Abstract: A method of monitoring corrosion in a metal sample comprising applying a physical stress to one or more metal samples, placing the metal sample under stress in a sealed vessel, adding one or more fluids to the vessel, measuring the strain on the metal sample over a specified time interval, controlling the environment inside the vessel, calculating the rate of change of the strain measurement over the specified time interval, recording the rate of change of the strain measurement, calculating a moving average of two or more previously recorded rates of change of the strain measurement, and monitoring the moving average to detect damage to the metal sample.

Abstract: A calcium supplement for animals comprising one or more coatings over a calcium-containing core. The coatings provide additional nutrients as well as providing a moisture-resistant outer coating to reduce the hygroscopic effects of the calcium-containing core. The supplement comprises calcium-containing core particles, calcium chloride for example, each particle having an animal nutrient coating over an outer surface of the core particles. The supplement further comprises a second coating, urea, deposited over the nutrient coating, and a final outer coating comprising one or more fatty acids or paraffinic hydrocarbons that are agreeable to animals. The method for making a calcium supplement for animals comprises coating calcium-containing granules with a layer of nutrients and then spraying molten soluble urea onto the previously coated calcium-containing granules which are sufficiently cool to solidify the molten material into second coating on the granules.

Abstract: A method for producing halide brine wherein an alkali and a reducing agent are added to an aqueous fluid having a density greater than 8.30 lb/gal., (0.996 kg/L) water, waste water or sea water for example. The resulting fluid is then contacted with a halogen to form a halide brine. The reaction occurs in a conventional reactor such as a mixing tank.

Abstract: A method for removing filter cake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filter cake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filter cake is contacted with a clear brine containing a mixture of a persulfate salt in a variable density brine to degrade the polymers within the filter cake. The persulfate mixture breaks down the filter cake in well bores having temperatures ranging from about 65° F. to 165° F. Concentration of the persulfate sets the pace of the reaction.

Abstract: A calcium supplement for animals comprising one or more coatings over a calcium-containing core. The coatings provide additional nutrients as well as providing a moisture-resistant outer coating to reduce the hygroscopic effects of the calcium-containing core. The supplement comprises calcium-containing core particles, calcium chloride for example, each particle having an animal nutrient coating over an outer surface of the core particles. The supplement further comprises a second coating, urea, deposited over the nutrient coating, and a final outer coating comprising one or more fatty acids or paraffinic hydrocarbons that are agreeable to animals. The method for making a calcium supplement for animals comprises coating calcium-containing granules with a layer of nutrients and then spraying molten soluble urea onto the previously coated calcium-containing granules which are sufficiently cool to solidify the molten material into second coating on the granules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled release of chemical additives within piping and wellbores. The apparatus is a water dispersible container that controls the release of one or more chemical additives such as corrosion inhibitors, oxygen scavengers, or biocides. The dispersible container is comprised of polyvinyl alcohol chains. The selection of the chains is determined by the application of the container and includes short-chained cold water soluble polyvinyl alcohols, long-chained hot water soluble polyvinyl alcohols, or vinyl alcohol co-polymers. In the method for the controlled release of chemical additives, the container is placed in a pipe or tank for circulation throughout a wellbore. Alternatively, the container is placed in a cap for a subsea well bore.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a used halide fluid comprising a density greater than 9.0 lbs/gal. and containing both soluble and insoluble impurities. This method comprises the steps of (1) adding acid to the used halide fluid so that the pH is within a range of approximately 0 to 10.0; (2) contacting the used halide fluid with halogen to increase the density to at least 10.0 lbs./gal., adjust the desired true crystallization temperature of the fluid and oxidize soluble impurities; (3) adding a reducing agent while maintaining the temperature at a minimum of 10° C.; (4) contacting the fluid with an alkali to neutralize excess acid; and (5) separating any suspended solid impurities from the fluid.

Abstract: A method for removing filter cake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filter cake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filter cake is contacted with a clear brine containing a mixture of a persulfate salt in a variable density brine to degrade the polymers within the filter cake. The persulfate mixture breaks down the filter cake in well bores having temperatures ranging from about 65° F. to 165° F. Concentration of the persulfate sets the pace of the reaction.

Abstract: A thermally insulating fluid composition comprising a glycol solvent for a viscosifier, a viscosifier, and optionally, an aqueous brine. The glycol may be selected from a propylene glycol, or under excessive heat temperatures, a butylene glycol, which can be used with or without a viscosifier. Viscosifiers can be selected from hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, xanthan and hydroxy propyl guar and combinations thereof. In one method of producing the thermally insulating composition, a viscosifier is added to an aqueous brine, water is then added to that solution followed by the addition of dry salt of the brine to increase density if necessary. A propylene glycol solvent is added to the resulting solution. The thermally insulating fluid composition insulates substances stored or transported in multi-walled vessels, tanks, piping and thermal units.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a used halide fluid comprising a density greater than 9.0 lbs/gal. and containing both soluble and insoluble impurities. This method comprises the steps of (1) adding acid to the used halide fluid so that the pH is within a range of approximately 0 to 10.0; (2) contacting the used halide fluid with halogen to increase the density to at least 10.0 lbs./gal., adjust the desired true crystallization temperature of the fluid and oxidize soluble impurities; (3) adding a reducing agent while maintaining the temperature at a minimum of 10° C.; (4) contacting the fluid with an alkali to neutralize excess acid; and (5) separating any suspended solid impurities from the fluid.

Abstract: A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filtercake is contacted with a clear brine containing bromine or bromate generating agents to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. The brine contains bromide salts and an oxidant capable of delayed oxidation of the bromide to bromine at downhole conditions.

Abstract: In a method for enhancing the compatibility of a zinc-brine completion fluid with a fracturing fluid, test samples of selected completion fluids are combined with test samples of selected fracturing fluids to form an admixture. The parameters of incompatibility between the completion fluid and the fracturing fluid are analyzed and identified. The parameters or indicia of incompatibility identified can be precipitation, emulsification and/or an increase in viscosity. The zinc brine completion fluid is then blended with additives to remove these parameters of incompatibility. The additives can be selected from a group comprising hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetate salts, citrate salts, and surfactants. At the well site, the altered zinc brine completion fluid is pumped in to displace drilling fluids in the wellbore before pumping in fracturing fluid. Additional altered brine completion can follow the fracturing fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for removing filtercake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filtercake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polymer. The filtercake is contacted with a precursor that forms an oxidizing agent at downhole temperatures to degrade the polymers within the filtercake. Alternatively one or more catalysts for activating the precursor of an oxidizing agent is embedded within the filtercake. The catalyst activates the precursor as the precursor is flushed over the filtercake and remains in contact with the filtercake to form an oxidizing agent to degrade the oxidation-degradable agent and decompose the filtercake. The remaining particles of decomposed filtercake are then flushed away.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising a blend of brine and additives for maintaining rheological properties in a neutral or slightly acidic brine and a method for using the drilling fluid to drill into a producing formation are disclosed. The drilling fluid comprises viscosifying polymer and fluid loss polymer that function in the brine without substantially adversely affecting their properties. The brine is substantially free of insoluble solids. The viscosifying polymer and/or the fluid loss control polymer can be acid soluble. Zinc salts in the form of zinc bromide alone or in a mixture of zinc bromide and calcium bromide are added to increase the density of the brine solution. The viscosifying polymer has pendant amide and sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups. Alternatively or additionally, the viscosifying polymer comprises a polysaccharide. The fluid loss control polymer can comprise a cross-linked, cationic or amphoteric starch. Soluble solids are dispersed in the brine.

