Patrick Arthur Kelly

Title: The Innovations of Patrick Arthur Kelly

Introduction

Patrick Arthur Kelly, an accomplished inventor based in Conroe, Texas, has made significant contributions to the field of subterranean formation fracturing. With a total of four patents to his name, his innovative approaches have revolutionized how treating fluids, particularly for fracturing, are formulated and utilized in the industry.

Latest Patents

Kelly's latest patents focus on "Methods and compositions for fracturing subterranean formations." Specifically, these innovations involve viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids that include a combination of water, VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, fluid loss control agent, and viscosity enhancer. These VES-based fluids are particularly effective as fracturing fluids, demonstrating faster and more complete clean-up compared to traditional polymer-based fluids. The incorporation of an internal breaker allows for the easy removal of the unique VES micelle-based pseudo-filter cake, leading to several advantages. These include reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume, as more VES fluid remains within the fracture, thus optimizing fracture geometry and enhancing reservoir productivity. Additionally, Kelly's formulations enable the treatment of reservoirs with permeability levels exceeding the current VES limit of approximately 400 md, reaching up to at least 2000 md.

Career Highlights

Patrick Arthur Kelly is associated with Baker Hughes Corporation, a leading company in the oilfield services sector. His work demonstrates a strong focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of fluid dynamics in subterranean applications. Through his patented technologies, Kelly has positioned himself as a key innovator in the energy industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fracturing technology.

Collaborations

During his impressive career, Kelly has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Allen Dale Gabrysch and James B. Crews. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to advancing technologies within the field and signify the importance of teamwork in fostering innovation.

Conclusion

Patrick Arthur Kelly's ingenuity in developing advanced fracturing solutions has marked a significant milestone in oil and gas exploration and production. His patents not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to the sustainability of subterranean resources. As a member of Baker Hughes Corporation, Kelly continues to influence the future of fluid technology in the industry, showcasing the vital role of inventors in driving progress.