Preventing Contaminant Deposits In Petroleum Oil Conduits Patents (Class 507/90)
  • Patent number: 7615516
    Abstract: Useful microemulsions have corrosion inhibitors in the internal phase and an external phase and at least one surfactant that helps define the emulsion. 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: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Jiang Yang, Vladimir Jovancicevic
  • Patent number: 7615102
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (1) as corrosion and gas hydrate inhibitors. In said formula: R1 and R2 independently of one another represent C1 to C22 alkyl, C2 to C22 alkenyl, C6 to C30 aryl or C7 to C30 alkyl aryl; R3 represents M, hydrogen or an organic group with between 1 and 100 carbon atoms that optionally contains heteroatoms; A represents a C2 to C4 alkene group; B represents an optionally substituted C1 to C10 alkene group; D represents an ethylene group that is substituted with an organic group comprising between 1 and 600 carbon atoms; X and Y independently of one another represent O or NR4; R4 represents hydrogen, C1 to C22 alkyl, C2 to C22 alkenyl, C6 to C30 aryl or C7 to C30 alkyl aryl; M represents a cation; and n represents a number between 0 and 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Leinweber, Michael Feustel
  • Publication number: 20090263887
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolation and identification of unique Pseudomonas stutzeri strains that can grow on crude oil under denitrifying conditions and are useful in oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: E. I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Sharon Jo Keeler, Robert D. Fallon, Edwin R. Hendrickson, Linda L. Hnatow, Scott Christopher Jackson, Michael P. Perry
  • Publication number: 20090233817
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing wax deposition from a crude petroleum during transmission of the crude petroleum through a pipeline are provided. Compositions and methods of testing the deposition of wax from a petroleum sample are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Robert M. Kriegel, Jack F. Tinsley, Rajesh K. Saini, Robert K. Prud'homme, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7584791
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a diutan composition; providing a breaker that comprises an acid composition; allowing the breaker to interact with the treatment fluid; and allowing the viscosity of the treatment fluid to decrease. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may comprise a base fluid, a gelling agent that comprises a diutan composition, and a breaker that comprises an acid composition. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a portion of the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the portion of the subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian D. Robb, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song
  • Patent number: 7585816
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates in a petroleum fluid having hydrate-forming constituents is claimed. More specifically, the method can be used to treat a petroleum fluid, such as natural gas conveyed in a pipe, to inhibit the formation of a hydrate flow restriction in the pipe. The preferred hydrate inhibitors used for practicing the method comprise substantially water soluble homopolymers and copolymers of isopropylmethacrylamide derivatives which have a bimodal molecular weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Karla S. Colle, Larry D. Talley, John M. Longo
  • Publication number: 20090221451
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a process for providing a pumpable hydrate slurry in a hydrocarbon pipeline fluid mixture having a water-cut greater than about 50 volume percent. In one or more embodiments the process comprises treating the fluid mixture with an anti-agglomerant and adding water to the fluid mixture in an amount sufficient to lower the gas-water ratio sufficiently to achieve a pumpable hydrate slurry. Also disclosed are methods for producing hydrocarbons utilizing a process for providing a pumpable hydrate slurry in a hydrocarbon pipeline fluid mixture having a water-cut greater than about 50 volume percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Larry D. Talley
  • Publication number: 20090143252
    Abstract: A homopolymer of a monomer selected from those having the general formula: wherein: R1 is H or CH3; R2 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; A is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R5, R6, and R7 each are independently an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a copolymer of such monomers as acrylate, acrylamide or methacrylamide may be used to disperse metal sulfides prior to their forming scales during the production and transportation of crude oil. Terpolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium salt, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate; and acrylic acid may also be used for this purpose. The production fluid may also be treated with a compound that promotes the formation of dispersible sulfide scales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Marc N. Lehmann, Faezeh F. Firouzkouhi, Michael P. Squicciarini, Tauseef Salma
  • Patent number: 7541315
    Abstract: Disclosed are paraffin inhibitors prepared by admixing a polymer having the characteristic of inhibiting paraffin crystalline growth in formation fluid from oil and gas wells with a first solvent selected from the weak to moderate wax solvents and a second solvent selected from the strong wax solvents. Exemplary weak to moderate wax solvents include benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene, propyl benzene, trimethyl benzene and mixtures thereof. Exemplary strong wax solvents include cyclopentane, cyclohexane, carbon disulfide, decalin and mixtures thereof. The solvent system disclosed has desirably better solubility with the polymers, even at reduced temperatures, than either solvent alone. 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 be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David Wayne Jennings
