Abstract: Cement compositions comprising carboxylated inulin and methods of using the same to cement a workspace. In one embodiment, a method of cementing includes providing a cement composition comprising a carboxylated inulin, for example, in a subterranean formation. The method further includes allowing the cement composition to set. In some embodiments, the cement composition has a thickening time of from about 2 hours to about 11 hours. In other embodiments, the cement composition has a viscosity that is about constant for a period of time after the cement composition is placed.

Abstract: A persulfate compound activated by a strong base is used for low-temperature breaking of fluids viscosified with one or more water-soluble synthetic polymers, wherein the water-soluble synthetic polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyacrylamides, copolymers of polyacrylamide, derivatives of polyacrylamide or of copolymers of polyacrylamide, and any combination thereof. The breaker system can be used in an oilfield or pipeline application where such a synthetic polymer, a multi-chain polysaccharide, or combination thereof may be present in a fluid. It is particularly useful at low temperatures of less than 100° F.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composition for well cementing in a subterranean formation comprising a pumpable slurry of cement, water and at least one additive that swells in contact with underground fluid (hydrocarbon, water or brines and mixtures thereof) in case of failure of the cement matrix and to a method of cementing a well using said composition. The swelling additive is an elastomer compounded with an aqueous inverse emulsion of particles of a polymer comprising a betaine group.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of rapidly hydrating a hydratable polymer, which method involves irradiating with radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, a mixture of at least the polymer and an aqueous hydrotreating medium to form a viscosified mixture of at least aqueous hydrotreating medium and hydrated polymer. Related methods of treating a subterranean formation and continuously hydrotreating a subterranean formation are also revealed.

Abstract: A method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole and pumping molten wax into the formation, wherein the molten wax flows into and fills voids the formation without disrupting the formation is described. Also, a method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole, pumping molten wax into the borehole, heating and circulating the molten wax vertically within the borehole for an extended period using a heater and pump attached to a circulation pipe extended to the bottom of a zone of the borehole to be heated, and recovering molten wax from the borehole by displacing it back to the surface with another material of different density is described.

Abstract: Methods for controlling lost circulation in subterranean wells, and in particular, fluid compositions and methods for operations during which the fluid compositions are pumped into a wellbore, enter voids in the subterranean-well formation through which wellbore fluids escape, and form a seal that limits further egress of wellbore fluid from the wellbore. The methods include preparing a carrier fluid containing compressed expandable foam that may be encapsulated. The carrier fluid is then placed into a lost-circulation zone, whereupon the foam expands to form a barrier that minimizes or blocks further ingress of carrier fluid. Lost-circulation control may be supplemented by introducing additional lost-circulation materials, pumping a cement slurry behind the foam-containing carrier fluid or both.

Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. In one embodiment, the sealant composition can be used in a wellbore and includes an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material. The sealant composition can have a pH of from about 7 to about 14. In other embodiments, the pH increasing material includes a base-producing material. The base-producing material can include alkali and alkali earth metal carbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal bicarbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydroxides, alkali and alkali earth metal oxides, alkali and alkali earth metal phosphates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydrogen phosphates, alkali and alkaline earth metal sulphides, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of silicates, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of aluminates, water soluble or water dispersible organic amines, polymeric amine, amino alcohols, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Mixtures of fibers and solid particles are effective for curing fluid losses and lost circulation in a subterranean well. Stiff fibers are more effective than flexible ones; however, mixtures of stiff and flexible fibers have a synergistic effect. The quantity and particle-size distribution of the solids are optimized according to the stiffness, dimensions and concentrations of fibers.

