Inorganic Component Contains Potassium Patents (Class 507/276)
  • Publication number: 20150068745
    Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 55 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 38 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.61 to about 2.65, and a bulk density of about 1.45 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Chris Heller
  • Patent number: 8940668
    Abstract: A method of treating a very high salinity high temperature hydrocarbon containing formation is described. The method includes (a) providing a hydrocarbon recovery composition to at least a portion of a hydrocarbon containing formation having a brine salinity of above about 13 wt % and a temperature of above about 7° C., wherein the composition comprises a C15-18 internal olefin sulfonate; and (b) allowing the composition to interact with hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Julian Richard Barnes, Kirk Herbert Raney, Thomas Carl Semple, Johan Paul Smit, Jasper Roelf Smit, Malcolm Shpakoff
  • Patent number: 8921284
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James Robert Benkley, D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8916507
    Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid is formed from an aqueous medium, a gas component, a viscosifying agent, and a surfactant. The surfactant is represented by the chemical formula: [R—(OCH2CH2)m—Oq—YOn]pX wherein R is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl, alkyl cycloaliphatic, or alkyl aryl group; O is an oxygen atom; Y is either a sulfur or phosphorus atom; m is 1 or more; n is a integer ranging from 1 to 3; p is a integer ranging from 1 to 4; q is a integer ranging from 0 to 1; and X is a cation. The fluid may be used in treating a subterranean formation penetrating by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the wellbore. The fluid may be used in fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the formation at a pressure equal to or greater than the fracture initiation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Carlos Abad, Bruno Drochon, Gregory Kubala, Laura Shafer, Alejandro Pena, Ramsey Buoy
  • Patent number: 8901048
    Abstract: A method for drilling through a producing zone in a subterranean formation or for completing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, using a drill-in and completion fluid comprising a blend of a phosphate brine and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Natalia Collins, Carl Thaemlitz
  • Patent number: 8895483
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of for changing the water permeability of a subterranean formation of a well, the method comprising: providing a fluid comprising a liquid carrier and a viscoelastic surfactant; introducing the fluid into the well; and contacting the fluid and the subterranean formation wherein the action of the liquid carrier and the viscoelastic surfactant is able to change the water permeability of the subterranean formation. The fluid may further comprise methanol, or a salt which can be embodied within the carrier fluid. Advantageously, no further RPM polymer is used. In a first aspect the method is used for reducing the amount of water produced, in as second aspect for improving the oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur Milne, Manuel Jose Lastre Buelvas
  • Patent number: 8895480
    Abstract: A well fracturing fluid is shown which includes an aqueous base fluid, a hydratable polymer, such as a guar gum, and a suitable crosslinking agent for crosslinking the hydratable polymer to form a polymer gel. The hydratable polymer has a higher molecular weight which is achieved by improvements in the processing of the guar split. The higher molecular weight polymer provides improved performance in well fracturing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Dawson, Hoang Van Le
  • Patent number: 8889601
    Abstract: Controlling microbial growth and activity during Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery processes is disclosed. Specific control of microbial growth and activity in this process results in prevention of nutrient loss in transit and allows better targeting of microbial activity to the desired subsurface location(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Fallon
  • Patent number: 8835363
    Abstract: Drilling, drill-in and completion fluids containing nanoparticles for use in hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes and methods related thereto are provided. The fluids also include a dual acting shield agent that shields the nanoparticles and also acts as a viscosifier. The fluids can be used in various types of hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes, such as drilling, drill in, completion, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Md. Amanullah, Ziad Al-Abdullatif
  • Patent number: 8835364
    Abstract: Breaking compositions are disclosed for controlled breaking of borate cross-linked fracturing fluids, and to method for making and using same, where the composition includes an oxidative component and an ester component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Thompson, Sarkis R. Kakadjian, Jose L. Garza, Frank Zamora
  • Publication number: 20140142005
    Abstract: A potash-extraction system and method for extracting potash from a brine containing potash without the use of water-consuming evaporation ponds or additional chemicals is disclosed. The potash processing system uses a vapor-compression cycle (e.g., heat pump or refrigeration system) to separate potash from brine containing potash and NaCl. In embodiments, heat emitted by components of the vapor-compression cycle (e.g., condenser heat exchanger, evaporator heat exchanger) may heat the brine to precipitate some NaCl from the brine. The remaining potash-concentrated brine may then be cooled to precipitate potash from the solution. The precipitated potash may then be further processed for final use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: J. Clair Batty, Brett Boissevain
