M-I L.L.C. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160108327 | CHEMICAL INHIBITORS WITH SUB-MICRON MATERIALS AS ADDITIVES FOR ENHANCED FLOW ASSURANCE - Methods may include admixing an additive composition with a hydrocarbon fluid, wherein the additive composition contains at least one inhibitor and at least one sub-micron particle. Additional methods may include providing an additive composition containing at least one inhibitor and at least one sub-micron particle; adding the additive composition to a fluid capable of precipitating at least one of at least of asphaltenes, wax, scale, and gas hydrates; and transporting the fluid containing the additive composition. | 04-21-2016 |
20160108303 | VISCOELASTIC SURFACTANTS IN MIXED BRINES - A wellbore fluid is provided that includes at least one viscoelastic surfactant, a first brine solution including one or more water soluble monovalent cation salts, and a second brine solution including one or more water soluble divalent cation salts in an amount effective to increase the viscosity of the wellbore fluid. The wellbore fluid may be injected into a wellbore as a gravel packing agent, to enhance the thermal insulation of a production tubing or transfer pipe surrounded by at least one annuli, or to reduce fluid loss. | 04-21-2016 |
20160032169 | POLYMERIC COMPOSITIONS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS - Methods for treating a wellbore and compositions used for same are provided that include emplacing a polymer-forming composition in the wellbore, and initiating polymerization of the polymer-forming composition to form a polymerized material in the selected region of the wellbore. In some aspects, polymeric compositions provided may also be useful for isolating pressure differentials downhole. | 02-04-2016 |
20150368539 | CARBONACEOUS NANOPARTICLES AS CONDUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT ADDITIVES TO WATER-IN-OIL EMULSIONS, OIL-IN-WATER EMULSIONS AND OIL-BASED WELLBORE FLUIDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of making wellbore fluids with enhanced electrical conductivities. In some embodiments, such methods comprise: (1) pre-treating a carbon material with an acid; and (2) adding the carbon material to the wellbore fluid. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to wellbore fluids formed by the methods of the present disclosure. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods for logging a subterranean well by utilizing the aforementioned wellbore fluids. | 12-24-2015 |
20150345251 | MECHANICAL SHAFT COUPLING FOR FLUID SYSTEM CONNECTIONS - A fluid control system includes a choke valve having a first connector shaft an actuator haying a second connector shaft; a collar disposed around the first and second connector shafts; and a spring disposed on the first connector shaft. The collar may have an internal taper and a plurality of engagement pins. | 12-03-2015 |
20150337609 | SHAKER AND DEGASSER COMBINATION - A system for separating components of a slurry is disclosed, the system including a housing; a basket for holding at least one shaker screen, the basket movably mounted in the housing; at least one vibrator coupled to the basket; a sump disposed below the basket to collect at least a portion of the slurry passing through the at least one shaker screen; a pressure differential device fluidly connected to the sump for developing a pressure differential across the at least one shaker screen; and a toggling device for toggling the pressure differential across the screen. A system including a degassing chamber fluidly connected to a sump and a pressure differential device, wherein the degassing chamber is disposed between the sump and the pressure differential device, and a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the degassing chamber for recovering a degassed fluid is also disclosed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150308202 | SHAKER AND DEGASSER COMBINATION - A system for separating components from a slurry of drilling fluid and drill cuttings on a shaker screen having an upper side and a lower side within a shaker. The system also has a pressure differential generator to pull an effective volume of air through a section of the shaker screen to enhance the flow of drilling fluid through the section of the shaker screen and the separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings and further maintain an effective flow of drill cuttings off the shaker. A method of separating components of a slurry of drilling fluids and solids has the steps of delivering the slurry to a shaker, flowing the slurry over a first screen and applying an effective amount of vacuum to a first portion of the first screen to remove the drilling fluids from the slurry without stalling the solids on the first screen. | 10-29-2015 |
20150299558 | COLLOIDAL SILICA AND POLYMER SYSTEM FOR INSULATING PACKER FLUIDS - Insulating packer fluids containing colloidal silica inorganic additives may be used in methods that reduce convective currents in a packer fluid. In other aspects, packer fluids containing colloidal silica inorganic additives may be used in methods of insulating production wells and methods for stimulating production of hydrocarbons. | 10-22-2015 |
20150284619 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE WELLBORE FLUIDS AND METHODS OF USE - Electrically conductive oil-based wellbore fluids and methods of using same are provided. Wellbore fluids provided may contain one or more carbon nanotubes, where the one or more carbon nanotubes have a particular d/g ratio as determined by Raman spectroscopy. Also provided are methods for electrical logging of a subterranean well that include emplacing a logging medium into a subterranean well, wherein the logging medium contains a non-aqueous fluid and one or more carbon nanotubes, where the one or more carbon nanotubes are present in a concentration so as to permit the electrical logging of the subterranean well; and acquiring an electrical log the subterranean well. | 10-08-2015 |
20150240581 | HOT SWAPPABLE CHOKE ACTUATOR SYSTEM AND/OR METHOD - A system having a choke assembly with a mandrel extending therefrom, an actuator with an actuator member extending therefrom, and a spool having a bore therethrough configured to provide a passage for the mandrel and the actuator member. The spool further includes a first end configured to be coupled to the choke assembly, a second end configured to be coupled to the actuator; and an access port formed in a wall of the spool. The system also includes a locking device configured to couple the mandrel to the actuator member within the bore of the spool. The access port is configured to receive the locking device. | 08-27-2015 |
20150176351 | SHAKER AND DEGASSER COMBINATION - A system for separating components of a slurry is disclosed, the system including a housing; a basket for holding at least one shaker screen, the basket movably mounted in the housing; at least one vibrator coupled to the basket; a sump disposed below the basket to collect at least a portion of the slurry passing through the at least one shaker screen; a pressure differential device fluidly connected to the sump for developing a pressure differential across the at least one shaker screen; and a toggling device for toggling the pressure differential across the screen. A system including a degassing chamber fluidly connected to a sump and a pressure differential device, wherein the degassing chamber is disposed between the sump and the pressure differential device, and a fluid conduit fluidly connected to the degassing chamber for recovering a degassed fluid is also disclosed. | 06-25-2015 |
20150175871 | BREAKER FLUID - A breaker fluid composition and methods for using said breaker fluid composition are provided, where the breaker fluid includes a non-aqueous base fluid, a precipitated silica, an acid source, and, in some embodiments, a chelant. | 06-25-2015 |
20150159074 | RESERVOIR WELLBORE FLUID - In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an oil-based wellbore fluid. The oil-based wellbore fluid may include an oleaginous liquid and a surface-modified precipitated silica, wherein the surface-modified precipitated silica comprises a lipophilic coating. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of drilling or servicing a well. The method may include circulating a wellbore fluid, such as that described in the paragraph above, into a wellbore, and recovering at least a portion of the wellbore fluid from the wellbore. | 06-11-2015 |
20150152316 | WATER BASED COMPLETION AND DISPLACEMENT FLUID AND METHOD OF USE - A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas is disclosed, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake. The method may include the steps of circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes an aqueous fluid, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting age, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks. | 06-04-2015 |
20150122488 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING AN INLINE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MONITOR - A method is disclosed in which an electrical conductivity of a treatment fluid is measured with one or more sensor at various instants of time. The method is further performed by generating one or more signals indicative of the electrical conductivity of the treatment fluid and transmitting the one or more signals to a computer system. The method is further performed by analyzing the one or more signals to determine a phase change in the treatment fluid based upon a positive or negative change in the electrical conductivity of the treatment fluid from a predetermined electrical conductivity range. | 05-07-2015 |
20150108391 | SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETIC CARBON NANORIBBONS AND MAGNETIC FUNCTIONALIZED CARBON NANORIBBONS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making magnetic carbon nanoribbons. Such methods generally include: (1) forming carbon nanoribbons by splitting carbon nanomaterials; and (2) associating graphene nanoribbons with magnetic materials, precursors of magnetic materials, or combinations thereof. Further embodiments of the present disclosure also include a step of reducing the precursors of magnetic materials to magnetic materials. In various embodiments, the associating occurs before, during or after the splitting of the carbon nanomaterials. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure further comprise a step of (3) functionalizing the carbon nanoribbons with functionalizing agents. In more specific embodiments, the functionalizing occurs in situ during the splitting of carbon nanomaterials. In further embodiments, the carbon nanoribbons are edge-functionalized. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to magnetic carbon nanoribbon compositions that were formed in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure. | 04-23-2015 |
20150096750 | HIGH INTERNAL PHASE RATIO INVERT EMULSION - A water-in-oil type emulsion having a dispersed particle volume fraction of greater than about 60 volume percent, based on the based on the total volume of the emulsion. Methods to produce the emulsion, treatment fluids comprising the emulsion, and uses thereof are also disclosed. | 04-09-2015 |
20150027701 | METHODS OF USING OLEAGINOUS FLUIDS FOR COMPLETION OPERATIONS - In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore having a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition having gravel and a carrier fluid, where the carrier fluid includes an oleaginous fluid and an inorganic solid aggregator material. | 01-29-2015 |
20150021098 | BREAKER FLUIDS FOR WELLBORE FLUIDS AND METHODS OF USE - Compositions for controlling fluid loss may include an aqueous fluid, a viscosifier, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a delayed acid source, and a weighting agent. The composition may further comprise at least one selected from bridging solids, cleaning agent, dispersant, interfacial tension reducer, pH buffer, thinner, or surfactant. Such compositions may be used in producing a hydrocarbon from a formation by drilling the formation with a drill-in fluid to form a wellbore, emplacing the composition in the wellbore, and shutting the well for a predetermined time to allow the viscosity of the fluid loss composition to decrease. | 01-22-2015 |
20140339178 | SHAKER AND DEGASSER COMBINATION - A system for separating components from a slurry of drilling fluid and drill cuttings on a shaker screen having an upper side and a lower side within a shaker. The system also has a pressure differential generator to pull an effective volume of air through a section of the shaker screen to enhance the flow of drilling fluid through the section of the shaker screen and the separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings and further maintain an effective flow of drill cuttings off the shaker. A method of separating components of a slurry of drilling fluids and solids has the steps of delivering the slurry to a shaker, flowing the slurry over a first screen and applying an effective amount of vacuum to a first portion of the first screen to remove the drilling fluids from the slurry without stalling the solids on the first screen. | 11-20-2014 |
20140311746 | USE OF CHELANTS IN FORMATE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO DISSOLVE RESIDUAL FILTERCAKES IN SUBTERRANEAN WELLS - A wellbore fluid for dissolving a filtercake includes a chelating agent and an aqueous solution of carboxylate salt. The concentration of the chelating agent is up to 50 percent volume per volume (v/v) in the aqueous solution of carboxylate salt. A method of treating a well includes preparing a wellbore fluid up to 50 percent volume per volume (v/v) chelating agent in an aqueous solution of carboxylate salt. The method further includes emplacing the wellbore fluid downhole such that the wellbore fluid dissolves a filtercake in the well. | 10-23-2014 |
20140305646 | COMPOSITION OF POLYBUTADIENE-BASED FORMULA FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS - A method of treating a wellbore may include emplacing in at least a selected region of the wellbore a formulation that includes at least one diene pre-polymer; at least one reactive diluent; at least one inert diluent comprising an oleaginous liquid or a mutual solvent; and at least one initiator; and initiating polymerization of the at least one diene pre-polymer and the at least one reactive diluent to form a composite material in the selected region of the wellbore. | 10-16-2014 |
20140299552 | DISINFECTING WATER USED IN A FRACTURING OPERATION - A process for disinfecting a treatment fluid is disclosed, including the step of admixing an aqueous solution comprising two or more oxidants generated via electrolysis of a salt solution with a treatment fluid. The mixed oxidants may be generated on site, using a containerized system. | 10-09-2014 |
20140290954 | Wellbore Strengthening Composition - In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a wellbore strengthening composition including at least one polymer capable of polymerizing through a free radical polymerization reaction from the group of epoxy acrylates, modified epoxy acrylates, epoxy precursors, modified epoxy vinyl esters, unsaturated polyesters, urethane(meth)acrylates, polyester acrylates, epoxy vinyl ester resins having the wherein R and R | 10-02-2014 |
