US3568782A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for controlling drilling mud loss in a wellbore
Assignee: Tenneco Oil Co
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Filing: 1969-12-08
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Granted: 1971-03-09
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Expires: 1989-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A method for controlling drilling mud loss from a wellbore penetrating a thief formation. It includes the steps of storing a supply of unpopped cereal grain, such as popcorn, at the well site. Upon the indication of loss of drilling mud to the thief formation, a supply of the cereal grain is popped by passing the same through a heating zone to thereby expand the same and thereafter pumping the expanded material down the wellbore with the drilling mud until the thief formation is plugged.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack C Cox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:23
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
20 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 including: flattening said popped cereal grain prior to pumping thereof down said wellbore.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: a portion of said unpopped cereal grain is substantially continuously popped and pumped down said wellbore until said thief formation is plugged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said cereal grain is popcorn.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said cereal grain is popcorn; a portion of said popcorn is substantially continuously popped and pumped down said wellbore until said thief formation is plugged; and and said popped popcorn is flattened prior to pumping thereof down aid wellbore.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
CA715900A
Cited
US2778604A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-08 | 1974-09-07 | 1975-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-08 | 1978-09-07 | 1979-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-08 | 1982-09-07 | 1983-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |