| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 6986395 |
Force-balanced roller-cone bits, systems, drilling methods, and design methods |
January 17, 2006 |
| Roller cone drilling wherein the bit optimization process equalizes the downforce (axial force) for the cones (as nearly as possible, subject to other design constraints). |
| 6986392 |
Recyclable foamed fracturing fluids and methods of using the same |
January 17, 2006 |
| Fracturing fluids and methods of fracturing a subterranean formation using such fluids are provided. A fracturing fluid having a first pH is foamed by introducing a gas to the fluid. The fracturing fluid comprises a surfactant that facilitates formation of the foam at the first pH. The |
| 6986391 |
Methods of fracturing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores and fracturing fluids therefor |
January 17, 2006 |
| The present invention provides improved methods of fracturing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores and improved fracturing fluids. The fracturing fluids are basically comprised of water, a terpolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, acrylamide and acrylic acid, o |
| 6984611 |
Spotting fluid for differential sticking |
January 10, 2006 |
| A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and gly |
| 6983803 |
Equalizer valve and associated method for sealing a fluid flow |
January 10, 2006 |
| A dirty fluid valve for sealing high differential fluid pressures in a drilling environment and methods for using such a valve is disclosed. One embodiment of the valve includes a seal cartridge having several openings for directing a fluid path through the cartridge, a spring connected |
| 6983800 |
Methods, cement compositions and oil suspensions of powder |
January 10, 2006 |
| Methods, cement compositions and oil suspensions of powders are provided. The oil suspensions of silica powder comprise silica powder, mineral oil, an oleophilic clay, an oleophilic surfactant and a hydrophilic surfactant. |
| 6983799 |
Method of using a swelling agent to prevent a cement slurry from being lost to a subterranean fo |
January 10, 2006 |
| Methods of cementing in a subterranean formation include passing a swelling agent to a permeable zone in a subterranean formation. The swelling agent is combined with a carrier fluid before being passed to the permeable zone. Upon contacting an aqueous fluid, the swelling agent swell |
| 6983798 |
Methods and fluid compositions for depositing and removing filter cake in a well bore |
January 10, 2006 |
| The current invention provides methods of using and drilling and servicing fluid compositions for depositing and removing filter cake from the walls of a well bore. The compositions make use of particulate solid bridging agent comprised of a salt of an organic acid. The bridging particle |
| 6983797 |
Lightweight high strength particles and methods of their use in wells |
January 10, 2006 |
| Light weight high strength particles and methods of treating subterranean producing zones utilizing the particles are provided. The light weight high strength particles of the invention are basically comprised of sintered mixtures of a base material and hollow microspheres. |
| 6982000 |
Cement compositions including silane treated amorphous silica |
January 3, 2006 |
| The present invention provides improved cement compositions comprising hydraulic cement, silica hydrophobicized with a mixture of organosilicon compounds and water. |
| 6981850 |
Apparatus and method for producing a pressurized vapor stream |
January 3, 2006 |
| A cryogenic stream is pumped by a cryopump and then vaporized in a vaporizer to produce the pressurized vapor stream. The cryopump is driven by a transmission that is in turn driven by a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid flows within a hydraulic fluid circuit having first and seco |
| 6981560 |
Method and apparatus for treating a productive zone while drilling |
January 3, 2006 |
| A method and apparatus for delivering a well treatment fluid to a productive zone of a subterranean formation at the same time that a well bore is being drilled is provided. The method includes the steps of delivering a drill-in fluid to a drill bit drilling a well bore in, or adjace |
| 6981552 |
Well treatment fluid and methods with oxidized polysaccharide-based polymers |
January 3, 2006 |
| The present invention provides a well treatment fluid containing water, a amine-based polymer, and an oxidized polysaccharide-based polymer. The oxidized polysaccharide-based polymer is able to crosslink with the amine-based polymer and produce a gel having a viscosity of greater than |
| 6980914 |
Method for determining a corrected weight of a batch tank |
December 27, 2005 |
| The present invention relates generally to weight measurement methods and systems, and more specifically, to weight measurement methods and systems for material in a dynamic vacuum material transfer or other system utilizing differential conveying fluid pressure. The invention determines |
| 6979366 |
Methods of cementing pipe in well bores and low density cement compositions therefor |
December 27, 2005 |
| The present invention provides methods of cementing pipe in well bores and low density cement compositions having enhanced compressive, tensile and bond strengths upon setting. The composition of the invention are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a |
| 6978840 |
Well screen assembly and system with controllable variable flow area and method of using same fo |
December 27, 2005 |
| A well screen assembly (70) with a controllable variable flow area. The well screen assembly (70) comprises an outer tubular section (80), the outer tubular section (80) containing a first plurality of openings (90) disposed in a pattern (100) throughout a length "L" of the outer tubular |
| 6978836 |
Methods for controlling water and particulate production |
December 27, 2005 |
| The present invention provides methods of reducing the production of both water and particulates from subterranean formations; the methods are particularly useful in conjunction with subterranean formations surrounding wellbores and fractures. The methods comprise the steps of applyi |
| 6978835 |
Methods of cementing in subterranean formations |