20140290330 | FILTER CAKE DRAG TESTER - A method that includes pulling a sled disposed on a trough across a first filtercake at a constant speed, measuring a force versus distance or time based on the pulling; and outputting a frictional force curve is described. An apparatus that includes a base, a pulley attached to the base, a trough attached to the base, a sled disposed on the trough, a cable connecting the pulley and the sled, the cable connected to an arm capable of being moved at a constant speed, and a system to measure the force required to move the sled is also described. | 10-02-2014 |
20140274651 | CENTRIFUGE - A centrifuge, including: a flange closing off one axial end of a separation chamber; a plurality of apertures that traverse axially through the flange at a radial distance from a flange axis, wherein at least one aperture is in fluid communication with a first outlet passage; a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber; wherein at least one weir insert disposed within the at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first outlet passage is changeable to prevent or allow fluid communication between the separation chamber and the first outlet passage. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260560 | APPARATUS AND METHOD TO MEASURE A PROPERTY OF WELLBORE FLUID - A method includes disposing an open end of a housing in a wellbore fluid, flowing the wellbore fluid into the housing though the open end, rotating an impeller disposed within the housing at a first rotational speed with a motor coupled to the impeller, and determining at least one of viscosity and rheology of the wellbore fluid based on the rotating an impeller. An apparatus includes a housing, a mechanical agitator disposed in the housing, a motor operatively coupled to the mechanical agitator, a first sensor coupled to at least one of the mechanical agitator and the motor, and a second sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a fluid property or characteristic. | 09-18-2014 |
20140246054 | USE OF CUTTINGS VESSEL FOR TANK CLEANING - A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel. | 09-04-2014 |
20140217002 | COMPOUND ANGLE WEDGE SCREEN CLAMP FOR VIBRATORY SEPARATOR - A wedging apparatus for a vibrating separator including an outer polygonal surface to secure a screen to the vibrating separator, wherein the outer polygonal surface extends substantially along the length of a screening surface of the vibrating separator is disclosed. A screen for a vibratory separator including a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface, and at least one filter element connected to the frame, wherein the bottom surface comprises a wedge engagement profile is also disclosed. A vibrating separator apparatus including a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, a bottom wall connecting the first side wall and the second side wall, a first screen having a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one wedging apparatus disposed along the length of the bottom surface of the first screen is also disclosed. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216751 | INTEGRATED MANAGED PRESSURE DRILLING RISER JOINT - An apparatus comprises a telescoping marine riser action and one of a rotating control device and an annular blow out preventer. The telescoping marine riser section comprises an inner barrel and an outer barrel. The one of a rotating control device and an annular blow out preventer is disposed inside the outer barrel | 08-07-2014 |
20140216721 | ROTATING FLOW HEAD APPARATUS - An apparatus comprises a mandrel having a longitudinal axis and further comprises a plurality of pivoting elements spaced apart along a circumference of a cross-section of the mandrel. Each of the pivoting elements is pivotable around a transversal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. | 08-07-2014 |
20140202966 | RETURN DRILLING FLUID PROCESSING - A system for processing returned drilling fluid including a flow line configured to provide a return flow of drilling fluids and at least one vibratory separator having at least one screen, wherein the vibratory separator is fluidly connected to the flow low and is configured to receive at least a partial flow of fluids and separate the flow of fluids into a primarily fluid phase and a primarily solids phase. The system further includes a dual-trough configured to receive the primarily solid phase from the at least one vibratory separator and a slurry tank configured to receive the solids phase from the trough. Additionally, a method of processing a return drilling fluid including dividing the return drilling fluid into a primarily fluids phase and a primarily solids phase with a primary separatory operation. Furthermore, directing the primarily solids phase to a dual-trough having a first trough configured to receive a relatively large solids phase, and a second trough configured to receive a relatively fine solids phase. The method also including transmitting the relatively fine solids phase to a slurry tanks and processing the relatively fine solids phase in a secondary separatory operation. | 07-24-2014 |
20140185406 | PROCESS FOR MIXING WELLBORE FLUIDS - A method for mixing a drilling fluid formulation that includes establishing a flow path for a base fluid, adding drilling fluid additives to the base fluid to create a mixture, aerating the mixture of base fluid and drilling fluid additives, and injecting a compressible driving fluid into the mixture of base fluid and drilling fluid additives to form a mixed drilling fluid is disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
20140183143 | VIBRATORY SEPARATOR SCREEN WITH MULTIPLE FRAME DESIGN - A vibratory separator includes a screen frame having an upper screen surface and a plurality of openings and a first screen insert disposed in a first opening of the plurality of openings of the screen frame, the screen insert having a screen surface positioned at a first height above the supper screen surface. The vibratory separator also includes a second screen insert disposed in a second opening of the plurality of openings of the second screen frame, wherein a screen surface of the second screen insert is positioned at a second height. The second height may be different from the first height. A method of processing fluid includes providing a flow of fluid to a vibratory separator, and flowing the fluid over a screen having a first screen insert positioned at a first height. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182369 | SLOT TESTER - A method for using a drilling fluid test device including a test cell including a perforated plate disposed proximate a first end of the test cell, a piston disposed within the cell, a first chamber formed between the perforated plate and the piston, the first chamber configured to receive lost circulation material (LCM), a second chamber formed between the piston and a second end of the test cell, the piston providing a seal between the first and second chambers, a fluid inlet disposed proximate the second end of the test cell configured to introduce fluid into a second chamber of the test cell, a filtrate outlet disposed proximate the first end of the test cell to discharge filtrate, and a pump in communication with the fluid inlet. | 07-03-2014 |
20140166592 | MULTI-DECK SHAKER - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses to separate solids from a drilling fluid. A shaker in accordance with the present disclosure includes a first screening deck having a first channel and a second channel, and also includes a second screening deck. Drilling fluid received by the first channel and separated through the first screening deck is directed to the second screening deck, and drilling fluid received by the second channel and separated through the first screening deck is directed to a sump of the shaker. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166307 | SELF CLAMPING SHAKER SCREENS - A screen frame assembly, including a frame having a first end, a second end, a top surface, a first side disposed between the first end and the second end, and a second side disposed opposite the first side and disposed between the first end and the second end, in which at least one of the first end and the second end is sloped. | 06-19-2014 |
20140162909 | PRECIPITATED WEIGHTING AGENTS FOR USE IN WELLBORE FLUIDS - A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158431 | DRILLING WASTE TREATMENT - A method transferring drill cuttings, the method comprising transferring the drill cuttings from a pressurized transference device to a pressurized container; transferring the drill cuttings from the pressurized container to a land-based pit discharging station; and discharging the drill cuttings into the land-based pit discharging station. Also, a system for transferring drill cuttings while drilling, the system comprising a pressurized transfer device; a pressurized container in fluid communication with the pressurized transfer device; a conduit disposed between the pressurized transfer device and the pressurized container; and a land-based pit discharging station in fluid communication with the pressurized container. | 06-12-2014 |
20140158239 | CONTINUOUS CIRCULATION VALVE - A valve comprises a housing and a closing member. The housing provides a flow path and comprises a chamber with a first opening and a second opening. The housing further comprises an upstream port, a downstream port and a lateral port. The closing member is located inside the chamber and is rotatable selectively between a first position and a second position so as to dose the first opening and the second opening respectively The lateral port is in flow communication with the downstream port in the first position of the closing member. The upstream port is in flow communication with the downstream port in the second position of the closing member. The dosing member has an internal profile that adjoins the flow path. The internal profile is shaped such that a cross-sectional area of the flow path is larger through the chamber than the rest of the flow path. | 06-12-2014 |
20140155671 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CATALYST REGENERATION - The various embodiments relate to a system and method for regenerating a direct oxidation catalyst that coverts H | 06-05-2014 |
20140151128 | LOW CONDUCTIVITY WATER BASED WELLBORE FLUID - A low electrical conductivity water-based wellbore fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a clay which swells in the presence of water, said wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; and a polymeric non-ionic tertiary amine is disclosed. Methods of using such fluids are also disclosed. | 06-05-2014 |
20140151042 | Chelate Compositions And Methods And Fluids For Use In Oilfield Operations - A breaker fluid may include a base fluid; and an inactive chelating agent. A process may include pumping a first wellbore fluid comprising an inactive chelating agent into a wellbore through a subterranean formation; and activating the inactive chelating agent to release an active chelating agent into the wellbore. | 06-05-2014 |
20140144708 | Modular Rig Design - In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular drilling system, the system comprising a first module comprising a first work surface; and a second module comprising a second work surface; wherein the first module is disposed above the second module. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a modular drilling system, the system comprising a first module; and a second module; wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises oilfield process equipment disposed on the module around a center point. | 05-29-2014 |
20140142002 | KINETIC HYDRATE INHIBITORS WITH PENDENT AMINO FUNCTIONALITY - A kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor is provided as a polyester polymer with a plurality of amino or ammonium groups pendent directly from the backbone. A composition containing concentrated kinetic inhibitor is injected into gas wells, or into other systems involving transporting liquid gas mixtures through a conduit. Use of the kinetic inhibitor prevents formation of gas hydrates under conditions of temperature and pressure where they would otherwise occur. | 05-22-2014 |
20140110119 | WELLBORE FLUID USED WITH SWELLABLE ELEMENTS - A method for completing a wellbore may include introducing a wellbore fluid into a wellbore, the wellbore fluid having a base fluid; and a solid weighting agent having a d90 of less than 20 microns; where the method may also include contacting the wellbore fluid with a swellable element in the wellbore; and allowing swelling of the swellable element. | 04-24-2014 |
20140090897 | INVERT WELLBORE FLUID - There is described an invert emulsion wellbore fluid that includes: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase; an emulsifier; and a rheological additive comprising a sulphonated polymer formed from 100 to 10,000 monomers. There is also described a method of drilling a subterranean hole using the invert emulsion drilling fluid. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090840 | GRAVEL PACK CARRIER FLUIDS - A method of gravel packing a hole in a subterranean formation having a filter cake coated on the surface thereof is disclosed. The method may include: injecting into the hole a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one alkyl glycoside. Also disclosed is a solution including an aqueous fluid, at least one alkyl glycoside, and gravel which may be used as a composition for a gravel pack operation, for example. | 04-03-2014 |
20140087979 | INVERT EMULSION BASED COMPLETION AND DISPLACEMENT FLUID AND METHOD OF USE - A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake is disclosed. The method may include circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes a non-oleaginous internal phase and an oleaginous external phase, where the non-oleaginous phase includes a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting agent, and the oleaginous external phase includes an oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083913 | METHOD OF MAKING A SHAKER SCREEN - A shaker screen for attachment to a bed of a shaker includes a screen frame having at least one mesh screen attached to the top side of the screen frame, wherein the screen frame is preferentially bowed prior to attaching the mesh screen to the screen frame. | 03-27-2014 |
20140050553 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ASSIST IN LIFTING A VESSEL - A system includes a vessel configured to contain a substance therein having a top end and a bottom end with a center-of-gravity for the vessel disposed between the top end and the bottom end, a frame connected to the vessel, a cable link connected to the frame configured to connect a cable thereto, and a cable support connected to the vessel or the frame. The cable support disposed above the center-of-gravity of the vessel with respect to the top end and the bottom end of the vessel. As the vessel moves from a first position to a second position, the cable engages the cable support such that a lifting force is translated from the cable and through the cable support to have the cable move the vessel through the cable support, the cable support attached to the frame or the vessel with the cable support disposed above the center-of-gravity. | 02-20-2014 |
