emulsion drilling fluids in a subterranean formation via a wellbore are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey James Miller, Nicholas Braley, Donald R. Siems, Patrick Chris Baker, Dale Jamison
  • Publication number: 20130160998
    Abstract: Compositions of lost circulation materials are provided that are useful for identifying the location of fluid loss in a wellbore. The compositions include additives which enhance a property of the composition such that they can be detected by an LWD or MWD tool capable of measuring the property when the composition is deployed in a region of loss, and can be distinguished by the LWD or MWD tool from the formation and mud fluid. Methods are also provided for using the composition to detect the location of fluid loss and for controlling the loss of fluid from the wellbore. The methods involve deploying the compositions in loss regions by adding the compositions to drilling mud, and measuring a property of the compositions using an LWD or MWD tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Francois M. Auzerais, Dzevat Omeragic, Slaheddine Kefi, Dean M. Homan, John P. Horkowitz, Benoit Vidick, Dominique Malard, Robert Utter, Andrew Hawthorn
  • Publication number: 20130157903
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8455404
    Abstract: Additives and treatment fluids with improved shale inhibition, and associated methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. The additives and treatment fluids used generally comprise a shale-inhibiting component and one or more silicates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Elaine Harrower, Arthur Youngson, Colin Temple
  • Publication number: 20130130945
    Abstract: Invert emulsion drilling fluids that have extended emulsion stability and reduced sag potential can be realized through incorporation of colloidal particles therein. The invert emulsion drilling fluids can be free of organophilic clays. The organophilic clay-free drilling fluids can comprise: an oleaginous fluid continuous phase; an aqueous fluid internal phase; a surfactant; a weighting agent; and a plurality of colloidal particles, the colloidal particles comprising fibrous colloidal particles and at least one other type of colloidal particle; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of colloidal particles interact with the surfactant to form an associative supporting structure that inhibits sag of the weighting agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130116155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a powdery composition comprising a chloride selected from sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride and mixtures thereof; metal particles of zinc and/or of aluminium and/or a metal salt; and optionally another corrosion inhibitor, and its method of preparation. It also relates to the use of metal particles in such compositions to protect steel or iron structures against the corrosion induced by chloride ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HITAM FRANCE
    Inventor: HITAM FRANCE
  • Publication number: 20130109597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nanoparticle smart tags and the use of nanoparticle smart tags in the detection of analyte. In particular, the present invention relates to nanoparticle smart tags that may be used in subgeologic formations to detect analytes of interest in real-time. One embodiment of the present invention provides a suspension having a nanoparticle smart tag analyte complex formed by an interaction having a nanoparticle smart tag and an analyte; and a subterranean treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Diptabhas Sarkar, Charles R. Landis, Ryan P. Collins
  • Patent number: 8424619
    Abstract: This invention is based upon the finding that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially utilized in drilling fluids that are utilized in drilling subterreanean wells. For instance, it has been unexpectedly found that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially used as total or partial replacements for organoclays in oil based drilling fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Eliokem S.A.S.
    Inventors: Cecile Mazard, Bertrand Guichard, Andrea Valenti
  • Patent number: 8394743
    Abstract: A water-based, shear-thinning process fluid comprises bentonite, aluminum hydroxide particles, and salt. The median diameter (by weight) of the aluminum hydroxide particles does not exceed 2 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Felix Van Der Kooij, Henk Lekkerkerker, Edo Sicco Boek
  • Patent number: 8393411
    Abstract: Methods for drilling and treating for lost returns continuously while drilling are provided. High fluid loss drilling fluid is used, along with particulate material that forms an immobile mass in hydraulic fractures to prevent their growth. The particulate material may be selected based on the predicted size of a hydraulic fracture, based on particle size to minimize fines, based on specific gravity to attain high solids content for a selected fluid density, and/or based on permeability of the particles to attain a high spurt loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Fred E. Dupriest, Martin V. Smith, Sabine C. Zeilinger, Chinar R. Aphale
  • Patent number: 8389447
    Abstract: An additive composition including a synergistic combination of a hectorite organoclay composition and an attapulgite organoclay composition. The hectorite organoclay composition includes (i) a first organic cation provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; and ii) a second organic cation wherein such second organic cation is not provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt. The attapulgite organoclay composition includes (iii) a third organic cation provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt; and (iv) a fourth organic cation wherein such third organic cation is not provided by an alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Elementis Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dino, Jeffrey Thompson
  • Patent number: 8387723
    Abstract: A drilling fluid and method for drilling in a coal containing formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 1% potassium salt; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a coal seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tech-Star Fluid Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Alexandru Stoian, Carl Keith Smith
  • Publication number: 20130045897
