Cleaning Organic Contaminant Patents (Class 507/929)
  • Patent number: 8877689
    Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one example composition includes a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a tar stabilizing polymer comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene polymer, an acrylate polymer, a styrene-acrylate polymer, and any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Haliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Wayne Livanec, Greg Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 8778850
    Abstract: Formulation for a natural product as a replacement for the use of traditional acidic chemical stimulation methods for the emulsification, removal and release of paraffin and asphaltenes from low producing or pumped off wells and reservoirs with the use of traditional methodologies. Also a method of use of formulation for stimulating an oil well consisting of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable, non-reactive fluid system containing a water-miscible fatty acid solvent, a solution of fatty acids, an amino alcohol, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The fluid system may be further in the form of a nanoemulsion that is formed by combining a colloidal solution with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Green Earth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Andrecola
  • Patent number: 8741816
    Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizing polymer comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene polymer, an acrylate polymer, a styrene-acrylate polymer, and any combination thereof; and allowing the tar stabilizing polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Wayne Livanec, Greg Paul Perez
  • Patent number: 8691732
    Abstract: A water-based fluid, containing: a non-ionic surfactant, which is stable in a temperature range from 10 to 90° C. and soluble in water; and a salt, wherein the non-ionic surfactant contains an alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of a C8 alkyl polyglucoside, a C10 alkyl polyglucoside, and mixtures thereof, and the salt is present, and is present in an amount up to 60%. In addition, a process for preventing the formation of a W/O inverse emulsion or resolving a W/O inverse emulsion that has already formed in an oil well in which an oil-based mud has been employed by injecting the water-based fluid into the oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucilla Del Gaudio, Paola Albonico, Sandra Cobianco, Chiara Neva Emiliani, Giuseppe Ripa
  • Patent number: 7481273
    Abstract: Fluid producing or injecting wells may be treated with a water-in-oil emulsion for the removal or inhibition of unwanted particulates, including pipe dope, asphaltenes and paraffins. In addition, such emulsions are effective in the displacement of oil base drilling muds and/or residues from such muds from wells. The emulsion may also be used to break the interfacial and/or rheological properties of oil base mud and synthetic oil base mud filter cakes, and act as a demulsifier to break the water-in-oil emulsion present in such oil base and synthetic oil base muds. The water-in-oil emulsions may optionally contain a dispersing agent as well as a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Javora, Brian B. Beall, Mark A. Vorderburggen, Qi Qu, Sandra L. Berry
  • Patent number: 7392844
    Abstract: A method of treating a well consists of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable fluid system containing a fatty acid ester, such as methyl soyate. The fluid system may further contain a lactic acid ester, such as ethyl lactate, and/or a nonionic surfactant. The fluid system may be used in displacement, well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Sandra L. Berry, Kay E. Cawiezel
  • Patent number: 7392845
    Abstract: A biodegradable water-in-synthetic oil base emulsion, effective in the removal of filter cakes, consists of an external phase of a surfactant emulsified in a paraffinic base oil. The emulsion is particularly effective in breaking-down the interfacial rheological properties of oil base mud and synthetic oil base mud filter cakes and acts as a demulsifier to break the water-in-oil emulsions present in such oil base and synthetic oil base muds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Sandra L. Berry, Brian Beall
  • Publication number: 20080110618
    Abstract: Nanoemulsion, macroemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor I, II or III phase behavior) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) improve the removal of filter cakes formed during hydrocarbon reservoir wellbore drilling with OBM. The macroemulsion, nanoemulsion, miniemulsion, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. In one non-limiting embodiment, the emulsion system (e.g. single phase microemulsion, nanoemulsion, or other emulsions) may be formed in situ (downhole) rather than produced or prepared in advance and pumped downhole. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Lirio Quintero, David E. Clark, Thomas A. Jones, Jean-Louis Salager, Ana Forgiarini
  • Patent number: 7231976
    Abstract: A method of treating a well consists of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable fluid system containing a blend of lactic acid ester, such as ethyl lactate, and a fatty acid ester, such as methyl soyate. The fluid system may be further in the form of a microemulsion that is formed by combining a blend with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in displacement, well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Sandra L. Berry, Kay E. Cawiezel
  • Patent number: 7152697
    Abstract: A method of controlling and delaying the inversion of a drilling fluid and the wettability of a filtercake by using a delayed phase changing agent. The filtercake is preferably formed while drilling a subterranean formation using a drilling fluid includes: an oleaginous fluid; a non-oleaginous fluid; an amine surfactant having the structure: wherein R is a C12–C22 aliphatic hydrocarbon; R? is an independently selectable from hydrogen or C1 to C3 alkyl; A is NH or O, and 1?x+y?3. In the method, the filter cake is exposed to a delayed phase changing agent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic amine acids, salts of aliphatic amine acids and combinations thereof. In one preferred illustrative embodiment, the delayed phase changing agent is delivered in the form of a pill, the pill including a carrier fluid, a viscosifier and the delayed phase changing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Horton, Bethicia Prasek, Frank E. Evans, Taylor Green, Mark Luyster, Steve Mason
  • Patent number: 7134496
    Abstract: Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with invert emulsions. The single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. Optionally, an acid capable of solubilizing the filter cake bridging particles may also be used with the microemulsion. In one non-limiting embodiment the acid may be a polyamino carboxylic acid. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas A. Jones, David E. Clark, Lirio Quintero, Bruce Rae Ewen
  • Patent number: 7131495