20140041861 | Hydraulic Position Indicator System - A system useful for monitoring or controlling the back pressure of fluid in a wellbore is disclosed. The system may include: a choke assembly including: a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a bore; a choke member disposed in the bore for controlling a flow of a fluid from the inlet to the outlet, and a rod coupled to the choke member and extending through the housing; a cylinder including: a housing having an axial bore; a piston, directly or indirectly coupled to the rod, disposed in the axial bore and separating the axial bore into a first chamber and a second chamber; a position indicating device fluidly coupled to the second chamber, wherein a change in volume of fluid in the second chamber causes a corresponding change in volume of fluid in the position indicating device, thereby indicating a change in the position of the choke member. | 02-13-2014 |
20140032192 | Method Of Minimizing Wellbore Instability - A process for reducing wellbore instability includes inputting pre-drilling assessment information into an hydraulics analysis and wellbore stability application, inputting a well plan into the hydraulics and wellbore analysis application, inputting a parameter measured at the wellsite into the hydraulics and wellbore stability analysis application, inputting an observation made at the wellsite into the hydraulics and wellbore stability analysis application, integrating the pre-drilling assessment information, the measured parameter, and the observation into the wellbore strengthening analysis application, and adjusting a drilling fluid parameter in response to the integrated pre-drilling assessment information, the measured parameter, and the observation. | 01-30-2014 |
20140000965 | Method for Hydrocarbon Well Completion | 01-02-2014 |
20130331303 | FLAT RHEOLOGY WELLBORE FLUID - Wellbore fluids comprising a flat rheology profile are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the invert emulsion wellbore fluid is formulated to include: an oleallinous fluid as the continuous phase of the invert emulsion well bore fluid, a non-oleaginous fluid as the discontinuous phase of the invert emulsion well bore fluid; an emulsifier; and a rheology modifier, wherein the rheology modifier is a polyamide formed by reacting an alcoholamine, a fatty acid, and polyamine, where the invert emulsion well bore fluid has a flat rheology profile. | 12-12-2013 |
20130331302 | FLUID LOSS ADDITIVE FOR OIL-BASED MUDS - A composition that includes a product resulting from a condensation reaction of quebracho with at least one organophilic species that includes a reactive amine is disclosed. | 12-12-2013 |
20130319665 | Magnetic Leak Management Apparatus And Methods - Magnetic means for managing and stopping leaks in metal pipes such as we bores and pipe risers is provided. A magnetic leak arrestor comprises a spool with magnetic collar disposed thereabout. The spool has a tapered end for inserting into a pipe riser. The magnetic collar creates a seal with the pipe riser, which may the be welded in place, if desired. Additionally, a magnet may be positioned proximate a leak in a side wall of a pipe riser to seal the leak. The magnet may be shaped to conform to the shape of the pipe riser, and a seal gasket provided around an edge portion of the magnet. A slurry of magnetically active material may be provide inside the pipe to seal the leak in the side wall or to provide a blockage in the pipe riser so that killing fluids may be pumped into the well bore, if desired. | 12-05-2013 |
20130303412 | Viscosified Fluid Loss Control Agent Utilizing Chelates - Disclosed herein is a well treatment method comprising the steps of injecting into a well a fluid loss control agent comprising a chelating agent, a viscosity increasing agent, and a plurality of at least partially insoluble bridging solid particles dispersed therein, wherein the chelating agent is effective to at least partially solubilize at least a portion of the bridging solid particles over a solubilizing period of time for thereafter substantially dissolving the bridging solid particles, wherein the solubilizing period of time is controlled by the concentration of the viscosity increasing agent, the concentration of the chelating agent, the composition of the metal salt, the pH of the fluid loss control agent, or a combination thereof. A fluid loss control agent is also disclosed. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299368 | Tank System - A vessel including an inlet to receive fluids; at least five side walls configured in a polygonal shape, a lower angled section having an angle selected to enable mass flow of fluids coupled to the side walls, and an outlet coupled to the lower angled section is disclosed. A system of vessels including a first vessel and a second vessel, each including an inlet to receive fluids, at least five side walls configured in a polygonal shape, a lower angled section having an angle selected to enable mass flow of fluids coupled to the side walls, and an outlet coupled to the lower angled section, wherein the first vessel and the second vessel have at least one common side wall is also disclosed. | 11-14-2013 |
20130272943 | Agglomeration-Resistant Desulfurizing Product - Disclosed herein is an agglomeration-resistant desulfurizing product for removing contaminants from a fluid stream. The agglomeration-resistant desulfurizing product comprising a metal oxide composition for reacting with contaminants and a polymeric crystallization inhibitor for reducing the agglomeration of the desulfurizing product resulting from using the desulfurizing product. A method to produce the agglomeration-resistant desulfurizing product and a method to treat a fluid stream is also disclosed. | 10-17-2013 |
20130264284 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM FLUIDS - A system for separating solids from fluid including a solid-laden fluid including a base fluid, a first separator configured to receive the solid-laden fluid and separate the fluid into a solids portion and an effluent, and a membrane separator configured to receive the effluent and separate the effluent into a permeate and a concentrate is disclosed. A method for separating solids from fluid including obtaining a solid-laden fluid, wherein the solid-laden fluid comprises a base fluid, feeding the solid-laden fluid through a centrifuge, removing at least a portion of high gravity solids from the solid-laden fluids, flowing the solid-laden fluid through a membrane separator, removing at least a portion of low gravity solids from the solid-laden fluid, and collecting a permeate from the membrane separator is also disclosed. | 10-10-2013 |
20130264121 | GRAPHENE-BASED MATERIAL FOR SHALE STABILIZATION AND METHOD OF USE - Methods and compositions for use in drilling a wellbore into an earthen formation that includes the use of a graphene-based material, where the graphene-based material may be at least one of graphene, graphene oxide, chemically converted graphene, and derivatized graphite oxide are shown and described. In certain examples, the methods and compositions reduce permeability damage and/or stabilize shales. | 10-10-2013 |
20130255369 | HIGH PRESSURE FRACTURE TESTER - A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Additionally, the system includes a data acquisition device configured to receive data from at least one of the vessel, the fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap. The methods further including measuring a fracture tip fluid loss through the variable gap and measuring a matrix fluid loss through the permeable media. | 10-03-2013 |
20130248465 | Return Fluid Separator - A separator for drilling waste including a tank comprising an inlet and an outlet; a screening device disposed within the tank; a conduit coupled to the outlet; and a rotary valve coupled to the conduit. A separator including a tank having an inlet and an outlet; a trough in fluid communication with the tank; and a screening device having a plurality of members disposed within the tank, wherein the screening device is configured to direct an effluent phase through the members into the trough and a solids phase to the outlet. A method of separating drilling waste including flowing a return fluid to an inlet of a tank; and directing the return fluid against a screening device disposed within the tank, wherein an effluent phase of the return fluid passes through the screening device and wherein a solids phase of the return fluid falls to an outlet of the tank. | 09-26-2013 |
20130236286 | BOAT INSTALLATION FRAME FOR TRANSPORTATION TANKS - A method includes attaching a storage unit to a removable frame assembly. The storage unit is then locked to the removable frame assembly. A flow conduit may be connected from the frame assembly to the storage unit and provided with a flow of material between the flow conduit and the storage unit. | 09-12-2013 |
20130228532 | SHAKER AND DEGASSER COMBINATION - A system for separating components from a slurry of drilling fluid and drill cuttings on a shaker screen having an upper side and a lower side within a shaker. The system also has a pressure differential generator to pull an effective volume of air through a section of the shaker screen to enhance the flow of drilling fluid through the section of the shaker screen and the separation of drilling fluid from drill cuttings and further maintain an effective flow of drill cuttings off the shaker. A method of separating components of a slurry of drilling fluids and solids has the steps of delivering the slurry to a shaker, flowing the slurry over a first screen and applying an effective amount of vacuum to a first portion of the first screen to remove the drilling fluids from the slurry without stalling the solids on the first screen. | 09-05-2013 |
20130220945 | FEEDER WITH SCREEN FOR SHAKER - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid distribution apparatus. The fluid distribution apparatus has a housing including an inlet configured to receive a drilling material, a first outlet configured to direct a first portion of the drilling material onto a first separatory surface, and a second outlet configured to direct a second portion of the drilling material onto a second separatory surface. The fluid distribution apparatus further includes a screen disposed within the housing and configured to separate solids from the second portion of the drilling material directed through the second outlet onto the second separatory surface. | 08-29-2013 |
20130213659 | BREAKER AND DISPLACEMENT FLUID - A breaker fluid for breaking a filtercake in a wellbore. The fluid including a hydrolysable ester of carboxylic acid, and a chelant, an alkyl glycoside, or a combination thereof. The breaker fluid may be pre-mixed and include an amount of water less than required to completely hydrolyze the ester. | 08-22-2013 |
20130133888 | AQUEOUS GELS FOR WELL BORE STRENGTHENING - A process for treating an earth formation is provided, the process may include: injecting a gelling agent into the earthen formation; injecting a crosslinking agent into the earthen formation; and reacting the gelling agent and the crosslinking agent to form a gel. The gelling agent may include at least one of a lignin, a lignosulfonate, a tannin, a tannic acid, a modified lignin, a modified lignosulfonate, a modified tannin, a modified tannic acid, biopolymers, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyether amines, poly vinyl amines, and combinations thereof The crosslinking agent may include at least one of ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether, propylene glycol diglycidyl ether, butylene glycol diglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether, diglycidyl ether of neopentyl glycol, epoxidized 1,6-hexanediol, aziridine derivatives, epoxy functionalized polyalkalene glycols, an oxidized starch, and combinations thereof. | 05-30-2013 |
20130068459 | GRAVEL PACK CARRIER FLUIDS - A method of gravel packing a hole in a subterranean formation having a filter cake coated on the surface thereof is disclosed. The method may include: injecting into the hole a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one alkyl glycoside. Also disclosed is a solution including an aqueous fluid, at least one alkyl glycoside, and gravel which may be used as a composition for a gravel pack operation, for example. | 03-21-2013 |
20120273200 | METHODS FOR TREATING A WELLBORE - A method of converting a completed well into a dual completed well that includes selectively pumping a water-based fluid into a first production zone of the completed well, wherein the water-based fluid has a pH of greater than about 5; allowing the water-based fluid to form a continuous, non-flowing water-based gel in the first production zone of the completed well, wherein the water-based gel has a pH of greater than about 5; disposing a layer of cement into the completed well above the water- based gel; perforating a second production zone of the completed well in a location above the layer of cement; drilling through the layer of cement; and breaking the water-based gel located in the first production zone of the completed well, wherein the breaking comprises: exposing the water-based gel to a breaker fluid, wherein the breaker fluid has a pH of greater than about 5 is disclosed. | 11-01-2012 |
20120247941 | TREATMENT OF HYDROCARBON FLUIDS WITH OZONE - A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone. | 10-04-2012 |
20120234544 | DEGRADABLE GELS IN ZONAL ISOLATION APPLICATIONS - A method of treating a formation that includes emplacing an oxidizing breaker fluid into a region of the formation occupied by a gel; and allowing sufficient time for the oxidizing breaker fluid to degrade the gel is disclosed. | 09-20-2012 |
20120202718 | PRECIPITATED WEIGHTING AGENTS FOR USE IN WELLBORE FLUIDS - A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed. | 08-09-2012 |
20120186880 | Invert Emulsion Fluids With High Internal Phase Concentration - An invert emulsion wellbore fluid may include an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50; and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein an average diameter of the non-oleaginous internal phase ranges from 0.5 to 5 microns. | 07-26-2012 |
20120181470 | CHOKE TRIM ASSEMBLY - A choke trim assembly for use as a shuttle seat in a choke valve including a flange sleeve is disclosed, the choke trim assembly comprising a trim, a trim carrier, and a clamp ring, wherein the trim carrier and the clamp ring each have a tubular member, an outer diameter of the tubular member of the clamp ring being configured to enable a slip fit of the choke trim assembly into an inner diameter of the flange sleeve, the trim being centered in the clamp ring, and an outer diameter of the tubular member of the trim carrier and the inner diameter of the clamp ring being configured to enable a slip fit of the trim carrier into the clamp ring. | 07-19-2012 |
