Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090194480 | METHODS FOR ANALYZING AND REMOVING CONTAMINANTS IN LIQUID HYDROCARBON MEDIA - A method for identifying contaminants within a liquid hydrocarbon media containing contaminants includes adding an optical tag to a water wash, adding the tagged water wash to the liquid hydrocarbon media, emulsifying the liquid hydrocarbon media and analyzing the contaminants in the hydrocarbon media with a microscope. Methods for removing contaminants and evaluating treatment are also provided. | 08-06-2009 |
20090211946 | SYNERGISTIC ACID BLEND EXTRACTION AID AND METHOD FOR ITS USE - An extraction aid has been found which provides for enhanced contaminate removal, such as metals and amines, from crude oils that uses components that are desirable in desalting processes as the components are water soluble, have low toxicity, are highly biodegradeable and exhibit high thermal stability. According to one embodiment of the invention, an extraction aid that provides enhanced extraction properties is comprised of a blend of acids, particularly water soluble acids. More specifically, a combination of two acids chosen from the group consisting of acetic acid, sulfuric acid, glycolic acid, citric acid and methanesulfonic acid. | 08-27-2009 |
20100015720 | Dynamic desalter simulator - A small-scale dynamic simulator for crude oil refinery desalters has a pressurized oil deviblis configured to hold a supply of crude oil and a water deviblis configured to hold a supply of wash water. At least one chemical feed pump selectively adds emulsion breaker chemicals to the desalter simulator and a low shear metering pump is configured to pump crude oil and wash water through the desalter simulator. An emulsion forming device forms a crude oil-wash water emulsion that is then received in a desalter vessel. The desalting vessel is fitted with electric grids which simulate those found in electric desalters. The emulsion is resolved within the desalter vessel with the assistance of the emulsion breaker chemicals so the wash water and crude oil form distinct phases, with substantially desalted crude oil removed from an upper portion of the desalter vessel and substantially oil-free wash water removed from a bottom portion of the desalter vessel. A portion of the desalter vessel is substantially transparent to allow visualization of the demulsification process and at least one light source is positioned adjacent to the desalter vessel to aid in visualization of a rag layer formed in the desalter vessel. A heated jacket surrounds the desalter vessel to maintain the desalter vessel at the desired temperature. | 01-21-2010 |
20110192767 | SYNERGISTIC ACID BLEND EXTRACTION AID AND METHOD FOR ITS USE - An extraction aid has been found which provides for enhanced contaminate removal, such as metals and amines, from crude oils that uses components that are desirable in desalting processes as the components are water soluble, have low toxicity, are highly biodegradeable and exhibit high thermal stability. According to one embodiment of the invention, an extraction aid that provides enhanced extraction properties is comprised of a blend of acids, particularly water soluble acids. More specifically, a combination of two acids chosen from the group consisting of acetic acid, sulfuric acid, glycolic acid, citric acid and methanesulfonic acid. | 08-11-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100243537 | PROCESS FOR INHIBITING FOULING IN HYDROCARBON PROCESSING - A method for inhibiting the formation of fouling materials including contacting hydrocarbon media containing aldehyde compounds with an antifoulant while treating the hydrocarbon media with a basic wash. The antifoulant includes a reducing sugar. | 09-30-2010 |
20110253598 | COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR BREAKING WATER IN OIL EMULSIONS - A multi-component demulsifier comprising an alkoxylated C | 10-20-2011 |
20110301061 | HIGH THROUGHPUT EXPERIMENTATION METHODS FOR PHASE SEPARATION - A process for testing the effectiveness of demulsifying additives on oil/water emulsions includes adding samples containing differing combinations of oil, water and demulsifier to a plurality of elongate reactor vials, wherein each the elongate reactor vial has a longitudinal axis extending from its bottom to its rim. The plurality of reactor vials are placed into a reaction block mounted on a platform of a shaker, wherein the reactor vials are received in stations of the reaction block in a vertical orientation such that the longitudinal axis of each reactor vial is perpendicular to the platform. The reaction block is pivoted the so that the longitudinal axis of each reactor vial is parallel with the platform in a horizontal orientation. The method further includes agitating the reactor vials with the shaker to simultaneously form an oil/water emulsion in each reactor vial while the reactor vials are in the horizontal orientation and then pivoting the reaction block to return the reactor vials to a vertical orientation. The demulsification of the oil/water emulsion in the plurality of reactor vials is observed with the reactor vials in the vertical orientation. In one embodiment, the method further includes using an imaging device to record the demulsification of the oil/water emulsion. | 12-08-2011 |
20120140058 | STATIC DESALTER SIMULATOR - A static desalter simulator apparatus has a housing for containing a liquid bath and a rack disposed within the housing. The rack is formed of at least two substantially parallel plates separable by a plurality of spacers. An electric field is generatable between the plates, and at least one of the plates includes at least one recess. The apparatus also includes at least one mixing tube for containing an oil-water emulsion, which is positionable within at least one of the recesses. A controller is operatively connected to a mixing tube. An imaging device for generating a digital image or video during a demulsification process is in a mixing tube. | 06-07-2012 |
