| M-I L.L.C. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 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 |
| 20090260826 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INJECTION OF VISCOUS UNWEIGHTED, LOW-WEIGHTED, OR SOLIDS CONTAMINATED FLUIDS DOWNHOLE DURING OILFIELD INJECTION PROCESS - A system for injecting a fluid into a formation including a fluid, and at least one injection pump configured to receive the fluid, the at least one pump including a centrifugal pump having at least two stages configured to increase the pressure of the received fluid is disclosed. The system further includes a drive device coupled to the injection pump. A method of injecting a fluid downhole including providing a fluid to an injection pump, the injection pump including a centrifugal pump having at least two stages, pumping the fluid through the at least two stages of the centrifugal pump, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid, and injecting the fluid from the injection pump into a wellbore is also disclosed. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090260698 | PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM - A fluid control system, including: a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a pressure chamber; a shuttle assembly adapted to reciprocate in the pressure chamber to regulate the flow of an operating fluid from the inlet to the outlet; the operating fluid applying an opening force to a first end of the shuttle assembly; a control fluid to apply a closing force to an opposite end of the shuttle assembly; wherein an operating fluid pressure area of the first end of the shuttle assembly when in a closed position is at least 65 percent of the operating fluid pressure area of the first end of the shuttle assembly when in an open position. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090258799 | WELLBORE FLUIDS POSSESSING IMPROVED RHEOLOGICAL AND ANTI-SAG PROPERTIES - A wellbore fluid that includes a base fluid; a weighting agent having a d | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090188718 | METHODS OF DETECTING, PREVENTING, AND REMEDIATING LOST CIRCULATION - A method for planning a wellbore, the method including defining drilling data for drilling a segment of a planned wellbore and identifying a risk zone in the segment. Additionally, the method including determining an expected fluid loss for the risk zone and selecting a solution to reduce fluid loss in the risk zone. Furthermore, a method for treating drilling fluid loss at a drilling location, the method including calculating a drilling fluid loss rate at the drilling location, classifying the drilling fluid loss based on the drilling fluid loss rate, and selecting a solution based at least in part on the classifying. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090184055 | Method for recycling of oil based drilling fluid contaminated with water and water contaminated with oil based drilling fluid - A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090175688 | SHALE HYDRATION INHIBITION AGENT AND METHOD OF USE - A method of using a water-base wellbore fluid in subterranean wells that penetrate through a subterranean formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water. The well bore fluid includes, an aqueous based continuous phase, and a shale hydration inhibition agent. One illustrative shale hydration inhibition agent is preferably the reaction product of a hydrogenation reaction of the product of the reaction of an aromatic amine with an aldehyde, preferably formaldehyde. Alternatively the shale hydration inhibition agent may be the reaction product of a hydrogenation reaction of the product of the reaction of aniline and formaldehyde. In one illustrative embodiment, the shale hydration inhibition agent is selected from the class of compounds known as polycycloaliphatic amines. Further the shale hydration inhibition agent may be present in the form of a free-base or in the form of an acid salt of the disclosed amine compounds. The shale hydration inhibition agent is present in sufficient concentration to substantially reduce the swelling of shale drilling cuttings upon contact with the fluid. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090156877 | 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. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090151443 | HIGH PRESSURE SCREEN FLOW-THROUGH TESTING DEVICE - A screen test apparatus includes a test cell disposed within a pressure vessel, a piston disposed within the pressure vessel, wherein the piston is in sealing contact with an inner surface of the pressure vessel, and a screen assembly disposed in an end of the test cell. The screen assembly includes a mount collar, a screen disposed in the mount collar, and an end cap adjacent the screen which includes grooves in a face adjacent the screen and passages extending through the end cap, wherein the screen assembly is configured to fully support the screen while allowing a fluid to pass through the screen. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090142228 | PRODUCTION WASTE TEST KIT - A test kit for testing production waste includes a plurality of components including reagents, test equipment, or a combination thereof, sufficient to perform analysis on production waste and at least one protective case for shipping and for using the plurality of components, the protective case including a top portion releasably engaged with a bottom portion. The top portion includes a top side attached at an inner face of the top side to a top edge of a continuous sidewall formed by a plurality of sides such that the top portion of the protective case includes a hollow interior cavity bound by the inner face of the top side and an inner face of the continuous sidewall, wherein the hollow interior cavity is open on a bottom side, and wherein the hollow interior cavity defines a water-tight enclosure opened on the bottom side, such that the top portion, resting on a support surface inverted on an outer face of the top side, is capable of forming a liquid reservoir. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090139770 | 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. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090124521 | ADDITIVE FOR INCREASING THE DENSITY OF A FLUID FOR CASING ANNULUS PRESSURE CONTROL - A method of treating a wellbore that includes circulating a wellbore fluid in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises an oleaginous base fluid and a wellbore additive colloidal solid material, and wherein the wellbore additive colloidal solid material is formed by grinding a solid particulate material and a polymeric dispersing agent for a sufficient time so that the polymeric dispersing agent is absorbed to the surface of the resulting colloidal solid particles and less than 10% of the resulting colloidal solid particles have a diameter greater than 10 microns, but not more than five percent of the particles are less than 0.2 micron in diameter, wherein the grinding is carried out in the presence of an oleaginous base fluid and wherein the grinding is carried out so that the wellbore additive colloidal solid material has a weight average particle diameter d | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090110529 | PNEUMATIC TRANSFER OF FINELY GROUND CLAY MATERIAL - A method for transferring a sized clay material for use in drilling fluids that includes providing the sized clay material to a pneumatic transfer vessel; supplying an air flow to the sized clay material in the pneumatic transfer vessel; and transferring the sized clay material from the pneumatic transfer vessel to a storage vessel is disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090071878 | MAGNETIC CLAMPING ASSEMBLY - A vibratory separator including a screen having a filter element and a center screen disk. The vibratory separator also including a magnet disposed on top of the center pedestal support, wherein the center screen disk and the magnet are configured to magnetically interact. Additionally, a method for replacing a screen for a vibratory separator including actuating a vibratory separator decoupler and breaking a first magnetic interaction between a first magnetic interaction surface and a second magnetic interaction surface. The method further including removing a first screen from the vibratory separator, installing a second screen into the vibratory separator, and establishing a second magnetic interaction. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090071649 | WELLBORE FLUIDS FOR CEMENT DISPLACEMENT OPERATIONS - A method of cementing a pipe into a wellbore filled with a drilling fluid that includes displacing the drilling fluid with the displacement fluid which includes a base fluid, a micronized weighting agent; suspending a pipe in the wellbore; and pumping cement into the wellbore to substantially fill the annulus formed between the outer surface of the pipe and the wellbore is disclosed. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090014392 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEPARATING HYDROCARBONS FROM WATER - A system for separating hydrocarbons from water, the system including an inlet for receiving a fluid, the fluid including a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, and a separation tank having a first partition and a second partition, wherein the first partition is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. Furthermore, the system includes a first outlet configured to receive the water phase from the first partition, a second outlet configured to receive the hydrocarbon phase from the second partition, and a support structure configured to receive the water phase from the first outlet and the hydrocarbon phase from the second outlet. Also, a method of separating a fluid into a water phase and a hydrocarbon phase, the method including injecting the fluid containing the water phase and the hydrocarbon phase into a separation tank. The method further includes separating the water phase from the hydrocarbon phase, wherein the separating includes transmitting the fluid through a plurality of baffles, collecting the water phase, and collecting the hydrocarbon phase. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090005271 | REDUCED ABRASIVENESS WITH MICRONIZED WEIGHTING MATERIAL - A method of prolonging the average lifespan of downhole tools that includes circulating the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one of a micronized weighting agent and a dispersant coated weighting agent through the wellbore; wherein the wellbore fluid is characterized as having at least one of an equivalent weight, an equivalent or lower settling rate, and an equivalent or lower sag than a baseline wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and an API-grade barite weighting agent; and wherein the wellbore fluid reduces abrasive wear of the downhole tool as compared to drilling with the baseline wellbore fluid is disclosed. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080314586 | Well Logging Fluid for Ultrasonic Cement Bond Logging - A well logging fluid, and methods of using the same, include a base fluid selected from water, water-based mud, or oil-based mud, and an additive material selected from silica or cork or alike. The fluid has an impedance substantially different from that of the base fluid. Such a modified impedance helps improve the measurement accuracy. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080289435 | DEVICE FOR EVALUATING DRAG REDUCTION - A system for screening a drag reduction agent that includes at least one pressure vessel, comprising: at least one container having an outlet; a first tube fluidly connected with the outlet of the at least one container; a second tube fluidly connected with the first tube; a timer; and a collection vessel configured to receive a fluid from the second tube is disclosed. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080283301 | 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. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080283296 | LIQUID AND SOLIDS ANALYSIS OF DRILLING FLUIDS USING FRACTIONATION AND IMAGING - A method of determining drilling fluid contents including fractionating a fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample includes a drilling fluid, and collecting image data from the fractioned fluid sample. Furthermore, processing the image data with a process station to produce a rendered image, and outputting the rendered image. Additionally, a system for determining drilling fluids content including an image gathering vessel having a holding section and an image gathering device operatively coupled to the image gathering vessel for collecting image data from a fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample includes a drilling fluid. Furthermore, a processing station for receiving the image data from the image gathering device and for producing a rendered image of the fluid sample based on the image data. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080283295 | 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. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080277322 | NOISE ABATING PERFORATED PLATE - Disclosed herein is a perforated plate and a screening assembly for separating particulate matter comprising perforated plate, the perforated plate comprising a plurality of apertures of a selected size for receiving and separating the particulate matter, wherein the plate comprises a laminate, the laminate comprising two metal layers spaced apart by and joined by a damper layer comprising a viscoelastomer. A method of reducing noise generated by a vibratory separating apparatus using the inventive perforated plate is also disclosed. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080277164 | 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. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080257790 | SANITARY SPOUT VALVE - The instant disclosure is directed to a valve for a separatory shaker comprises a movable plate wherein at least a portion of the plate is dimensioned and arranged to fit in physical communication with, and be removably attached to a sidewall of a separatory shaker, the plate comprising a first portion which is dimensioned and arranged such that the plate may be positioned in physical communication with and adjacent to the sidewall to obstruct at least a portion of the spout opening, the plate further comprising a second portion having a valve opening there through, the valve opening being dimensioned and arranged within the second portion of the plate such that the plate may be positioned in physical communication with and adjacent to the sidewall to allow fluid communication between the spout and the screening chamber through the spout opening. A method of separating a plurality of particles is also disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080245707 | PRE-TENSIONED SIFTER SCREEN - A screen for a gyratory sifter including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension. Additionally, the screen including a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Also, a method for installing a pre-tensioned screen in a gyratory sifter including inserting the pre-tensioned screen into the gyratory sifter. The pre-tensioned screen including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension and a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Additionally, the method including mating the pre-tensioned screen to a ball box, wherein the mating includes placing the pre-tensioned screen against a contoured section of the ball box, and securing the pre-tensioned screen with a screen plate. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080236896 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING OIL-BASED DRILLING MUD - Oil-based drilling fluid is prepared for further processing to recover the drilling fluid by pumping the drilling fluid through a flow meter. Surfactant may be added to the drilling fluid by using a dose pump and a flow meter. The drilling fluid and surfactant are then blended by passing them through a static mixer. A flocculating polymer is transferred via dose pumps to another static mixer where it is blended with the surfactant and drilling fluid mixture. To ensure adequate mixing and reaction, additional mixers are included through which the mixture passes. A centrifuge is used to separate solid particles from the fluid. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080236895 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING OIL-BASED DRILLING MUD - Oil-based drilling fluid is prepared for further processing to recover the drilling fluid by pumping the drilling fluid through a flow meter. Surfactant may be added to the drilling fluid by using a dose pump and a flow meter. The drilling fluid and surfactant are then blended by passing them through a static mixer. A flocculating polymer is transferred via dose pumps to another static mixer where it is blended with the surfactant and drilling fluid mixture. To ensure adequate mixing and reaction, additional mixers are included through which the mixture passes. A centrifuge is used to separate solid particles from the fluid. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080236891 | 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. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080236253 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE PROPERTIES OF DRILLING FLUIDS - Methods and apparatus to measure flow of a drilling fluid composition include a test housing including a test matrix located between an inlet and an outlet, a test valve connected between the inlet of the test housing and a fluid reservoir, and a pressure assembly configured to apply pressure to drilling fluid contained in the fluid reservoir. The apparatus and methods further include a sample valve connected to the outlet of the test housing and a measurement device configured to measure a filtrate fluid flowing through the outlet. A method to measure flow of a drilling fluid includes measuring an amount of filtrate fluid flowing through the test matrix as a function of time. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080217261 | OFF-LINE TREATMENT OF HYDROCARBON FLUIDS WITH OZONE - A system for treating recovered fluids off-line, the system including an ozone assembly and a reactor vessel operatively coupled to the ozone generator and having a reaction compartment and a settling compartment, wherein the reaction compartment is fluidly connected to a recovered hydrocarbons storage vessel and the settling compartment is fluidly connected to a treated oil tank is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of treating recovered hydrocarbons off-line, the method including flowing recovered hydrocarbons from a storage vessel into a reactor vessel having a reaction compartment and a settling compartment, and injecting ozone from an ozone generator into the recovered hydrocarbons in the reaction compartment. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080217065 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTROPHORETIC SEPARATION OF SOLIDS AND WATER FROM OIL BASED MUD - A method of treating an invert emulsion drilling fluid, the method including pumping the drilling fluid to an electrophoresis unit that includes a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged electrode, applying a voltage between 200 V and 5000 V across the two electrodes to deposit water and solids on one of the charged electrodes, and removing deposited solids and water from the collection electrode is disclosed. An apparatus for treating an invert emulsion drilling fluid, the apparatus including a bath, a drum disposed in the bath, a power supply capable of applying a voltage between the housing and the drum in the range of 200 V to 5000 V, a motor coupled to the drum to rotate the drum at a predetermined speed, and a scraper having a first position in which the scraper contacts the rotating drum to remove deposited solids and water and a second position in which the scraper is retained away from the drum is also disclosed. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080210467 | 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. Also, a module for use at a drilling location that includes a valve for directing drilling fluid between at least a first cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module and a second cuttings storage vessel disposed outside the module. The module further includes a filter system for filtering the drilling fluid and at least one pump for facilitating the flow of the fluid between at least the first and second cuttings storage vessels. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080210466 | OFFSHORE THERMAL TREATMENT OF DRILL CUTTINGS FED FROM A BULK TRANSFER SYSTEM - A system for offshore treatment of drill cuttings that includes a first pressurized vessel configured to receive contaminated drill cuttings and adapted to allow a compressed gas be introduced therein as the sole means for inducing movement of said contaminated drill cuttings in the first pressurized vessel whereby at least a portion of the contaminated drill cuttings is discharged from the first pressurized vessel; and a reactor unit in fluid connection with the first pressurized vessel for separating the contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants, wherein the reactor unit includes a processing chamber having at least one inlet and outlet; and a rotor mounted in the processing chamber, the rotor including a shaft; and a plurality of fixed rotor arms extending radially from the shaft is disclosed. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080207471 | USING OXIDIZING AGENTS TO REMOVE THIOCYANANTES FROM BRINES - A method for reclamation of a brine that includes mixing a brine containing thiocyanates with an oxidizing agent; and allowing for a time sufficient for the oxidizing agent to oxidize at least a portion of the thiocyanates is disclosed. Other methods may also include determining the quantity of unoxidized thiocyanates after the oxidizing treatment. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080203345 | CHOKE PLATE CONFIGURATION - An orifice for use in a flow control valve, the orifice may include a fixed choke plate having at least one aperture therethrough for conducting fluids and a rotating choke plate having at least one aperture therethrough for conducting fluids. The rotating choke plate may be concentric with and disposed face-to-face with the fixed choke plate. Each of the apertures in the fixed choke plate and rotating choke plate include a rounded head section and a crescent tail section. Rotation of the rotating choke plate relative to the fixed choke plate varies an alignment of the fixed choke plate aperture and the rotating choke plate aperture. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080202215 | PRESSURIZED CRYSTALLIZATION POINT AUTOMATED TEST APPARATUS - A pressurized crystallization point test apparatus for pressurizing a fluid sample and optically detecting the degree of crystallization in the fluid sample while simultaneously measuring the temperature and change in volume of the fluid sample during cooling or heating of the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a cell for containing a fluid sample in an interior of the cell, wherein the cell comprises a first transparent window and a second transparent window; a cooling source for cooling the fluid sample; a pressure source for pressurizing the fluid sample; a temperature sensor positioned in the interior of the cell for measuring the temperature of the fluid sample; an external light source configured to direct light into the cell through the first transparent window; and an external light detector configured to measure the amount of light that traverses the first transparent window, a portion of the fluid sample, and the second transparent window. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080202214 | CRYSTALLIZATION POINT AUTOMATED TEST APPARATUS - An apparatus for optically detecting the degree of crystallization in a fluid sample while simultaneously measuring the temperature of the fluid sample during cooling or heating of the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a test vial for containing a fluid sample in an interior of the vial, wherein the test vial is light permeable; a cooling source for cooling the fluid sample; a temperature sensor positioned in the interior of the test vial for measuring the temperature of the fluid sample; an external light source configured to direct light into the test vial; and an external light detector configured to measure the amount of light that traverses both the test vial and the fluid sample. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080196942 | WELLBORE MONITOR - A system for determining produced drill solids volume including a receiving vessel for receiving drill solids and a pressure vessel coupled to the receiving vessel. The receiving vessel has an isolation valve system to control the flow of drill solids between the receiving vessel and the pressure vessel, and the pressure vessel is adapted to allow a compressed gas to convey drill solids from the pressure vessel to a discharge line. The system also includes a skid having a plurality of weight sensors for weighing the drill solids in the pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel is disposed on the plurality of weight sensors and a programmable logic controller operatively couples to at least the plurality of weight sensors for calculating the weight of the drill solids in the pressure vessel. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080196890 | MAGNETIC POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICES FOR OILFIELD APPLICATIONS - A method and apparatus relates to incorporating a magnetic coupling for use in oilfield applications. The magnetic coupling is operatively coupled to an oilfield machine to provide a controlled operational speed. The magnetic coupling may be operatively connected to a motor and a drive shaft where a speed of rotation of the drive shaft is controlled by an operation of the magnetic coupling. The drive shaft is operatively connected to the oilfield machine. | 08-21-2008 |