20120175317 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SEPARATING HYDROCARBONS - A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source, the system including a mixer configured to produce a slurry including the solid source and a liquid, and a first separator in fluid communication with the mixer, the first separator configured to separate hydrocarbons from the slurry. Additionally, a second separator include communication with the first separator, the second separator configured to receive the slurry from the first separator and separate additional hydrocarbons from the slurry, and a separation vessel including a hydrocarbon remover in fluid communication with the first and second separators, the separation vessel configured to receive the separated hydrocarbons and remove residual liquid from the hydrocarbons. Further including a collection vessel configured to receive hydrocarbons from the separation vessel, and a fine particle separator in fluid communication with the separation vessel, the fine particle separator configured to process residual liquid to produce cleaned liquid and residual solids. | 07-12-2012 |
20120168156 | SLURRIFICATION PROCESS - A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel. | 07-05-2012 |
20120160566 | USE OF CUTTINGS TANKS FOR RECYCLING OIL BASED MUD AND WATER - A system for recycling a drilling fluid that includes a first cuttings storage vessel, a second cuttings storage vessel, and a module fluidly connected to the first and second cuttings storage vessels, the module having a valve configured to fluidly connect the first and second cuttings storage vessels. The module further includes a filter system configured to fluidly connect to at least the second cuttings storage vessel, and at least one pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid between the first and second cuttings storage vessels. | 06-28-2012 |
20120132504 | CONVEYOR FOR DRILL CUTTINGS - A conveyor for drill cuttings includes a plurality of serially-aligned augers, wherein each auger has two opposed ends, a flex coupling secured between a first end of one auger and a second end of an adjacent subsequent auger, a trough at least partially surrounding each auger, a motor coupled to one end of the series of augers and providing rotation to the end of the series of augers, and at least one hangar bearing retaining each auger within the trough, wherein a first angle is present between two of the augers, said flex coupling transferring the rotation from the motor across the angle between the two augers. | 05-31-2012 |
20120125823 | GASKET FOR LOCATING AND SEALING A SCREEN IN A ROUND SEPARATOR - A gasket for aligning and sealing a screen in a round separator includes a deformable annular wall having a first lobe at a top end, a second lobe at a bottom end, an exterior surface, and an interior surface from which an upper lip and a lower lip project inward to generally define a U-shaped channel, wherein the deformable annular wall, the upper lip, and the lower lip together have a pi-shaped cross-section. | 05-24-2012 |
20120103617 | WATER BASED COMPLETION AND DISPLACEMENT FLUID AND METHOD OF USE - A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas is disclosed, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake. The method may include the steps of circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes an aqueous fluid, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting age, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks. | 05-03-2012 |
20120090899 | CUTTINGS TREATMENT AND REUSE - A method for treating drill cuttings including depositing drill cuttings in a desalinization cell, the desalinization cell having a high end, a low end, and a cuttings pad. The method further includes washing the drill cuttings in the desalinization cell with a liquid phase and removing a cuttings runoff from the drill cuttings. Also, a method for treating drill cuttings including depositing drill cuttings in a desalinator, the desalinator having a geometric structure having a perforated side. The method further includes adding a liquid phase to the desalinator through the perforated side, washing the drill cuttings in the desalinator with the liquid phase, and producing desalinated drill cuttings and a cuttings runoff. | 04-19-2012 |
20120067575 | METHODS OF USING INVERT EMULSION FLUIDS WITH HIGH INTERNAL PHASE CONCENTRATION - In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore comprising a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising an invert emulsion fluid, where the invert emulsion fluid may comprise: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase. | 03-22-2012 |
20120043262 | SANITARY GAPLESS SEPARATOR DISCHARGE - A particle size separator includes an upper separator frame, a lower separator frame, a screen disposed between the upper separator frame and the lower separator frame, a large size particle outlet having an inlet disposed below the screen, a small size particle outlet disposed in the lower separator frame and a combined baffle and seal unit disposed in an opening in the screen. The unit has a seal face configured to sealingly engage the inlet of the large size particle outlet. The unit has a baffle configured to constrain movement of particles on an upper surface of the screen into the inlet. The baffle is configured to sealingly engage an interior wall of the upper separator frame. | 02-23-2012 |
20120037490 | IN-LINE TREATMENT OF HYDROCARBON FLUIDS WITH OZONE - A system for treating recovered fluids in-line that includes a thermal reactor for separating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants by applying heat to the contaminated drill cuttings so as to vaporize contaminants from the contaminated drill cuttings; a first condenser in fluid connection with the thermal reactor for condensing the vaporized contaminants; a separator in fluid connection with the first condenser for separating the condensed vapors into an oleaginous liquid and an aqueous liquid, wherein at least a portion of one of the aqueous liquid and oleaginous liquid is fed back into the first condenser via a feedback line; and an ozone generator operatively coupled to the feedback line, wherein at least the portion of the fed back liquid is ozonated by the ozone generator and fed into the condenser is disclosed. | 02-16-2012 |
20120024531 | AUTOCHOKE SYSTEM - Back pressure control devices used to control fluid pressure in a wellbore require various utilities for operation, such as an air supply. Apparatus disclosed herein provide for the continued operation of one or more back pressure control devices when supply of utilities for operation of the back pressure control devices are intentionally or unintentionally interrupted. | 02-02-2012 |
20120000652 | WELL TREATMENT FLUID - A method of drilling with a wellbore fluid, wherein the wellbore fluid forms a filtercake on a wellbore wall, that includes pumping the wellbore fluid with an oxidative degradable polymer and an inactivated oxidant; forming a filtercake in a downhole environment by the pumping of the wellbore fluid into a well and allowing some of the fluid to filter into a subterranean rock formation to produce a filtercake comprising the oxidative degradable polymer and inactivated oxidant; and removing the filtercake formed by the wellbore fluid from the wellbore walls by exposing the filterckae with a breaker fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, and at least one iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof is disclosed. | 01-05-2012 |
20110297373 | WELLBORE STRENGTHENING MATERIAL RECOVERY - A wellbore strengthening material collection system including a vibratory separator having a top deck, a middle deck, and a bottom deck, and also including a collection trough coupled to at least one of the decks and configured to receive wellbore strengthening materials from the at least one of the decks. Additionally, a collection trough including a body having an inlet and an outlet, an angled surface disposed within the body and at least on extension surface extending form the body and configured to secure the collection trough to a vibratory separator. | 12-08-2011 |
20110295509 | WELLBORE FLUID TESTING APPARATUS AND METHODS - A system for testing a wellbore fluid includes a test chamber having first and second platens therein. The chamber is in a thermally insulating enclosure. The enclosure includes a heating element. The platens simulate response of the wellbore fluid through an hydraulically induced fracture in subsurface rock formation. The system includes means to control a distance between the platens. A pump introduces the wellbore fluid into a space between the platens and another pump introduces a pressure test fluid into contact with the wellbore fluid. A respectve pressure sensor is in fluid communication with a discharge side of each pump, and a sensor is included to measure a parameter related to the position of the second platen or the space between the platens. A data acquisition and control device is configured to detect signals from the respective pressure transducers and the sensor. | 12-01-2011 |
20110284455 | Sifting Screen - The invention relates to a screen frame adapted for use in a shaker and to which woven wire mesh is to be attached, comprising an outer perimeter and a plurality of plastics ribs extending between opposing regions of the perimeter, the frame being arranged such that, when fitted in a shaker to which it is adapted for, a portion of the opposing regions is clamped in place and a portion of the opposing regions is not clamped with the number of plastics ribs per unit length for the clamped portion greater than the number of plastics ribs per unit length for the unclamped portion, and to a shaker comprising at least one such screen frame. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284288 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR WELLBORE CHARACTERIZATION - An apparatus and a process for wellbore characterization are disclosed, including: separating, in a separation vessel, drilling mud from gas produced during drilling of a wellbore; transporting the separated produced gas from the separation vessel to a downstream process; and measuring at least one of a temperature, a pressure, a mass flow rate, and a volumetric flow rate of the separated produced gas during transport using one or more sensors. Properties of the gas separated from the mud may be used to determine characteristics of a wellbore. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284027 | METHODS FOR GRANULAR SCAVENGER MATERIAL TRANSFER - A method for cleaning a reactor, the method including circulating a fluid inside the reactor, pumping the fluid from the reactor into an inlet of a tank cleaner, and removing solids from the fluid to produce a clean fluid. The method further includes transferring the clean fluid to the reactor and transferring pneumatically the removed solids to a pressurized vessel. Also, a method for transferring spent granular material, the method including providing a vacuum system disposed at a hydrocarbon production site to remove spent material from a reactor, transferring the spent material through the vacuum system into a pressurized vessel, and conveying pneumatically the spent material from the pressurized vessel to a second pressurized vessel. | 11-24-2011 |
20110281370 | CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY TITRATION UNIT - Disclosed herein is a cation exchange capacity titration unit comprising a titration cell having a closed bottom end in fluid communication with an open top end; a recirculation loop comprising a pump and a sensing unit, wherein the pump comprises a pump inlet in fluid communication with the bottom end of the titration cell, and a pump outlet in fluid communication with a sensing unit inlet, the sensing unit inlet being in fluid communication with a sensing unit outlet, wherein the sensing unit outlet is in fluid communication with the top end of the titration cell such that operation of the pump results in an analyte sample flowing from the bottom end through the pump, through the sensing unit, and back into the top end of the titration cell in a continuous loop. A method of determining the cation exchange capacity of a sample is also disclosed. | 11-17-2011 |
20110278006 | DEFLUIDIZING LOST CIRCULATION PILLS - A slurry for treating a wellbore that includes a base fluid; at least one fibrous structure; and a plurality of calcium silicate particles is disclosed. Methods of reducing loss of wellbore fluid in a wellbore to a formation using an LCM pill having calcium silicate particles therein is also disclosed. | 11-17-2011 |
20110272160 | CLEANING AGENTS FOR WELLBORE CLEANING AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - A method of cleaning walls of a wellbore that includes contacting the walls with a cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid comprising: a base fluid comprising a blend of a base oil and at least one of a mutual solvent or a terpene; and an alkyl glycoside is disclosed herein. | 11-10-2011 |
20110266214 | Improved Sifting Screen - The invention relates to a screen frame adapted for use in a shaker to separate solids from a liquid/solid mixture and to which woven wire mesh is to be attached, comprising an outer perimeter and a plurality of plastics ribs extending between opposing regions of the perimeter, the plastics ribs together forming an upper face and a lower face, wherein the frame further comprises at least one metal rib extending between opposing regions of the perimeter and extending from the upper face to the lower face, and to a shaker comprising at least one such screen frame. | 11-03-2011 |
20110265993 | SAND DECANTER - A method for processing hydrocarbons recovered from a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method includes: feeding a stream including water, sand, and heavy hydrocarbons produced from a subterranean formation to a separation vessel; concurrently in the separation vessel: heating the stream components to an elevated temperature to reduce a viscosity of the heavy hydrocarbons; and separating the sand, the heavy hydrocarbon, and the water to form a water fraction, a hydrocarbon fraction, and a sand fraction comprising sand and at least one of water and heavy hydrocarbons; and recovering the water fraction from the separation vessel; recovering the hydrocarbon fraction from the separation vessel; and withdrawing the sand fraction from the separation vessel. Also disclosed are apparatus suitable for performing the above described method. | 11-03-2011 |
20110253454 | MECHANICALLY MODIFIED FILTER CAKE - A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid. | 10-20-2011 |
20110247986 | RECLAMATION OF FORMATE BRINES - A method of reclaiming a formate brine that includes increasing the pH of a spent formate brine fluid comprising water-soluble polymers; treating the fluid with an oxidizing agent; and removing at least a portion of suspended solids from the fluid is disclosed. | 10-13-2011 |
