Organic Component Is A Fat, Fatty Alcohol, Fatty Oil, Ester-type Wax, Fatty Still Residue, Or Higher Fatty Acid Or Salt Thereof Patents (Class 507/265)
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Patent number: 7939474Abstract: Wellbore servicing fluids and methods of using the same to service a wellbore in a subterranean formation are provided. A filter cake in the wellbore is contacted with the gravel packing fluid, which comprises an oil-soluble additive capable of removing the filter cake. The additive undergoes hydrolysis to produce an acid upon contacting water provided from, for example, water in the wellbore servicing fluid, connate water in the subterranean formation, water in the filter cake, water produced by the subterranean formation, water pumped into the wellbore, or combinations thereof. The acid dissolves particulates in the filter cake in situ. In an embodiment in which the wellbore servicing fluid serves as a gravel packing fluid, the fluid also deposits gravel along the face of the subterranean formation, forming a barrier against the migration of sand from the formation and into the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. Blauch, David W. Ritter, Sanjay Vitthal, R. Ashley Donaldson
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Patent number: 7932216Abstract: A substantially liquid gellant formed as one or more reaction products of a metal carboxylate or metal carboxylate amine salt, one or more organic acids, an ester which drives the reaction so that the reaction products are asymmetrical in structure, and a rheology modifier which preferentially interacts between the reaction products for prevent solidifying of the gellant reaction products until such time as the gellant is mixed with the fracturing fluid containing an activator after which the reaction products preferentially interact with the activator to gel the fracturing fluid. The resulting gellant is capable of gelling a hydrocarbon base fluid in less than about 30 seconds.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Weatherford Engineered Chemistry Canada LtdInventors: Clayton Smith, Simon John Michael Levey
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Publication number: 20110071060Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel foamer compositions for treatment of oil and gas wells to enhance production. The invention provides a method of foaming a fluid. The method includes introducing into the fluid a foam-forming amount of a composition comprising at least one long chain fatty acid and at least one organic solvent. An example of the long chain fatty acid is tall oil fatty acid and an example of the organic solvent is ethyleneglycol monobutyl ether.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventor: Duy T. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7897544Abstract: The invention discloses a compounded hydrocarbon oil which comprises a base hydrocarbon oil, preferably a mixture of paraffinic hydrocarbons, propylene carbonate, and a liquid fatty acid containing at least 12 carbon atoms per molecule, preferably tall oil fatty acid. The volume ratio of propylene carbonate to liquid fatty acid is from about 3.5 to 1 to about 7 to 1. Preferably the concentration of propylene carbonate is from about 0.002 gal/gal oil to about 0.0057 gal/gal oil and the concentration of the liquid fatty acid is from about 0.0003 gal/gal oil to about 0.0015 gal/gal oil. The invention further comprises a method of compounding the compounded hydrocarbon oil and an oil base drilling fluid prepared from the compounded hydrocarbon oil. Preferably the compounded hydrocarbon oil is characterized by an increase in the low shear rate viscosity of the oil of at least 5,000 centipoise or mixing 7.5 lb/bbl of an organoclay therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Texas United Chemical Company, LLCInventors: James W. Dobson, Jr., Jorge M. Fernandez, Kim O. Tresco, Abmel Marquez Perez
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Publication number: 20110021386Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating tight gas sand and shale subterranean formations, the method comprising: forming a solvent-surfactant blend by combining a solvent, a surfactant and a co-surfactant; adding a diluent to the solvent-surfactant blend to form a micro emulsion; wherein the wettability of the formation altered from water-wet to gas-wet, and the amount of water imbibed into the formation is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Syed A. Ali, Isabelle Couillet, Kevin W. England, Mathew M. Samuel
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Publication number: 20110015101Abstract: According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Sherry G. Gaskins, Jimmie D. Weaver, Phillip D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7863225Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to defoaming methods and compositions for well treatment fluids. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of defoaming a well treatment fluid, comprising combining a defoaming composition with the well treatment fluid, wherein the defoaming composition comprises an amide of a carboxylic acid, a polypropylene glycol, an ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohol, an ethoxylated alcohol comprising from 3 carbons to 6 carbons, and a hydrophobic silica in an amount of up to about 3% by weight of the defoaming composition.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Bobby J. King
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Publication number: 20100323932Abstract: A method is disclosed where introducing into a wellbore a degradable material stabilized in a non-aqueous based fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Oscar Bustos, Syed A. Ali, Mohan K.R. Panga
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Publication number: 20100319919Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation includes pumping into a cased, perforated wellbore that intersects the formation an invert emulsion kill fluid, the invert emulsion kill fluid comprising: an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; at least one degradable material; and at least one bridging material; contacting the formation with the kill fluid; and allowing the degradable material to at least partially degrade.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicants: M-I L.L.C., SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Oscar Bustos, Syed Ali, Chau Nguyen
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Publication number: 20100314108Abstract: Dual-function nano-sized particles or nanoparticles may be effective at fixating or reducing fines migration and they may facilitate identification of a particular zone in a well having more than one zone. In some embodiments the dual-function nanoparticles are tagged with a detectable material that is distinguishable from the composition of the primary nanoparticle component. In these embodiments, the taggant material rather than the primary component of the nanoparticles may be used to enable identification of a particular zone. The nanoparticles (with or without taggant) may be added to a treatment fluid containing carrier particles such as proppant. The treatment fluid is pumped downhole to one of the zones; each zone receiving its own unique or uniquely-tagged nanoparticles. Should one of the zones fail, the composition of the nanoparticles (or its taggant) produced on the carrier particles may be correlated to the zone from which it was received, and hence produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, Othon Monteiro
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Publication number: 20100314113Abstract: Incorporating water-based polymer breakers, such as oxidizers, enzymes and/or acids, into a mixture of an oil and oil-soluble surfactants creates an emulsion that can then perform as a dual-functional breaker for reducing the viscosity of hybrid fluids gelled with both a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and a polymer. The outer phase of the dual-functional breaker emulsion is oil, e.g. a mineral oil, containing an oil-soluble surfactant that will, over time and with heat, break the VES portion of the gel. As it does so, the polymer breaker in the internal aqueous phase will be released to then break the polymer portion of the gel. The polymer breaker will not start to break the polymer gel before the oil-soluble surfactant starts to break the VES gel. The overall breaking using the emulsion is slower as compared to introducing the polymer breaker and the oil-soluble surfactant in a non-emulsified form.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews
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Patent number: 7851416Abstract: An oilfield servicing fluid composition containing an aldehyde guar produced by enzymatic oxidation of a non-derivatized, straight guar or of a guar derivative. The enzyme used to oxidize the guar to the aldehyde guar is galactose oxidase, which may be combined with catalase or catalase and peroxidase. The aldehyde guar is useful as an effective gelling agent for oilfield servicing fluids such as hydraulic fracturing fluids and stimulation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Hercules IncorporatedInventors: Mohand Melbouci, Tuyen T. Nguyen, Teng-Shau Young
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Patent number: 7846879Abstract: The present invention relates to acidic treatment fluids that comprise an acid fluid and an ester-containing quaternary ammonium compound (“esterquat”) and methods of their use. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting metal corrosion during a subterranean treatment operation comprising using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of reducing sludge formation during a subterranean treatment operation formation comprising the step of using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting the formation of emulsions during a subterranean treatment operation comprising using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an acidic subterranean treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Juanita M. Cassidy, Jim L. Lane, Chad E. Kiser
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Patent number: 7842650Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for producing foams, in particular for mineral oil and natural gas production.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventor: Ulrich Steinbrenner
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Patent number: 7833943Abstract: A method comprising contacting a zwitterionic surfactant, co-surfactant, and water to form a microemulsifier, and contacting the microemulsifier with an oleaginous fluid under low shear conditions to form a microemulsion. A method comprising introducing a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising at least one oleaginous fluid into a wellbore, wherein the first wellbore servicing fluid forms oil-wet solids and/or oil-wet surfaces in the wellbore, and contacting the oil-wet solids and/or oil-wet surfaces in the wellbore with a second wellbore servicing fluid comprising a zwitterionic surfactant, a co-surfactant, and a brine to form a microemulsion.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.Inventors: Ryan Van Zanten, Douglas J. Harrison
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Publication number: 20100286000Abstract: A fracturing fluid, gravel pack fluid and/or frac pack fluid containing particles such as proppants, gravel and/.or sand, may contain an effective amount of a nano-sized particulate additive to fixate or reduce fines migration, where the particulate additive is an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides piezoelectric crystals and pyroelectric crystals. The nano-sized particulate additive is optionally bound to the particles with a coating agent such as an oil, alcohol, glycol, glycol ethers, ketones, terpenes, etc. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale but may be a larger scale than nanometer but still relatively small, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help fixate the formation fines.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, John R. Willingham, James R. Pace, Christopher K. Belcher