  • Publication number: 20090124520
    Abstract: A method for transporting a fluid comprising a clathrate forming gas through a transportation system including a pipeline. The method involves subjecting the fluid to clathrate forming temperature and pressure conditions and introducing sufficient of a clathrate forming host to convert substantially all of the gas to clathrate and to form a flowable slurry. The flowable slurry is then conveyed through a pipeline to a destination. An alternative method involves transporting the fluid by means of a ring pipeline containing a carrier fluid, which includes clathrate inhibitors. Also provided is a heat pump whose working fluid is a clathrate forming composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Heriot-Watt University
    Inventor: Bahman Tohidi
  • Publication number: 20090111715
    Abstract: A method to remove hydrate plugs in a production system by passing a non-hydrate-forming or a hydrate-forming gas, which forms hydrates at a higher pressure than the existing hydrate, through the flow-restricting hydrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Adam L. Ballard, Norman D. McMullen, George J. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20090111714
    Abstract: A drag reducing composition comprising at least one non-polyalphaolefin polymer having an average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 800 micrometers. The non-polyalphaolefin polymer can initially be formed via emulsion polymerization. The initial polymer particles can then be at least partially consolidated and then reduced in size and suspended in a carrier fluid. The resulting drag reducing composition can be added to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to decrease the pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy L. Burden, Ray L. Johnston, William Franklin Harris, Kenneth W. Smith, Wayne R. Dreher, Stuart N. Milligan
  • Publication number: 20090075844
    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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Mingjie Ke, Qi Qu
  • Publication number: 20090071653
    Abstract: A composition for preventing or removing the build-up of a fluid film on a target surface of wells, processing equipment or geological formations and a method of using same is provided. The composition can be non-aqueous and alkaline and can include sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate tribasic, sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate. The method includes preparing the composition and then delivering the composition to the target surface. The composition can further include a non-aqueous carrier and/or a pH buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Ramtha Energy Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: KENNETH DWAYNE HODGE
  • Publication number: 20090054268
    Abstract: The invention provides for the use of substituted polyethyleneimines containing structural units of the formula (1), where R1 is H, C1-C30-alkyl, C1-C30-alkenyl or C7-C30-alkylaryl R2, R3, R4, R5 are each independently H or C1-C6-alkyl, in amounts of from 0.01 to 2% by weight to prevent the formation of gas hydrates in aqueous phases which are in contact with a gaseous, liquid or solid organic phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Dirk Leinweber, Alexander Roesch, Michael Feustel
  • Publication number: 20090036329
    Abstract: Naphthenic acid solids and/or emulsions can be inhibited by introducing an additive to crude oil prior to or concurrent with the deprotonation of the naphthenic acids present in the crude oil. The additives may be surfactants and can be amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, quaternary phosphonium compounds, and mixtures of both. The additives may also be linear compounds having at least two carboxylic acid or acrylic acid functional moieties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Justin D. Debord, Piyush Srivastava, Christopher Gallagher, Samuel Asomaning, Paul Hart
  • Patent number: 7481276
    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 —Cd2d—[—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: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Hoppe, Richard L. Martin, Marek K. Pakulski, Thame D. Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20080305971
    Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from an aqueous medium, a diutan heteropolysaccharide having a tetrasaccharide repeating unit in the polymer backbone and a peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. Breaking aids or catalysts may also be used with the treatment fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Leiming Li, Syed Ali, Oscar Bustos, Lijun Lin, Curtis L. Boney
  • Patent number: 7452848
    Abstract: Certain substituted amines, alkylenediamines or polyamines, and derivatives of these, are suitable for use in preventing, inhibiting, or otherwise modifying crystalline gas hydrate formation. These inhibitors include compounds from any of the following groups. The substituents R1-R5 may be hydrocarbyl groups or, in some cases, polyhydroxyalkyl groups or (CH2)p—COO? in which p is either 1 or 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ingrid Kristine Meier, Richard Joseph Goddard, Michael Edward Ford
  • Patent number: 7438797
    Abstract: A method of reducing the aggregation and deposition of asphaltene from a fluid containing asphaltene, such as crude oil, which method comprises the addition to the fluid of a compound of formula (1): wherein A is an optionally substituted ring system containing 6 to 14 carbon atoms; n is at least 1 and may equal the number of positions available for substitution in A; each X is independently a linker group; and each R is independently a hydrocarbyl group containing 10 to 25 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: iC16 Limited