Abstract: A method for producing zinc bromide from zinc hydroxide contaminated with iron and manganese compounds. The method comprises the step of mixing zinc hydroxide feedstock containing metal impurities with a hydrobromic acid comprising elemental bromine in the presence of a reducing agent to produce an impure zinc bromide solution. The metal impurities are removed from the zinc bromide solution in a two-stage process: the first stage comprises the steps of precipitating iron by maintaining the pH within a range of from about 3.6 to 4.15 and filtering out the insoluble iron compounds. The second stage comprises the steps of acidifying the zinc hydroxide solution and adjusting the pH to a range of 3.8 to 4.3 with a alkalinity source from metal oxide, hydroxide or carbonate to precipitate the manganese compounds. The resulting mixture is filtered and concentrated to form a solution comprising zinc bromide essentially free of iron and manganese compounds.

Abstract: A method for making zinc bromide from metallic zinc and bromine comprising contacting zinc with bromine dissolved in a reaction solvent containing a metal halide salt. During the practice of this method, the reaction temperature is maintained at less than 60.degree. C. The reaction solvent preferably comprises an alkali, alkaline earth or transition metal halide and the halide salt preferably comprises a chloride or a bromide. One preferred method includes the step of recirculating the zinc bromide product stream back to the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel can comprise either a one stage or a multiple stage reactor. The resulting product stream comprises a high density zinc bromide solution.

Abstract: Tar sand is upgraded to produce a hydrocarbon having a low concentration of water and solids by contacting a bitumen/diluent mix with an alkoxyalkylphenol alkoxylate surfactant prior to separation of a recoverable hydrocarbon phase. The separation of the bitumen/diluent mix into a recoverable hydrocarbon phase and a water/solid phase results in a recoverable hydrocarbon phase that meets the concentration of water and solids desired by tar sand processors. A further refinement of the method involves contacting the bitumen/diluent mix with an anionic and cationic flocculant following the surfactant for further improvement in separation.

Abstract: A method of degassing biological filters utilizing a backwash system wherein the steps of opening and closing valves are reduced, flow interruption through the filter is minimized, and the process of draining down a downflow filter is eliminated. A preferred method of degassing a plurality of downflow biological filters in a water treatment system comprises the steps of maintaining the influent flow throughout the degassing process, ceasing the effluent flow out of a filter selected to be degassed to prevent draining of the selected filter, introducing a backwash water flow into the bottom, and flushing of the filter until entrapped gases are released out of the filter. The backwash flow is then ceased and the effluent flow is recommenced to return the filter to service. The steps are successively repeated and the backwash pump remains on until all filters are degassed.

Abstract: A method for cleaning industrial wastewater comprising pretreatment of the wastewater stream by intercepting and removing settleable solids prior to subjecting the stream to primary cleaning systems are disclosed. The method of pretreatment comprises pumping wastewater from a collecting reservoir or sewer through a hydrocyclone to separate the stream into an overflow of reduced solids content and an underflow of enhanced solids content. The overflow is directed to a holding tank or forebay of the primary cleaning system. The primary cleaning system comprises a gravity settler, a CPI (corrugated plate interceptor) system or API (American Petroleum Institute) separator for example. The gravity settler is operated to obtain an effluent essentially free of settleable solids and a sludge stream. The underflow with its enhanced solids content is screened to obtain a screened water stream and a sludge of screened solids which is directed to a collection container.

Abstract: A method for utilization of zinc byproducts in the manufacture of clear brine fluids comprising the step of mixing zinc feedstock containing metal impurities with a halogenic acid to produce an impure zinc halide solution. The metal impurities are removed from the zinc halide solution in a two-stage process: the first stage comprises the steps of precipitating and filtering out manganese and iron and the second stage comprises the steps of contacting the zinc halide solution with elemental zinc to cement out the remaining metals comprising nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, mercury and cobalt. Preferably, the zinc halide solution is contacted with zinc shot in multiple passes through zinc-filled column systems. The pH is adjusted between each step, if necessary, to maintain the pH in the first stage within a range of from about 3.5 to 4.5 and the alkalinity during the second stage at less than 1.0% zinc oxide.