20120140213 | STATIC DESALTER SIMULATOR - A small-scale static simulator for crude oil refinery desalters has an oil bath, a portion of which is made of a transparent material, a heater/circulator configured to control the temperature of the oil bath and an emulsion-forming device. The desalter simulator also includes a plurality of mixing tubes, each mixing tube having a cap member with a blending assembly configured to work with the emulsion-forming device to emulsify an oil/water mixture contained in the mixing tube. A tube-holding rack is received in the oil bath. The tube-holding rack has a plurality of parallel plates, said plates having openings forming mixing tube receiving apertures. The desalter simulator includes at least one light source positioned adjacent to the oil bath, wherein the light source comprises an under light positioned beneath the oil bath configured to direct light into each of the mixing tubes located in the tube-holding rack, wherein the light source is directed through the transparent portion to aid in visualization and testing of the demulsification process. The desalter simulator also includes a power supply, wherein the plates of the tube-holding rack are connected to the power supply to form an electric grid adjacent the mixing tubes. | 06-07-2012 |
20130306522 | USE OF ACID BUFFERS AS METAL AND AMINE REMOVAL AIDS - A process for reducing contaminants during a desalting process is disclosed. The process may comprise providing an acid buffer solution; providing a contaminated stream; and mixing the acid buffer solution with the contaminated stream. | 11-21-2013 |
20140083909 | SINGLE DRUM OIL AND AQUEOUS PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF USE - Dual phase compositions for treating a hydrocarbon stream are disclosed, wherein the dual phase compositions are colloidal micellar solutions with an aqueous phase and an oil phase. Methods are also disclosed for reducing emulsions in a hydrocarbon stream by contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a dual phase composition. | 03-27-2014 |
20140251922 | Economical Method for Scavenging Hydrogen Sulfide in Fluids - Method for removing hydrogen sulfide from fluids such as oil and gas well drilling, treatment, and production fluids and effluents from hydrocarbon operations and mineral mining operations. The sulfide scavenger used in the method is a gluconate salt other than ferrous gluconate. The gluconate salt is added to the fluid along with an iron source if iron is not already in the fluid. The gluconate reacts with the iron and forms iron gluconate in the fluid, which in turn reacts with the hydrogen sulfate to form iron sulfide which may be readily removed from the fluid. | 09-11-2014 |
20140303047 | Wellbore Servicing Compositions and Methods of Making and Using Same - A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising (i) a breaking agent, a breaking agent precursor, or combinations thereof, wherein the breaking agent comprises a sugar acid and (ii) an aqueous base fluid, and contacting the wellbore servicing fluid with a filter cake in the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. | 10-09-2014 |
20140315765 | TREATMENT OF A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION WITH COMPOSITION INCLUDING A MICROORGANISM OR COMPOUND GENERATED BY THE SAME - The present invention relates to methods of treating a subterranean formation with a composition including a compound made by a microorganism or a microorganism that can make the compound. Various embodiments provide methods of using compositions for treatment of subterranean formations including exopolysaccharides or microorganisms that can make exopolysaccharides under downhole conditions. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation, including providing at least one exopolysaccharide by subjecting an extremophilic or extremotolerant microorganism to conditions such that the microorganism forms the exopolysaccharide, or by subjecting a microorganism genetically modified using an extremophilic or extremotolerant microorganism to conditions such that the microorganism forms the exopolysaccharide. The method can also include contacting a composition including the exopolysaccharide with a subterranean material downhole. | 10-23-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080236319 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. | 10-02-2008 |
20080248917 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080261771 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
20090221391 | CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously or infinitely variable transmissions (C/IVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a C/IVT. In another embodiment, a lubricant manifold is adapted to cooperate with the main axle of the C/IVT to supply lubricant to the interior of the C/IVT. Embodiments of a drivetrain housing and housing cover plate are adapted to house components of a C/IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the C/IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the C/IVT. Shift control interfaces for a C/IVT are disclosed that include, for example, a shift actuation subassembly having a translatable and rotatable shift pin collar. Mechanisms that facilitate shifting of the C/IVT are disclosed that include a shift rod and shift cam adapted to supply lubricant to the interior of the transmission. | 09-03-2009 |
20100131164 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION AND/OR PRIME MOVER - Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example. | 05-27-2010 |
20110184614 | METHODS FOR CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION AND PRIME MOVER - Embodiments relate to methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. Embodiments also relate to methods of optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. | 07-28-2011 |
20130072340 | CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR - An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The WT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft. | 03-21-2013 |
20130146406 | CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed. | 06-13-2013 |
20140121922 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR - Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit, a shift actuator, various sensors, and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider. In one embodiment, a memory of, or in communication with, the control unit includes one or more constant cadence maps that associate transmission speed ratios with bicycle speeds. | 05-01-2014 |