20110247804 | WASTE PROCESSING SYSTEM - A waste processing system including a first container having an inlet and an outlet, a separator in fluid communication with the first container, and a mechanical degrading device configured to receive an overflow from the separator. Also, a method of processing drilling waste including providing drilling waste to a source, transferring drilling waste from the source to a first container, and pumping drilling waste from the first container to a separator. The method also including receiving an overflow from the separator in a mechanical degrading device, processing the overflow in the mechanical degrading device, and discharging the processed overflow from the mechanical degrading device to a second container. | 10-13-2011 |
20110240531 | MAGNETIC SCREEN CLAMPING - A magnetic clamping system for a shale shaker including at least one screen having at least two side ends extending between a first side and a second side and at least one attachment surface. The system further includes at least one mating surface of the shale shaker configured to receive the at least one screen, and at least one magnet disposed between the at least one screen and the shale shaker, wherein the at least one magnet is configured to magnetically couple the at least one screen directly to the shale shaker. Additionally, the system includes at least one decoupling apparatus, the decoupling apparatus having a handle disposed proximate a perimeter of a shale shaker, and at least one shaft that extends horizontally between the handle and one of the at least one magnet, wherein the handle is rotatable to reverse the polarity of the magnet. | 10-06-2011 |
20110235021 | METHOD OF DETECTING AN EMULSION IN BRINE - The instant disclosure is directed to a method of detecting an emulsion in a turbid brine, the method comprising the steps of disposing an aliquot of the turbid brine into a sample container to produce a test sample; adding one or more drops of a dye solution comprising an oil-soluble dye dissolved in a nonaqueous base fluid to said test sample; and determining the configuration of the dye solution after a period of time on a surface of the test sample, wherein a configuration of the dye solution forming a ring around the perimeter of the sample container at the interface of a wall of the sample container and the turbid brine indicates an emulsion is present in the turbid brine, and wherein a configuration of the dye solution forming a single dot or a plurality of dots on the surface of the turbid brine indicates an emulsion is not present in the turbid brine. | 09-29-2011 |
20110232909 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MIXING DRILLING FLUIDS - A method of mixing drilling fluids, the method including injecting a drilling fluid into a high shear mixing unit and processing the drilling fluid with the high shear mixing unit. The processing includes forcing the drilling fluid through a first row of teeth of a first stage. | 09-29-2011 |
20110226677 | FILTER SCREEN WITH TENSION ELEMENT - A filter screen including a frame having an upstream surface, a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface, a perimeter grating element, and a plurality of inner grating elements extending within the perimeter grating element and forming at least one opening extending from the upstream surface to the downstream surface; a filter element disposed on the upstream surface; and a tension element disposed on the downstream surface. A method of manufacturing a filter screen, the method including forming a frame having an upstream surface, a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface, a perimeter grating element, and a plurality of inner grating elements extending within the perimeter grating element and forming at least one opening extending from the upstream surface to the downstream surface; attaching a filter element to the upstream surface; and attaching a tension element to the downstream surface. | 09-22-2011 |
20110220573 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM FLUIDS - A system for separating solids from fluid including a solid-laden fluid including a base fluid, a first separator configured to receive the solid-laden fluid and separate the fluid into a solids portion and an effluent, and a membrane separator configured to receive the effluent and separate the effluent into a permeate and a concentrate is disclosed. A method for separating solids from fluid including obtaining a solid-laden fluid, wherein the solid-laden fluid comprises a base fluid, feeding the solid-laden fluid through a centrifuge, removing at least a portion of high gravity solids from the solid-laden fluids, flowing the solid-laden fluid through a membrane separator, removing at least a portion of low gravity solids from the solid-laden fluid, and collecting a permeate from the membrane separator is also disclosed. | 09-15-2011 |
20110220349 | METHODS FOR MINIMIZING FLUID LOSS TO AND DETERMINING THE LOCATIONS OF LOST CIRCULATION ZONES - A method for determining a location of a lost circulation zone in a wellbore having a first wellbore fluid therein that includes allowing loss of the first wellbore fluid to the lost circulation zone to stabilize; adding a volume of a second wellbore fluid having a density less than the first wellbore fluid to the wellbore on top of the first wellbore fluid to a predetermined wellbore depth; determining an average density of the combined first wellbore fluid and second wellbore fluid; mixing the first wellbore fluid and the second wellbore fluid together; pumping a volume of a third wellbore fluid having a density greater the average density of the combined first and second wellbore fluid into the wellbore bottom until fluid loss occurs; and determining the location of the lost circulation zone is disclosed. | 09-15-2011 |
20110214874 | NON-AQUEOUS BREAKER FLUIDS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - A method of cleaning a wellbore drilled with an oil-based drilling fluid that forms an oil-based filter cake where the method includes: emplacing a breaker fluid into the wellbore, the breaker fluid comprising: a water-miscible non-aqueous fluid; at least one weighting salt; and at least one breaking agent; and shutting in the well for a period of time sufficient to initiate breaking of the oil-based filter cake is disclosed. | 09-08-2011 |
20110214862 | PARTICULATE BRIDGING AGENTS USED FOR FORMING AND BREAKING FILTERCAKES ON WELLBORES - A method of preventing fluid loss to a wellbore that includes pumping a wellbore fluid into the wellbore through a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a plurality of particulate bridging agents comprising a solid breaking agent encapsulated by one of an inorganic solid material and an oil-soluble resin; and allowing some filtration of the wellbore fluid into the subterranean formation to produce a filter cake comprising the particulate bridging agents is disclosed. | 09-08-2011 |
20110192595 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN DRILLING FLUID - A method for measuring particle size distribution in a fluid material, involving inserting a laser beam instrument directly in the fluid flow line, wherein the laser beam instrument focuses a laser beam on a window directly coupled with the fluid flow line, wherein the fluid flow line comprises a fluid having a plurality of particles of different sizes, measuring a diameter of at least one particle in the fluid flow line by reflectance of the at least one particle as the at least one particle passes through the focused laser beam, and determining a duration of reflection of the at least one particle, and obtaining a count of particles in each of a pre-set range group of particle sizes, wherein the count of particles is used to determine particle size distribution in the fluid flow line. | 08-11-2011 |
20110190171 | LOW TOXICITY SHALE HYDRATION INHIBITION AGENT AND METHOD OF USE - A low toxicity composition and method of reducing the swelling of clay in well comprising circulating in the well a water-based fluid comprising a functionally effective concentration of the additive formed from the following reaction of a tertiary amine of the following general formula: | 08-04-2011 |
20110186525 | TREATMENT OF RECOVERED WELLBORE FLUIDS - A process for treating a recovered wellbore fluid, where the process includes contacting an aqueous wellbore fluid with ozone, wherein the aqueous wellbore fluid comprises organic contaminants; and separating the aqueous wellbore fluid into an organic phase and a clarified water phase is disclosed. | 08-04-2011 |
20110186485 | MOLDED END CAP FOR OILFIELD SCREENS - A filter screen to be used in conjunction with a shale shaker in removing solid matter from drilling fluids includes a filter plate having a plurality of perforations, a plurality of hold-down apertures, and a pair of end caps attached to the filter plate, wherein each end cap is configured to isolate the hold down apertures from the plurality of perforations. | 08-04-2011 |
20110186484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GYRATORY SIFTER DEBLINDING - Enhanced action cleaning elements enable increased deblinding efficiency of gyratory sifters. The enhanced action cleaning elements increase the collisions between the elements and the screens of the gyratory sifters to enhance deblinding the screens of the gyratory sifter. | 08-04-2011 |
20110180256 | CHROME FREE WATER-BASED WELLBORE FLUID - Methods for maintaining the rheology and reducing the fluid loss of chrome-free, aqueous-based wellbore fluids under high temperature-high pressure conditions are disclosed. The method may comprise formulating the chrome-free, aqueous wellbore fluid with an aqueous base fluid, at least one chrome-free viscosifier, at least one chrome-free fluid loss control additive, at least one chrome-free dispersant; and circulating the chrome-free aqueous-based wellbore fluid in a wellbore at temperatures exceeding 300° F. | 07-28-2011 |
20110177608 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR DETERMINING HARDNESS IN WELLBORE FLUID FILTRATE - Disclosed herein is an indicator precursor composition for determining the hardness of a wellbore fluid filtrate comprises a colorimetric indicator and a buffer comprising a salt of a weak acid and a strong base, wherein the indicator precursor composition is a dry solid. Also disclosed is a method to determine the hardness of a wellbore fluid filtrate. | 07-21-2011 |
20110166047 | NITROGEN-FREE INVERT EMULSION WELLBORE FLUID - An invert emulsion wellbore fluid comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, an aqueous discontinuous phase, and an emulsifying fluid, wherein the emulsifying fluid comprises an aliphatic alcohol and a glycoside, is disclosed. | 07-07-2011 |
20110160099 | INVERT EMULSION WELLBORE FLUIDS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING TOXICITY THEREOF - A method for reducing the toxicity of an invert emulsion wellbore fluid is disclosed. The method comprises forming an invert emulsion wellbore fluid comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, an aqueous discontinuous phase, and an emulsifying fluid, wherein the emulsifying fluid comprises a nitrogen-containing emulsifying agent and an alkalinity agent, and wherein the invert emulsion wellbore fluid produces an LC50 (SSP) of at least 30,000 parts per million at 3000° F. | 06-30-2011 |
20110147087 | CUTTINGS TRANSFER SYSTEM - A cuttings transfer system including a separator configured to separate cuttings from a slurry and a transfer line configured to receive the cuttings from the separator. The system further including a valve in fluid communication with the transfer line and the separator, wherein the valve is configured to control a flow of the cuttings from the separator to the transfer line, and an air transfer device coupled to the transfer line that is configured to supply a flow of air through the transfer line. | 06-23-2011 |
20110143906 | CENTRIFUGE - A centrifuge, including: a flange closing off one axial end of a separation chamber; a plurality of apertures that traverse axially through the flange at a radial distance from a flange axis, wherein at least one aperture is in fluid communication with a first outlet passage; a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber; wherein at least one weir insert disposed within the at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first outlet passage is changeable to prevent or allow fluid communication between the separation chamber and the first outlet passage. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139688 | PERIPHERAL SEALING SYSTEM FOR PRE-TENSIONED SCREENS - A method of forming a shaker screen includes forming a frame, and attaching a first sealing element to at least one side of an outer perimeter of the frame, wherein the attaching comprises aligning a first mating surface of the frame to a second mating surface of the first sealing element, and wherein the first mating surface of the frame includes an extension, and the second mating surface of the first sealing element includes a groove configured to align with the extension. A system of sealing shaker screens includes a first screen and a second screen disposed adjacent the first screen, wherein a first sealing element of a first frame and a portion of the second screen interact to provide a seal between the first screen and the second screen. | 06-16-2011 |
20110120920 | FLANGED PERFORATED METAL PLATE FOR SEPARATION OF PELLETS AND PARTICLES - A perforated plate for a vibratory sifter, the perforated plate including a base plate comprising a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and a flange integrally formed with the base plate. A method of forming a screen assembly for a vibratory sifter, the method including forming a base plate, forming a plurality of openings extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the base plate, and foaming an integral flange on the base plate. | 05-26-2011 |
20110120217 | HIGH PRESSURE FRACTURE TESTER - A system for testing a drilling fluid including a vessel having a fluid inlet, a filtrate outlet, a fluid outlet, and at least one permeable media disposed within the vessel. The system further including a base fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a test fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a filtrate container in fluid communication with the filtrate outlet, and a collection container in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. Additionally, the system includes a data acquisition device configured to receive data from at least one of the vessel, the fluid container, the filtrate container, and the collection container. Also, a method for determining sealing characteristics of a drilling fluid including injecting a test fluid having a fluid loss control material from at least fluid container to a vessel, the vessel having a permeable media having two plates disposed to create a variable gap. The methods further including measuring a fracture tip fluid loss through the variable gap and measuring a matrix fluid loss through the permeable media. | 05-26-2011 |
20110114542 | VIBRATORY SEPARATOR MOTION - A vibratory separator ( | 05-19-2011 |
