Newpark Resources. has been granted a patent for a method involving a eutectic metal alloy, which is introduced into a wellbore via coiled tubing. The alloy is heated to liquefy, then flows into the subterranean formation, solidifying to form a seal that prevents fluid migration from the wellbore. GlobalData’s report on Newpark Resources gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Newpark Resources, Treatment progress monitoring was a key innovation area identified from patents. Newpark Resources's grant share as of July 2024 was 53%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Eutectic metal alloy seal for wellbore fluid prevention

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Newpark Resources Inc

The patent US12037870B1 outlines a method and system for sealing wellbores in subterranean formations using a eutectic metal alloy. The process involves placing a coiled tubing with a eutectic metal alloy, which consists of multiple metals with a melting temperature lower than that of each individual metal, into a wellbore. This alloy is suspended in a carrier fluid containing a polymer and a crosslinking agent that activates at specific downhole temperatures. The method includes heating the alloy to its melting point to liquefy it, allowing it to flow into the subterranean formation. Upon exposure to the downhole temperature, the alloy solidifies, forming a seal that prevents fluid from migrating from the wellbore into the formation.

Additionally, the system incorporates a cable heater positioned within the wellbore to facilitate the heating of the eutectic metal alloy. The heater is designed with a heating element, insulation, and a protective sheath. The patent also describes the use of a bridge plug or packer to further enhance the sealing process by preventing fluid flow past a designated point in the wellbore. The eutectic metal alloy is characterized by specific density and viscosity ranges, and the carrier fluid may include bentonite clay or hydroxyethyl cellulose. This innovative sealing method aims to address issues related to lost circulation in drilling operations, providing a reliable solution for maintaining well integrity.

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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.