Preventing Contaminant Deposits In Petroleum Oil Conduits Patents (Class 507/90)
  • Publication number: 20110082057
    Abstract: A method for forming a well and pipeline treating fluid is provided. The method comprises combining a cross-linkable gelling polymer, a scavenging compound capable of reducing a concentration of divalent and polyvalent metal ions and salts thereof available for reaction, a hydration solvent and optionally an acid. The resulting mixture has a pH ranging from about 3 to about 7 and a first viscosity. The mixture is maintained at conditions suitable for hydration of the cross-linkable gelling polymer until the mixture has a second viscosity that is greater than the first viscosity. The mixture is combined with an aqueous based fluid and at least one cross-linking agent. The pH of the mixture is raised to a sufficient level to allow a desired degree of cross-linking to occur. Other methods, a well and pipeline treating gel and a well and pipeline treating fluid are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Jinguo ZHANG, Paul H. Javora, Keith W. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7915204
    Abstract: An aqueous composition for treating hydrocarbon wells contains (a) a scale inhibitor and (b) a viscoelastic surfactant, and further contains from 0 to less than 1% by weight of acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Floryan De Campo, Allwyn Colaco, Bruno Langlois, Chris Jones, Gary Woodward
  • Patent number: 7902123
    Abstract: A cleaning composition including which comprises a surfactant and a propionate as co-surfactant and/or co-solvent. The composition can be used, for example, to clean drilling mud containing oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Surface Active Solutions (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: John Harrison, Mark Zwinderman
  • Patent number: 7902126
    Abstract: For lost circulation treatment, a lost circulation additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a lost circulation fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Boyce D. Burts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7902124
    Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore of a well having iron-containing components is carried out by introducing a treatment fluid into the wellbore of the well. The treatment fluid is formed from an aqueous solution, a mineral acid, a viscoelastic surfactant gelling agent and corrosion inhibitor system containing at least one of an alkyl, alkenyl, alicyclic or aromatic substituted aliphatic ketone and aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde. The treatment fluid is substantially free of any formic acid or precursor formic acid. In certain embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor system comprises a mixture of at least one of an alkenyl phenone or ?,?-unsaturated aldehyde, an unsaturated ketone or unsaturated aldehyde other than the alkenyl phenone and ?,?-unsaturated aldehyde, a dispersing agent, an extender and an alcohol solvent. A corrosion inhibitor intensifier may also be used in certain embodiments, which may include a mixture of cuprous iodide and cuprous chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Javier Sanchez Reyes, Mathew M. Samuel, Francois M. Auzerais
  • Publication number: 20110046023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting scale and corrosion in aqueous systems, for example, under high temperature and pressure conditions such as temperatures up to 250° C. and/or pressures up to 10000 psi (i.e., about 68.9 MPa). The method involves providing polymer compositions comprising 1% to 100% by weight of a phosphorus-containing amide monomer to such aqueous systems, which arise, for example, in connection with oilfield operations and some water treatment applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Eric Greyson, Joseph Manna, Somil Chandrakant Mehta
  • Patent number: 7893009
    Abstract: The invention relates to polymers with a mean molecular weight of between 500 and 500,000 g/mol that can be produced as follows: A) reaction of a compound of formula 1, in which n stands for 0, 1 or 2 and A for an arbitrarily substituted C1-C40 group with a compound of the formula 2 B(OH)m in which m is from 2 to 10 and B is a represents an arbitrarily substituted C2-C40 group, B) subsequently reaction of the product thus obtained with a nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid which comprises from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, where the molar ratio between the number of free OH groups of the polyester obtained in step A and the nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid is between 1:0.1 and 1:1. The polymers are used to inhibit gas hydrate formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Leinweber, Michael Feustel
  • Publication number: 20110036750
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an additive composition for dissolving hydrocarbons. The composition includes a peroxygen compound and surfactant compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Bullick Talley
  • Patent number: 7879767
    Abstract: An aqueous, viscoelastic fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is inhibited against hydrate formation with an effective amount of an additive that could be one or more halide salts of alkali metals and alkali earth metals, formate salts, alcohols, glycols, glycol amines, sugars, sugar alcohols, amidoamine oxides, polymers such as polyamines, polyvinylpyrrolidones and derivatives thereof, polyvinyl alcohols and derivatives thereof, polycaprolactams and derivatives thereof, hydroxyethylcellulose, and mixtures thereof. These fluids are inhibited against hydrate formation and may have increased viscosity as well. The additives may increase viscosity to the point where less VES is required to maintain a given viscosity. These inhibited, aqueous, viscoelastic fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in stimulation treatments, e.g. hydraulic fracturing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Perry Douglas Baycroft, Allen D. Gabrysch, James B. Crews, Paul M. McElfresh