    Inventors: Rodney John Gochin, Alec Smith
  • Publication number: 20080248974
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for inhibiting scale formation within a hydrocarbon producing system, said method comprising contacting said system with a copolymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and at least one other monomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: CHAMPION TECHNOLOGIES LTD
    Inventors: Ping Chen, Xing Yan, Thomas Hagen, Harry Montgomerie
  • Patent number: 7419937
    Abstract: A method of delivering chemicals such as scale inhibitor into a wellbore producing fluids includes providing the chemicals, in a slow-release form, in a container located in the path of the production fluids so that the production fluids pass through the container. Preferably, the container is suspended in the production tubing and periodically retrieved from the well to be refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Rimmer, Alan Saxon, Francisco Fragachan
  • Patent number: 7417009
    Abstract: A paraffin inhibitor comprising a polymer composed of about (a) 1 to about 98 weight percent of one or more C1-C30 alkyl esters of acrylic acid; (b) about 1 to about 98 weight percent of one or more C1-C30 alkyl esters of methacrylic acid; (c) and about 1 to about 30 weight percent of one or more unsaturated monomers selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamide monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, vinyl cycloalkyl monomers, vinyl heterocyclyl monomers, vinyl esters of aliphatic acids, vinyl esters of aromatic acids, vinyl esters of heterocyclic acids, maleimide and maleic anhydride wherein the alkyl ester portion of one of (a) or (b) is C10-C30 alkyl, compositions comprising the polymer and methods of using the polymer to inhibit the deposition of paraffin from oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventor: Olga E. Shmakova-Lindeman
  • Publication number: 20080194428
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a clarified diutan; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be placed 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 treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Publication number: 20080194427
    Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a acidic treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, an acid composition, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be allowed to interact with a component of the subterranean formation so that the component is at least partially dissolved. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Richard W. Pauls, Lulu Song, Jason E. Bryant, Sean R. Beach, Ian D. Robb
  • Patent number: 7381689
    Abstract: A method and an amide composition used therein for inhibiting, retarding, mitigating, reducing, controlling and/or delaying formation of hydrocarbon hydrates or agglomerates of hydrates. The method may be applied to prevent or reduce or mitigate plugging of conduits, pipes, transfer lines, valves, and other places or equipment where hydrocarbon hydrate solids may form under the conditions. At least one amide compound is added into the process stream, where the compound may be mixed with another compound selected from amino alcohols, esters, quaternary ammonium, phosphonium or sulphonium salts, betaines, amine oxides, other amides, simple amine salts, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Champion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vaithilingam Panchalingam, Michael Gregory Rudel, Scot Harris Bodnar
  • Publication number: 20080113878
    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: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Dirk Leinweber, Michael Feustel
  • Publication number: 20080108518
    Abstract: This invention is a method of using sulfite salts to remove dispersed sulfur from fluids encountered in oil and gas production, transport and refining in which sulfite salts are used to convert the dispersed sulfur into benign, water-soluble sulfur species which remain in aqueous solution. Sulfur precipitation and deposition in conduits and processing equipment is thereby prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: J. Caleb Clark, Stephen J. Homer, Kailash Sawhney, Frank A. Cosman
  • Publication number: 20080058226
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Greaves, Steven Jeremy Weghorn, Hani S. Zaki
  • Publication number: 20080015121
    Abstract: A sterically hindered quaternary ammonium composition is prepared by contacting a solvent having hydroxyl functionality, a halohydrin, and a sterically hindered tertiary amine, under reaction conditions sufficient to produce a sterically hindered quaternary ammonium compound. The reaction proceeds with excellent yield. The resulting compounds are particularly useful for inhibiting formation of hydrates in hydrocarbon reservoirs and pipelines. Novel compositions of matter include sterically hindered quaternary ammonium compounds conforming to the formulas C27H58XNO2 and C29H63XNO2, wherein X is a halogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gordon T. Rivers
  • Patent number: 7306039
    Abstract: A thermal insulating packer fluid contains water and/or brine, a crosslinkable viscosifying polymer, a crosslinking agent and an optional set retarder. The composition is capable of inhibiting unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli. The viscosity of the composition is such as to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Xiaolan Wang, Paul H. Javora
  • Publication number: 20070281866
    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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Alfredo Viloria, Luis Castillo, Jose A. Garcia, Jose Biomorgi
  • Publication number: 20070251693
