Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080251250 | Annular Isolators for Expandable Tubulars in Wellbores - The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator. | 10-16-2008 |
20090062157 | Methods and compositions related to the degradation of degradable polymers involving dehydrated salts and other associated methods - Methods are included herein that include a method comprising: providing a degradable particulate comprising a degradable polymer matrix and an dehydrated salt; and placing the degradable particulate in a subterranean formation. Other methods and compositions are provided as well. | 03-05-2009 |
20090176665 | Self-Degrading Fibers and Associated Methods of Use and Manufacture - This invention relates to the use of degradable fibers, and more particularly, to self-degrading fibers and their associated methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a self degrading fiber comprising: an outer shell, and a core liquid. | 07-09-2009 |
20090255668 | Clean Fluid Systems for Partial Monolayer Fracturing - Provided are methods that include a method comprising: placing a clean fluid comprising proppant particulates into a portion of a fracture in a subterranean formation, and depositing one or more of the proppant particulates into the fracture to form a partial monolayer. In another aspect, the invention provides methods that include placing a degradable fluid loss additive comprising collagen into a subterranean formation. | 10-15-2009 |
20090258801 | Fluid-Loss Control Pills Comprising Breakers that Comprise Orthoesters and/or Poly(Orthoesters) and Methods of Use - Provided herein are methods and compositions for generating acids for use downhole, for example, to break fluid-loss control pills. The delayed-release acid breakers of the present invention comprise orthoesters and/or poly(orthoesters). | 10-15-2009 |
20090291863 | Methods of Diverting Chelating Agents in Subterranean Treatments - Methods and compositions including a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a relative permeability modifier, and a chelating agent; introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation; and allowing at least a first portion of the treatment fluid to penetrate into a portion of the subterranean formation so as to substantially divert a second portion of the treatment fluid to another portion of the subterranean formation. | 11-26-2009 |
20100197527 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATING TO THE HYDROLYSIS OF WATER-HYDROLYSABLE MATERIALS - Treatments fluids relating to the hydrolysis of water-hydrolysable materials are provided. In one embodiment, provided is a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, a water-miscible solvent, and a water-hydrolysable material. Also provided is a hydrolysis retarder composition that comprises an aqueous liquid and a water-miscible solvent. | 08-05-2010 |
20100216672 | Treatment fluids comprising relative permeability modifiers and methods of use - Treatment fluids for and methods of treating subterranean formations are provided. In certain embodiments, a method is provided comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier, a delayed filter cake breaker, and a carrier fluid, contacting at least a portion of a filter cake in a subterranean formation with the treatment fluid, and removing at least a portion of the filter cake. | 08-26-2010 |
20100230108 | Methods of Degrading Subterranean Filter Cakes - The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. | 09-16-2010 |
20100267591 | Subterranean Bridging Agents - The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. | 10-21-2010 |
20100273685 | Methods and composition relating to the chemical degradation of degradable polymers - Methods comprising: providing a degradable polymer within a portion of a subterranean formation; introducing a base solution into the portion of the subterranean formation, wherein the base solution comprises at least one base selected from the group consisting of: ammonium hydroxide, an alcoholic alkaline solution, and an alkaline amine solution, and derivatives thereof; and allowing the base solution to degrade the degradable polymer. | 10-28-2010 |
20110005753 | Methods of Fluid-Controlled Geometry Stimulation - Methods for stimulating a high-permeability subterranean formation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises the step of selecting a target fracture geometry for a portion of a subterranean formation. The method further comprises the step of introducing a pad fluid comprising a fluid-loss-control additive into the portion of the subterranean formation to create or extend one or more fractures in the portion of the subterranean formation, wherein an amount of the fluid-loss-control additive is determined based at least in part on the target fracture geometry. The method further comprises allowing a barrier to form along at least a portion of the one or more fractures, wherein the barrier comprises the fluid-loss-control additive. The method further comprises introducing a slurry fluid comprising proppant particulates into the one or more fractures, wherein a tip screen-out occurs in at least one of the one or more fractures. | 01-13-2011 |
20110028358 | Methods of Fluid Loss Control and Fluid Diversion in Subterranean Formations - Improved methods of placing and/or diverting treatment fluids in subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid, and a plurality of solid particulates comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: a scale inhibitor, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof, wherein the solid particulates are substantially insoluble in the base fluid; and allowing at least a portion of the solid particulates to form a barrier or at partially divert a subsequent fluid. | 02-03-2011 |