20110107791 | OIL VAPOR CLEANER - An apparatus for recovery of solids from a vapor, the apparatus including: a vessel comprising a cylindrical portion on top of an angled portion; a vapor inlet located in the cylindrical portion for introducing a solid-vapor mixture tangentially to the cylindrical portion; at least one inlet nozzle disposed in a top of the vessel for spraying a hydrocarbon fluid into the vessel; an indirect heat exchange device disposed concentrically within the cylindrical portion, thereby providing an annulus for vapor and hydrocarbon flow; a heat exchange device disposed at an exterior of the angled portion; an outlet located at a bottom of the angled portion to recover the vapor having a reduced solids content and a solid-hydrocarbon mixture. Also disclosed are processes to clean an oil vapor using such an apparatus. | 05-12-2011 |
20110105292 | DUAL FEED CENTRIFUGE - A dual feed centrifuge system for separating solids from fluids in a drilling mud, the centrifuge system including: a bowl; a screw conveyor rotatably mounted within the bowl; a first feed pipe mounted within the screw conveyor for feeding a drilling mud through a first feed port in a wall of the screw conveyor to a first annular space between the bowl and the wall of the screw conveyor; and a second feed pipe mounted within the screw conveyor for feeding a drilling mud through a second feed port in the wall of the screw conveyor to a second annular space between the bowl and the wall of the screw conveyor. The multiple feed ports may allow the centrifuge to operate more efficiently with both weighted and unweighted drilling fluids. | 05-05-2011 |
20110100628 | METHODS OF DELAYING THE CURING OF MOISTURE SENSITIVE CURABLE ELASTOMERS - A method of treating a formation that includes injecting gelling components curable by a moisture cure into a selected region of the formation; and controlling the onset of curing of the gelling components by contacting the gelling components with a drying agent is disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110094747 | METHOD OF REMEDIATING BIT BALLING USING OXIDIZING AGENTS - A method of removing clay compounded on drilling equipment in a well that includes contacting the drilling equipment with a treatment fluid comprising an oxidizing agent. Methods disclosed also relate to drilling a wellbore though a clay-containing formation that includes drilling through the formation with a water-containing drilling fluid; reducing applied weight-on-bit when bit balling detected; emplacing a treatment fluid comprising an oxidizing agent to disrupt clay compounded on drilling equipment; and increasing weight-on-bit to continue drilling through the formation | 04-28-2011 |
20110088902 | DIVERTING AGENTS FOR WATER SHUT OFF - A method of retarding the flow of water in a subterranean formation that includes injecting a gelling pill into the formation, the gelling pill comprising: brine; a crosslinkable polymer; and a crosslinkant; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer to crosslink to form a gel in the subterranean formation is disclosed. A water absorbing polymer is optionally included. | 04-21-2011 |
20110088898 | PRODUCING GASEOUS HYDROCARBONS FROM HYDRATE CAPPED RESERVOIRS - A method for recovering gas from a subterranean formation having a hydrate deposit located therein and a gas reservoir located under the hydrate deposit that includes injecting a hydrate-forming fluid into an upper region of the gas reservoir neighboring the hydrate deposit; and producing gaseous hydrocarbons from a lower region of the gas reservoir is disclosed. | 04-21-2011 |
20110084004 | INDEPENDENT DECK ADJUSTMENT - A vibratory separator including a separator deck including a hinge point, and a positive displacement mechanism coupled to the separator deck and configured to displace the separator deck to an angle of inclination is disclosed. A method of separating solids form a slurry, the method including pumping a slurry onto a separator deck, vibrating the separator deck, and displacing an end of the separator deck in an upwards or downwards direction with a positive displacement mechanism to a selected angle of inclination is also disclosed. | 04-14-2011 |
20110067993 | TREATMENT OF HYDROCARBON FLUIDS WITH OZONE - A method of treating a hydrocarbon fluid that includes contacting the hydrocarbon fluid with an effective amount of ozone. A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated material includes supplying the contaminated material to a processing chamber, moving the contaminated material through the processing chamber, heating the contaminated material by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated material, removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants, collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants, and contacting the volatilized contaminants with an effective amount of ozone. | 03-24-2011 |
20110065613 | OIL-BASED INSULATING PACKER FLUID - A packer or annular fluid includes a hydrocarbon fluid; and a gelling agent; wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid. A method for preparing a packer fluid includes preparing a mixture of a hydrocarbon fluid, and a gelling agent; heating the mixture to a selected temperature; and shearing the mixture. A method for emplacing a packer fluid into an annulus includes preparing the packer fluid that includes a hydrocarbon fluid and a gelling agent, wherein the packer fluid is a yield power law fluid; and pumping the packer fluid into the annulus. | 03-17-2011 |
20110061870 | HIGH DENSITY BREAKER FLUIDS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; a chelating agent; and at least one enzyme, wherein the wellbore fluid has a pH of at least 6.5 is disclosed. | 03-17-2011 |
20110061866 | LOW CONDUCTIVITY WATER BASED DRILLING FLUID - A low electrical conductivity water-based wellbore fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a clay which swells in the presence of water, said wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; and a polymeric non-ionic tertiary amine is disclosed. Methods of using such fluids are also disclosed. | 03-17-2011 |
20110060469 | METHODS TO INCREASE FORCE AND CHANGE VIBRATORY SEPARATOR MOTION - A vibratory separator including a frame, a basket disposed on the frame, and a motor configured to impart a vibratory motion to the basket. Additionally, the vibratory separator includes an adjustable speed drive operatively coupled to the motor to control a vibratory motion imparted to the basket. Also, a method of processing drilling waste including generating a first vibratory motion on a vibratory separator using at least one motor, and adjusting the first vibratory motion using an adjustable speed drive to generate a second vibratory motion. | 03-10-2011 |
20110056752 | METHODS AND AQUEOUS BASED WELLBORE FLUIDS FOR REDUCING WELLBORE FLUID LOSS AND FILTRATE LOSS - Embodiments disclosed herein relate to aqueous based wellbore fluids for preventing wellbore fluid loss downhole containing at least one copolymer formed from at least one natural polymer monomer and at least one latex monomer, and an aqueous base fluid. | 03-10-2011 |
20110056748 | WELLBORE FLUIDS CONTAINING SIZED CLAY MATERIAL AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - A wellbore fluid that includes a base fluid; and a sized non-hydratable clay is disclosed. The base fluid may be a water-based fluid or an oil-based fluid. Methods of drilling with such wellbore fluids that contain a base fluid and a sized non-hydratable clay are also disclosed. | 03-10-2011 |
20110053811 | METHODS FOR PREVENTING OR REMEDIATING XANTHAN DEPOSITION - Methods for remediation and/or prevention of polymer deposition on surfaces, in particular, on surfaces of drilling machinery and earth formations in the petroleum industry are described herein. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of remediating xanthan deposition, the method including the steps of contacting xanthan deposition, including xanthan complexed with polyvalent metal ions, with a remediation fluid containing at least one chelating agent; and allowing the fluid to dissolve the xanthan deposition. Also disclosed is a method of preventing polymer deposition, including emplacing a wellbore fluid including a crosslinkable polymer and at least one chelating agent in a wellbore; wherein the at least one chelating agent complexes with polyvalent metal ions present in the wellbore. Also disclosed is an improved wellbore fluid including a base fluid; a polymer comprising chemical groups reactive to polyvalent metal ions found downhole; and at least one chelating agent; wherein the least one chelating agent complexes with polyvalent metal ions downhole. | 03-03-2011 |
20110053809 | DEGRADABLE NON-AQUEOUS GEL SYSTEMS - A method of treating a formation that includes exposing a region of the formation occupied by a hydrolysable gel to a hydrolyzing agent; and allowing sufficient time for the hydrolyzing agent to hydrolyze the gel. Various methods may also include the use of a swelling agent to allow for expansion of the gel. | 03-03-2011 |
20110028356 | ANNULAR FLUIDS AND METHOD OF EMPLACING THE SAME - An annular fluid or packer fluid, and methods of making the same, that includes a water-miscible solvent, a viscosifying additive, a crosslinking agent, a crosslinking inhibitor having the facility to inhibit crosslinking between the viscosifying additive and the crosslinking agent, and an initiating agent having the facility to overcome an action of the crosslinking inhibitor and to initiate crosslinking between the viscosifying additive and the crosslinking agent, is shown and described. The fluid has a thermal conductivity of no more than about 0.25 btu/(hr·ft·° F.) and a potential to substantially increase its viscosity upon sitting for a selected period of time. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024119 | DOWNHOLE DEBRIS REMOVAL TOOL - A downhole debris recovery tool including a ported sub coupled to a debris sub, a suction tube disposed in the debris sub, and an annular jet pump sub disposed in the ported sub and fluidly connected to the suction tube is disclosed. A method of removing debris from a wellbore including the steps of lowering a downhole debris removal tool into the wellbore, the downhole debris removal tool having an annular jet pump sub, a mixing tube, a diffuser, and a suction tube, flowing a fluid through a bore of the annular jet pump sub, jetting the fluid from the annular jet pump sub into the mixing tube, displacing an initially static fluid in the mixing tube through the diffuser, thereby creating a vacuum effect in the suction tube to draw a debris-laden fluid into the downhole debris removal tool, and removing the tool downhole debris removal tool from the wellbore after a predetermined time interval is also disclosed. Further, an isolation valve including a housing, an inner tube disposed coaxially with the housing, and a gate, wherein the gate is configured to selectively close an annular space between the housing and the inner tube is disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110012733 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF OVERSIZE PARTICLES IN THE UNDERFLOW OF A VIBRATORY SEPARATOR - System and method for detection of oversize particles in the underflow of a vibratory separator and method for measuring the operability of a vibratory separator. The system comprises a sampling line connected to the underflow discharge line of the vibratory separator for sampling a portion of material, a centrifugal sensing pump powered by an electric motor with a power supply measuring device, a sampling screen, and a return line. A reduction in power supplied to the electric motor indicates a reduction in flow of material through the sampling screen as a result of oversize particles in the underflow of the vibratory separator. A baseline amount of power supplied to the electric motor may be measured and recorded. The subsequent amount of power supplied to the electric motor may then be compared to the recorded baseline amount to measure the operability of the vibratory separator. | 01-20-2011 |
20110006185 | SHAKER DECK ADJUSTMENT APPARATUS - An apparatus to lift an oilfield machine includes at least one lifting bellows, an alignment assembly extending between at least one lifting bellows and an adapter plate of the oilfield machine, the alignment assembly comprising an inner cylinder to reciprocate within a sleeve of the oilfield machine, and the alignment assembly comprising a top plate at an upper end of the inner cylinder, the top plate configured to transfer forces from the at least one lifting bellows and the inner cylinder to the adapter plate, wherein the sleeve is configured to restrict the inner cylinder to a substantially linear displacements therethrough. | 01-13-2011 |
20110005832 | OFFSHORE THERMAL TREATMENT OF DRILL CUTTINGS FED FROM A BULK TRANSFER SYSTEM - A system for offshore disposal of drill cuttings including a cleaning system for treating contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants; a transport system for moving the drill cuttings; a slurrification system for making a slurry of the treated drill cuttings; and a cuttings re-injection system for injecting the slurry into a well. | 01-13-2011 |
20110005742 | FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A fluid distribution apparatus including a housing configured to receive a drilling material and direct the drilling material onto a separatory surface; and a damper coupled to the housing and configured to distribute a flow of the drilling material onto the separatory surface is disclosed. | 01-13-2011 |
20100332204 | METHOD OF ESTIMATING WELL DISPOSAL CAPACITY - A method for determining a maximum volume of drilling cuttings disposal in a formation, the method including inputting formation parameters into a simulator, simulating a formation during waste injection based on the formation parameters, determining a net pressure based on the simulating, determining a closure pressure increase based on the simulating, calculating a disposal volume based on the net pressure and the closure pressure, calculating a time interval of waste injection based on the calculated injection volume, and outputting at least one of the disposal volume and the time interval is disclosed. A method of optimizing a waste injection process, the method including simulating a formation based on input parameters, determining a closure pressure increase per unit slurry volume based on the simulation, calculating a disposal capacity of the selected formation, and outputting the disposal capacity is also disclosed. | 12-30-2010 |
20100326660 | USE OF DIRECT EPOXY EMULSIONS FOR WELLBORE STABILIZATION - A direct emulsion wellbore fluid, including: a continuous non-oleaginous phase; a discontinuous oleaginous phase; a stabilizing agent; an oil-miscible epoxy-based resin; and a hardening agent; wherein the wellbore fluid is a stable emulsion having a viscosity greater than 200 cps. In some embodiments, the hardening agent is an oil-miscible hardening agent; in other embodiments, the hardening agent is an oil-immiscible hardening agent. | 12-30-2010 |
20100319919 | APPLICATION OF DEGRADABLE FIBERS IN INVERT EMULSION FLUIDS FOR KILL PILLS - A method of treating a subterranean formation includes pumping into a cased, perforated wellbore that intersects the formation an invert emulsion kill fluid, the invert emulsion kill fluid comprising: an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; at least one degradable material; and at least one bridging material; contacting the formation with the kill fluid; and allowing the degradable material to at least partially degrade. | 12-23-2010 |