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Patent number: 7825075Abstract: Piezoelectric crystal particles (which include pyroelectric crystal particles) enhance the viscosity of aqueous fluids that have increased viscosity due to the presence of viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). In one non-limiting theory, when the fluid containing the viscosity enhancers is heated and/or placed under pressure, the particles develop surface charges that associate, link, connect, or relate the VES micelles thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid. The higher fluid viscosity is beneficial to crack the formation rock during a fracturing operation, reduce fluid leakoff, and carry high loading proppants to maintain the high conductivity of fractures.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Tianping Huang
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Publication number: 20100261624Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a synergistic internal breaker composition that contains at least one first internal breaker that may be a mineral oil and a second breaker that may be an unsaturated fatty acid. The internal breakers may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. This combination of different types of internal breakers break the VES-gelled aqueous fluid faster than if one of the breaker types is used alone in an equivalent total amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang
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Publication number: 20100261622Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, a fluid loss control agent and a viscosity enhancer are useful as treating fluids and particularly as fracturing fluids for subterranean formations. These VES-based fluids have faster and more complete clean-up than polymer-based fracturing fluids. The use of an internal breaker permits ready removal of the unique VES micelle based pseudo-filter cake with several advantages including reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume since more VES fluid stays within the fracture, generating a more optimum fracture geometry for enhanced reservoir productivity, and treating reservoirs with permeability above the present VES limit of approximately 400 md to at least 2000 md.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, Allen D. Gabrysch, James H. Treadway, John R. Willingham, Patrick A. Kelly, William R. Wood
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Patent number: 7803743Abstract: A gravel packing fluid and method for gravel packing a wellbore using a gravel packing fluid comprising an invert emulsion comprising oil as an external phase, clear brine as an internal phase, and a quantity of emulsifier effective to produce a stable invert emulsion, the external phase of the gravel packing fluid further comprising gravel wetting agent.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Thomas A. Jones, Alexander J. McKellar, Lirio Quintero
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Patent number: 7798219Abstract: Process and a method for enhancing recovery of petroleum from an underground source including injecting into the source, a petroleum displacement agent including fluids and modified liposomes. The liposomes and fluids merge the discrete oil droplets after waterflood into a continuous layer of oil (oil phase) eliminating b-pass of water through oil and employ mobility control through transition of gel phase to liquid crystalline phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Gideon N. Harnoy
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Publication number: 20100234248Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: James B. Crews
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Patent number: 7795184Abstract: A method of altering the properties of a drilling fluid includes adding effective amounts of crushed or whole oilseeds or mixtures of crushed or whole oilseeds to a drilling fluid. The crushed or whole oilseeds or mixture of crushed or whole oilseeds are selected to impart any one of or a combination of effects including but not limited to: an increase in drilling fluid emulsion stability in oil-based or invert emulsion fluids, decreased specific gravity of the drilling fluid, seepage loss control, filtration control, oil wetting and deflocculation/dispersion, of entrained solids and/or reduced torque and drag of the drilling string.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Engineered Drilling Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Guy Pomerleau
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Patent number: 7781380Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating subterranean formations with rapidly hydratable treatment fluids based upon heteropolysaccharides. In particular, the invention relates to treatment methods with fluids containing a heteropolysaccharide, aqueous medium, and an electrolyte, wherein the fluids may further include a gas component, a surfactant and/or an organoamino compound. The fluids exhibit good rheological properties at elevated temperatures, and unusually rapid hydration rates which allows utilizing such fluids without the need of hydration tanks.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lijun Lin, Alejandro Pena, Golchehreh Salamat
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Publication number: 20100210485Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an oil formulation in the field of the oil industry, in particular for the prevention of water penetration. The formulation according to the invention is in particular intended to be injected into underground formations, such as injection wells or production wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: RHODIA OPERATIONSInventor: Arnaud Cadix
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Publication number: 20100200235Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a carrier fluid comprising degradable balls that comprise a carboxylic acid, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a fatty acid salt, or a combination thereof, and introducing the carrier fluid to the subterranean formation during a treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2009Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Hongyu Luo, Dwight D. Fulton
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Publication number: 20100197531Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of an internal breaker composition that contains at least one mineral oil, at least one polyalphaolefin oil, at least one saturated fatty acid and/or at least one unsaturated fatty acid. The internal breaker may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the internal breaker, e.g. mineral oil, is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled. An oil-soluble surfactant is present to enhance or accelerate the reduction of viscosity of the gelled aqueous fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang
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Patent number: 7749944Abstract: Methods of improving shear recovery time of viscoelastic surfactant fluid systems are described, one method involving providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid system comprising a major portion of a surfactant and a rheology enhancer in a concentration sufficient to shorten shear recovery time of the fluid system compared to shear recovery time of the fluid system absent the rheology enhancer, the rheology enhancer selected from aromatic sulfonates having a molecular weight of at least 500; and injecting the fluid system down a well. The rheology enhancer may be a lignosulfonate derived from wood pulping. Viscoelastic surfactant systems including the rheology enhancer are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Yiyan Chen, Jesse C. Lee, Eric Hanson
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Patent number: 7749946Abstract: Improved gelled hydrocarbon fracturing fluids include a gelling agent and a crosslinking composition including a crosslinking agent and a catalytic agent. The catalytic agent is a fatty quaternized amine, which includes monoalkyl benzyl quaternized amines.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Sanjel CorporationInventors: Sally Lawrence, Neil Warrender
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Patent number: 7732382Abstract: A cross-linking composition comprises (a) an aqueous liquid, (b) a pH buffer, (c) a cross-linkable organic polymer, (d) a cross-linking agent which comprises an organic titanate, an organic zirconate, or combinations thereof, and (e) a delay agent which is a hydroxyalkylaminocarboxylic acid. The composition provides flexibility in rate of cross-linking and can be used over a wide range of pH. Further disclosed are methods to use the composition in oil field applications for hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones and leaks in subterranean formations.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Donald Edward Putzig
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Patent number: 7728044Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: James B. Crews
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Patent number: 7723272Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, a fluid loss control agent and a viscosity enhancer are useful as treating fluids and particularly as fracturing fluids for subterranean formations. These VES-based fluids have faster and more complete clean-up than polymer-based fracturing fluids. The use of an internal breaker permits ready removal of the unique VES micelle based pseudo-filter cake with several advantages including reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume since more VES fluid stays within the fracture, generating a more optimum fracture geometry for enhanced reservoir productivity, and treating reservoirs with permeability above the present VES limit of approximately 400 md to at least 2000 md.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, Allen D. Gabrysch, James H. Treadway, John R. Willingham, Patrick A. Kelly, William R. Wood
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Patent number: 7703513Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. A material including wax may be introduced into one or more wellbores. The material introduced into two or more wells may mix in the formation and congeal to form a barrier to fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Harold J. Vinegar, Ernest E. Carter, Jaime Santos Son, Taixu Bai, Mohamad Fereydoon Khoda Verdian
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Patent number: 7704926Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous viscoelastic compositions comprising a cleavable surfactant and possibly also an electrolyte. The cleavable surfactants useful in the present invention comprise at least one weak chemical bond, which is capable of being broken under appropriate conditions, to produce oil soluble and water soluble products typically having no interfacial properties and surface activity compared with the original surfactant molecule. Further, the rheological properties of the aqueous viscolelastic composition are usually altered upon cleavage of the cleavable surfactant generally resulting in the elimination of the viscofying, viscoelastic and surfactant properties of the composition. Aqueous viscoelastic compositions in accordance with the present invention are suitable for use in oil-field applications, particularly for hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations. Thus, the present invention also relates to a wellbore service fluid and a method of fracturing a subterranean formation.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jian Zhou, Trevor Hughes
