Polysaccharide Is A Xanthan (e.g., Scleroglucans, Etc.) Patents (Class 507/213)
  • Publication number: 20120283152
    Abstract: A well treatment composition comprises: an aqueous liquid; a fluid loss additive, wherein the fluid loss additive comprises a high molecular weight, water-swellable polymer; and an amphiphilic dispersant, wherein the well treatment composition has an activity of at least 10%. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, the cement composition comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the well treatment composition; and allowing the cement composition to set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Abhijit TARAFDAR, Remitha AK, Rahul Chandrakant PATIL, Vikrant WAGLE
  • Patent number: 8293688
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enhanced oil recovery composition comprising (a) a surfactant comprising an alkylated hydroxyaromatic sulfonate having the general formula: wherein R1 is an alkyl group containing from about 8 to 40 carbon atoms and having from about 20% to about 50% methyl branching, and M is a mono-valent cation; (b) a solvent; (c) a passivator; and (d) a polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Oronite Company LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Bay Campbell, Yat Fan Suen
  • Publication number: 20120252707
    Abstract: The current application discloses a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a non-hydrolyzed polyacrylamide or a nonhydrolyzed non ionic copolymer of acrylamide, and a delaying agent; and treating the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Lijun Lin
  • Publication number: 20120247774
    Abstract: A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a viscosifying agent, a breaker, and a breaker aid wherein the breaker aid slowly releases a catalyst, wherein the viscosifying agent and the breaker in the carrier fluid have an initial viscosity and the catalyst and the breaker cooperate to decrease the viscosity of the treatment fluid below half of the initial viscosity after at least 30 minutes; and treating the subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: LEIMING LI, LIJUN LIN
  • Publication number: 20120231982
    Abstract: A well treatment method includes drawing a solvent to a first pump, drawing a wetting liquid to a second pump, pumping the wetting liquid through a polymer mixer using the second pump, combining polymer with the wetting liquid to produce a slurry containing undissolved polymer, and combining the slurry with the solvent upstream from the first pump. Another well treatment method includes increasing dissolution time of the polymer by providing a buffering agent in the wetting liquid before combining the wetting liquid and the polymer. A well treatment system includes a polymer mixing subsystem with a mix loop having a mix loop inlet line from a first pump feed line and a mix loop outlet line back to the first pump feed line, the mix loop outlet line containing a polymer mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Weinstein, Richard S. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20120220503
    Abstract: The concentrate solution for the crosslinking of polymers comprises water, polyol, a viscosifying agent, a first borate ion in solution, and a crosslinking agent able to release a second borate ion, wherein the second borate ion is not in solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Javier Sanchez Reyes, Michael D. Parris
  • Publication number: 20120149606
    Abstract: A method includes performing a chemical process to create a chemical product and an amount of heat, and transferring the heat to a first fluid. The method further includes hydrating a polymer in the first fluid, and adding the chemical product from the chemical process to the first fluid to create a treatment fluid. The method further includes diluting the treatment fluid with respect to at least one constituent of the treatment fluid. The method includes treating a formation of interest in a wellbore with the treatment fluid. The method includes changing a formulation of the treatment fluid during the treating. The method also includes extending the treating beyond a design amount, or ending the treatment before the design amount and preserving some reagents of the chemical process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos Abad, Hemant K. Ladva, Lijun Lin, Yiyan Chen
  • Patent number: 8198220
    Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods utilize hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. The polymers may exhibit physical association in solution at a specific temperature so as to provide a significant increase in viscosity at the specific temperature. The viscosity of such systems is substantially increased by the further inclusion of one or more hydrophilic components that may exhibit physical association in solution at one or more temperature trigger points and also associate with the one or more hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Philip S. Smith, Dale L. Handlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120055676
