Joseph J Murphey

US Patent:

20040011990, Jan 22, 2004

Filed:

Jul 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/199275

Inventors:

Weyman Dunaway - The Woodlands TX, US
Tom Carter - Houston TX, US
Joseph Murphey - Spring TX, US
Surendra Mishra - The Woodlands TX, US

Assignee:

Tetra Technologies, Inc.

International Classification:

E04B001/74

US Classification:

252/062000

Abstract:

A thermally insulating fluid composition comprising a glycol solvent for a viscosifier, a viscosifier, and optionally, an aqueous brine. The glycol may be selected from a propylene glycol, or under excessive heat temperatures, a butylene glycol, which can be used with or without a viscosifier. Viscosifiers can be selected from hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, xanthan and hydroxy propyl guar and combinations thereof. In one method of producing the thermally insulating composition, a viscosifier is added to an aqueous brine, water is then added to that solution followed by the addition of dry salt of the brine to increase density if necessary. A propylene glycol solvent is added to the resulting solution. The thermally insulating fluid composition insulates substances stored or transported in multi-walled vessels, tanks, piping and thermal units. A method of applying the insulating fluid composition of this invention comprising the steps of injecting the thermally insulating fluid into the cavity formed by two adjacent walls of the vessel or piping and then sealing off the opening.

US Patent:

6131661, Oct 17, 2000

Filed:

Aug 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/127842

Inventors:

Richard Paul Conner - Spring TX
Joseph Robert Murphey - Spring TX

Assignee:

Tetra Technologies Inc. - The Woodlands TX

International Classification:

E21B 3700

US Classification:

166300

Abstract:

A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polymer. The filtercake is contacted with a precursor that forms an oxidizing agent at downhole temperatures to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. Alternatively one or more catalysts for activating the precursor of an oxidizing agent is embedded within the filtercake. The catalyst activates the precursor as the precursor is flushed over the filtercake and remains in contact with the filtercake to form an oxidizing agent to degrade the oxidation-degradable agent and decompose the filtercake. The remaining particles of decomposed filtercake are then flushed away.

US Patent:

61436984, Nov 7, 2000

Filed:

Dec 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/206077

Inventors:

Joseph R. Murphey - Spring TX
Jeffrey S. McKennis - The Woodlands TX
Keith W. Sharp - Houston TX

Assignee:

Tetra Technologies, Inc. - The Woodlands TX

International Classification:

C09K 702
E21B 2100
E21B 4304

US Classification:

507145

Abstract:

A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filtercake is contacted with a clear brine containing bromine or bromate generating agents to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. The brine contains bromide salts and an oxidant capable of delayed oxidation of the bromide to bromine at downhole conditions.

US Patent:

61242446, Sep 26, 2000

Filed:

May 14, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/312383

Inventors:

Joseph Robert Murphey - Spring TX

Assignee:

Tetra Technologies Inc - The Woodlands TX

International Classification:

C09K 702

US Classification:

507111

Abstract:

A drilling fluid comprising a blend of brine and additives for maintaining rheological properties in a neutral or slightly acidic brine and a method for using the drilling fluid to drill into a producing formation are disclosed. The drilling fluid comprises viscosifying polymer and fluid loss polymer that function in the brine without substantially adversely affecting their properties. The brine is substantially free of insoluble solids. The viscosifying polymer and/or the fluid loss control polymer can be acid soluble. Zinc salts in the form of zinc bromide alone or in a mixture of zinc bromide and calcium bromide are added to increase the density of the brine solution. The viscosifying polymer has pendant amide and sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups. Alternatively or additionally, the viscosifying polymer comprises a polysaccharide. The fluid loss control polymer can comprise a cross-linked, cationic or amphoteric starch.