Abstract: A novel process and apparatus have been contrived for the study of the bit/stabilizer balling phenomenon in the laboratory. The device permits a standard testing procedure using a specially designed bob simulating the drill bit for comparing degrees of balling for different rock formations under different drilling conditions involving variable and controlled parameters like weight-on-bit, revolutions-per-minute (rpm), drilling fluids, etc.

Abstract: Drilling fluid for improving the osmotic efficiency of a shale during the drilling of a well, the drilling fluid containing ethoxylated/propoxylated polyol and at least one other additive such as glucoside, glycerol, glycol, or polyglycerol.

Abstract: A method for producing an epoxy polyetherpolyol having 15 to 75 wt % epoxy comprising heating a polyol and catalyst to initiate condensation, removing water, introducing sufficient epoxy into the reaction mixture to give 15 to 75 wt % epoxy in the product. Generally, between 0.5 and 1.19 moles of water per mole of polyol are removed. In one embodiment at least 95 wt % of all of the polyol is introduced initially into the reaction zone. In another embodiment the condensation is terminated prior to 93 percent completion. Also provided are novel compositions suitable for drilling fluids, adhesives and coatings.

Abstract: The thermal stability of hardened drilling mud-concrete is improved by incorporating blast furnace slag, microfine slag or fine ground glass into the mud-concrete prior to hardening.

Abstract: An invert oil emulsion drilling fluid containing oil, an emulsifier such as a fatty acid soap, clay or polymer, and a glycoside such as glucoside.

Abstract: A drilling and cementing process wherein a drilling fluid containing blast furnace slag and glycoside is utilized and thereafter combined with additional blast furnace slag to give a cementitious slurry which is used in a cementing operation.

Abstract: A universal fluid which includes a water-based drilling mud and a hydraulic material is used to drill a borehole and lay down settable filter cake. After drilling is completed, the filter cake and universal fluid are caused to solidify in selected parts of the borehole by admixing the universal fluid with an activator.

Abstract: A method for drilling utilizing a composition comprising water, a water-soluble polyalcohol, a water-insoluble alcohol, and drill solids. Also, a composition ideally suited for drilling is provided comprising water, a mixture of water-soluble and insoluble alcohols and drill solids.

Abstract: A drilling mud is converted in-situ to a cement by addition of blast furnace slag.

Abstract: Drilling fluid is solidified by the incorporation therein of low grade blast furnace slag. In a preferred embodiment lime is also incorporated into said drilling fluid and/or said drilling fluid is a lime drilling fluid. Thus, there is provided a cementitious composition comprising drilling fluid, low grade blast furnace slag and, generally, lime. Also provided is a drilling and cementing process wherein a cementitious slurry comprising low grade blast furnace slag is introduced into a wellbore to cement a casing or liner.

Abstract: A cementitious slurry is produced by combining an aqueous drilling fluid with a slurry of Portland cement in oil. Generally the drilling fluid is an aqueous drilling fluid containing clay such as prehydrated bentonite. The resulting composition has a particular utility in primary cementing operations for oil wells.

Abstract: A drilling and cementing process wherein a drilling fluid containing a proton acceptor metal compound component is utilized and thereafter combined with a water-soluble monomer having polymerizable unsaturated groups to give a cementitious slurry which is thereafter used in a wellbore cementing operation. There is thus provided a cementitious slurry comprising a drilling fluid, i.e., at least water and drill solids, proton acceptor metal compound component and water-soluble monomeric component having polymerizable unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A drilling and cementing operation is carried out utilizing a universal fluid comprising blast furnace slag, water and a polyalcohol, the components of the drilling fluid being chosen so as to have a dual functionality in promoting the drilling fluid and thereafter in being functional constituents of a cementitious slurry.

Abstract: A drilling and cementing operation is carried out utilizing a universal fluid comprising blast furnace slag, water, a silicate and a retarder, the components of the drilling fluid being chosen so as to have a dual functionality in promoting the drilling fluid and thereafter in being functional constituents of a cementitious slurry.

Abstract: A wellbore is drilled utilizing an oil-in-water emulsion drilling fluid, optionally containing blast furnace slag. A compatible cementitious slurry containing blast furnace slag and an activator system is then introduced into the borehole and displaced up into an annulus. Generally, the cementitious slurry is prepared by adding additional blast furnace slag and an activator such as a sodium hydroxide/sodium carbonate mixture to the used drilling fluid.

Abstract: A composition suitable for drilling and cementing comprising blast furnace slag, water, a soluble polyalcohol and an insoluble polyalcohol, the components of the drilling fluid being chosen so as to have a dual functionality in promoting the drilling fluid and thereafter in being functional constituents of a cementitious slurry.

Abstract: A slim hole well is drilled using a drilling fluid comprising blast furnace slag and water which drilling fluid is circulated during the drilling to lay down a filter cake. Thereafter, an activator is added and generally, an alkaline material and additional blast furnace slag, to produce a cementitious slurry which is passed down a casing and up into an annulus to effect primary cementing.

Abstract: A method for preventing zonal communication or migration of fluids, in a well to be abandoned, by placement of cement plugs.

Abstract: A cement anchor is provided for test tools in a well in a soft or weak formation below a zone to be tested.

Abstract: An extended reach well such as the deviated wells typically drilled from offshore platforms is drilled using a drilling fluid comprising blast furnace slag and water which drilling fluid is circulated during the drilling to lay down a filter cake. Thereafter, an activator is added and generally, an alkaline material and additional blast furnace slag, to produce a cementitious slurry which is passed down a casing and up into an annulus to effect primary cementing.