    Abstract: Water soluble uncrosslinked polysaccharides may be fluid loss control agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for stimulation (e.g. fracturing) or well completion in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The VES fluid may further include proppant or gravel, if it is intended for use as a fracturing fluid or a gravel packing fluid, although such uses do not require that the fluid contain proppant or gravel. The water soluble uncrosslinked polysaccharide fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to guar gum and derivatives thereof; cellulose and derivatives thereof; propylene glycol alginate; salts (e.g. sodium, potassium, and calcium salts) of iota, kappa, and lambda carrageenan; agar-agar; xanthan gum; and the like; and/or mixtures thereof. The fluid loss control agent may be added to the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid prior to VES addition, and/or at the same time and/or after the VES is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: William Russell Wood
  • Publication number: 20120035085
    Abstract: A method of preparing and using a drag-reducing composition in a well treatment operation includes the step of preparing the drag-reducing composition by mixing a polymer emulsion that includes a first surfactant and a first solvent, with a second surfactant and a second solvent. The method continues with the step of combining the drag-reducing composition with an aqueous treatment fluid. The method further includes the step of injecting the drag-reducing composition and aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, a pipeline or a gathering line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: CESI CHEMICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Earl Parnell, Todd Sanner, Marlin Holtmyer, David Philpot, Andrei Zelenev, Gydeon Gilzow, Lakia Champagne, Thomas Sifferman
  • Patent number: 8105985
    Abstract: Adding relatively low molecular weight water-soluble friction loss reduction polymers to an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) increases the critical generalized Reynold's number at which the Fanning friction factor increases and friction pressure starts to increase rapidly. The water-soluble polymeric friction loss reduction additives lower surface pumping pressure in VES-gelled fracturing fluids for a given pump rate, thus lowering hydraulic horsepower (HHP) requirements for pumping fluids downhole, e.g. for hydraulic fracturing or frac packing treatments of subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William Russell Wood, James B. Crews
  • Publication number: 20120004148
    Abstract: Treatment of a subterranean formation can be conducted with viscosified treatment fluids that comprise a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent that comprises a copolymer comprising at least one boronic acid monomer unit and at least one water-soluble monomer unit; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Ogle, Jeremy Holtsclaw, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 8088719
    Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising gelling agents that comprise crosslinkable polymers and certain biopolymers, and methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a crosslinking agent; and a gelling agent comprising a polymer that is a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer that is a biopolymer wherein a molecule of the biopolymer (1) consists only of glucose, or (2) has a backbone comprising one or more units that comprise at least (a) one glucose unit and (b) one linear or cyclic pyranose-type monosaccharide unit, wherein (a) and (b) have different molecular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold G. Walters, Billy F. Slabaugh, Jason Bryant
  • Patent number: 8076270
    Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods utilize hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. The polymers may exhibit physical association in solution at a specific temperature so as to provide a significant increase in viscosity at the specific temperature. The viscosity of such systems is substantially increased by the further inclusion of one or more hydrophilic components that may exhibit physical association in solution at one or more temperature trigger points and also associate with the one or more hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA Inc.
    Inventors: Philip S. Smith, Dale L. Handlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110275546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of foaming formulations for high temperature, salinity and concentration of divalent ions, such as Calcium and Magnesium, that apply the synergistic effect of sodium alpha olefin sulfonates and alkyl amido propyl betaines; said inventions may use, as solvent, water, sea water, connate water, alcohols or mixtures all thereof. Said formulations control the piping of gas in reservoirs of the naturally fractured carbonate type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: INSTITUTO MEXICANO DEL PETROLEO
    Inventors: Luis Silvestre Zamudio Rivera, Simon López Ramírez, Cecilia de loss Ángele Durán Valencia, Raúl Hernández Altamirano, Violeta Yasmín Mena Cervantes, Norma Araceli García Muñoz, Alfredo Ríos Reyes, Alejandro Ortega Rodríguez, José Luis Mendoza De La Cruz, Marcelo Lozada Ycassou, Eduardo Buenrostro González
  • Patent number: 8043999
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including providing a treatment composition comprising a rheological polymer, a partitioning agent, a charged polyelectrolyte, and a first liquid medium, forming a stabilized heterogeneous mixture comprising a dispersed rheological polymer-rich phase and a partitioning agent-rich phase, and injecting the treatment fluid into the well bore. The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing a well treatment fluid, including mixing polyethylene glycol partitioning agent, a charged polyelectrolyte, a first aqueous medium, and one or more rheological polymers selected from the group consisting of guar, modified guar, cellulose, modified cellulose, heteropolysaccharide, heteropolysaccharide derivative, or polyacrylamide, to hydrate the one or more polymers and form a water-in-water emulsion, and mixing the water-in-water emulsion with a second aqueous medium to form a well treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Philip F. Sullivan, Gary John Tustin, Christelle Vatry