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Publication number: 20100022421Abstract: A method for preparing a thermally stable well servicing fluid in the form of an oil-in-water (O/W) macroemulsion, a water-in-oil (W/O) macroemulsion or a water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion at the well drilling location is provided. The servicing fluid is prepared by mixing a hydrocarbon phase, a water phase and a surfactant phase to obtain either an O/W macroemulsion, a W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion. The surfactant phase comprises a first surfactant and/or a second surfactant. The first surfactant comprises a fatty acid mixture and a hygroscopic first additive. The second surfactant comprises a C4-C6 alcohol. Whether or not an O/W macroemulsion, W/O macroemulsion or a W/O microemulsion is produced is determined by the concentration of the phases, the first surfactant, the second surfactant and the timing upon which the first additive, water phase and second surfactant are introduced to the mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.Inventors: Xiomara Gutierrez, Luis Marcano, Migdalia Carrasquero, Abel Ojeda, Jose Blanco, Hercilio Jose Rivas Siervo
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Patent number: 7635667Abstract: Multi-component additive for incorporation into a drilling fluid, and a drilling fluid system comprising said multi-component additive. The additive preferably comprises three primary components: (1) a rate of penetration enhancer, namely one of a number of synthetic (non-toxic) ester-based or olefin-based oils as a carrier for other additives, such as surfactants; (2) a lubricant, namely one or more of a number of chlorinated waxes, chlorinated olefins, and plant based fatty acids; and (3) a clay inhibitor/stabilizer, such as a polyglycol. Preferably, the three components are pre-mixed in a single container, for ease in use in adding to a drilling fluid system. The additive may be incorporated into a drilling fluid system at a shore based facility, and the “liquid mud” transported to a drilling rig; or the additive may be brought to the drilling rig and incorporated into a drilling fluid system on site.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Ambar Lonestar Fluid Services, LLCInventor: Ronald L. Brazzel
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Publication number: 20090312201Abstract: A treating fluid may contain an effective amount of a particulate additive to fixate or reduce fines migration, where the particulate additive is an alkaline earth metal oxide alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides piezoelectric crystals and pyroelectric crystals. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help fixate the formation fines. These treating fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in hydraulic fracturing, completion fluids, gravel packing fluids and fluid loss pills. The carrier fluid used in the treating fluid may be aqueous, brine, alcoholic or hydrocarbon-based.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, John R. Willingham, Christopher K. Belcher
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Publication number: 20090301714Abstract: A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: James R. Bragg, Joseph P. Lederhos, Sergio A. Leonardi, Scott E. Hommema, Amy L. Chen, Shan H. Yang
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Publication number: 20090305914Abstract: A method of forming a gelled organic-based fluid is disclosed. The method comprises combining an organic solvent, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a metal carboxylate crosslinker; and forming the gelled organic-based fluid. In a further aspect, the method is used to treat a subterranean formation of a well, for example for a stimulation job as fracturing or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Leiming Li, Syed Ali, Lijun Lin, Mathew M. Samuel, Curtis L. Boney, Francois M. Auzerais, Richard Marcinew, Paul R. Howard
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Publication number: 20090305915Abstract: The handling, transport and delivery of particulate materials, particularly fine particles, may be difficult. Alkaline earth metal oxide particles such as magnesium oxide (MgO) may be suspended in glycerin and/or alkylene glycols such as propylene glycol up to loadings of 51 wt %. Such suspensions or slurries make it easier to deliver MgO and similar agents into fluids, such as aqueous fluids gelled with viscoelastic surfactants (VES). These concentrated suspensions or slurries may be improved in their stability by the inclusion of minor amounts of a vegetable oil and/or a fish oil. The MgO serves as stabilizers and/or fluid loss control agents for VES-gelled fluids used to treat subterranean formations, e.g. for well completion or stimulation in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be between 1 nanometer to 0.4 millimeter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews
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Patent number: 7615517Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their fluid loss properties improved with at least one mineral oil which has a viscosity greater than 20 cps at ambient temperature. The mineral oil may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the mineral oil is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled in an amount between about 0.2 to about 10% by volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews
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Patent number: 7576043Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprising a surfactant, the surfactant having the formula (R1—X)nZ, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group—comprising a C18-C22 principal straight chain bonded at a terminal carbon atom thereof to X, and comprising at least one C1-C2 side chain—X is a charged head group, Z is a counterion, and n is an integer which ensures that the surfactant is charge neutral, and wherein the charged head group X is selected to provide that the surfactant is soluble in oil and at least one part of the charged head group is anionic.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Timothy Gareth John Jones, Gary John Tustin
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Patent number: 7566687Abstract: Improved desulfurization compositions are provided for removing substantial fractions of sulfur, sulfur complexes, and sulfur compounds from liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil and fuels. The preferred compositions comprise respective quantities of an alkylphenol ethoxylate, an amine, and an alkali metal nitrite. The compositions may be contacted with liquid hydrocarbons to achieve high levels of desulfurization.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Jacam Chemical, LLCInventors: Gene H. Zaid, Beth Ann Wolf, Gary W. Zorn
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Patent number: 7566686Abstract: An under-balanced drilling fluid additive is disclosed which reduces reactive shale and/or clay swelling during under-balanced drilling operations, where the additive includes an effective amount of a choline salt. A method for under-balanced drilling is also disclosed including the step of circulating a drilling fluid including an effective amount of a choline salt to reduce reactive shale and/or clay swelling during under-balanced drilling operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Clearwater International, LLCInventors: David P. Kippie, Larry W. Gatlin
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Patent number: 7550413Abstract: Alkaline earth metal compounds may be fluid loss control agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for well completion or stimulation 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 fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to, oxides and hydroxides of alkaline earth metal, and in one case magnesium oxide where the particle size of the magnesium oxide is between 1 nanometer to 0.4 millimeter. The fluid loss agent appears to associate with the VES micelles and together form a novel pseudo-filter cake crosslinked-like viscous fluid layer that limits further VES fluid flow into the porous media. The fluid loss control agent solid particles may be added along with VES fluids.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, James H. Treadway, Jr.
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Patent number: 7544642Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids that include zeolite and at least one carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Karen Luke, Russell M. Fitzgerald, Frank Zamora
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Patent number: 7544643Abstract: Piezoelectric crystal particles (which include pyroelectric crystal particles) enhance the viscosity of aqueous fluids that have increased viscosity due to the presence of viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). In one non-limiting theory, when the fluid containing the viscosity enhancers is heated and/or placed under pressure, the particles develop surface charges that associate, link, connect, or relate the VES micelles thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid. The higher fluid viscosity is beneficial to crack the formation rock during a fracturing operation, reduce fluid leakoff, and carry high loading proppants to maintain the high conductivity of fractures.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Tianping Huang
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Patent number: 7517836Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to defoaming methods and compositions for well treatment fluids. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of defoaming a well treatment fluid, comprising combining a defoaming composition with the well treatment fluid, wherein the defoaming composition comprises an amide of a carboxylic acid, a polypropylene glycol, an ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohol, an ethoxylated alcohol comprising from 3 carbons to 6 carbons, and a hydrophobic silica in an amount of up to about 3% by weight of the defoaming composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, Bobby J. King
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Patent number: 7514390Abstract: A composition and method for removing a filter cake from a horizontal wellbore in a subterranean formation using a composition containing a inorganic or organic acidic material, a cationic fluorocarbon surfactant, an alkyl alcohol, water optionally containing ammonium chloride and at least one of an alkyl polyglycoside and a betaine surfactant to produce a stable foam used to remove filter cake from a horizontal wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventor: Albert F. Chan
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Patent number: 7514391Abstract: A composition and method for removing a filter cake from a horizontal wellbore in a subterranean formation using a composition containing a inorganic or organic acidic material, a cationic fluorocarbon surfactant, an alkyl alcohol, water optionally containing ammonium chloride and at least one of an alkyl polyglycoside and a betaine surfactant to produce a stable foam used to remove filter cake from a horizontal wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Conocophillips CompanyInventor: Albert F. Chan