20140141919 | CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR - An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The IVT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft. | 05-22-2014 |
20140257650 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION AND/OR PRIME MOVER - Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example. | 09-11-2014 |
20140365059 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION AND/OR PRIME MOVER - Embodiments relate to methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. Embodiments also relate to methods of optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. Other embodiments also include methods of optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission. | 12-11-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090090505 | METHOD AND TOOL FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS BASED ON IN-SITU NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS - A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model. | 04-09-2009 |
20090238988 | PARTICLES FOR USE AS PROPPANTS OR IN GRAVEL PACKS, METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Disclosed herein is a method for making a coated proppant particle including an inorganic material and a cold set thermosetting resin coating disposed upon the substrate. The proppants are suitable for treating a subterranean formation including injecting a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation; wherein the fracturing fluid includes the coated particle. Methods for making and using gravel pack particles are also disclosed. | 09-24-2009 |
20090277630 | ANALYSIS OF RADAR RANGING DATA FROM A DOWN HOLE RADAR RANGING TOOL FOR DETERMINING WIDTH, HEIGHT, AND LENGTH OF A SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURE - Radar ranging data are collected from a down hole tool at various depths in a fractured well bore, and analyzed to provide a profile of the length of each wing of the fracture as a function of depth. The height of the fracture is determined from the vertical positions where the fracture is just observed or no longer observed as the tool is raised or lowered. For consecutive depths along the fracture (and for selected elevations from each depth for the case of a switchable antenna beam), reflection intensity as a function of range is measured. Simulated radar data are computed from a fracture model having the height of the fracture begin measured. The fracture model is varied and the resulting simulated data are correlated with the survey data until a match of minimal error is determined. | 11-12-2009 |
20100066560 | WELLBORE CASING MOUNTED DEVICE FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture. | 03-18-2010 |
20100234249 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS - Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing in a formation fracture, a proppant and/or a fracturing fluid that comprises a radiation susceptible material that comprises indium and/or vanadium; irradiating the radiation susceptible material with neutrons; measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the radiation susceptible material in a single pass; wherein the single pass does not involve measuring of background radiation from previous or subsequent logging passes; and determining formation fracture height from the measured gamma-radiation. | 09-16-2010 |
20110257948 | METHOD AND TOOL FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS BASED ON IN-SITU NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS - A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model. | 10-20-2011 |
20120135894 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS - Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing in a formation fracture, a proppant and/or a fracturing fluid that comprises a radiation susceptible material that comprises indium and/or vanadium; irradiating the radiation susceptible material with neutrons; measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the radiation susceptible material in a single pass; wherein the single pass does not involve measuring of background radiation from previous or subsequent logging passes; and determining formation fracture height from the measured gamma-radiation. | 05-31-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120279703 | COATED AND CURED PROPPANTS - Solid proppants are coated with a phenol-urethane coating in one or more layers by a method comprising coating a proppant solid and then curing the coated proppant under conditions sufficient to substantially cure said proppant, wherein said coating comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of (i) an isocyanate component having at least 2 isocyanate groups, (ii) an amine reactant, and optionally (iii) an amine that is a latent curing agent for said isocyanate. | 11-08-2012 |
20120283153 | COATED AND CURED PROPPANTS - Solid proppants are coated with a coating that exhibits the handling characteristics of a precured coating while also exhibiting the ability to form particle-to-particle bonds at the elevated temperatures and pressures within a wellbore. The coating includes a substantially homogeneous mixture of (i) at least one isocyanate component having at least 2 isocyanate groups, and (ii) a curing agent. The coating process can be performed with short cycle times, e.g., less than about 4 minutes, and still produce a dry, free-flowing, coated proppant that exhibits low dust characteristics during pneumatic handling but also proppant consolidation downhole for reduced washout and good conductivity. | 11-08-2012 |
20130056204 | Dual Function Proppants - Proppants for use in fractured or gravel packed/frac packed oil and gas wells are provided with a contaminant removal component to remove one or more of the contaminants found in subterranean water/hydrocarbon from a production well. The water/hydrocarbon cleaning proppant solids may be used as discrete particles in a proppant formulation, as a coating on proppant solids in pores of a porous proppant solid or as part of the proppant's internal structure. The contaminant removal component removes contaminants, especially dissolved contaminants, in the subterranean water or hydrocarbon before the water/hydrocarbon leaves the well. For those contaminant removal components that can be regenerated, such as ion exchange resins, a measured quantity of an acidic regeneration solution can be injected into the fractured stratum for regeneration and recovered when the well resumes production. | 03-07-2013 |