  • Publication number: 20110245113
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation with a xanthan-viscosified cesium formate brine wherein the pH and/or another characteristic selected from density, xanthan loading, sodium formate loading, potassium formate loading and combinations thereof are modified to delay solid hydrogel formation and maintain pumpability. Also disclosed is a method of delaying onset of solid hydrogel formation, in a gel comprising cesium formate brine viscosified with xanthan polymer, comprises introducing acid into the brine in an amount effective for a pH from 7 to 11, wherein the acid introduction is before, during or after xanthan viscosification and prior to hydrogel formation, wherein the hydrogel formation in the acidified gel occurs at a later time relative to the same gel at a natural pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alhad Phatak
  • Publication number: 20110198089
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid, proppant, a viscosifying agent and a viscosifier material, wherein the viscosifier material is inactive in a first state and is able to increase viscosity of the treatment fluid when in a second state; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore; and, allowing the treatment fluid to interact with a trigger able to activate the viscosifier material from first state to second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Mohan K.R. Panga, Bruno Drochon, Isabelle Couillet, Juan-Carlos Santamaria, Peter J. Photos, John W. Still
  • Publication number: 20110152133
    Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael W. Sanders, Jeffrey L. Mundy, Fong Fong Foo, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Publication number: 20110152132
    Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Michael W. Sanders, Jeffrey L. Mundy, Fong Fong Foo, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7960315
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a acidic treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, an acid composition, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be allowed to interact with a component of the subterranean formation so that the component is at least partially dissolved. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7928040
    Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Sanders, Jeffrey L. Mundy, Fong Fong Foo, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7923414
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to a composition and a method for tailoring the rheology of a fluid for use in the oil field services industry including forming a fluid comprising a tetrakis(hydroxyalkyl) phosphonium salt and a polymer, and exposing the fluid to a temperature of about 20° C. to about 200° C., wherein a viscosity is observed that is at least about 5 percent different than if no salt were present. Embodiments of this invention also relate to a composition and a method for tailoring the rheology of a fluid for use in the oil field services industry including forming a fluid comprising a tetrakis(hydroxyalkyl) phosphonium salt and diutan and/or guar and/or guar derivatives and/or a combination thereof, and exposing the fluid to a temperature of about 20° C. to about 163° C., wherein a viscosity is observed that is at least about 5 percent lower than if no salt were present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Leiming Li, Mathew M. Samuel, Syed Ali
  • Patent number: 7923417
    Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Sanders, Jeffrey L. Mundy, Fong Fong Foo, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7910524
    Abstract: Treatment fluids are provided that include a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan, and at least a plurality of particulates. Additional treatment fluids are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7906463
    Abstract: A well stimulation fluid includes water, a polymer, and a biocide consisting of 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione in an amount effective to inhibit bacterial growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kemira Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Joe Starkey, II, Geoffrey Allen Monteith, Carl Wilhelm Aften
  • Publication number: 20110053811
    Abstract: Methods for remediation and/or prevention of polymer deposition on surfaces, in particular, on surfaces of drilling machinery and earth formations in the petroleum industry are described herein. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of remediating xanthan deposition, the method including the steps of contacting xanthan deposition, including xanthan complexed with polyvalent metal ions, with a remediation fluid containing at least one chelating agent; and allowing the fluid to dissolve the xanthan deposition. Also disclosed is a method of preventing polymer deposition, including emplacing a wellbore fluid including a crosslinkable polymer and at least one chelating agent in a wellbore; wherein the at least one chelating agent complexes with polyvalent metal ions present in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert L. Horton, Michael T. Darring, Hiram Molina