    Abstract: An amphiphilic nanoparticle comprises a nanoparticle having a hydrophilic region comprising a hydrophilic functional group bonded to a first portion of a surface of the nanoparticle, and a hydrophobic region of a surface of the nanoparticle. A downhole fluid comprises the amphiphilic nanoparticle, and a method of controlling an oil spill using the downhole fluid are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Soma Chakraborty, Gaurav Agrawal
  • Patent number: 8371381
    Abstract: Mixtures of fibers and solid particles are effective for curing fluid losses and lost circulation in a subterranean well. Stiff fibers are more effective than flexible ones; however, mixtures of stiff and flexible fibers have a synergistic effect. The quantity and particle-size distribution of the solids are optimized according to the stiffness, dimensions and concentrations of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nikhil Shindgikar, Jesse Lee, Slaheddine Kefi, Chrystel Cambus-Brunet, Michel Ermel
  • Patent number: 8338340
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Tech-Star Fluid Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Alexandru Stoian, Carl Keith Smith
  • Publication number: 20120322695
    Abstract: Method for controlling lost circulation in a subterranean well using oil-dispersible lost-circulation materials which comprise fibers that are coated (or sized) with a lipophilic coupling agent, a lipophilic film-forming polymer or both. The fibers are preferably between about 6 mm and about 25 mm long, and between about 10 ?m and about 200 ?m in diameter. The fibers may be added to carrier fluids comprising oil-base fluids, synthetic-base fluids, invert-emulsion-base fluids and combinations thereof. The preferred fiber concentration in the carrier fluid is between about 0.55 g/L and about 28.5 g/L. The carrier fluid may be a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid or a lost-circulation pill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Slaheddine Kefi, Jesse C. Lee, Chrystel Brunet-Cambus, Nikhil Shindgikar
  • Patent number: 8324135
    Abstract: Aqueous fluids comprising polysaccharide, dissolved salt, and borate anions. The fluids are useful, for example, as a drilling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Hunter, Jean-Marie Ruckebusch, Adriana Paiva
  • Patent number: 8324136
    Abstract: A drilling fluid lubricant and method for drilling using same comprising a blend of beads having varying densities such that the beads provide lubricity at both the top and bottom portions of a horizontal drill string during horizontal, directional, or expanded extended reach drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Grinding & Sizing Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Ruark, Robert W. Pike
  • Patent number: 8309497
    Abstract: Drilling fluids comprising a carrier fluid; a weighting agent that comprises sub-micron precipitated barite; a particle having a specific gravity of greater than about 2.6; and, a bridging agent that is not the submicron-precipitated barite or the particle. The weighting agent has a particle size distribution such that at least 10% of particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.2 microns, at least 50% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.3 microns and at least 90% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.5 microns. The particle has a specific gravity of greater than about 2.6 is not sub-micron precipitated barite. The ratio of the sub-micron precipitated barite to the particle is about 10:90 to about 99:1. The bridging agent comprises a degradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ying Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120277125
    Abstract: An oil-based masterbatch in the form of granules containing carbon nanotubes. Also, a method for preparing an oil-based masterbatch in the form of granules containing carbon nanotubes. Also, the use of an oil-based masterbatch in the form of granules containing carbon nanotubes for manufacturing an aqueous or organic viscoelastic fluid, intended for drilling in underground formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: ARKEMA FRANCE
    Inventors: Alexander Korzhenko, Mickael Havel, Catherine Bluteau
  • Patent number: 8281859
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise cement kiln dust having a mean particle size that has been altered. An embodiment discloses a subterranean treatment method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises cement kiln dust having a mean particle size that has been altered from its original size by grinding, separating, or a combination thereof. Another embodiment discloses a subterranean treatment method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises cement kiln dust having a mean particle size that has been reduced from its original size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Roddy, Jiten Chatterji, Chad Brenneis, Callie R. Jarratt
  • Publication number: 20120245059
    Abstract: An improved drilling and completion fluid can be used in subterranean drilling for oil and gas. Sodium silicate and potassium silicate-based drilling fluids are commonly used drilling fluids with the notable attributes of exceptional shale stabilization characteristics coupled with exceptional environmental performance Environmental and wellbore stabilization characteristics are improved by using high ratio aqueous silicates wherein ratio is defined as the molar ratio of SiO2:Me2O, where Me is an alkali and is most commonly sodium or potassium (i.e. Na2O and K2O). For high ratio aqueous alkali silicates, the molar ratio of SiO2:Me2O can range from just over 4.0 to about 12.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120245058
    Abstract: A base fluid may contain graphene nanoparticles where the base fluid may include an oil-based fluid, a water-based fluid, and combinations thereof. The oil-based fluid may be a brine-in-oil emulsion, or a water-in-oil emulsion, and the water-based fluid may be an oil-in-water emulsion, or an oil-in-brine emulsion; and combinations thereof. The addition of graphene nanoparticles to the base fluid may improve one or more properties of the fluid, which may include the flow assurance properties of the fluid, the fluid loss control properties of the fluid, the rheological properties of the fluid, the stability of the fluid, the lubricity of the fluid, the electrical properties of the fluid, the viscosity of the fluid, the thermal properties of the fluid, and combinations thereof. The fluid may be a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid, and/or a servicing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Othon Monteiro, Lirio Quintero
  • Publication number: 20120227968
    Abstract: Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Eldred, Brett A. Wilson, Clayton F. Gardinier, Robert J. Duenckel