  • Patent number: 8691737
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiten Chatterji, D. Chad Brenneis, Crystal L. Keys, James R. Benkley, Craig W. Roddy, Ronnie G. Morgan, Rickey L. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140038859
    Abstract: Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Skala, Christopher Y. Fang, Christopher E. Coker
  • Patent number: 8614170
    Abstract: A method of treating a medium for water fracturing is disclosed, the method comprises: introducing at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor in the medium, using the medium for water fracturing. In another aspect a method of controlling the post-fracture reservoir souring by the metabolic activities of sulfate reducing bacteria of a well is described: at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor are introduced in a medium made of water, the medium is used for fracturing the well, and the medium remains in the reservoir to kill and/or inhibit growth of sulfate reducing bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Shawn McCleskey Rimassa, Francois M. Auzerais, Curtis L. Boney, Leiming Li
  • Publication number: 20130306321
    Abstract: The present invention is a cryogenic subterranean fracturing fluid, comprising a liquefied industrial gas and a first additive. The liquefied industrial gas may be liquefied carbon dioxide, liquefied nitrogen, or a blend of the two. The liquefied industrial gas mixture should be substantially free of water. In this context, substantially free of water means less than 10% water by volume, or preferably less than 5% water by volume. In addition to the first additive, a proppant may be added to the fracturing fluid. In addition to the biocide and/or proppant additional additives may be added to the liquefied industrial gas as required. Non-limiting examples of such additives include ozone, a friction reducer, an acid, a gelling agent, a breaker, a scale inhibitor, a clay stabilizer, a corrosion inhibitor, an iron controller, an oxygen scavenger, a surfactant, a cross-linker, a non-emulsifier, a Ph Adjusting agent, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Camille LANCTOT-DOWNS, Michel EPINEY, Fabrice LABERGE, Vasuhi RASANAYAGAM, Meenakshi SUNDARAM
  • Publication number: 20130213657
    Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous-based compositions and methods for treating a subterranean formation for inhibiting formation damage after the treatment. Compositions include an aqueous-based fluid, gelling agents, sparingly-soluble crosslinking agents, and one or more formation damage prevention agents, such as scale inhibitors, iron control agents, non-emulsifiers, clay stabilizers, or polymer breakers. The methods include performing a well treating operation, such as a hydraulic fracturing operation, using the compositions described and inhibiting formation damage, such as scale, iron formation, emulsions, or clay swelling within the subterranean formation. The inclusion of the formation damage preventing agents allows for long-term formation damage inhibition after the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS UNITED CHEMICAL COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Texas United Chemical Company, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130210685
    Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8507413
    Abstract: Clay is stabilized in methods for drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P. Wilson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8486869
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to plug-and-abandon operations that use plugging compositions comprising cement kiln dust, pumicite, and/or lime. An embodiment includes a method of plugging a well bore for abandonment comprising: placing a plugging composition in the well bore, the plugging composition comprising: cement kiln dust in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, pumicite in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, 0% to about 24% of Portland cement by weight of cementitious components, and water; and allowing the plugging composition to set and form a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Chad Brenneis, Craig W. Roddy, Jeffery D. Karcher, Callie R. Hudgins
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20130157906
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, John R. Willingham, James R. Pace, Christopher K. Belcher
  • Publication number: 20130153214
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method comprising: providing a spacer fluid comprising biowaste ash and water; introducing the spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid from the well bore; and introducing a cement composition into the well bore, wherein the spacer fluid separates the cement composition and the first fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 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
  • Patent number: 8372788
    Abstract: A method of making a styryl phenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant by alkoxylation of a styryl phenol using propylene oxide (PO) and/or ethylene oxide (EO) followed by a sulfation reaction. The styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method. The large hydrophobe surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil optionally containing asphaltene, and for environmental cleanup. Further, the unsulfated version of the large hydrophobe styrylphenol alkoxylate surfactant of the present invention can be used as an ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Upali P. Weerasooriya, Gary A. Pope
  • Patent number: 8354360
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Alhad Phatak
  • Patent number: 8338341