  • Patent number: 7896075
    Abstract: Subterranean treatment fluids that exhibit enhanced particulate transport or suspension capabilities, and associated methods of use in certain subterranean treatments are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a linear gelled fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a plurality of particulates, and a linear particulate transport enhancing additive, the linear gelled fluid having a certain yield stress, crossover frequency, and/or particulate settling time; introducing the linear gelled fluid into the subterranean formation; and using the linear gelled fluid to create or enhance at least one fracture in at least a portion of the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold G. Walters, Jason E. Bryant, Phillip C. Harris
  • Patent number: 7897545
    Abstract: Additives that may be useful in preventing fluid loss in certain subterranean formations and associated methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise: providing a low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer; and introducing the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve F. Wilson, Jimmie D. Weaver, Karen Savery
  • Publication number: 20110046024
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enhanced oil recovery composition comprising (a) a surfactant comprising an alkylated hydroxyaromatic sulfonate having the general formula: wherein R1 is an alkyl group containing from about 8 to 40 carbon atoms and having from about 20% to about 50% methyl branching, and M is a mono-valent cation; (b) a solvent; (c) a passivator; and (d) a polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Curtis Bay Campbell, Yat Fan Suen
  • Publication number: 20110034352
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to a composition and a method for tailoring the rheology of a fluid for use in the oil field services industry including forming a fluid comprising a tetrakis(hydroxyalkyl) phosphonium salt and a polymer, and exposing the fluid to a temperature of about 20° C. to about 200° C., wherein a viscosity is observed that is at least about 5 percent different than if no salt were present. Embodiments of this invention also relate to a composition and a method for tailoring the rheology of a fluid for use in the oil field services industry including forming a fluid comprising a tetrakis(hydroxyalkyl) phosphonium salt and diutan and/or guar and/or guar derivatives and/or a combination thereof, and exposing the fluid to a temperature of about 20° C. to about 163° C., wherein a viscosity is observed that is at least about 5 percent lower than if no salt were present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Leiming Li, Mathew M. Samuel, Syed Ali
  • Publication number: 20110028355
    Abstract: A method of making phenol and alkylphenol ethoxylates non-estrogenic by inserting 1 mole of propylene oxide onto the phenolic group before proceeding with the addition of ethylene oxide or mixtures of ethylene and propylene oxide. The final phenolic products can be further reacted to form sulfates, sulfonates, phosphate esters, condensed alkylphenol alkoxylates and other derivatives of alkylphenol or phenol. Non-estrogenic phenol and alkylphenol alkoxylates and their derivatives have been found to be excellent salt tolerant, high temperature stable surfactants for oil recovery from subterranean reservoirs. These products are also useful in forming emulsions of heavy crude for transportation through pipelines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: OIL CHEM TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Paul Berger, Christie Berger
  • Publication number: 20100323929
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a portion of a well. The method according to this aspect comprises the steps of: (A) forming a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a water-soluble polymer; (iii) a complexed metal cation that: (a) has a valence state of at least three; and (b) is capable of cross-linking the water-soluble polymer; and (iv) an aromatic compound that is capable of dissolving, melting, or chemically decomposing, dissociating, or reacting, to form a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent comprising vicinal substituents containing donor heteroatoms, and wherein the chelating agent is capable of chelating the metal cation; and (B) introducing the treatment fluid into the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: B. Raghava Reddy, Rajesh K. Saini, Sherry G. Gaskins
  • Publication number: 20100311621
    Abstract: A method for viscosifying brine systems utilized in oilfield applications comprising: a) preparing a heavy brine system comprising obtaining an aqueous brine system comprising a hydrated polysaccharide and at least one multivalent salt, wherein the density of the aqueous brine system is greater than about 10 pounds per gallon (ppg), and adding an effective amount of an alkaline agent, thereby increasing the viscosity of the brine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Subramanian Kesavan, Manilal S. Dahanayake, Gary Woodward
  • Patent number: 7846877
