Well Cleaning Fluid Patents (Class 507/927)
  • Patent number: 6593279
    Abstract: Acid based micro-emulsions are disclosed comprising water, an acid blend, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a co-solvent, a solvent and an oxidizer. The micro-emulsions have particular utility in cleaning oil sludges and drilling mud residues from well cuttings, well formations and down hole and surface oil well drilling and production equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Integrity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Von Krosigk, William M. Duncan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6555506
    Abstract: A method of preventing corrosion in pipelines comprising draining pipeline of all residual compounds, blowing through with nitrogen and rinsing with a corrosion inhibiting rinsing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: William Hopkins, Christopher Nettleship
  • Patent number: 6534449
    Abstract: A wellbore fluid composition effective to reduce oil-containing residue and water wet wellbore surfaces is provided. The fluid composition comprises a terpene composition and a surfactant. Methods for use of the fluid composition as a single spacer or as a multiple spacer in conjunction with a second fluid are provided. Methods for use of the composition in reduction or removal of oil-containing residue from wellbore surfaces, as a clean-up fluid, in wellbore completions, as a displacement fluid, and in wellbore treatment are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Alan Gilmour, Ralph Cheung, Alexander Bui
  • Patent number: 6527051
    Abstract: Encapsulated water soluble chemicals for use in controlled time release applications, methods of encapsulating the chemicals and methods of using the encapsulated chemicals are provided. The methods of encapsulating the chemicals are basically comprised of forming a first coating of a dry hydrophobic film forming material or a sparingly soluble material which provides a dry shield on the chemical and then forming a second coating of a porous cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on the first coating which prevents the substantial dissolution of the resulting encapsulated chemical for a selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Baireddy R. Reddy, Ronald J. Crook, Dennis W. Gray, Russell M. Fitzgerald, Bradley L. Todd, Steven B. Laramay
  • Patent number: 6494218
    Abstract: A scale dissolver composition and method for using the composition is provided. Broadly, the dissolver compositions are formed by adding a base such as ammonium hydroxide to a mixture comprising a salt of a chelating agent, a carbonate, and a component selected from the group consisting of organophosphorus compounds, carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof. The preferred organophosphorus compound is aminotrismethylidine diphosphonic acid while the preferred chelating agent salt is EDTA tetrasodium salt. In use, the dissolver composition is preferably heated to a temperature of from about 100-170° F. and then contacted with the target scale. The compositions are particularly useful for removing barium sulfate and calcium sulfate scales from gas and oil well and pipeline equipment in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Jacam Chemicals, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gene H. Zaid, Beth Ann Wolf
  • Patent number: 6467492
    Abstract: A method of preventing corrosion in pipelines comprising draining pipeline of all residual compounds, blowing through with nitrogen and rinsing with a corrosion inhibiting rinsing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hopkins, Christopher Nettleship
  • Patent number: 6436880
    Abstract: An acidic fluid that is useful in stimulation and workover operations, and in particular, for the control of iron in acidizing operations, the removal of alkaline earth carbonate scale in scale removal operations, and matrix or fracture acidizing operations, comprises an acid, such as hydrochloric acid; water; and a hydroxyethylaminocarboxylic acid. Preferred hydroxyethylaminocarboxylic acids are hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA) and hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HEIDA). Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling iron, removing alkaline earth carbonate scale, or matrix or fracture acidizing, involving the use of the acidic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne W. Frenier
  • Patent number: 6331513
    Abstract: A scale dissolver composition and method for using the composition is provided. Broadly, the dissolver compositions are formed by adding a base such as ammonium hydroxide to a mixture comprising a salt of a chelating agent, a carbonate, and a component selected from the group consisting of organophosphorus compounds, carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof. The preferred organophosphorus compound is aminotristmethylidine diphosphonic acid while the preferred chelating agent salt is EDTA tetrasodium salt. In use, the dissolver composition is preferably heated to a temperature of from about 100-170° F. and then contacted with the target scale. The compositions are particularly useful for removing barium sulfate and calcium sulfate scales from gas and oil well and pipeline equipment in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Jacam Chemicals L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gene H. Zaid, Beth Ann Wolf
  • Patent number: 6290001
    Abstract: A sweep material is disclosed comprising barium sulfate that has been ground and sieved, preferably in the range of about −95% 30 mesh to about +95% 100 mesh. The sweep material is added to and circulated with the drilling fluid during drilling of a deviated, directional or horizontal well to remove cuttings beds accumulated on the lower side of the well. After the drill cuttings are dislodged, the drilling fluid is sieved or screened to remove the barium sulfate to avoid a change in density of the fluid. The drilling operation does not have to be stopped during the sweep or cleaning treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. West, Rob Valenziano, Karl A. Lutgring