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a granule of a coated oxidizing compound which granule has good delayed release properties, said process comprising a) providing cores of an oxidizing compound produced by fluidized bed spray granulation, b) spraying on the oxidizing compound cores an aqueous solution of metal sili-cate in a fluidized bed, said aqueous solution comprising at least 15% by weight metal silicate, and c) drying to form a metal silicate coating layer on the oxidizing compound core, provided that the amount of metal silicate coating layer is at least 8%, preferably at least 10% by weight based on the total weight of the granule. The invention also provides such granule and well treatment fluids including such granule, and processes for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Kemira Kemi AB, Kemira Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mona Ezzelarab, Carl Aften, Carolina Andersson, Cecilia Johansson, Richard Lalama, Geoffrey Monteith, Lars-Inge Olsson, Ajse Sandqvist, Frank Schinkel, Markus Svensson, Walter Watson, Caroline Wegner
  • Publication number: 20120322700
    Abstract: An aqueous, viscoelastic fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is stabilized and improved with an effective amount of 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, and post-transition metal hydroxides. These fluids are more stable and have a reduced or no tendency to precipitate, particularly at elevated temperatures. The additives may reduce the amount of VES required to maintain a given viscosity. These stabilized, enhanced, aqueous viscoelastic fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in hydraulic fracturing. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that use chemisorption, crosslinking and/or other chemistries to associate and stabilize the VES fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, James H. Treadway, JR., John R. Willingham
  • Publication number: 20120283155
    Abstract: The migration of coal fines within a bed is reduced, inhibited or constrained by contacting the fines with nanoparticles, such as magnesium oxide crystals having an average particle size of about 30 nm. These nanoparticles may coat a proppant during the fracturing of a subterranean formation to produce methane from a coal bed therein. The nanoparticles may also treat a proppant pack in a fractured coal bed. The nanoparticles cause the coal fines to thus bind to or associate with the proppants. Thus, most of the coal fines entering fractures away from the near-wellbore region will be restrained or controlled near their origin or source and the production of methane at a desired level will be maintained much longer than a similar situation than where the nanoparticles are not used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tianping Huang, James B. Crews, Allen D. Gabrysch, Rick M. Jeffrey
  • Patent number: 8298997
    Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the shear stability of a high-viscosity fluid-water flow system, such as a core annular flow system. The method employs a family of demulsifier additives for maintaining separation of the fluids in biphasic flow. The additive family is sodium salts of polynuclear aromatic sulfonic acids. In one aspect, the high-viscosity fluid is heavy oil. A method of transporting heavy oil through a tubular body is also provided. The method includes pumping the heavy oil through the tubular body within an annular flow of water, and subjecting the water in the tubular body to a salt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to improve shear stability of the heavy oil and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Eugene R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8278252
    Abstract: An aqueous, viscoelastic fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is stabilized and improved with an effective amount of 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, and post-transition metal hydroxides. These fluids are more stable and have a reduced or no tendency to precipitate, particularly at elevated temperatures. The additives may reduce the amount of VES required to maintain a given viscosity. These stabilized, enhanced, aqueous viscoelastic fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in hydraulic fracturing. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that use chemisorption, crosslinking and/or other chemistries to associate and stabilize the VES fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James B. Crews, Tianping Huang, James H. Treadway, John R. Willingham
  • Publication number: 20120245062
    Abstract: Soluble silicates are commonly used to block and strengthen permeable zones in subterranean formations. These applications include conformance for oil field, grouting for the construction industry and water shut-off for mining. It was discovered that set times and set properties could be improved by using novel, high ratio alkali silicates. Ratio being defined as the mol ratio of SiO2:Me2O, where Me is an alkali metal and is most commonly sodium or potassium (i.e. Na2O and K2O).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michael J. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8273692
    Abstract: Methods of reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation to aqueous-based fluids using a water-soluble relative permeability modifier that comprises a hydrophobically modified polymer, wherein the hydrophobically modified polymer is a reaction product of: a hydrophilic polymer that comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyvinylamine, a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol), and an alkyl acrylate polymer; and, a hydrophobic compound comprising at least one alkyl chain having a carbon chain length between about 4 and about 22 carbons. The water-soluble relative permeability modifier may be placed within a subterranean drilling operation such that the water-soluble relative permeability modifier attaches onto surfaces within the subterranean formation to effect permeability of aqueous fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry S. Eoff, Eldon D. Dalrymple, B. Raghava Reddy