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a portion of a well and include the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution comprises: (i) water; (ii) a water-soluble polysaccharide; (iii) one or more water-soluble salts, wherein the one or more salts are selected and are in at least a sufficient concentration such that the water-salt solution has a density of at least 10 ppg; and (iv) urea; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the portion of the well. According to the inventions, the concentration of the urea in the water is in at least a sufficient concentration such that aqueous solution: (1) has a G? of at least 2 Pa, or (2) is filterable. According to the inventions, an identical aqueous solution except with less than the sufficient concentration of the urea would not satisfy the above conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20100298177
    Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a portion of a well and include the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution comprises: (i) water; (ii) a water-soluble polysaccharide; (iii) one or more water-soluble salts, wherein the one or more salts are selected and are in at least a sufficient concentration such that the water-salt solution has a density of at least 10 ppg; and (iv) urea; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the portion of the well. According to the inventions, the concentration of the urea in the water is in at least a sufficient concentration such that aqueous solution: (1) has a G? of at least 2 Pa, or (2) is filterable. According to the inventions, an identical aqueous solution except with less than the sufficient concentration of the urea would not satisfy the above conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7833950
    Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Willberg, Christopher N. Fredd, Marina Bulova
  • Patent number: 7825073
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a viscosified treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a clarified xanthan; and placing the viscosified treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the method comprises placing the viscosified treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the viscosified treatment fluid may also comprise a plurality of particulates. In some embodiments, the viscosified treatment fluids may be placed into at least a portion of a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Michael W. Sanders, Jeffery L. Mundy, Sean R. Beach, Richard W. Pauls, Phillip C. Harris, Stanley J. Heath, David E. McMechan, Christina A. Parkinson, Harold G. Walters, Jason E. Bryant, Trinidad Munoz, Rajesh K. Saini, Bobby J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20100256023
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of formulating a treatment fluid and introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore. The treatment fluid comprises water; diutan; and a sufficient amount of salt to increase the density of the treatment fluid to at least 8.5 lb/gal, wherein at least 50% by weight of the salt is selected from the group consisting of: bromide salts, non-bromide salts having a higher salting-in effect than bromide according to the Hofmeister series as measured by the salt's effect on the cloud point of poly(ethylene oxide) that has a molecular weight of 4×106, and any combination in any proportion thereof. The invention also provides a treatment fluid for use in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the treatment fluid comprising: water; diutan; and a sufficient amount of salt to increase the density of the treatment fluid to at least 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Ian D. Robb, Bobby J. Bums
  • Publication number: 20100230106
    Abstract: A fluid comprising a viscous hyposaline aqueous solution of first and second cationic polymers comprising quaternized ammonium groups, wherein the first cationic polymer comprises a hydrophilic base polymer structure and the second cationic polymer comprises a lipophilic base polymer structure, and a method comprising introducing the viscous fluid into an initial first interval of a subterranean formation, and diverting with the viscous fluid a treating fluid from the initial first interval to an initial second interval. The fluid and method are useful to modify a hydrocarbon reservoir formation for improved relative permeability of oil with respect to water to enhance hydrocarbon production from the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Arthur Milne, Eric Gin Wai Lian, Sandra Janette Montoya Padilla, Mario Ulloa, Frederic Vincent Martin, Mathew M. Samuel
  • Patent number: 7795186
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for generating acids for use downhole, for example, to break fluid-loss control pills. The delayed-release acid breakers of the present invention comprise orthoesters and/or poly(orthoesters).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh K. Saini, Karen Savery, Bradley L. Todd
  • Publication number: 20100204069
    Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing is conducted by use of a well treatment fluid which contains a guar gum derivative as viscosifying or gelling polymer, an organic zirconate complex of a zirconium metal and an alkanol amine as crosslinking agent and a hydroxylated glycine as crosslinking delaying agent. The fluid is characterized by a low pH, generally greater than or equal to 3.0 and less than or equal to 5.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Hoang Van Le, Paul Carman, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta
  • Publication number: 20100186957