  • Patent number: 6234183
    Abstract: A method and composition for removing deposits of heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials and finely divided inorganic particulate matter from wellbore and flowline surfaces using a composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Albert F. Chan, William Mark Bohon, David J. Blumer, Kieu T. Ly
  • Patent number: 6165948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying out rock containing immobile formation water in the intake radius of natural gas wells and gas storage wells which deliver less than 50 l of water per 1000 m.sup.3 (S.T.P.) of natural gas produced, in which a dispersion comprising the componentsA) a water-repellent active compound,B) hydrophilic water-miscible dispersion medium, with or withoutC) a dispersant renders the water-containing rock hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Wacker-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Wendelin Dewenter, Kai-Udo Sewe, Willibald Burger, Michael Geck, Ludwig Esterbauer
  • Patent number: 6165946
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for facilitating the disposal of flowable and pumpable working fluids based on emulsifiers containing W/O invert emulsions--more particularly corresponding auxiliaries of the type used in geological exploration, such as oil-based w/o invert drilling muds--and for the simplified cleaning of solid surfaces soiled therewith, if desired using flowable spraying aids, the process being characterized in that, by selecting and adapting the emulsifiers/emulsifier systems to the oil phase of the invert emulsion, temperature-controlled phase inversion is achieved at temperatures below the in-use temperatures of the w/o invert emulsions, but above the freezing point of the aqueous phase and in that disposal and cleaning are carried out at temperatures in and/or below the phase inversion temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Heinz Mueller, Claus-Peter Herold, Thomas Foerster, Stephan von Tapavicza, Johann-Friedrich Fues
  • Patent number: 6112814
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a wellbore plugged with deposits of heavy hydrocarbons and finely-divided inorganic solids by circulating a surfactant composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol through the wellbore with a coiled tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Albert F. Chan, William Mark Bohon, David J. Blumer, Kieu T. Ly
  • Patent number: 6035933
    Abstract: A process for the thermo-hydraulic control of gas hydrates in subsea production and injection wells as well as pipelines which transport liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons is described, the process making use of a Nitrogen Generating System foamed or in solution. The control may signify the prevention of the formation of the gas hydrates or the dissolution of the gas hydrate plug already formed. Under conditions of use designed for the prevention of the formation of gas hydrates the SGN fluid prevents the thermal conditions leading to the gas hydrate plugs. Under conditions of use designed to dissolve the already formed gas hydrate plugs, the SGN fluid alters the thermo-hydraulic conditions which favor the gas hydrate plugs, so that they are dissolved and return to the water+gas phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.-Petrobras
    Inventors: Carlos Nagib Khalil, Nelson De Oliveira Rocha, Lucia Cristina Ferreira Leite
  • Patent number: 5996692
    Abstract: A method and composition for removing deposits of heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials and finely divided inorganic particulate matter from wellbore and flowline surfaces using a composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Albert F. Chan, William Mark Bohon, David J. Blumer, Kieu T. Ly
  • Patent number: 5977032
    Abstract: A method and composition for removing deposits of heavy hydrocarbonaceous materials and finely divided inorganic particulate matter from wellbore and flowline surfaces using a composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, an acid and an alkyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Albert F. Chan
  • Patent number: 5942469
    Abstract: A composition for and an improved process of, enhancing petroleum recovery from a petroleum reservoir by injecting said composition into the reservoir through a wellbore are provided. The aqueous composition is derived from a concentrate which includes a defoaming agent, a demulsifying agent, and optionally a stabilizing agent suitable for stabilizing the concentrate as an aqueous emulsion. In one embodiment, the defoaming agent is dispersed in carrier solvent and the concentrate further includes an emulsifying agent suitable for emulsifying the carrier solvent in water. The composition is preferably injected at a high pumping rate directly into the formation through the tubing-casing annulus and allowed to permeate into the reservoir surrounding the wellbore before oil production commences. The composition and method are particularly suited for used in conjunction with steam injection oil recovery techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Max S. Juprasert, Bruce W. Davis
  • Patent number: 5909774
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cleaning up a producing interval of a well bore drilled using a synthetic oil-water emulsion drill-in fluid. The methods basically comprise contacting filter cake and drill-in fluid on the walls of the well bore with three treatment fluids in three stages, the first and second treatment fluids being comprised of water, a filter cake dissolving acid, a mutual solvent and an emulsion penetrating agent. The third treatment fluid is comprised of water, a filter cake dissolving acid and a water wetting surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Griffith, Jiten Chatterji, Bobby J. King, Bryan K. Waugh, Patty L. Onan