20130065800 | COATED AND CURED PROPPANTS - Solid proppants are coated with a coating that exhibits the handling characteristics of a pre-cured coating while also exhibiting the ability to form particle-to-particle bonds at the elevated temperatures and pressures within a wellbore. The coating includes a substantially homogeneous mixture of (i) at least one isocyanate component having at least 2 isocyanate groups, and (ii) a curing agent comprising a monofunctional alcohol, amine or amide. The coating process can be performed with short cycle times, e.g., less than about 4 minutes, and still produce a dry, free-flowing, coated proppant that exhibits low dust characteristics during pneumatic handling but also proppant consolidation downhole for reduced washout and good conductivity. Such proppants also form good unconfined compressive strength without use of an bond activator, are substantially unaffected in bond formation characteristics under downhole conditions despite prior heat exposure, and are resistant to leaching with hot water. | 03-14-2013 |
20130186624 | MANUFACTURE OF POLYMER COATED PROPPANTS - Solid proppants are coated in a process that includes the steps of: (a) coating free-flowing proppant solids with a first component of either a polyol or an isocyanate in mixer; (b) adding a second component of either an isocyanate or a polyol that is different from the first component at a controlled rate or volume sufficient to form a polyurethane coating on the proppant solids; and (c) adding water at a rate and volume sufficient to retain the free-flowing characteristics of the proppant solids. | 07-25-2013 |
20140162911 | PROPPANT WITH COMPOSITE COATING - Proppants for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells have a polymeric coating that is strengthened with reinforcing particulates that are reactive with, or chemically bonded to, the polymeric proppant coating. Preferably, these particulates are added into the coating during the coating process. In one embodiment, functionalized particulates are used that become grafted into the polymer of the proppant coating through the chemical functionality imparted to the particulates. If non-functionalized particulates are used, a coupling agent is preferably added to enhance the bond strength between the added particulates and the polymeric matrix of the proppant coating. | 06-12-2014 |
20140274819 | Proppant With Polyurea-Type Coating - Proppants for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells are coated with a polyurea-type coating. In a preferred embodiment, the polyurea-type coating is formed by contacting a polymeric isocyanate with an amount of water and a blowing catalyst at a rate and quantity sufficient to generate a reactive amine in situ on the outer surface of the proppant which thereby reacts with unconverted polymeric isocyanate to form a thin polyurea-type surface coating that is substantially solid and lacks foam or substantial porosity. Alternatively, the polyurea-type can be produced by selecting reactive amine compounds and isocyanates to develop the coated proppant. The coated proppants retain the discrete, free-flowing character of the original core solids but with the beneficial effects of the polyurea-type coating of the present invention. | 09-18-2014 |
20140309149 | Dual Function Proppants - Proppants for use in fractured or gravel packed/frac packed oil and gas wells are provided with a contaminant removal component to remove one or more of the contaminants found in subterranean water/hydrocarbon from a production well. The water/hydrocarbon cleaning proppant solids may be used as discrete particles in a proppant formulation, as a coating on proppant solids in pores of a porous proppant solid or as part of the proppant's internal structure. The contaminant removal component removes contaminants, especially dissolved contaminants, in the subterranean water or hydrocarbon before the water/hydrocarbon leaves the well. For those contaminant removal components that can be regenerated, such as ion exchange resins, a measured quantity of an acidic regeneration solution can be injected into the fractured stratum for regeneration and recovered when the well resumes production. | 10-16-2014 |
20140338906 | Proppant With Enhanced Interparticle Bonding - Polymer-coated proppants for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells have an outer layer portion that comprises an organofunctional coupling agent, preferably an organofunctional silane coupling agent. The use of an organofunctional silane coupling agent in the outer layer portion of the proppant coating is preferably chosen to expose functionalities that will be reactive towards similar functionalities of adjacent and similarly coated proppants so that, when introduced downhole, these proppants form interparticle bonds at the temperatures and crack closure pressures found downhole in fractured strata. Such enhanced interparticle bonding helps keep the proppant in the fracture and maintains conductivity with reduced flowback. The invention also helps proppants designed for low temperature well to bond more firmly and allows proppants designed for high temperature wells to bond well even at lower downhole temperatures, thereby extending their useful range. | 11-20-2014 |
20150203745 | COATED AND CURED PROPPANTS - Solid proppants are coated with a phenol-urethane coating in one or more layers by a method comprising coating a proppant solid and then curing the coated proppant under conditions sufficient to substantially cure said proppant, wherein said coating comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of (i) an isocyanate component having at least 2 isocyanate groups, (ii) an amine reactant, and optionally (iii) an amine that is a latent curing agent for said isocyanate. | 07-23-2015 |