    Abstract: A composition is provided for delivering an organic solvent to a downhole portion of a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon or to a portion of a pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbon. The composition comprises: (A) water; (B) a weighting agent; (C) an organic solvent that is immiscible with water; and (D) a surfactant adapted for forming an oil-external emulsion of the organic solvent and the water, wherein the surfactant is unstable to hydrolysis. The composition is formed to be an oil-external emulsion. The density of the composition is formulated to be greater than that of pure water at standard temperature and pressure. A method is provided for delivering an organic solvent to a downhole portion of a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon or to a portion of a pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbon. The method comprises the steps of: (A) forming a composition according to the invention; and (B) introducing the composition into the wellbore or into the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Gary J. Cheramie, Richard W. Pauls
  • Patent number: 7205262
    Abstract: Water soluble nonionic friction reducers and added to coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. Excellent friction reducing properties are manifested; a particularly practical use for the compositions is in subterranean formation fracturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin N Schwartz, Kevin W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7183239
    Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful forming plugs and pigs for separating fluids in pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Kevin M. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7164051
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule involves adding a reaction product to the mixtures in an effective amount to inhibit formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The product is made by the reaction of first reactant that is an amine or polyamine, or alcohol or polyalcohol, with a second, aldehyde reactant and a third reactant that is an alcohol or polyalcohol or, an amide or polyamide. Preferably, if the first and third reactants are both an alcohol or both a polyalcohol, they are not the same. A non-limiting example of a suitable amine would be a fatty alkyl amine, while formaldehyde would be a non-limiting of a suitable aldehyde and polyacrylamide would be a suitable third reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon T. Rivers, Daniel L. Crosby
  • Patent number: 7067459
    Abstract: A well service fluid composition comprises a fracturing fluid and a gas hydrate inhibitor. Preferably, the gas hydrate inhibitor does not affect the function of the fracturing fluid and is present in an amount sufficient to control and/or minimize the formation of gas hydrates. The well service fluid composition is useful in hydraulic fracturing in which the composition is injected into a subterranean formation under sufficient pressure to initiate and propagate a fracture in the formation. The fracturing fluid may be subsequently recovered when the fracturing operation is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Marek K Pakulski, Jeffrey C. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6905605
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting hydrate formation in a hydrocarbon flow by adding an amount of a dendrimeric compound effective to inhibit formation of hydrates at conduit temperatures and pressures, and flowing the mixture containing the dendrimeric compound and any hydrates through the conduit. Preferably, a hyperbranched polyester amide is used as hydrate formation inhibitor compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Ulfert Cornelis Klomp
  • Patent number: 6903054
    Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon-containing formation is disclosed. The method includes injecting a well treating fluid into a well, wherein the well treating fluid includes a self-diverting acid that includes about 1% to 30% by weight of at least one 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; and about 1% to 20% by volume of at least one viscoelastic surfactant selected from a family of compounds described by where R3 contains at least 10 carbon atoms, p=1-6, R2 contains 1-6 carbon atoms and R1 contains 1-6 carbon atoms; and about 0.7% to 20% by weight scale inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Diankui Fu, Marieliz Garcia-Lopez de Victoria
  • Patent number: 6894007
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (1) in which R1 is C1- to C24-alkyl, C2- to C24-alkenyl or a C6- to C18-aryl radical which may be substituted by a C1- to C24-alkyl group, R2, R3 independently of one another, are hydrogen, C1- to C18-alkyl, or C8- to C7-cycloalkyl, or R2 and R3, including the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a ring of 4 to 8 ring atoms, in which oxygen or nitrogen atoms may also be present in addition to carbon. A are identical or different C2- to C4-alkylene radicals, B is C1- to C7-alkylene, and n is an integer from 1-40, as gas hydrate inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Klug, Uwe Dahlmann, Michael Feustel
  • Patent number: 6867262
    Abstract: Graft polymers are used as gas hydrate inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Maximilian Angel, Karin Neubecker, Axel Sanner
  • Patent number: 6764980
    Abstract: An oil field production chemical, especially a scale inhibitor, is in the form of particles thereof carrying a coating e.g. of a dispersing agent. The coating may be polymeric such as an oligomeric polyacid polyester, a polymeric alkoxylated alcohol or a fatty acid polyamine condensate or it may also be a surfactant and may be used in the form of a suspension in an inert oil, such as diesel oil or kerosene which may be injected into a subterranean formation to inhibit the formation of deposits, e.g. scale in oil wells over a longer period than compounds free of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Ian Bates, Ian Ralph Collins, Paul Derek Ravenscroft
