This inventor holds 3 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: Texaco Inc.. Active years: 1978-1979.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1978-1979
Title: Innovations of John A Wells in Oil Recovery
Introduction
John A Wells is a notable inventor based in Houston, TX (US), recognized for his contributions to the field of oil recovery. With a total of 3 patents, he has made significant advancements in surfactant oil recovery processes, particularly in formations with high salinity connate water.
Latest Patents
Wells' latest patents focus on innovative methods for enhancing oil recovery. One of his key inventions is a surfactant oil recovery process that improves oil extraction from oil-bearing formations with high salinity. This process involves injecting an aqueous surfactant slug containing commercially available petroleum sulfonates, followed by an aqueous drive agent. The addition of a cosurfactant and a mono-unsaturated secondary alcohol to the surfactant slug leads to improved recovery rates. Another patent addresses the challenges posed by high salinity water in petroleum formations. It emphasizes the use of primary anionic surfactants, such as organic sulfonates, in conjunction with effective solubilizing co-surfactants to enhance oil recovery in challenging conditions.
Career Highlights
Wells has had a distinguished career at Texaco Inc., where he has applied his expertise in surfactant technology to develop innovative solutions for oil recovery. His work has contributed to the advancement of methods that optimize oil extraction processes, particularly in formations with challenging water conditions.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Wells has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Joseph T Carlin and Melvin E Mills, Jr. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that has led to significant advancements in oil recovery technologies.
Conclusion
John A Wells is a prominent inventor whose work in surfactant oil recovery processes has made a lasting impact on the oil industry. His innovative approaches continue to enhance oil extraction methods, particularly in challenging environments.