  • Patent number: 7858563
    Abstract: A treatment of a subterranean formation which contains a hydrocarbon-bearing zone, is carried out using a hydrocarbon-responsive fluid thickened with an oligomeric surfactant consisting of from 2 to 8_linked surfactant monomer subunits. The process of treatment comprises (i) mixing a thickening amount of oligomeric surfactant with an aqueous liquid to make a viscoelastic treatment fluid, (ii) pumping said viscoelastic treatment fluid through a wellbore and into the subterranean formation, where (iii) contact with hydrocarbons within the formation dissipates the viscosity of the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor Hughes, Timothy Gareth John Jones, Gary John Tustin, Jian Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100314296
    Abstract: A means for transporting a dispersion of heavy crude oil and water by conventional pipelines. The dispersion is an emulsion prepared by combining production water with crude oil as well as an adequate surfactant system such that the dispersion stabilizes. The dispersion presents a viscosity of less than about 500 cP allowing it to be pumpable and transportable via conventional pipelines. The dispersion, once it arrives at its final destination, is broken or separated by means of one or more suitable diluents such that the remaining oil meets predetermined specifications for further processing, i.e. refining into lighter fractions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Luis Pacheco, Maria Briceño, Gustavo Núñez
  • Patent number: 7851414
    Abstract: Useful microemulsions have corrosion inhibitors in the internal phase and an external phase, where the corrosion inhibitor has a surfactant property that helps define the microemulsion. For example, the corrosion inhibitor itself may have its pH adjusted so that it also serves the role of surfactant. The corrosion inhibitors form microemulsions with particle or droplet diameters of about 10 to about 300 nm. The microemulsions may be oil-in-water, water-in-oil or bi-continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jiang Yang, Vladimir Jovancicevic
  • Patent number: 7851413
    Abstract: In order to transport hydrates in suspension in a fluid comprising water, gas and a liquid hydrocarbon, at least one non-polluting composition consisting essentially of a mixture comprising at least one ester associated with a non-ionic co-surfactant of the polymerized (dimer and/or trimer) carboxylic acid type is incorporated into said fluid. The composition is generally introduced in a concentration of 0.1% to 5% by weight with respect to the liquid hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Sinquin Anne, Christine Dalmazzone, Annie Audibert, Vincent Pauchard
  • Publication number: 20100311617
    Abstract: Graft copolymers based on a polyamide which was reacted with maleic anhydride and which has at least one vinylically unsaturated side chain are proposed, this grafted side chain containing at least one representative selected from a) N-vinylcaprolactam and/or b) N-vinylpyrrolidone. Inter alia, natural but also synthetic polyamides are provided as preferred polyamide components. Such graft copolymers, but also generally polyamide-based graft copolymers composed of at least one side chain containing ethylenically unsaturated compounds, are in general suitable in construction chemistry applications but also in the development, exploitation and completion of underground mineral oil and natural gas deposits and in deep wells and moreover in the extraction and the transport of oil or gas and here in particular as a gas hydrate inhibitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Roland Reichenbach-Klinke, Karin Neubecker
  • Publication number: 20100311618
    Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; and (c) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicants: KROFF WELL SERVICES, INC., THE NATIONAL COLLOID COMPANY, SUPERIOR WELL SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Rey, Susan Rey, Michael John Seyman, Matthew E. Blauch
  • Publication number: 20100298173
    Abstract: Anti-accretion additives utilize silicone chemistry to prevent bituminous and heavy oil materials from sticking to metals surfaces such as drill bits, drillstring, casing and the like. Organopolysiloxanes and/or copolymers thereof are added directly to an aqueous drilling fluid or are first diluted in a solvent for adding to the drilling fluid. Further, an alkyl polyalkylene oxide may also be added. If a silicone oil is used as the solvent, the anti-accretion additive has the increased functionality of minimizing the amount of bituminous or heavy oil material which is retained in the drilling fluid when returned to surface and permits removal of the bituminous or heavy oil materials with the solids using conventional solids control equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVATIVE CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: Clayton SMITH, Simon John Michael LEVEY, Yonglin (Ginger) REN
  • Publication number: 20100292106
    Abstract: Methods of controlling barium sulfate scale in oil field applications are disclosed. These methods involve the application of one or more carboxylated oligomers to an aqueous system in the oil field. Carboxylated oligomers include polymaleic acid and polyethercarboxylates. Additionally, methods of neutralizing polymaleic acid and use of this neutralized product for barium sulfate scale control are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: AKZO NOBEL N.V.