20110114312 | Self-Diverting High-Rate Water Packs - Methods of forming gravel packs while reducing fluid loss to the surrounding subterranean formation. The methods involve suspending gravel that has been coated with a tackifying agent and degradable fines into a low viscosity carrier fluid and then placing that suspension into a subterranean formation so as to form a gravel pack wherein, as the gravel pack is placed, the degradable fines to de-adhere from the gravel and to fill at least a portion of the pore spaces within the gravel pack so as to reducing fluid loss through the gravel pack. | 05-19-2011 |
20110120712 | INCREASING FRACTURE COMPLEXITY IN ULTRA-LOW PERMEABLE SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION USING DEGRADABLE PARTICULATE - A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%. Similar methods using stepwise fracturing fluids and remedial fracturing treatments are provided. | 05-26-2011 |
20110120713 | INCREASING FRACTURE COMPLEXITY IN ULTRA-LOW PERMEABLE SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION USING DEGRADABLE PARTICULATE - A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%. Similar methods using stepwise fracturing fluids and remedial fracturing treatments are provided. | 05-26-2011 |
20110168395 | Methods of Fluid Loss Control and Fluid Diversion in Subterranean Formations - Improved methods of placing and/or diverting treatment fluids in subterranean formations are described. The methods include introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid, and a plurality of solid particulates comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: a scale inhibitor, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof, wherein the solid particulates are substantially insoluble in the base fluid; and allowing at least a portion of the solid particulates to form a barrier or at partially divert a subsequent fluid. | 07-14-2011 |
20110247833 | HIGH STRENGTH DISSOLVABLE STRUCTURES FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool. | 10-13-2011 |
20110303411 | SWELLABLE/DEGRADABLE "SAND" PLUG SYSTEM FOR HORIZONTAL WELLS - This invention relates to a swellable and degradable sand plug system used in horizontal wellbores and the use of the system in treating horizontal wellbores. The slurry composition comprises a carrier fluid and a granular borate source material, where the borate source material is at least partially dehydrated or anhydrous. The carrier fluid may be a non-aqueous fluid, or when the average size of the granular borate source material is sufficient large, the carrier fluid may also be an aqueous fluid. The slurry composition is allowed to settle in the horizontal wellbore and at least partially fill at least a portion of the horizontal wellbore in a direction vertical to the substantially horizontal wellbore, and is exposed to a sufficient amount of aqueous fluid to expand to the point to substantially fill at least a portion of the horizontal wellbore in a direction vertical to the horizontal wellbore, thereby plugging the substantially horizontal wellbore. The slurry composition may be further exposed to a sufficient amount of aqueous liquid to at least partially dissolve the expanded slurry composition, thereby at least partially removing the plug from the substantially horizontal wellbore. | 12-15-2011 |
20110303415 | FAR FIELD DIVERSION TECHNIQUE FOR TREATING SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - This invention relates to an aqueous-swellable and degradable diverting system and the use of the system in treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The diverting system comprises a carrier fluid and a partially dehydrated or anhydrous borate source material that does not swell or does not swell substantially when placed in contact with the carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is capable of carrying and placing the borate source material into a stimulation network substantially distanced from a wellbore. The carrier fluid may be a non-aqueous fluid, or when the average size of the borate source material is sufficient large, the carrier fluid may also be an aqueous fluid. Exposure of the diverting composition to sufficient amount of aqueous fluid swells the borate source material, bridges a desired portion of the stimulation network and then dissolves at least a portion of the diverting composition. The diverting techniques of the invention allow for treatment in a subterranean formation to be diverted to a previously untreated portion of the formation, in particular a portion of the formation that is significantly distanced from the wellbore. | 12-15-2011 |
20120024526 | Self-Diverting High-Rate Water Packs - A method for diverting fluids across a perforation tunnel in high-rate water pack operations may include providing a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein a perforation tunnel provides a fluid connection between the wellbore and the subterranean formation; providing a diverting particulate that comprises a degradable plasticized polymer coating on a particulate; placing the diverting particulate into the perforation tunnel, wherein the step of placing the diverting particulate forms a particulate pack within the subterranean formation and the perforation tunnel; allowing the degradable plasticized polymer coating to deform and fill the interstitial spaces within the particulate pack in the perforation tunnel such that the fluid conductivity between the wellbore and the subterranean formation is substantially blocked; and allowing the plasticized polymer coating to degrade over time thereby substantially restoring the fluid conductivity between the wellbore and the subterranean formation. | 02-02-2012 |
20120024530 | Increasing Fracture Complexity in Ultra-Low Permeable Subterranean Formation Using Degradable Particulate - A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%. Similar methods using stepwise fracturing fluids and remedial fracturing treatments are provided. | 02-02-2012 |
20120138303 | Methods of Providing Fluid Loss Control or Diversion - Methods of controlling fluid loss, providing fluid diversion, or plugging a portion of a well bore using a treatment fluid including relatively insoluble borate material particulates that are placed into a subterranean formation to provide the desired action and then degrade over time in the subterranean formation in the presence of an aqueous fluid such as water. | 06-07-2012 |
20120152538 | Compositions and Methods Relating to Establishing Circulation in Stand-Alone-Screens Without Using Washpipes - Of the methods provided herein, one example of a method that is disclosed includes the steps of placing a stand-alone-screen that does not comprise a concentric washpipe in a well bore, and forming an in situ coated stand-alone-screen in the well bore by placing a screen-plugging filter cake on the interior surface of the stand-alone-screen, the screen-plugging filter cake comprising particulate plugging agents deposited by a packing slurry. | 06-21-2012 |
20120160478 | HIGH STRENGTH DISSOLVABLE STRUCTURES FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165232 | Methods of Controlling the Degradation Rate of Hydrolytically Degradable Materials - Methods of affecting the rate at which a hydrolytically degradable material degrades comprising: providing a hydrolytically degradable material, the degradable material having an intrinsic degradation rate; providing a modifier, the modifier being capable of affecting the intrinsic degradation rate of the hydrolytically degradable material; placing the hydrolytically degradable material and the modifier into a subterranean formation; and allowing the modifier to affect the intrinsic degradation rate of the hydrolytically degradable material so that the hydrolytically degradable material degrades at a second degradation rate. | 06-28-2012 |
20120189771 | On-the-Fly Coating of Acid-Releasing Degradable Material Onto a Particulate - Methods of creating particulates coated with acid-releasing degradable material comprising the steps of: combining an acid-releasing degradable material with a solvent or a plasticizer to create a coating solution; providing a first flowing stream comprising the coating solution; providing a second flowing stream comprising particulates; and, combining the first and second flowing streams to create a third flowing stream comprising particulates coated with the coating solution. Wherein the acid-releasing degradable material comprises at least one acid-releasing degradable material selected from the group consisting of: poly(orthoester); a lactide, a poly(lactide); a glycolide; a poly(glycolide); a poly(ε-caprolactone); a poly(hydroxybutyrate); a substantially water insoluble anhydride; a poly(anhydride); a poly(amino acid); a copolymer of two or more of the above-listed compounds; and any combination thereof. | 07-26-2012 |
20120279704 | Particulate Materials Coated With a Relative Permeability Modifier and Methods for Treating Subterranean Formations Using Treatment Fluids Containing the Same - Reduction of the water permeability within a subterranean formation, particularly within a proppant pack or a gravel pack, can be achieved through the use of a relative permeability modifier (RPM) coated on a particulate material. Methods for reducing the water permeability include providing RPM-coated particulates that contain a RPM coating on the particulates, and placing a treatment fluid containing a base fluid and the RPM-coated particulates in at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The treatment fluid can also contain a companion polymer that serves to further reduce the water permeability compared to that achievable when using the RPM alone. | 11-08-2012 |
20130025859 | Polymer Compositions for Use in Downhole Tools and Components Thereof - Methods including providing a downhole tool or a component thereof comprising a plasticized polymer composition that comprises a polymer and a water-soluble plasticizer, wherein the plasticized polymer composition has a first deflection test value; exposing the downhole tool or the component thereof to an aqueous-based medium; allowing the water-soluble plasticizer to leach out of the downhole tool or the component thereof, wherein the plasticized polymer composition has a second deflection test value after exposure to the aqueous-based medium, and wherein the second deflection test value is less than about 10% of the first deflection test value; and placing the downhole tool or the component thereof in a subterranean formation. | 01-31-2013 |
20130025860 | Composite Particulates and Methods Thereof for High Permeability Formations - Composite particulates for use in high permeability subterranean formations may contain, at least, a gel particulate having a solid particulate incorporated. Some methods of using the diverting agent may include introducing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a diverting agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation and allowing the diverting agent to bridge fractures, provide fluid loss control, seal the rock surfaces for fluid diversion, or plug an area along the annulus of a wellbore. | 01-31-2013 |
20130081801 | Methods for Improving Coatings on Downhole Tools - The present invention relates to the use of degradable coatings suitable for use on downhole tools. In particular, the present invention relates to pliable coatings for use on downhole tools that have been designed to be able to resist flaking or breaking off of the tool in response to a physical shock. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of reacting lactic acid, glycolic acid, or a combination thereof in a polymerization reaction to form a degradable polymer; combining the degradable polymer and a plasticizer to form a coating composition; applying the coating composition to a downhole tool; placing the coated downhole tool into a portion of a subterranean formation; and, hydrolyzing the degradable polymer of the coating composition to release an acid and degrade the coating. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081813 | Methods of Fluid Loss Control, Diversion, and Sealing Using Deformable Particulates - Method including the steps of providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and polymeric particulates wherein the polymeric particulates comprise a degradable polymer and a plasticizer and exhibit a T | 04-04-2013 |