  • Patent number: 6723683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable chemical compositions wherein core substrates, particularly oil well chemicals, are adsorbed onto particulate starch, particularly granular starch, providing a stable, controlled release formulation suitable for use in oil field applications. The invention further relates to the process of preparing obtaining these compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Martin C. Crossman, James A. Rosie, Daniel B Solarek
  • Patent number: 6720291
    Abstract: Improved mud additive compositions are provided which are especially formulated to control hole enlargement due to salt bed erosion during drilling, and to assist in solubilization of deposited salt during well operations. The compositions include a first ingredient such as sodium or potassium ferrocyanide and mixtures thereof, and a second ingredient such as the a phosphonic acid, alkali or alkaline earth metal phosphonic acid salts, or mixtures thereof. The first ingredient is generally present at a level of from about 50-95% by weight in the particulate, dilutable form of the invention, whereas the second ingredient is present at a level of from about 5-50% by weight. The compositions hereof may be added to drilling mud during drilling operations or to fresh water for removing salt depositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Jacam Chemicals, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gene H. Zaid, Beth Ann Wolf
  • Patent number: 6706668
    Abstract: An acidizing composition and a method of acidizing a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation in the presence of ferric ions are provided. The acidizing composition includes a strong mineral acid solution, an electron donor agent, a primary electron transfer agent and a secondary electron transfer agent. The primary electron transfer agent is a source of rhenium ions. The secondary electron transfer agent is a source of iodide ion or iodine. The electron donor agent and primary and secondary electron transfer agents function together to reduce ferric ion present in the mineral acid solution to ferrous ion which in turn prevents ferric hydroxide and/or free sulfur from precipitating out of the solution and reduces the formation of sludge in crude oil in the formation. The particular electron transfer agents used in connection with the invention function with virtually all known electron donor agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Brezinski
  • Patent number: 6702022
    Abstract: An oil well capsule to reduce the paraffin and asphaltene which accumulate on the walls of the pipes which are used to bring the oil up from underground deposits, and a method of using the oil well capsule. An oil well capsule having a shell encapsulating a chemically active mass wherein the chemically active mass consists essentially of alkaline or alkaline earth metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Gennady V. Kattsyn, Boris E. Kogai
  • Patent number: 6630428
    Abstract: The use of high flash point, low vapor pressure compositions for injection into, and coating of, gas and oil wells and surrounding underground hydrocarbon bearing formations and processing equipment for the purpose of removing scale, paraffins, tars, and other viscous constituents. Treatment results in increased flow of gas and/or oil and decreased adhesion of soil and scale in all aspects of oil and gas recovery, including hydrocarbon bearing formations, casings, lines and pumping equipment. The composition contains about 40 to 99 wt. % of a fatty acid alkyl ester blend and about 1 to 25 wt. % of at least one lower alkyl glycol ether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: United Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey A. Furman, Kenneth R. Cioletti
  • Patent number: 6620338
    Abstract: Novel corrosion inhibiting compositions comprising a combination of amino thiol or amino disulfide compounds with acidic amino acid polymers inhibit carbon dioxide induced corrosion of ferrous metals in aqueous systems. Particularly effective inhibitor compositions are the natural amino acids cysteine and cystine and their decarboxylated analogues cysteamine and cystamine in combination with polyaspartic acid. The inhibitor compositions are particularly useful for preventing corrosion and scale formation in oil production applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Donlar Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Fan, Lai-Duien Grace Fan, Jacob Mazo
  • Patent number: 6566309
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of the formula (1) in which R1 is C1-C30-alkyl, C2-C30-alkenyl or a group of the formula —CH2—CO—NR2R3 or a C6-C18-aryl radical which may be substituted by a C1-C12-alkyl group, R2, R3 independently of one another, are hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl or C5-C7-cycloalkyl, or R2 and R3, including the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded, form a ring of 4 to 8 ring atoms, it being possible for the ring also to contain oxygen or nitrogen atoms in addition to carbon atoms, A is a C2-C4-alkylene radical and n is an integer from 1 to 20, as gas hydrate inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Klug, Michael Feustel
  • Patent number: 6544932
    Abstract: An additive for inhibiting the formation of gas hydrates in connection with hydrocarbon production and transportation comprising the water-soluble polymers comprising structural elements of the formula wherein each R is independently H or C1-C5-alkyl; X is H, an alkaline or earth alkaline metal or a quaternary ammonium group; R1 is H or C1-C18-alkyl; and R2 is C1-C18-alkyl; and wherein the alkyl groups represented by R1 and R2 optionally carry a hydroxy or amino substituent; and, optionally, a minor proportion of structural elements of the formula  wherein R, R1, R2 and X may have the meaning as above, and Alk is a C1-C5-alkylene chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Clariant GmbH, RF-Rogaland Research
    Inventors: Peter Klug, Malcolm Kelland