    Inventors: Jannifer Sanders, Stuart Peter Robert Holt, Klin A. Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 7833943
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Van Zanten, Douglas J. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20100276152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an acidic aqueous solution containing a chelating agent and an acid, wherein the chelating agent is glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof and wherein the amount of GLDA or the salt thereof is at least 10 wt %, based on the weight of the aqueous solution, and to the use thereof as an oilfield chemical, in descaling processes, or in processes in which highly concentrated aqueous acids are used, such as cleaning processes or plating processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelia Adriana De Wolf, James N. Lepage, Johanna Hendrika Bemelaar
  • 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: 20100273682
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the retention of a scale inhibitor within a hydrocarbon producing system (e.g. a subterranean formation), said method comprising contacting said system with a polymer foamed from a diallyl ammonium salt and with said scale inhibitor, wherein said polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt has a molecular weight of greater than 50,000 (e.g. a molecular weight of 55,000 to 2,000,000).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Harry Montgomerie, Ping Chen, Thomas Hagen, Rex WAT, Olav Martin Selle
  • Patent number: 7795183
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of asphaltene control in a hydrocarbon fluid, the method employing a composition comprising: a dispersant of formulae (I) or (II), including salts thereof, wherein T or T? is hydrogen or a polymerizing terminating group; A is C16-20 alkylene or alkenylene group; B is C10-20 alkylene or alkenylene group; Z and Z? are the residue of a polyamine or polyimine; n is 2 to 50; m is 0 to 25; p and p? are 2 or more, in one embodiment not greater than 2000 and in another embodiment not greater than 1000; A? is C8-20 alkylene or alkenylene group; n? is 2 to 10; and the weight ratio of T-(O-A-CO)n (O—B—CO)m to Z or T?-(O-A?-CO)n to Z? is at least 5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Mark F. Wilkes, Mark C. Davies
  • Publication number: 20100222239
    Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid comprising water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbon are disclosed. The fluid can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Erick J. Acosta, Peter A. Webber
  • Patent number: 7781381
    Abstract: The productivity of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing calcareous or siliceous formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition which contains a hydrofluoric acid source, a boron containing compound and a phosphonate acid, ester or salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: BJ Services Company LLC
    Inventors: Mingjie Ke, Qi Qu
  • Patent number: 7776930
    Abstract: Inhibiting naphthenate salts that can form precipitates or emulsions during crude oil production or processing. An effective amount of a naphthenate inhibitor, such as a hydrotrope, is provided into the production fluids for contact with mixtures of oil and water in the formation, the production equipment, or processing systems. It is believed that the naphthenate inhibitors, such as monophosphate ester or diphosphate ester, exhibit surface-active properties that cause the inhibitors to align and concentrate in a layer at the oil-water interface and thereby prevent interactions between organic acids in the oil phase with cations or cation complexes in the water. It is believed that the physical positioning and geometry of the naphthenate inhibitor blocks the growth of naphthenate salt crystals. However, it is preferred that the naphthenate inhibitors also avoid the formation of oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Champion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sen J. Ubbels
  • Patent number: 7776931
    Abstract: Low dosage naphthenate inhibitors, such as a surfactant or hydrotrope, delivered into production fluids for contact with mixtures of oil and water, such as in a hydrocarbon producing formation, production equipment, or processing systems. Inhibitor compounds such as monophosphate esters and diphosphate esters exhibit surface-active properties that cause the inhibitors to self-associate at oil-water interfaces and inhibit interactions between organic acids in the oil with cations or cation complexes in the water. These compounds also inhibit aggregation of organic acid carboxylate salts that form when pH and pressure conditions are amenable to organic acid ionization. Preferred inhibitors do not form emulsions due to the formation of unstable mixed interface structures that result in coalescence of dispersed droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Champion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Petrus Johannes Venter, Vaughn M. Nace, Sen J. Ubbels
