John W Burnham

Title: **The Innovative Mind of John W. Burnham**

Introduction

John W. Burnham, a prolific inventor based in Duncan, Oklahoma, has made significant strides in the field of substances used in oil and gas drilling. With a total of six patents to his name, Burnham has developed methods and compositions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of well operations.

Latest Patents

Burnham's latest innovations include two noteworthy patents. The first patent covers "Methods, additives and compositions for temporarily sealing high-temperature permeable formations penetrated by well bores." This composition utilizes a granular additive dispersed in an aqueous medium containing a galactomannan gum, which is treated with potassium pyroantimonate. This treatment ensures that the gum’s hydration rate is retarded below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while it increases at elevated temperatures. The application of this composition in high-temperature formations enables the formation of a stiff gel, which is instrumental in sealing permeable formations.

The second patent, titled "Gelled oil base compositions and methods of preparation and use of same," focuses on the preparation of gelled oil base compositions to facilitate the fracturing of subterranean formations. These compositions are prepared by incorporating aluminum salts of one or more oxaalkyl phosphates and/or oxaalkyl alkyl phosphates into an oil base fluid. This innovative approach can be executed by forming the salts separately or in situ, enabling them to react when added to an oil solution. The resultant compositions are effectively used to create and propagate fractures in subterranean formations during oil or gas extraction processes.

Career Highlights

John W. Burnham is employed at Halliburton Company, a leading entity in the oil and gas industry. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a key contributor to advancements in drilling and extraction technologies. His dedication to innovation has resulted in a range of practical applications that benefit the industry.

Collaborations

In his professional journey, Burnham has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as James E. Briscoe and Eugene A. Elphingstone. These partnerships have fostered a productive environment for innovative thinking and development, further pushing the boundaries of technology in petroleum engineering.

Conclusion

John W. Burnham is an impactful inventor whose contributions to patent development have advanced the field of oil and gas extraction. His latest patents reflect a groundbreaking approach to well operations, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the industry's capabilities. With a solid foundation in collaboration and innovation, Burnham continues to influence the trajectory of petroleum engineering.