20100319915 | APPLICATION OF DEGRADABLE FIBERS IN INVERT EMULSION FLUIDS FOR FLUID LOSS CONTROL - A method of treating a subterranean formation including emplacing in a wellbore a fluid, comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, and at least one bridging material, and contacting the formation with the fluid. A method and apparatus related to an invert emulsion fluid loss pill including an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, wherein the degradable material hydrolyzes to release an organic acid, and at least one bridging material. | 12-23-2010 |
20100317549 | EMULSIFIER BLEND - An oil-in-water emulsion that includes a brine continuous phase; and an oleaginous discontinuous phase stabilized by an emulsifier blend, the emulsifier blend comprising: an emulsifier having an HLB greater than 11; and an amphoteric chemotrope is disclosed. Emulsifier blends comprising an emulsifier having an HLB greater than 11 and an amphoteric chemotrope and methods of using emulsifier blends are also disclosed | 12-16-2010 |
20100313645 | TEST PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE CONCENTRATION AND RELATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF SIZED PARTICLES IN A DRILLING FLUID - A method of determining a particle size distribution in a wellbore fluid including collecting a volume of mud from a vibratory separator, sampling a volume of the collected mud, and testing the volume of collected mud with a test kit to determine the concentration of a sized additive in the mud is disclosed. A system for determining particle size distribution of a fluid, the system including a vibratory separator, a meter configured to receive a separated material from the vibratory separator, a counter configured to count the number of loads collected by the meter, a test kit including a sieve and a measuring tube, and a centrifuged configured to receive the measuring tube is also disclosed. | 12-16-2010 |
20100307962 | PREFERENTIAL BOW ON COMPOSITE SCREENS - Abstract: A shaker screen for attachment to a bed of a shaker includes a screen frame having at least one mesh screen attached to the top side of the screen frame, wherein the screen frame is preferentially bowed prior to attaching the mesh screen to the screen frame. | 12-09-2010 |
20100307746 | METHODS OF CLEANING WELLBORES AND ANALYZING WELLBORE FLUIDS - A method of analyzing a wellbore fluid that includes treating a wellbore fluid with an emulsifying fluid, the emulsifying fluid comprising: a hydroxylated ether; an amphoteric chemotrope; and testing the treated wellbore fluid for at least one of turbidity and total suspended solids is disclosed. Methods of cleaning wellbores are also disclosed. | 12-09-2010 |
20100300979 | DEWATERING OF SILICATE WELLBORE FLUIDS - A method of treating silicate-based wellbore fluids that includes flocculating at least a portion of contaminants contained in a silicate-based wellbore fluid out of the fluid phase; and separating the flocculated contaminants from the fluid phase. Methods of recycling silicate-based fluids, methods of disposing used silicate-based fluid, and methods of disposing of wellbore fluid waste are also disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100300967 | BREAKER FLUIDS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A method of cleaning a wellbore drilled with a drilling fluid that forms a filter cake that includes emplacing a breaker fluid into the wellbore, the breaker fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a fragmentation agent; and an amphoteric chemotrope; and shutting in the well for a period of time sufficient to initiate breaking of the filter cake is disclosed. | 12-02-2010 |
20100298174 | CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF CUTTINGS FOR RE-INJECTION INTO SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS - A method of slurrifying drill cuttings that includes admixing oil-contaminated drill cuttings, water, and at least one surface active agent; emulsifying at least a portion of the oil contaminants within the mixture; and forming a pourable slurry of drill cuttings in water is disclosed. | 11-25-2010 |
20100294498 | VISCOELASTIC SURFACTANT BASED WELLBORE FLUIDS AND METHODS OF USE - A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous based fluid; an amphoteric, viscoelastic surfactant; and a modified starch is disclosed. Methods of drilling subterranean wells, methods of reducing the loss of fluid out of subterranean wells, and methods of completing wellbores using aqueous-based fluids having an ampoteric, viscoelastic surfactant and a modified starch are also disclosed. | 11-25-2010 |
20100288304 | Screen Wash Machine - Washing machine for screen that includes a closed washing chamber having internal nozzles for cleaning the screen. The nozzles are provided on a flushing frame enclosing the screen, and the flushing frame may be moved upwards and downwards within the chamber whereby the screen is flushed and cleaned. A method for cleaning the screen in the washing machine is also described. | 11-18-2010 |
20100283492 | AUTOMATED ELECTRICAL STABILITY METER - A method for automatically measuring a property of a fluid associated with a drilling application, including obtaining a sample of the fluid, wherein the sample of the fluid is obtained by directing the fluid through an electrode probe assembly comprising an electrode probe and depositing the fluid in a probe gap between electrodes of the electrode probe, ramping up a voltage applied to the electrodes of the electrode probe until a threshold current is obtained, recording the breakdown voltage at the threshold current value, and using the breakdown voltage to compute the property of the sample of the fluid. | 11-11-2010 |
20100282470 | METHODS OF INCREASING FRACTURE RESISTANCE IN LOW PERMEABILITY FORMATIONS - A method of increasing the fracture resistance of a low permeability formation that includes emplacing a wellbore fluid in a wellbore through the low permeability formation, the wellbore fluid comprising: a settable carrier fluid; and a solid particulate bridging material; increasing the pressure in the wellbore such that fractures are formed in the formation; allowing the settable carrier fluid to enter the fractures; bridging and sealing the mouths of the fractures to form a substantially impermeable bridge proximate the mouth of the fractures thereby strengthening the formation; and holding the increased pressure for an amount of time sufficient for setting of the carrier fluid in the fractures is disclosed. | 11-11-2010 |
20100270215 | VIBRATORY SEPARATOR SCREEN ATTACHMENT - A vibratory separator including a screen frame and a screen attachment. The screen attachment including at least one vertically disposed latch on the screen frame, at least one vertically disposed catch on the screen frame, and at least one bearing surface proximate the at least one vertically disposed catch. Additionally, a method of securing adjacent screens including inserting a vertically disposed latch of a first screen into a catch of a second screen, wherein the inserting includes contacting the latch of the first screen with a bearing surface of the second screen adjacent the catch of the second screen. The method further includes forming a planar alignment of the first screen to the second screen. | 10-28-2010 |
20100270017 | DELAYED BREAKER - A process that includes pumping a first wellbore fluid comprising an oxidative degradable polymer into a wellbore through a subterranean formation; pumping a second wellbore fluid comprising a pH-activated oxidative breaker into the wellbore; pumping a third wellbore fluid comprising a delayed acid source into the wellbore; and allowing the delayed acid source to acidify at least a portion of the wellbore to a pH of less than 7 so as to activate the pH-activated oxidative breaker at the lower pH and degrade the oxidative degradable polymers is disclosed. | 10-28-2010 |
20100258318 | DOWNHOLE SCRAPER - A downhole tool including a resilient body configured to be disposed on a drill string, the resilient body comprising a plurality of radial blades having an abrasive coating, wherein the radial blades are configured to deflect when inserted into downhole tubing, and wherein the resilient body is configured to allow rotation relative to the drill string. Additionally, a method for cleaning downhole tubing, the method including inserting a resilient scraper disposed on a drill string into the downhole tubing, the resilient scraper including a plurality of radial blades having an abrasive coating. The method further including rotating the drill string, and contacting the resilient scraper to an internal wall of the downhole tubing. | 10-14-2010 |
20100250142 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ANALYZING FLUIDS AT A DRILLING LOCATION - A system for monitoring fluids at a drilling location, the system including a viscometer ( | 09-30-2010 |
20100243576 | DEWATERING SYSTEM - Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculant solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculant solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank. | 09-30-2010 |
20100237024 | FLUID DISTRIBUTION FOR A SHAKER - A shaker for separating solids from a drilling fluid includes a top screening deck ( | 09-23-2010 |
20100236995 | SCREEN CLAMP - A screen clamp ( | 09-23-2010 |
20100226198 | Apparatus and Method for Homogenizing Two or More Fluids of Different Densities - An apparatus for blending two or more fluid streams, wherein a first fluid has a higher density than the other fluids, includes a first fluid director and at least a second fluid director providing fluid communication of a first and second fluid stream, respectively, to a primary mixing chamber. The first fluid director includes one or more baffles to disturb the first fluid stream and to direct it toward a rearward portion of the first inlet to the primary mixing chamber. A secondary blending chamber is in fluid communication with the primary chamber outlet and includes at least one, and preferably two static mixers. When two static mixers are serially retained in the secondary blending chamber, they may be skewed rotationally relative to each other such that the orifice profiles of each static mixer are not in alignment. | 09-09-2010 |
20100224748 | BOAT INSTALLATION FRAME FOR TRANSPORTATION TANKS - A system to secure a storage unit on a supply vessel surface including a first frame module having a first attachment mechanism configured to releasably engage with a second attachment mechanism of a second frame module, and a first valve disposed on the first frame module, wherein the first valve is in fluid communication with a second valve disposed on the second frame module through a central flow pipe. The system further including a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the storage unit to at least the first frame module, and at least one flow conduit configured to provide fluid communication between the first valve and the storage unit. | 09-09-2010 |
20100212896 | GRAVEL-PACKING CARRIER FLUID WITH INTERNAL BREAKER - A method of gravel packing a hole in a subterranean formation having a filter cake coated on the surface thereof that includes injecting into the hole a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one iminodiacetic acid or salt thereof is disclosed. | 08-26-2010 |
20100210486 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PREVENTING HIGH DENSITY WELL COMPLETION FLUID LOSS - A method of reducing fluid loss from a wellbore that includes emplacing a fluid loss pill in the wellbore, the fluid loss pill comprising: a base fluid; a hydratable or solvatable synthetic copolymer having at least one crosslinkable comonomer; and a crosslinking agent is disclosed. | 08-19-2010 |
20100210480 | USE OF INVERT EPOXY EMULSIONS FOR WELLBORE STABILIZATION - An invert emulsion wellbore fluid, including: a continuous oleaginous phase; a discontinuous non-oleaginous phase; a stabilizing agent; an oil-immiscible epoxy-based resin; and a hardening agent; wherein the wellbore fluid is a stable emulsion having a viscosity greater than 200 cps. In some embodiments, the hardening agent is an oil-miscible hardening agent; in other embodiments, the hardening agent is an oil-immiscible hardening agent. | 08-19-2010 |
20100206383 | FEED HOPPER FOR POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS - A drill cuttings transfer device that includes a pump having an inlet for receiving the drill cuttings and an outlet for discharging the drill cuttings; and a feed hopper in fluid connection to the inlet of the pump, the feed hopper comprising: at least one air nozzle configured to provide a flow of air to the drill cuttings is disclosed. | 08-19-2010 |
20100204511 | RECLAMATION OF HALIDE-CONTAMINATED FORMATE BRINES - A method of recovering formate from halide-contaminated formate brine that includes mixing a formate recovery solvent and the halide-contaminated formate brine; separating halide contaminants from the formate; and recovering the formate from the formate recovery solvent is disclosed. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204066 | WATER ABSORBING POLYMERS FOR TREATMENT OF BRINES AND WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUIDS - A method for removing water from a wellbore fluid is disclosed. The method may include the steps of contacting a wellbore fluid with a water absorbing polymer, where the wellbore fluid includes an aqueous fluid, allowing the water absorbing polymer to interact with the wellbore fluid for a sufficient period of time so that the water absorbing polymer absorbs at least a portion of water in the aqueous fluid, and separating the water absorbing polymer containing the absorbed water from the wellbore fluid. | 08-12-2010 |
20100199757 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTING RESERVOIR DRILLING FLUIDS FOR DRILLING UNCONSOLIDATED TAR SANDS - An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand. | 08-12-2010 |
20100197528 | DEGRADABLE GELS IN ZONAL ISOLATION APPLICATIONS - A method of treating a formation that includes emplacing an oxidizing breaker fluid into a region of the formation occupied by a gel; and allowing sufficient time for the oxidizing breaker fluid to degrade the gel is disclosed. | 08-05-2010 |
20100193584 | USE OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAGS TO IDENTIFY AND MONITOR SHAKER SCREEN LIFE AND PERFORMANCE - A method of operating a shaker including: disposing a shaker screen in a shaker, wherein the shaker screen includes at least one tag selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency identification tag and a surface acoustic wave tag; reading shaker screen information from the at least one tag; and adjusting at least one shaker variable using the shaker screen information. In another aspect, embodiments relate to a shaker screen including: a filtering element disposed on a frame; wherein the frame includes: at least one outer frame member; at least one cross member; and at least one tag selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency identification tag and a surface acoustic wave tag; wherein at least a portion of the tag is integral with at least one of an outer frame member and a cross member. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a shaker screen having an integral tag. | 08-05-2010 |