  • Patent number: 8258084
    Abstract: Spray dried emulsifier compositions are described, which have desirable emulsifying and wetting characteristics. Among other advantages, the solid particulate emulsifier compositions greatly reduce transportation costs and simplify the logistics and environmental concerns associated with shipping large volumes of solvent-containing liquids. The emulsifier comprises (1) a carboxylic acid terminated fatty amine condensate or (2) a modified tall oil or (3) a blend of (1) and (2) that is converted to its alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and spray dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Chemicals LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Wayne Hurd, Gary D. Fultz, Jalandar Y. Jadhav
  • Patent number: 8258085
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and use of fluidized polymer suspensions containing allyloxy linkage and its functional derivatives, and water soluble polymers for use in oil field applications as fluid additives for drilling and cementing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Mohand Melbouci, Teng-Shau Young
  • Patent number: 8242059
    Abstract: Oil-based wellbore fluid in the form of an emulsion having a continuous phase containing an oil and, dispersed therein, a first dispersed liquid phase and a second separate dispersed liquid phase. The first dispersed liquid phase is a brine phase containing at least 5% by weight of a dissolved salt or a mixture of salts, and the second dispersed liquid phase is a polar organic liquid which is insoluble or sparingly soluble in the brine and contains the first dispersed liquid phase, but is soluble in pure water. The second dispersed liquid phase is in the form of droplets having an average diameter of not less than 5 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Alan Sawdon
  • Patent number: 8222455
    Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise bis-quaternary compound. The bis-quaternary compounds of the present technology can be symmetric or dissymmetric. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic well bore treatment fluids comprising water, and at least one polycationic quaternary ammonium compound that comprises a bis-quaternary compound. In another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic carboxylates. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or 110° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Stepan Company
    Inventor: Paul Knox
  • Patent number: 8207094
    Abstract: This invention relates to fluid compositions used in treating a subterranean formation. In particular, the invention is aqueous wellbore treatment compositions which are foams containing a viscosifying agent, a foam extender, a gas component, and a surfactant, as well as methods of forming such fluids, and uses thereof. The viscosifying agent may be a hydratable polymer, viscoelastic surfactant, or heteropolysaccharide. The foam extender may be a material such as a polyoxyalkyleneamines, ethylenepolyamines, tertiary polyamines, bicarbonate, carbonate, phosphate, or sesquicarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Hutchins, Ann M. W. Hoefer, Stanley B. McConnell, Alejandro Pena
  • Patent number: 8196662
    Abstract: Surfactant based viscoelastic fluids for enhancing the productivity of a hydrocarbon-bearing formations have particular applicability in acid fracturing of subterranean formations surrounding oil and gas wells. The viscoelastic fluid contains an organic acid, an inorganic monovalent salt and a quaternary ammonium aromatic salt and water. The fluid may further be foamed or energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald Casey Plasier, Scott Robert Allen
  • Patent number: 8178476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to glass-ceramic proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions, as well as other uses. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the glass-ceramic proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Oxane Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuming Xie, Dilip Chatterjee, Christopher E. Coker, Christopher Y. Fang
  • Patent number: 8105989
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas is disclosed, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake. The method may include the steps of circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes an aqueous fluid, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting age, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles Svoboda, Raymond D. Ravitz, Mark Luyster
  • Patent number: 8097567
    Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas P Wilson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110312857
    Abstract: Drilling, drill-in and completion fluids containing nanoparticles for use in hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes and methods related thereto are provided. The fluids also include a dual acting shield agent that shields the nanoparticles and also acts as a viscosifier. The fluids can be used in various types of hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes, such as drilling, drill in, completion, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Md. Amanullah, Ziad Al-Abdullatif
  • Publication number: 20110290491