    Abstract: A method to synthesize a chlorine dioxide block remover in a well is described. The method includes dissolving a chlorate aqueous solution and some acidic substances in water and to produce a hydrogen ion. The chlorate aqueous solution and acidic substances are quickly injected into the well by an injection pump, so they react with each other and produce chlorine dioxide. The synthesis of the chlorine block remover in the well removes oil layer blocks induced by polymers and microbes, while reducing the risk of explosion caused by leaked chlorine dioxide, and reducing the corrosion of equipment and pipes caused by chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Zhanyuan Hao, Dong Hao
  • Patent number: 6988552
    Abstract: A method to clean the wellbore and the near wellbore formation adjacent to the wellbore of the gas bearing formation adjacent to the production zone of the wellbore. The method includes the steps of injecting a treatment liquid containing from 84.5 to 100% of liquid carbon dioxide, 0 to 15% of an alcohol, and 0 to 0.5% of a surfactant into the well in a predetermined quantity and maintaining the pressure of the treatment liquid in the near wellbore formation of the gas bearing formation below the fracturing pressure of the formation, releasing the pressure on the wellbore and allowing the liquid CO2 to vaporize and other materials to blow out of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Dennis Ray Wilson, Thomas A. Bell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6984610
    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: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Integrity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. VonKrosigk, William M. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6924254
    Abstract: Viscous well treating fluids and methods of treating subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The viscous fluids are basically comprised of water, a gelling agent and a delayed viscosity breaker comprising pentanedione peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley L. Todd
  • Patent number: 6672388
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for cleaning wellbore walls, tubing or casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lamberti USA, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. McGregor, Dario Fomara, Tullio Pellizzon, Giuseppe Li Bassi
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20030024703
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and composition for cleaning and inhibiting solid, bitumin tar, and viscous fluid deposition in well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of a miscible terpene in the well fluid. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning and inhibiting deposits in and on well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of d-limonene into the well fluid is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Neil McKenzie, John Ewanek
  • Patent number: 6431279
    Abstract: An improved method for the chlorine dioxide treatment of oil and/or gas well bores is provided, which eliminates the need for costly and complex chlorine dioxide-generating equipment and yields very high concentrations of chlorine dioxide down hole. The preferred method involves the introduction of reactant(s) into a well and causing a reaction to generate chlorine dioxide in situ. Chlorite and hypochlorite ion sources (e.g., sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite) are introduced into the well along with an acid. The well may then be flushed with water to force the reactants and chloride dioxide downwardly to the well formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Jacam Chemicals, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gene H. Zaid, Donald W. Sanders
  • 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: 6204420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a synergistic mixture of A from 5 to 99% by weight of a carboxylic acid having more than 4 carbon atoms, an ethercarboxylic acid containing C18-C22-alkyl, C18-C22-alkenyl or C6-C18-alkylaryl substituents, an amidocarboxylic acid, or mixtures thereof, B from 1 to 95% by weight of a phosphoric mono- or diester, or mixtures thereof, which is substituted by C18-C22-alkyl, C18-C22-alkenyl, C6-C18-alkylaryl or alkoxylated groups, where the sum of components A and B is 100% by weight, to crude oils containing such mixtures, and to a process for dispersing asphaltenes in crude oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Clariant GmbH
    Inventors: Dennis Miller, Axel Vollmer, Michael Feustel, Peter Klug
  • Patent number: 6196320
    Abstract: A non-aqueous system for cleaning a section of a subterranean well bore and installing a water based fluid system into the well bore. The well bore may be an open hole or contain a casing string therein. A series of spacer fluids are introduced into the well bore to displace the drilling fluid in order to clean and water wet the section of well bore. In the preferred embodiment, three spacers are pumped into the well bore including a first spacer containing a solvent, a second spacer containing a solvent and a third spacer containing a surfactant. A water based fluid system may thereafter be introduced into the well bore. The water based fluid system will be a completion fluid in the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Warren J. Ray, David G. Hines
  • 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: 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: 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: 5904208
    Abstract: Aqueous and non-aqueous systems for cleaning a section of a subterranean well borehole and casing prior to cementing. A series of spacer fluids are introduced into the borehole to displace drilling fluid and to provide clean and water wet casing and borehole surfaces of the cleaned section of well bore. The cleaned section of the well bore will provide surfaces for superior bonding of the cement to the surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Deep South Chemical
    Inventors: Warren J. Ray, David G. Hines
  • 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: 5678631
    Abstract: A process for cleaning a well system and equipment has been developed using a chemical additive that includes an alkene alcohol, preferably a terpene, and either an ether amine or base fluid or combination of the two. The additive can be used in an aqueous or salt solution. The process includes circulating the chemical additive in the well system with spacer fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Well-Flow Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell P. Salisbury, Robert L. Sloan
  • Patent number: 5670460
    Abstract: A concentrate for use with an oil or water carrier for injection into a well to enhance production and a method of well treatment are disclosed. The five part concentrate contains xylene, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent such as kerosene, a non-ionic emulsifier, a non-ionic surfactant and an amphoteric detergent. The xylene and kerosene create a solvent hole in the materials restricting flow. The surfactant expands the holes while the detergent and emulsifier assist in dispersing the removed material to thereby stimulate production from the well. The injection of the concentrate and carrier mixture can take place during shut-in of the well or during continued production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Jerry S. Neely, Richard D. Neely
  • 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: 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