Abstract: Pumpable process-fluid compositions comprise polyacrylamide, a non-metallic crosslinker and a pH-adjustment material. Such compositions have utility in the context of controlling lost circulation in subterranean wells. Upon entering at least one lost circulation zone, the compositions crosslink, thereby forming a barrier that minimizes or stops fluid flow from the wellbore into the lost circulation zone.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that mitigate pressure buildup in the annular space between two tubular bodies in subterranean wells. The composition of the invention comprises an aqueous solution of crosslinkable acrylamide-base polymer, a crosslinker and a gas. Once foamed and placed in the annular space, the composition provides a resilient, flexible, compressible and durable body that is able to compensate for pressure increases in the annular space, thereby protecting the integrity of the tubular bodies.

Abstract: A well treatment composition comprises a surfactant comprising a substituted ethoxylated phenol having at least one substituent, 1 to 14 moles of ethylene oxide, and the substituent being an alkyl, alkene, or alkyne with a carbon chain length in the range of 4 to 25, wherein the substituted ethoxylated phenol is selected from the group consisting of: ortho-, para-, or meta-substituted ethoxylated phenol; cardanol ethoxylate; derivatives thereof; and combinations of any of the foregoing. Preferably, the surfactant comprises cardanol ethoxylate, a substituted cardanol ethoxylate, and derivatives thereof. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) the surfactant; and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: A method of selectively blocking fractures in a subterranean formation by injecting a diversion agent into the well is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises injecting a diversion agent into a subterranean formation to form an alkaline-earth carbonate precipitate from decomposition of a carbonyl compound, wherein the diversion agent includes the carbonyl compound and an alkaline-earth halide salt.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) a salt of a weak Bronsted base and a Bronsted acid; and (d) water; wherein the treatment fluid is a crosslinkable polymer composition.

Abstract: A foamed cement composition is disclosed for utilization in performing a variety of well cementing operations, and to methods for making and using same. The foamed cement composition basically includes a cement, water sufficient to form a pumpable slurry, a gas sufficient to foam the slurry, a foaming agent and optionally a foam stabilizing agent.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to gels for use in downhole applications containing the reaction product of at least one polymer, or polymer precursor, and at least one oxazoline crosslinking agent, wherein the at least one polymer, or polymer precursor, and the oxazoline crosslinking agent are normally combined in a solution, and methods including the use thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for binding non-consolidated oxidic inorganic materials with curable formulations which comprise etherified amino resins, and to cured compositions obtainable by the process. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a process for stabilizing underground formations composed of oxidic inorganic materials, wherein the curable composition is injected into the underground formation and cured at the temperatures which exist in the formation.

Abstract: Of the methods provided herein, is a method comprising: providing a clean-up fluid comprising a peroxide-generating compound and an aqueous base fluid; placing the clean-up fluid in a subterranean formation; removing contaminants from at least a portion of the subterranean formation to form a cleaned portion of the formation; providing a consolidation agent; placing the consolidation agent on at least a portion of the cleaned portion of the formation; and allowing the consolidation agent to adhere to at least a plurality of unconsolidated particulates in the cleaned portion of the formation.

Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising: providing an emulsified treatment fluid comprising an oleaginous phase, an aqueous phase, a consolidating agent, and an emulsifying agent that comprises at least one convertible surfactant described by a one of the disclosed formulae, and placing the subterranean treatment fluid in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A process for plugging a wellbore comprises installing a choke device (1) into the wellbore to increase the back pressure allowing better control when introducing cement to plug the wellbore. The device (1) has a cylindrical shape with a central through bore (6). On the external profile is a shoulder (4) which, when the device is installed in a wellbore, comes to rest against a nipple in the wellbore. The device (1) may free fall for all or part of the way down but would normally be pumped down at least for the last part of its delivery. In the bore (6) is a pump out ball (10) which blocks the through bore until the device reaches the nipple and stops, at which point pressure increases and the ball is ejected. Cement and other liquid may then be pumped through the choke device to the distal region of the well.