20130081821 | Reinforcing Amorphous PLA with Solid Particles for Downhole Applications - The present invention relates to the use of composite material in downhole applications, and more particularly, relates to methods of making composite material comprising reinforced amorphous polylactic acid and methods of use related thereto. Some methods comprise providing an amorphous polylactic acid and a solid reinforcing material; forming a composite material by melting the amorphous polylactic acid and mixing it with the solid reinforcing material; and, using the composite material in a downhole application. | 04-04-2013 |
20130118747 | Cleanup Fluids for Anhydrous Borate Compounds and Methods for Use Thereof in Subterranean Formations - Anhydrous borate compounds can be used in a variety of subterranean treatment operations, where particulates of the anhydrous borate compounds slowly become soluble in an aqueous fluid after facilitating the treatment operation. Cleanup fluids can be used for affecting a more rapid removal of the anhydrous borate compounds from a subterranean formation. Methods for performing a cleanup of anhydrous borate compounds within a subterranean formation can comprise providing a cleanup fluid comprising a polyhydroxylated compound, introducing the cleanup fluid into a subterranean formation having a plurality of anhydrous borate particulates therein, and interacting the polyhydroxylated compound with the anhydrous borate particulates such that the anhydrous borate particulates become soluble in an aqueous fluid. | 05-16-2013 |
20130133887 | Methods for Initiating New Fractures in a Completed Wellbore Having Existing Fractures Present Therein - Fracturing operations can be problematic in completed wellbores containing at least one existing fracture, since it can be difficult to seal an existing fracture and initiate a new fracture within a reasonable timeframe due to the presence of particulate materials in the wellbore. Methods for fracturing a completed wellbore can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising a plurality of degradable sealing particulates into a completed wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having an existing fracture therein; sealing the existing fracture with at least a portion of the degradable sealing particulates, thereby forming a degradable particulate seal; after sealing, allowing any degradable sealing particulates remaining in the treatment fluid to degrade, such that the treatment fluid becomes substantially particulate free; and after the treatment fluid becomes substantially particulate free, fracturing the subterranean formation so as to introduce at least one new fracture therein. | 05-30-2013 |
20130233546 | Degradable Fluid Sealing Compositions Having an Adjustable Degradation Rate and Methods for Use Thereof - When performing subterranean treatment operations, it can be desirable to temporarily divert or block fluid flow by forming a degradable fluid seal. Methods for forming a degradable fluid seal can comprise: providing a sealing composition comprising: a degradable polymer, and a water-soluble material comprising a first portion and a second portion of rigid particulates, each portion having a sealing time and a particulate size distribution associated therewith, the particulate size distributions of the first portion and the second portion differing from one another; determining an amount of the first portion relative to the second portion needed to produce a degradable fluid seal having a desired sealing time that is different than that of the sealing time of either the first portion or the second portion; introducing the sealing composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the sealing composition to form a degradable fluid seal in the subterranean formation. | 09-12-2013 |
20140034309 | MICRO PROPPANTS FOR FAR FIELD STIMULATION - A subterranean zone surrounding a well bore is fractured with a fracturing fluid. Micro proppant of 200 mesh or smaller is pumped into far field fractures of the subterranean zone and props the far field fractures open. | 02-06-2014 |
20140090847 | Dehydrated Gel Compositions and Methods of Using the Same - Methods and compositions using gel compositions in treatment fluids employed in subterranean operations. A method includes providing a degradable gel precursor as a solid or dispersion in which substantially all the water has been removed, the degradable gel precursor being formed by a combination of a monomer and a degradable crosslinking agent of formula R | 04-03-2014 |
20140190694 | Method of Treating Ultra-Low Permeable Subterranean Formations Using Proppant Particulates Coated with Degradable Material - Methods of treating an ultra-low permeability subterranean formation having a fracture complexity comprising interconnected fractures including providing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and coated proppant, wherein the coated proppant comprise proppant coated with a degradable material; introducing the fracturing fluid into the ultra-low permeability subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above a fracture gradient of the ultra-low permeability subterranean formation; placing the coated proppant into a fracture of the interconnected fractures so as to form a temporarily impermeable proppant pack comprising the coated proppant therein and reduce or prevent the extension of the fracture; reducing the pressure below the fracture gradient; and degrading the degradable material coated onto the coated proppant so as to cause the temporarily impermeable proppant pack to become a permeable proppant pack. | 07-10-2014 |