December 27, 2005 |
| A method of retarding the set time of a cement composition comprising providing a cement composition that comprises water and a cement, and retarding the set time of the cement composition by including a copolymer retarder in the cement composition, wherein the copolymer retarder com |
| 6978834 |
Foamed and non-foamed cement compositions including silane treated amorphous silica and methods |
December 27, 2005 |
| The present invention provides improved methods of cementing and cement compositions. A cement composition of the invention comprises hydraulic cement, silica hydrophobicized with a mixture of organosilicon compounds and water which upon hardening has high shear bond strength. |
| 6978832 |
Downhole sensing with fiber in the formation |
December 27, 2005 |
| A portion of at least one fiber is moved from a wellbore into a formation such that the portion is placed to conduct a signal responsive to at least one parameter in the formation. One particular implementation uses fiber optic cable with a process selected from the group consisting of a |
| 6978831 |
System and method for sensing data in a well during fracturing |
December 27, 2005 |
| A system and method for sensing and recovering data in a well, according to which one or more sensors are located in an area of the well for sensing data associated with the well and transmitting corresponding signals. A tool is lowered into the area and a receiver mounted on the tool is |
| 6978211 |
Methods and systems for using wavelet analysis in subterranean applications |
December 20, 2005 |
| The present invention provides methods of monitoring the injection of a fluid into a subterranean formation. The present invention also provides a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. All methods feature the use of a wavelet transform of data generated by the subterranean injec |
| 6976831 |
Transmissionless variable output pumping unit |
December 20, 2005 |
| A transmissionless variable output pumping unit comprising a multiple crankshaft pump driven by a prime mover. The apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a phase angle between first and second crankshafts. Plungers in the pump are disposed in cylinders forming part |
| 6976538 |
Methods and high density viscous salt water fluids for treating subterranean zones |
December 20, 2005 |
| Methods of treating subterranean zones and high density viscous aqueous treating fluids are provided. A high density viscous aqueous treating fluid of the invention comprises salt water comprising water and one or more oxidation resistant salts; a gelling agent; and a delayed oxidizing |
| 6976534 |
Slip element for use with a downhole tool and a method of manufacturing same |
December 20, 2005 |
| A slip element and a method of manufacturing same according to which two or more inserts are placed in corresponding openings formed in a body member. The material forming the insert in one of the openings is stronger than the material forming the insert in another of the openings. |
| 6976507 |
Apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow |
December 20, 2005 |
| A fluidic oscillator is disclosed, wherein the fluidic oscillator includes a fluid source and a housing coupled to the fluid source. At least one recess is formed within the housing. An insert resides within each at least one recess; the insert provides at least one substantially flat |
| 6975112 |
Systems and methods of determining motion tool parameters in borehole logging |
December 13, 2005 |
| A system and method for calculating the lateral velocity of a rotating drilling tool within a borehole, the system comprising: a pair of accelerometers placed oppositely across the drilling tool axis of rotation and two magnetometers. The method comprises: reading tool radial acceler |
| 6973969 |
Apparatus and methods for preventing or limiting rotation of cementing plugs |
December 13, 2005 |
| Methods and apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of downhole tools, such as cementing plugs, in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer case and a radially expandable sleeve disposed therein. The sleeves will engage cementing plugs received therein. |
| 6973966 |
Compressible darts and methods for using these darts in subterranean wells |
December 13, 2005 |
| The present invention relates generally to subterranean well construction, and more particularly, to improved darts and methods of using these darts in subterranean wells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a dart for activating a plug located within a subterranean well bo |
| 6971448 |
Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones |
December 6, 2005 |
| Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones having temperatures in the range of from about 80.degree. F. to about 300.degree. F. are provided. A method of the invention is basically comprised of the steps of providing a subterranean zone sealing composition that becomes s |
| 6971447 |
Vent screen pressure deployment tool and method of use |
December 6, 2005 |
| A vent screen pressure deployment tool and method for use in running tubular members into a pressurized well. The apparatus comprises a top sub and a stinger. The top sub is adapted for connection to the upper end of a tubular member, such as a vent screen. An upper end of the top sub is |
| 6968898 |
System and method for removing particles from a well bore penetrating a possible producing forma |
November 29, 2005 |
| A system and method for removing particles from a well bore penetrating a possible hydrocarbon producing formation, according to which drilling fluid is mixed with a weighted material, and the mixture is introduced into a well bore so that the mixture scours any particles accumulated in |
| 6968894 |
Coiled tubing injector apparatus |
November 29, 2005 |
| A coiled tubing injector apparatus for use in inserting coiled tubing into a well, temporarily suspending the coiled tubing, and removing the coiled tubing from the well is described. The apparatus includes a base with a pair of spaced-apart carriages extending upwardly therefrom. The ba |
| 6967322 |
Method and apparatus for performing rapid isotopic analysis via laser spectroscopy |
November 22, 2005 |