Abstract: A cement slurry composition comprises a plugging agent with a glass-transition temperature lower than about 150° C. The plugging agent is preferably an including polyethlene wax, polypropylene wax, carnauba wax or scale wax. After the cement slurry sets, it may be heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the wax. The molten wax may then flow into pores in the set cement. Upon cooling, the wax solidifies. As a result, the porosity and permeability of the set cement are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a salt resistant water absorbing compound including a polymeric phase that includes polyacrylamide and at least one of di or poly saccharide, wherein the polyacrylamide is cross-linked in the presence of at least one of di or poly saccharide by a cross-linking agent including multivalent cations, complexes thereof, organic cross-linking agents, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions having shear-gelling and shear-thickening properties are based on an amphiphilic polymer combined with hydrophilic particles and polyethyleneoxide. The hydrophilic particles preferably consist of a hydrous sodium lithium magnesium silicate. The amphiphilic polymer may be a synthetic polymer, a hydrophobically modified biopolymer, or both. The compositions may be employed in enhanced oil recovery operations.

Abstract: Techniques for preconditioning an oilfield reservoir including heavy oil and/or bitumen prior to production of a petroleum product are described. A preconditioning agent can be injected into a mobile water film included in the oilfield reservoir. The preconditioning agent preconditions the reservoir prior to production of the petroleum product.

Abstract: The present invention provides means to seal voids and cracks in subterranean-formation rock that contains carbonate minerals, thereby minimizing or stopping fluid flow between the formation rock and the wellbore of a subterranean well. The methods comprise pumping a solution of one or more lattices that contain at least one carboxylated monomer down a well and allowing it to enter voids (e.g., pores, fractures, vugs and caverns) in the carbonate-containing formation, whereupon it reacts with divalent cations liberated by the carbonates and forms a gel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of creating a polymerized composition in a well bore: providing a polymerizable composition made of a polymerization initiator and a monomer polymerizable by frontal polymerization; introducing the polymerizable composition into the wellbore; exposing the polymerizable composition to a trigger to activate the frontal polymerization; and creating the polymerized composition.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids.

Abstract: A method for well treatment by forming a temporary plug in a fracture, a perforation, a wellbore, or more than one of these locations, in a well penetrating a subterranean formation is provided, in which the method of well treatment includes: injecting a slurry comprising a degradable material, allowing the degradable material to form a plug in a perforation, a fracture, or a wellbore in a well penetrating a formation; performing a downhole operation; and allowing the degradable material to degrade after a selected time such that the plug disappears.

Abstract: A consolidation agent for molded articles and geological formations from porous or particulate materials, containing a hydrolysate or precondensate of (a) at least one organosilane of the general formula (I) RnSiX4-n??(I) in which the radicals R are identical or different and are not hydrolytically removable groups, the radicals X are identical or different and are hydrolytically removable groups or hydroxyl groups, and n is 1, 2 or 3, and optionally (b) at least one hydrolyzable silane of the general formula (II) SiX4??(II) in which the radicals X have the meaning defined above.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A method of preparing and using a subterranean formation stabilization agent. The stabilization agent includes a guanidyl copolymer and may be admixed with a fracturing fluid and optionally brine. The stabilization agent is effective in preventing and/or reducing, for example, clay swelling and fines migration from a subterranean formation contacted with the stabilization agent.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to cement compositions and methods comprising sub-micron calcium carbonate and latex. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. The method may comprise introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water, sub-micron calcium carbonate, and latex. The method further may comprise allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a cement composition that may comprise cement, water, a sub-micron calcium carbonate, and latex.

Abstract: A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a composition includes a sealant composition containing a wellbore treatment fluid and a set modifier component. The sealant composition can be placed into the wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the setting of the sealant composition.