    Abstract: A nano-dispersion well servicing fluid is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: nanoparticles comprising at least one material chosen from aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxides, aluminum hydroxyoxides, zirconium oxides, zirconium hydroxides, zirconium hydroxyoxides, wherein the concentration of nanoparticles is greater than 0.5% by weight based on the total weight of the nano-dispersion well servicing fluid. The well servicing fluid also comprises an aqueous base continuous phase. Methods of employing the nano-dispersion to service a wellbore are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: D.V. SATYANARAYANA GUPTA, KAY ELAINE CAWIEZEL
  • Publication number: 20110284225
    Abstract: A method comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising a gelling agent, an aqueous base fluid, a buffer composition comprising a plurality of salts, and a crosslinking agent; and contacting a subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The method may be used in subterranean formation having a temperature greater than about 200° F., and the treatment fluid useful with the method may have a high shear recovery greater than 100%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Paul D. Lord, Ivan Suleiman, John M. Terracina, Rajendra A. Kalgaonkar
  • Patent number: 7998909
    Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid is formed from an aqueous medium, a gas component, a viscosifying agent, and a surfactant. The surfactant is represented by the chemical formula: [R—(OCH2CH2)m—Oq—YOn]pX wherein R is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl, alkyl cycloaliphatic, or alkyl aryl group; O is an oxygen atom; Y is either a sulfur or phosphorus atom; m is 1 or more; n is a integer ranging from 1 to 3; p is a integer ranging from 1 to 4; q is a integer ranging from 0 to 1; and X is a cation. The fluid may be used in treating a subterranean formation penetrating by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the wellbore. The fluid may be used in fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the formation at a pressure equal to or greater than the fracture initiation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lijun Lin, Carlos Abad, Bruno Drochon, Gregory Kubala, Laura Schafer, Alejandro Pena, Ramsey Buoy
  • Patent number: 7994103
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for introducing additives into formation fluid from an oil and gas well in or moving through equipment and systems located downstream from the oil and gas well. The method is practiced using pellets having a density sufficient to suspend the pellet at an interface of two phases of fluid within the Downstream Equipment. The pellets are prepared from a pellet matrix, such as an ethoxylated wax, and, optionally, a weighting agent as well as an additive. By varying the amount of weighting agent, the density of the pellet can be varied to suspend it at a desired point for a time sufficient to deliver the additive to the desired point within the Downstream Equipment. The method of the invention may also be used with Refinery Equipment such as a fuel distribution system or a waste water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Samuel Everett Campbell, Kenneth J. Tacchi
  • Patent number: 7989397
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful in treating crude sources, and more specifically, to methods and compositions useful in reducing the concentration of phosphorus in crude streams and hydrocarbon flowback fluids. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods that include a method comprising: providing a crude stream or a hydrocarbon flowback fluid; optionally testing the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid for total phosphorus content; optionally testing the crude stream or hydrocarbon flowback fluid for volatile phosphorus content; adding a solution comprising a trivalent metal ion to the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid; adding a sufficient amount of a caustic solution to the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid to raise the pH of the stream or the fluid to about 8 or more; allowing at least a plurality of precipitates to form; removing at least one precipitate; and forming a clean crude stream or a clean hydrocarbon flowback fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7972998
    Abstract: A method and composition for crosslinking a polymer based fluid includes providing a dry blend of crosslinker and delay agent. The crosslinker and delay agent are mixed and granulated in a dry form prior to addition to the polymer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Marie Noelle Dessinges, Jean-Louis Pessin
  • Publication number: 20110127039
    Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation includes forming a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a solid acid-precursor, and a solid scale inhibitor. The solid acid-precursor includes a material that forms an acid at downhole conditions in the subterranean formation. The method further includes adding a solid acid-responsive material into the treatment fluid, where the solid acid-responsive material enhances formation of acid from the solid acid-precursor in acidic conditions. The method includes performing an acid fracture treatment and inhibiting scale formation within the subterranean formation. The solid scale inhibitor allows for long-term scale inhibition after the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Marieliz Garcia-Lopez De Victoria, John W. Still, Toan Bui
  • Patent number: 7947633
    Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In at least one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising dissymmetric bis-quaternary compounds. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic compositions comprising polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise dissymmetric bis-quaternary compounds. In yet another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a carboxylate functional polycationic quaternary ammonium compound. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or about 110° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Stepan Company
    Inventor: Paul Knox