  • Patent number: 7772160
    Abstract: Pellets can be injected into oil and gas production equipment that may contain stagnant or slow moving system fluids to treat the stagnant or slow moving system fluids to prevent conditions such as corrosion. The pellets have a density such that they may be moved through the equipment by system fluids passing therethrough. When the pellets come into contact with the stagnant or slow moving system fluids, sufficient pellets enter the stagnant or slow moving system fluids to treat it. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Greaves, Steven Jeremy Weghorn, Hani S. Zaki
  • Publication number: 20100171070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a phosphorus-containing polymer, comprising the steps of (i) copolymerizing at least (a) monoethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic anhydrides having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms with (b) olefins of the formula CH2?C(R1)R2 where R1 is H or CH3 and R2 is H, CH3, C2H5 or phenyl; (ii) reacting the polymer formed in step (i) with at least one primary or secondary phosphorus-containing amine or a phosphorus-containing alcohol and (iii) at least partly ring-opening the remaining anhydride groups. The invention further relates to phosphorus-containing polymers obtainable from this process, and to processes for preventing Ba/Sr scale with the aid of the polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE Patents, Trademarks and Licenses
    Inventors: Lidcay Herrera Taboada, Marcus Guzmann, Karin Neubecker, Alexander Göthlich
  • Publication number: 20100160186
    Abstract: Useful microemulsions have corrosion inhibitors in the internal phase and an external phase, where the corrosion inhibitor has a surfactant property that helps define the microemulsion. For example, the corrosion inhibitor itself may have its pH adjusted so that it also serves the role of surfactant. The corrosion inhibitors form microemulsions with particle or droplet diameters of about 10 to about 300 nm. The microemulsions may be oil-in-water, water-in-oil or bi-continuous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jiang Yang, Vladimir Jovancicevic
  • Patent number: 7737090
    Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting scale in a liquid hydrocarbon system, including the steps of: providing a liquid hydrocarbon system; providing an aloe-derived scale inhibitor; and mixing the aloe-derived scale inhibitor with the liquid hydrocarbon system in amounts effective to inhibit formation of scale. The scale inhibitor is aloe gel dissolved in water at a concentration of between about 5 and about 50% wt/wt, which includes polysaccharides having a hydrocarbon chain structure having carboxyl and alcohol functional groups that interact with divalent ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Viloria, Luis Castillo, Jose A. Garcia, Jose Biomorgi
  • Publication number: 20100137167
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds comprising three hydrophobic groups as additives to a stream of crude oil containing carboxylic acids, in particular naphthenic acids, and salt water, to prevent the formation of calcium carboxylates when the fluid is exposed to shear forces. Preferably, the compounds are added to a crude oil/water stream containing organic acids Ca2+ ions at a point between the well and the pressure reduction valve in the crude oil receiving station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Martin Hellsten, Ingemar Uneback
  • Publication number: 20100137454
    Abstract: Silicone oil-in-water emulsions containing a polysiloxane containing polymer is prepared by first preparing a polysiloxane containing polymer by the polymerisation of siloxane containing monomers and/or oligomers in the presence of an inert organopoly siloxane and/or an organic fluid, a suitable catalyst and optionally an end-blocking agent; and quenching the reaction if required. If required one or more surfactants may be introduced into the polysiloxane containing polymer to form a homogenous oil phase. Water is then added (in an amount of 0.1-10 percent by weight based on total oil phase weight) to the homogenous oil phase to form a water-in-oil emulsion. Shear is applied to the water-in-oil emulsion to cause inversion of the water-in-oil emulsion to an oil-in-water emulsion. Finally, if required the oil-in-water emulsion can be diluted by adding more water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Kathleen Barmes, Jary David Jensen, Walker L. Rochlitz, Andreas Stammer
  • Publication number: 20100130384