    Abstract: A pill for wellbore operations, that includes a base fluid; and at least two polymers that interact to form a gelatinous structure characterized as isolating and controllably transmitting hydrostatic pressure between a first wellbore fluid above the pill in a wellbore and a second wellbore fluid below the pill in the wellbore is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Ole Iacob Prebensen, Monica Norman, Anne-Marie Friestad, Egil Ronaes
  • Patent number: 7754658
    Abstract: Many methods are provided herein including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: providing a fluid that comprises an acid, crosslinked oxidized xanthan, and optionally, a base fluid; placing the fluid in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the fluid to acidize at least a portion of the formation or damage contained therein. In another embodiment, herein provided is a fluid for subterranean uses comprising an acid and crosslinked, oxidized xanthan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7741251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to well bore stabilization and, more particularly, to treatment fluids that may reduce the tendency of shales to swell and associated methods. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of stabilizing a subterranean formation that comprises a shale, the method comprising contacting the subterranean formation that comprises the shale with a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, and a hydrophobically modified polymer. In other embodiments, the treatment fluids comprise a base fluid and a hydrophilically modified polymer. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides shale-inhibiting components, treatment fluids, and methods of reducing the tendency of shale to swell when exposed to a treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry S. Eoff, B. Raghava Reddy, J. Michael Wilson
  • Patent number: 7741253
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a viscosified treatment fluid comprising: providing a treatment fluid that comprises water and a gelling agent; contacting the treatment fluid with a boronic acid crosslinking agent so as to form a crosslinked gelling agent, wherein the boronic acid crosslinking agent comprises a compound having the formula: The present invention also provides methods of crosslinking gelling agent molecules, methods of treating a subterranean formation, methods of reusing viscosified treatment fluids, methods of fracturing subterranean formations, and methods of placing a gravel pack in subterranean formations. The present invention also provides boronic acid crosslinking agents and viscosified treatment fluids that comprise crosslinked gelling agents, the crosslinked gelling agent being formed from a reaction comprising a gelling agent and a boronic acid crosslinking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Hanes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7727937
    Abstract: Acidic treatment fluids used in industrial and/or subterranean operations, and more particularly, acidic treatment fluids comprising clarified xanthan gelling agents, and methods of use in industrial and/or subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the acidic treatment fluids comprise an aqueous base fluid, an acid, and a gelling agent comprising clarified xanthan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton
  • Patent number: 7727936
    Abstract: Acidic treatment fluids used in industrial and/or subterranean operations, and more particularly, acidic treatment fluids comprising clarified xanthan gelling agents, and methods of use in industrial and/or subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing an acidic treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, an acid, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified xanthan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Pauls, Thomas D. Welton
  • Publication number: 20100081586
    Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods utilize hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups. The polymers may exhibit physical association in solution at a specific temperature so as to provide a significant increase in viscosity at the specific temperature. The viscosity of such systems is substantially increased by the further inclusion of one or more hydrophilic components that may exhibit physical association in solution at one or more temperature trigger points and also associate with the one or more hydrophilic polymers modified by the incorporation of one or more hydrophilic side groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Philip S. Smith, Dale L. Handlin, JR.
  • Patent number: 7687441
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the viscosity of a treatment fluid comprising the steps of: adding a networking agent to the treatment fluid, wherein the networking agent is represented by the formula: Y—X—[B(OR)2]n, wherein: Y is at least partially capable of forming a crosslink between a gelling agent molecule, a second networking agent, and/or a combination thereof; X is at least partially capable of preventing or inhibiting a reaction represented by the formula: ROH+R?B(OR)2?R?OH+B(OR)3; R and R? are a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a combination thereof; and n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; allowing at least one crosslink to form between the networking agent and a gelling agent molecule, a second networking agent, and/or a combination thereof; and allowing the viscosity of the treatment fluid to increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Hanes, Jr., Jimmie D. Weaver, Billy F. Slabaugh