  • Patent number: 5830831
    Abstract: Blends of alkyl polyglycoside surfactants having an alkyl chain length of C11 to C16 and blends of alkyl polyglycoside surfactants, in the presence of an ethoxylated alcohol cosurfactant, will form Winsor type III microemulsions in a water-oil mixture in a hydrophile-lipophile balance range of at least about 9.8 to 10.8 at 130.degree. F. wherein the water may be a chloride brine. The compositions are particularly useful in oil and gas well cleanout operations, formation acidizing, and well cementing operations and provide superior cleaning ability for removal of oil based drilling fluids, hydrocarbons and oil based pipe sealant and lubricant compositions, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Albert F. Chan, Kieu T. Ly
  • Patent number: 5773390
    Abstract: A chemical additive for cleaning a well drilling system and equipment includes an alcohol, preferably a terpene, and either an ether amine or a base fluid or combination of the two. The additive can be mixed with an aqueous solution that may be a water, salt or brine solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Well-Flow Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell P. Salisbury, Robert L. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5741761
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for in-situ decontamination of earth formations comprising:(a) from about 1,000 to about 25,000 parts by weight of a hydrophobically associating polymer per million parts by weight of water;(b) from about 25 to about 7,500 parts by weight per million parts by weight of water of one or more anionic or non-ionic surfactants; and,(c) from about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, based on the weight of water, of salts selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal halides and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
  • Patent number: 5614474
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for in-situ decontamination of earth formations comprising:(a) from about 1,000 to about 25,000 parts by weight of a hydrophobically associating polymer per million parts by weight of water;(b) from about 25 to about 7,500 parts by weight per million parts by weight of water of one or more anionic or non-ionic surfactants; and,(c) from about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, based on the weight of water, of salts selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal halides and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Ramesh Varadaraj
  • Patent number: 5547022
    Abstract: A composition for, and an improved process of, enhancing petroleum recovery from a petroleum reservoir by injecting said composition into the reservoir through a wellbore are provided. The aqueous composition is derived from a concentrate which includes a defoaming agent, a demulsifying agent, and optionally a stabilizing agent suitable for stabilizing the concentrate as an aqueous emulsion. In one embodiment, the defoaming agent is dispersed in carrier solvent and the concentrate further includes an emulsifying agent suitable for emulsifying the carrier solvent in water. The composition is preferably injected at a high pumping rate directly into the formation through the tubing-casing annulus and allowed to permeate into the reservoir surrounding the wellbore before oil production commences. The composition and method are particularly suited for used in conjunction with steam injection oil recovery techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Max S. Juprasert, Bruce W. Davis
  • Patent number: 5453416
    Abstract: A method for controlling phosphonates which tend to precipitate with metal ions in water treatment operations comprising, adding to the water a water-soluble copolymer containing one or more of the following monomeric units:[a] ##STR1## in which: R is hydrogen or an alkyl group, R.sub.1 is an alkyl group and X is hydrogen, NH.sub.4.sup.+, a water soluble metal ion or organic base; and[b] a monocarboxylic acid monomer; and adding the copolymer to the water to be treated in an amount sufficient to prevent precipitation of said phosphonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Peter K. L. G. Thevissen
  • Patent number: 5399270
    Abstract: A method for the inhibition of scale deposition on the surfaces of a well coproducing oil and scale forming brines comprising injecting into the well reservoir an acidic aqueous solution at a first pH containing dissolved therein a scale inhibitor, multivalent metal ions, and a heat-sensitive pH-increasing substance containing no more than 10 carbon atoms, which decomposes at elevated temperatures liberating an alkaline compound such that the solution is inherently heated by the higher ambient reservoir temperature to a temperature at which the alkaline compound is liberated from the heat-sensitive substance thus raising the pH of the solution to a point at which a sparingly soluble multivalent metal salt of the scale inhibitor is phase separated from the solution on the porous surfaces of the reservoir rock formation, providing for a slow release of inhibitor into the produced brines when the well is in its production phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Hen
  • Patent number: 5374361
    Abstract: Oil and gas wells and injection wells are cleaned of oil-based drilling muds, pipe thread compounds, other oil contaminants, cement and contaminants in injection water by a composition comprising fresh water or seawater, one-half to ten percent concentration of an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant and one to ten percent of a caustic agent such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Albert F. Chan