    Abstract: Compositions are provided for removing an organic material, especially asphaltenes, from a portion of a wellbore or a subterranean formation. The composition comprises: (A) water, wherein the water is greater than 50% by volume of the composition; (B) an organic solvent blend that is immiscible with water, wherein the organic solvent comprises: (i) a non-polar organic solvent; and (ii) a polar organic solvent; and (C) a surfactant adapted for forming an emulsion of the organic solvent blend and the water. Methods are provided for removing an organic material from a portion of a wellbore or a subterranean formation. The method comprises the steps of: (A) forming a composition according to the invention; and (B) introducing the composition to the portion from which the organic material is to be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen Charles Lightford, Franco Armesi, Fuanco Reynaldi
  • Publication number: 20100130385
    Abstract: A process for preparing a paraffin inhibitor formulation comprising (a) preparing a mixture comprising a waxy paraffin inhibitor component having a melting point of >0° C. and an emulsifier component, wherein the mixture is prepared at a first temperature range above the melting point of the waxy paraffin inhibitor; (b) adding water to the mixture to produce an o/w emulsion; and (c) cooling the o/w emulsion to a temperature in a second temperature range which is below the melting point of the waxy paraffin inhibitor. The mixture prepared in step (a) may further comprise water to produce a w/o emulsion, the water being present in a proportion by weight that is lower than the sum of the proportions by weight of the paraffin inhibitor and the emulsifier component. The process may further comprise (d) adding an at least partially water-miscible organic solvent in which the paraffin inhibitor is insoluble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Marcus Guzmann, Yaqian Liu, Rouven Konrad, Diana Franz
  • Patent number: 7709419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive that inhibits formation of gas hydrates for water-based drilling fluid, the additive having at least the following constituents (weight percent): a mixture A of glycerol derivatives having 10 to 55% monoglycerol, 15 to 32% diglycerol, and 5 to 12% triglycerol; 0 to 10% of at least one carboxylic acid salt, 0 to 45% of at least one inorganic salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Rafael Lugo, Christine Dalmazzone, Annie Audibert
  • Publication number: 20100099584
    Abstract: A method of acidizing and cleaning up a formation is disclosed, the formation being above 150 degrees C. The formation is treated with a mutual solvent system comprising a mutual solvent of oil and water, an aqueous acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and an iron control agent. In some embodiments, the iron control agent is present in an amount of less than 1% by weight of the mutual solvent system. In some embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor may be present in an amount of less than 10% by weight of the mutual solvent system. In some embodiments, the mutual solvent system further comprises an intensifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: SYNOIL FLUIDS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Shaun T. Mesher, David L. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100087338
    Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in an aqueous medium that contain a specified generic formula are disclosed. The aqueous medium can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Erick J. Acosta
  • Publication number: 20100087339
    Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid that contain a specified generic formula are disclosed. The fluid can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Erick J. Acosta
  • Patent number: 7691788
    Abstract: Compositions and methods of using same are described for negating asphaltene deposition in a formation, wellbore, near wellbore region, and production tubing. Compositions of the invention comprise an asphaltene solvent and a viscosity reducing agent, the asphaltene solvent and viscosity reducing agent present in a ratio so as to substantially reduce viscosity of an asphaltene-containing material while substantially negating deposition of asphaltenes either in a reservoir, in production tubing, or both when mixed or otherwise contacting the asphaltene-containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jiasen Tan, Ahmed Hammami, Moin Muhammad, Hussein Alboudwarej, Abdel M. Kharrat
  • Publication number: 20100075870
    Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting scale in a hydrocarbon system, including the steps of: providing a hydrocarbon system; providing an aloe-derived scale inhibitor; and mixing the aloe-derived scale inhibitor with the hydrocarbon system in amounts effective to inhibit formation of scale. The scale inhibitor is an aloe vera gel/aloe sap mix dissolved in water at a concentration of between about 5 and about 50% wt/wt, which includes polysaccharides having a hydrocarbon chain structure having carboxyl and alcohol functional groups that interact with divalent ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: INTEVEP, S.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Viloria, Luis Castillo, Jose A. Garcia, Maria Alejandra Carrasquero Ordaz, Elluz Vanessa Torin