Abstract: Solid material required at a subterranean location is supplied from the surface suspended in a carrier liquid and agglomerated below ground by means of a binding liquid. To achieve agglomeration, the binding liquid and the particulate solid are similar to each other but opposite to the carrier liquid in hydrophilic/hydrophobic character. The solid and the binding liquid may both be hydrophobic while the carrier liquid is hydrophilic, or vice versa. The solid may be hydrophobically surface modified to render it hydrophobic. The binding liquid may be provided as a precursor which converts to the binding liquid below ground to trigger agglomeration after arrival at the subterranean location. The agglomerates may function as proppant heterogeneously placed in a fracture of a reservoir, or may serve to block an unwanted path of flow. The binding liquid may polymerise after agglomeration so as to stabilise and strengthen the agglomerates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation containing a wellbore comprising the steps of (a) injecting a gel into the wellbore; (b) permitting the gel to increase in viscosity and (c) fracturing the formation in the vicinity of the gel.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a sealant composition having a fluid component and a polymeric additive component can be subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A method for expanding an expandable tubular in a borehole, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the expandable tubular at a desired position in the borehole; b) anchoring the tubular at the desired position solely by means of a first cement portion in the annulus between the tubular and the borehole wall; c) expanding the tubular by moving an expansion device through the tubular. The cement may be cured or not cured when step c) is carried out and may or may not fracture during step c). The method may include providing an exit path for water expelled from the cement during expansion, providing a second cement portion having a longer cure time than the first cement portion, or calculating the length of cement that is required to anchor, based on the properties of the cement and the expected expansion force.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more water-soluble reactive liquid component capable of subsequent polymerization or cross-linking to form a solid to improve the zonal isolation and alleviate the impacts of cracks and fissures in the cement sheath around a completed subterranean well. It includes the steps of injecting a wellbore fluid carrying the reactive component or additive into the wellbore, injecting a cementitious composition as slurry into the wellbore and letting said reactive liquid component pass through at least one of the interfaces between cement and formation, cement and filter cake, and filter cake and formation before forming a solid of said reactive liquid component that traverses said at least one of the interfaces.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising at least a plurality of degradable diverting agents that comprise at least one degradable material selected from the group consisting of a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a proteinous material, and a combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation during a subterranean operation via a well bore.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition comprising solid latex into the wellbore.

Abstract: The methods described herein generally relate to preparing and delivering a fluid mixture to a confined volume, specifically an annular volume located between two concentrically oriented casing strings within a hydrocarbon fluid producing well. The fluid mixtures disclosed herein are useful in controlling pressure in localized volumes. The fluid mixtures comprise at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one inhibitor. The processes and methods disclosed herein allow the fluid mixture to be stored, shipped and/or injected into localized volumes, for example, an annular volume defined by concentric well casing strings.

Abstract: A method of selectively blocking fractures in a subterranean formation by injecting a diversion agent into the well is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises injecting a diversion agent into a subterranean formation to form an alkaline-earth carbonate precipitate from decomposition of a carbonyl compound, wherein the diversion agent includes the carbonyl compound and an alkaline-earth halide salt.

Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising a colloidally stabilized latex and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. The sealant compositions may include: an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer; an additional monomer comprising a non-aromatic unsaturated mono- or di- carboxylic ester monomer, an aromatic unsaturated monomer, a nitrogen-containing monomer, or combinations thereof; and a protective colloid. The foregoing sealant composition may be displaced into the wellbore to isolate the subterranean formation from a portion of the wellbore, to support a conduit in the wellbore, to plug a void or crack in the conduit, to plug a void or crack in a cement sheath disposed in an annulus of the wellbore, to plug an opening between the cement sheath and the conduit, or combinations thereof. The colloidally stabilized latex remains substantially stable when exposed to salt, which may be present in the wellbore and/or in the sealant composition itself.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) a weak organic acid; and (d) water; wherein the treatment fluid is a crosslinkable polymer composition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a treatment fluid for a well includes: (a) a water-soluble polymer, wherein the water-soluble polymer comprises a polymer of at least one non-acidic ethylenically unsaturated polar monomer; (b) an organic crosslinker comprising amine groups, wherein the organic crosslinker is capable of crosslinking the water-soluble polymer; (c) a Lewis acid; and (d) water; wherein the treatment fluid is a crosslinkable polymer composition.