| Method and apparatus for providing real-time data indicative of the isotopic composition of formation fluids during drilling. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a reference fluid having a known isotopic composition in a reference cell; (b) capturing a sample of formation |
| 6966386 |
Downhole sealing tools and method of use |
November 22, 2005 |
| A downhole tool apparatus for insertion into and sealing engagement with a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a tube having an expandable diameter, and a gripping member joined to the tube adapted to engage a portion of the wellbore to limit movement of the tube within the wellbore. The t |
| 6966379 |
Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation using a pH dependent foamed fracturing fluid |
November 22, 2005 |
| Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation include providing a fracturing fluid having a first pH. The fracturing fluid may be made by combining a gelling agent, a surfactant, and a proppant. The surfactant is capable of facilitating foaming of the fracturing fluid at the first pH |
| 6964302 |
Zeolite-containing cement composition |
November 15, 2005 |
| Methods and cement compositions are provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore, wherein the cement composition comprises zeolite, cementitious material, and a mixing fluid. |
| 6963290 |
Data recovery for pulse telemetry using pulse position modulation |
November 8, 2005 |
| The specification discloses algorithms for error recovery in pulse position modulation-based mud pulse telemetry. More particularly, the specification discloses detection and attempted correction of at least five possible error mechanisms: the missed detection of a pulse that creates an |
| 6962215 |
Underbalanced well completion |
November 8, 2005 |
| Equipment and methods which may be used in conjunction with an underbalanced well completion. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a tool conveyed through the valve in a container is provided. The valve includes a passage formed longit |
| 6962201 |
Cement compositions with improved mechanical properties and methods of cementing in subterranean |
November 8, 2005 |
| Cement compositions with improved mechanical properties and associated methods are provided, which are useful in conjunction with subterranean well operations. In certain embodiments, the cement compositions comprise carbon fibers, rubber particles, a hydraulic cement material, sufficien |
| 6962200 |
Methods and compositions for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures |
November 8, 2005 |
| Improved methods and compositions for coating proppant particles with a hardenable resin composition, suspending the coated proppant particles in a fracturing fluid, and consolidating the proppant particles after being placed in fractures into permeable masses are provided. These methods |
| 6960303 |
Alum pellets |
November 1, 2005 |
| Compositions including pellets of alum, a smectite mineral material and optionally sodium or calcium carbonate that can be delivered to a phosphate impoundment located at the bottom of a body of water at the bottom. The pellets of alum, smectite mineral material and optionally sodium |
| 6959773 |
Method for drilling and completing boreholes with electro-rheological fluids |
November 1, 2005 |
| In a method for drilling, completing and fracturing a subterranean formation, an electrical potential is applied to oil or synthetic based drilling fluid to increase the viscosity of the fluid and enable the fluid to entrain drill cuttings and proppant. The same base fluid may be used |
| 6959766 |
Downhole ball drop tool |
November 1, 2005 |
| A ball drop tool for dropping an actuating ball to a ball seat located in a tool or tool string therebelow. The ball drop tool includes a housing with a ball drop cage positioned therein. The ball drop cage has a rocker arm pivotably attached thereto. In a first position, the rocker arm |
| 6959609 |
Inferential densometer and mass flowmeter |
November 1, 2005 |
| A system for measuring the density and mass flow rate of a fluid stream. The system generally comprises a volumetric flow device, a momentum device, and a data processing device. The present invention also provides methods for using such system. |
| 6958610 |
Method and apparatus measuring electrical anisotropy in formations surrounding a wellbore |
October 25, 2005 |
| A logging tool is disclosed having transmitting and receiving antennas to measure formation anisotropy. The antennas may preferably be combinations of toroidal, horizontal electric dipole, and horizontal magnetic dipole antennas. In one embodiment, the tool: (a) induces a current flow in |
| 6957704 |
Limit clamp for use with casing attachments |
October 25, 2005 |
| A limit clamp for securing a tool to a casing having a groove in its outer surface. The limit clamp comprises a block having a base and a flange. The base is positioned in the groove to contact at least one stop in the groove and the flange extends out of the groove. The limit clamp also |
| 6957702 |
Cement compositions with improved mechanical properties and methods of cementing in a subterrane |
October 25, 2005 |
| Cement compositions having enhanced mechanical properties and comprising microspheres and carbon fibers are provided herein. Methods are provided herein for cementing in a subterranean formation using such cement compositions. The cement compositions comprise a cement material, carbon |
| 6957700 |
Self-calibrated ultrasonic method of in-situ measurement of borehole fluid acoustic properties |
October 25, 2005 |
| Tools and methods are provided that determine the acoustic impedance of drilling fluid using reflections from a precise metal disk. Because the reverberation characteristics of an acoustic wave depend in part on the acoustic wave shape, the first reflection from the metal disk may be use |
| 6957576 |
Subterranean well pressure and temperature measurement |
October 25, 2005 |
| A well pressure and temperature measurement system and method are provided. In a described embodiment, a sensor system includes multiple strain sensors attached to a structure which changes dimensionally in response to well pressure and temperature changes. The strain sensors may be fibe |