  • Patent number: 7670993
    Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, detergent and acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltene and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Richard J. Dyer
  • Patent number: 7665523
    Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a treatment fluid comprising a styrene-acrylate polymer; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface. Another method provided herein includes a method for treating tar sand comprising: contacting the tar sand with a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a styrene-acrylate polymer, the tar sand comprising tar and sand; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymers to interact with the tar to at least partially separate the tar from the sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory P. Perez
  • Publication number: 20100029514
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for dissolving naphthenic acid solids from oilfield systems. The composition includes glacial acetic acid and a solvent that is soluble in the glacial acetic acid or a solvent in which the glacial acetic acid is soluble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: SANDRA L. BERRY, HAROLD L. BECKER, JOEL L. BOLES, FRANCES DE BENEDICTIS, DORA GALVAN
  • Publication number: 20100022417
    Abstract: A composition for removing and/or controlling build up of paraffin waxes and/or asphaltines from surfaces comprising from 0.1 to 99% by weight of a terpene and from 0.1 to 99% by weight of a hydrocarbon solvent containing from 60 to 70% by weight of a paraffin component, from 30 to 40% by weight of a naphthenic component and less than 2% by weight aromatics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: John P. Acunto
  • Patent number: 7645722
    Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting scale in a liquid hydrocarbon system, including the steps of: providing a liquid hydrocarbon system; providing an aloe-derived scale inhibitor; and mixing the aloe-derived scale inhibitor with the liquid hydrocarbon system in amounts effective to inhibit formation of scale. The scale inhibitor is aloe gel dissolved in water at a concentration of between about 5 and about 50% wt/wt, which includes polysaccharides having a hydrocarbon chain structure having carboxyl and alcohol functional groups that interact with divalent ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Viloria, Luis Castillo, José A. Garcia, José Biomorgi
  • Publication number: 20090325823
    Abstract: Methods and compositions useful in inhibiting the formation, growth, and/or maintenance of gas hydrates in a fluid mixture. The gas hydrate inhibitors comprise polyetheramines and acids that are exothermically reacted in situ to produce polyetherammonium compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: MAREK K PAKULSKI, Qi QU
  • Patent number: 7638465
    Abstract: Gas hydrate formation in a well completion fluid in the annular space of a hydrocarbon producing well may be controlled by the incorporation of effective amounts of one or more low dose gas hydrate inhibitors, including but not limited to, low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs), kinetic hydrate inhibitors, dendrimeric or branched compounds, linear polymers and copolymers and onium compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon T. Rivers, Jun Tian, John B. Trenery
  • Publication number: 20090313772
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an additive composition for dissolving hydrocarbons. The composition includes a peroxygen compound and surfactant compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Bullick Talley
  • Patent number: 7632785
    Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, and detergent. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltene and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Richard J. Dyer
  • Patent number: 7624805
    Abstract: Corrosive effects arising during oilfield treatment applications are inhibited and/or prevented by introducing into an oil or gas well at least one compound of formula I: wherein: R1 is independently H, —[—CnH2nO—]a—H, or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 24 carbon atoms; R2 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]b—H, R3 is independently —[—CH2]c—, or —CdH2d—[—OCnH2n—]e—, R4 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]f—H, R5 is independently H or —[—CnH2nO—]g—H, a is from about 1 to about 8; b+f+g is between 0 to about 30; c is from about 1 to 6; d is from about 1 to 6; e is from about 1 to about 8; and n is 2 or 3. Such corrosive effects are especially inhibited in the treatment of sour wells where H2S corrosion is a potential problem as well as conduits used during the treatment of subterranean formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hoppe, Richard L. Martin, Marek K. Pakulski, Thane D. Schaffer