20100193409 | SCREEN FOR A VIBRATORY SEPARATOR - A shaker apparatus including a basket having an upstream side, a downstream side, and two side walls, at least one wedge guide and one support rail disposed on each side wall, and at least one screen assembly. The support rails and the wedge guides may be configured to engage the screen assembly. The screen assembly may have one or more layers of screen mesh mounted on a screen frame. The screen frame may include a first and a second side rail, each having an upstream end, a downstream end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. A slope of the top surfaces intermediate the upstream end and the downstream end may be different than a slope of the bottom surfaces intermediate the upstream end and the downstream end. | 08-05-2010 |
20100190664 | INVERT EMULSION BASED COMPLETION AND DISPLACEMENT FLUID AND METHOD OF USE - A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake is disclosed. The method may include circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes a non-oleaginous internal phase and an oleaginous external phase, where the non-oleaginous phase includes a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting agent, and the oleaginous external phase includes an oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks. | 07-29-2010 |
20100186957 | FLUID PRESSURE TRANSMISSION PILL - A pill for wellbore operations, that includes a base fluid; and at least two polymers that interact to form a gelatinous structure characterized as isolating and controllably transmitting hydrostatic pressure between a first wellbore fluid above the pill in a wellbore and a second wellbore fluid below the pill in the wellbore is disclosed. | 07-29-2010 |
20100170859 | SAND SCREW DRYER - An apparatus and process for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings are disclosed. The separations are performed in a drying auger unit, including: an inclined housing having side walls joined by a bottom and having an inlet end and an outlet end; at least one inlet for feeding a cuttings slurry to the inlet end; a helical auger located in the housing for transporting drill cuttings from the inlet end of the housing to the outlet end of the housing, and a drive for rotating the auger, an elevated pan disposed in and extending the length of the housing and having an arcuate cross section with a radius greater than a radius of the helical auger, wherein the pan is disposed proximate at least a lower quadrant of the helical auger; the housing further comprising a liquid recovery zone adjacent to the pan for transporting drilling fluids, separated from the drill cuttings during transport along the pan by the helical auger, to a liquid collection zone disposed adjacent to the inlet; an outlet for recovering drilling fluids from the liquid collection zone; and at least one fluid inlet nozzle for injecting a fluid into the liquid recovery zone to facilitate transport of any solids in the liquid recovery zone to the liquid collection zone; and at least one outlet for recovering drill cuttings having a reduced content of drilling fluids. | 07-08-2010 |
20100163255 | PROCESS FOR PREVENTING OR REMEDIATING TRITHIAZINE DEPOSITION IN HIGH H2S WELLS - A method for treating a wellbore in a hydrogen sulfide-containing formation that includes injecting a first slug in the wellbore, the first slug comprising: at least one of primary amine and ammonia; and a base fluid; injecting a second slug in the wellbore, the second slug comprising: a triazine scavenger; and a base fluid; and allowing the triazine scavenger to react with the hydrogen sulfide is disclosed. | 07-01-2010 |
20100140145 | SEPARATION OF TAR FROM SAND - A system for separating hydrocarbons from a solid source including a primary separation tank including a first hydrocarbon removing device to remove hydrocarbons from a slurry of water and solids. Further, the system including a transfer device between the primary separation tank and a secondary separation tank, wherein the transfer device is configured to transfer solids from the slurry to the secondary separation tank. Further still, the system including a second hydrocarbon removal device, a fine particle separation device to remove remaining solids in the secondary separation tank, and a product collection tank to receive hydrocarbons removed from the primary and secondary separation tanks. | 06-10-2010 |
20100139914 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED FLUID LOSS MEASUREMENTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS - A drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a pressurization inlet configured to allow for pressurization of the cell body, a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The device also including a filter medium disposed in the cell body and a cleaning system disposed in the cell body and configured to clean the filter medium. Additionally, a method of testing a drilling fluid including injecting a drilling fluid into an automated testing cell, the automated testing cell having a filter medium. Furthermore, pressurizing the automated testing cell, forming a filter cake on the filter medium, and separating the drilling fluid into a filtrate and a residual drilling fluid. Additionally, transferring the filtrate to a filtrate collection vessel and determining a volume of filtrate in the filtrate collection vessel. | 06-10-2010 |
20100133204 | REUSABLE FILTERS FOR FLUID LOSS MEASUREMENTS OF DRILLING FLUIDS - A reusable filter for testing drilling fluids including a non-porous filter medium configured to be disposed in a drilling fluid testing device. The non-porous filter medium having a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. Additionally, a method of cleaning a reusable filter medium for a drilling fluid test device including exposing the reusable filter medium to a washing fluid, and agitating the washing fluid with a mechanical agitator to break up solids disposed on the reusable filter medium. Also, a drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The drilling fluid test device also having a non-porous filter medium disposed in the cell body. | 06-03-2010 |
20100126252 | RHEOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT OF FILTERCAKE - A rheometer is provided for measuring rheological properties of a filtercake. The rheometer comprises a cell for containing a pressurised fluid supporting a particulate suspension. The cell has two outlets for removing the fluid from the cell. The cell further has a respective foraminous body at each outlet, such that the particulate suspension forms a filtercake on a surface of each foraminous body as pressurised fluid filters through the body when the fluid passes from the cell to the respective outlet. The foraminous bodies are translatable relative to each other, such that the filtercakes formed on said surfaces can be approached to form a unified filtercake. The foraminous bodies are also rotatable relative to each other. The rheometer further comprises a torque sensor for measuring a torque required to rotate the foraminous bodies relative to each other. The measured torque is indicative of one or more rheological properties of the unified filtercake. | 05-27-2010 |
20100120944 | USE OF CURABLE LIQUID ELASTOMERS TO PRODUCE GELS FOR TREATING A WELLBORE - A method of treating an earth formation that includes introducing at least one curable liquid elastomer composition in a liquid phase into the earthen formation; introducing at least one curing agent into the earthen formation; and contacting the curable elastomer composition and curing agent to form a non-aqueous gel is disclosed. | 05-13-2010 |
20100116753 | DEWATERING SYSTEM - A system for processing drilling mud, the system including a primary separation tank having an inlet for receiving drilling waste and an outlet in fluid communication with a feed line, and an injection pump in fluid communication with a polymer tank and the feed line. The system also includes a clarifying tank in fluid communication with the feed line and a first collection tank, wherein effluent from the clarifying tank is discharged into the first collection tank, and a centrifuge in fluid communication with the clarifying tank and a second collection tank, wherein effluent from the centrifuge is discharged into the second collection tank. | 05-13-2010 |
20100088078 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRILLING A PROBABILISTIC APPROACH - Methods and software tools for determining wellbore-strengthening information for a drilling operation, the method including inputting wellbore parameters into a wellbore simulator, importing wellbore-strengthening options into the wellbore simulator, and performing a plurality of wellbore simulations to obtain fracture information, wherein the performing the plurality of wellbore simulations includes selecting at least one of the wellbore parameters and determining the affect of the selected wellbore parameter on the wellbore. The method further includes selecting a wellbore-strengthening option based on the fracture information and outputting the selected wellbore-strengthening option. | 04-08-2010 |
20100087566 | USE OF ELASTOMERS TO PRODUCE GELS FOR TREATING A WELLBORE - A method of treating an earth formation that includes introducing at least one blocked isocyanate in a liquid phase into the earthen formation; introducing at least one active hydrogen compound into the earthen formation; and contacting the blocked isocyante and the active hydrogen compound form an elastomeric gel is disclosed. | 04-08-2010 |
20100084190 | RIG STORAGE SYSTEM - A system for storing cuttings including a drilling rig having a deck and at least two support structures, and at least one cuttings storage vessel disposed in at least one of the at least two support structures is disclosed. A method of storing cuttings on a drilling rig including transferring materials from a deck of the drilling rig to a pressurized vessel dispose din a support structure of the drilling rig is also disclosed. | 04-08-2010 |
20100059451 | MODULAR OIL-BASED SLUDGE SEPARATION AND TREATMENT SYSTEM - A modular apparatus having certain processing equipment mounted on portable skids that are adaptable and versatile to permit customized arrangement for oil-recovery processing of a wide range of oil-base sludge compositions in a cost-efficient manner. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a modular apparatus optimally configured for oil recovery of sludge having a high concentration of low density solids, wherein the apparatus may include a pumping skid, a shaker skid, a heating skid, a chemical skid, a phase separator skid, a gas purification skid, a decanter skid, and an oil purification skid. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a modular apparatus optimally configured for oil recovery of sludge having a high concentration of high density solids, wherein the apparatus may include a pumping skid, a shaker skid, a heating skid, a first chemical skid, a decanter skid, a second chemical skid, a phase separator skid, a gas purification skid, and an oil purification skid. In still another aspect, the invention is directed to a modular apparatus optimally configured for oil recovery of sludge having a very low solids content, wherein the apparatus may include a pumping skid, a shaker skid, a heating skid, a chemical skid, a phase separator skid, a gas purification skid, and an oil purification skid. | 03-11-2010 |
20100038318 | ENHANCED SOLIDS CONTROL - A method of cleaning drilling fluid including providing a flow of drilling fluid to a treatment loop, determining a flow rate of the drilling fluid, and injecting a polymer into the drilling fluid based on the determined flow rate of the drilling fluid. Additionally, the method includes injecting a coagulant into the drilling fluid based on the determined flow rate of the drilling fluid and adjusting the rate of polymer and coagulant injection based on a change in the flow rate of the drilling fluid. Also, a method of controlling a drilling fluid cleaning system, the method including inputting a polymer dosage rate and a coagulant dosage rate into a system controller and providing instructions to the system controller. The instructions include determining an instantaneous flow rate of a drilling fluid in the system, calculating a polymer injection rate to produce the inputted polymer dosage rate based on the instantaneous flow rate of the drilling fluid, calculating a coagulant injection rate to produce the inputted coagulant dosage rate based on the instantaneous flow rate of the drilling fluid, and adjusting the polymer injection rate and the coagulant injection rate based on the instantaneous flow rate. | 02-18-2010 |
20100009874 | PRECIPITATED WEIGHTING AGENTS FOR USE IN WELLBORE FLUIDS - A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed. | 01-14-2010 |
20100004145 | FLUID LOSS PILLS - A fluid loss pill that includes a crosslinked polymer gel, a brine, and solid salt particles disposed in said gel is described. Further, a method for reducing fluid loss that includes pumping a selected amount of a fluid loss pill into a wellbore leading to an oil-condensate-, or gas-producing formation, the fluid loss pill including a crosslinked polymer gel, a brine, and solid salt particles disposed in said gel is described. | 01-07-2010 |
20090321074 | MECHANICALLY MODIFIED FILTER CAKE - A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid. | 12-31-2009 |
20090308795 | LAMINATED SCREENS - A laminate screen for a vibratory separator, the screen including a product screen mesh layer having a plurality of wires. The screen further including a structural screen mesh layer having a plurality of wires secured to the product screen mesh layer with a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the structural screen mesh layer is configured to provide structural integrity to the laminate screen, and wherein a diameter of the product screen mesh layer wires is less than a diameter of the structural screen mesh layer wires. | 12-17-2009 |
20090277818 | COOLING AND CLASSIFYING APPARATUS FOR PELLETIZED PRODUCT PROCESSING - A cooler for particulate product includes a substantially enclosed housing. A first cooling screen is disposed in the housing and is configured to receive the product. The first cooling screen is configured to move the product along a surface by gravity when the first cooling screen vibrated. A duct is coupled to the first cooling screen to move cooling fluid through the first cooling screen. A second cooling screen is disposed in the housing below the first screen and is configured to receive the product after discharge from the first screen. The second screen is configured to move the particulate product along a surface when vibrated. A second duct is coupled to the second screen to move cooling fluid through the screen. A collector receives the particulate product after moving along a surface of the second screen. A vibrator is coupled to the housing and vibrates the housing. | 11-12-2009 |