Abstract: A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.

Abstract: A composition useful for making gelled fluids by crosslinking hydratable polymers is an aqueous solution of zirconium complexed with carbonate and bicarbonate as the only multidentate ligands complexed with zirconium. The composition also provides pH modifying capability and the crosslinking is delayed, so that the single composition replaces several liquid additives previously necessary for generation of fluids used, for example, in hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: Fracturing fluids comprising a base fluid and substantially hydrated cement particulates. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising fracturing the subterranean formation so as to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation; introducing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and substantially hydrated cement particulates into the one or more fractures; and depositing at least a portion of the substantially hydrated cement particulates in the one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. Methods of gravel packing comprising providing a gravel packing fluid comprising a base fluid and substantially hydrated cement particulates, introducing the gravel packing fluid into a subterranean formation, and depositing at least a portion of the substantially hydrated cement particulates in the subterranean formation so as to form a gravel pack. Gravel packing fluids that comprise a base fluid, and gravel comprising substantially hydrated cement particulates.

Abstract: An acidic viscoelastic surfactant fluid composition is formulated with an acid, for example hydrochloric acid, a cationic surfactant, for example a quaternary amine, and a break-enabling salt, for example NH4Cl. The fluid composition has low viscosity as formulated, undergoes an increase in viscosity as the acid is consumed when it reacts with an acid-reactive material, and returns to approximately the initial viscosity as the last of the acid is consumed. The fluid composition is used as a diverting fluid or as the main treatment fluid in oilfield treatments such as matrix acidizing and acid fracturing.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a gelling agent, providing a breaker composition that comprises an oxidizing breaker and a breaker activator that comprises a metal and a protein, allowing the viscosified treatment fluid to interact with the breaker composition, treating the subterranean formation with the viscosified treatment fluid, and allowing a viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to be reduced. Further, methods of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluids and methods of activating oxidizing breakers are also provided.

Abstract: Many methods and compositions are provided. One of the methods provided comprises the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity. An example of a composition is a viscosified treatment fluid for treating subterranean formations comprising: an aqueous base fluid and an apparent cross linked reaction product of a polysaccharide and a dual functional component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation is provided comprising the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments like fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations for the production of hydrocarbons. The compositions and methods also may be suitable, for example, to be used as plugging agents, well bore cleanup fluids, viscous sweep fluids, or insulating fluids to be used in associated methods.

Abstract: A well treating fluid useful in slickwater fracturing processes contains polyacrylamide friction reducer and a viscosity breaker capable of reducing the viscosity of the well treating fluid to about the viscosity of water at ambient temperatures of typical underground formations. The viscosity breaker is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, and zinc peroxide and is present in an amount above about 0.002% by weight.

Abstract: A method of acidizing a subterranean formation with a diverting agent composed of a gelled or thickened viscoelastic foam or fluid generated from (i.) an amidoamine oxide gelling agent and (ii.) an acid or foam, water and/or brine. The gelled or thickened foam or fluid may be generated in-situ or introduced directly into the formation by mixing of the amidoamine oxide gelling agent and acid or foam, water and/or brine. As the acid spends, the acidizing fluid thickens. When the acid is further spent, the fluid viscosity declines eventually returning to a low viscosity state, allowing for easy cleanup. The process allows for selective acidizing of less permeable zones of the formation and more uniform stimulation of the hydrocarbon bearing formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of additives to enhance hydraulic fracturing used in the production of oil and gas. The additive is an inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus-containing composition that can be added to, or used in conjunction with aqueous or non-aqueous hydraulic fracturing fluids or fracturing fluid adjunctives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high porosity propped fractures and methods of creating high porosity propped fractures in portions of subterranean formations. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of forming a high porosity propped fracture in a subterranean formation, comprising providing a slurry comprising a fracturing fluid and proppant particulates coated with an adhesive substance; introducing the slurry into a portion of a fracture within the subterranean formation; and, depositing the proppant particulates into the portion of the fracture within the subterranean formation so as to form a high porosity propped fracture. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a high porosity propped fracture comprising proppant particulates substantially coated with an adhesive substance wherein the propped fracture has a porosity of at least about 50%.

Abstract: A method for stimulation of gas production from coal seams is described using a permeability modifier, such as a coal swelling agent, injected into the coal seams via a wellbore to reduce the permeability of the coal seams prior to a fracturing treatment.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: A method to enhance oil recovery from a fractured carbonate reservoir, the reservoir being accessible via a production well. The method includes injecting a surfactant solution including surfactants into the production well, and injecting a second well treatment process into the production well. The second well treatment process includes a second well treatment solution. The second well treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of a scale inhibition squeeze process, a well acidizing process, a chemical process to reduce water production rate, carbon dioxide injection for stimulation of a production or injection well, an acid fracturing process, and a hydraulic fracturing process. The surfactant solution and the second well treatment solution are injected into the production well within less than about six months from one another.

Abstract: An under-balanced drilling fluid additive is disclosed which reduces reactive shale and/or clay swelling during under-balanced drilling operations, where the additive includes an effective amount of a choline salt. A method for under-balanced drilling is also disclosed including the step of circulating a drilling fluid including an effective amount of a choline salt to reduce reactive shale and/or clay swelling during under-balanced drilling operations.

Abstract: Methods comprising providing a fracturing fluid comprising proppant particulates at least partially coated with a hardenable resin composition that comprises a hardenable resin component and a hardening agent component, wherein the hardenable resin component comprises a hardenable resin and wherein the hardening agent component comprises a hardening agent, a silane coupling agent, and a surfactant; introducing the fracturing fluid into at least one fracture within the subterranean formation; depositing at least a portion of the proppant particulates in the fracture; allowing at least a portion of the proppant particulates in the fracture to form a proppant pack; and, allowing at least a portion of the hardenable resin composition to migrate from the proppant particulates to a fracture face.

Abstract: Methods are provided including a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a plurality of self-degrading fibers, the self-degrading fibers comprising an outer shell and a core liquid; placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and treating a portion of the subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid injection rate during fracture initiation and propagation and maintaining a minimum fracture fluid viscosity. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.

Abstract: Improved methods for treating and for fracturing subterranean formations and the fluid compositions are provided. The viscosity of a treating fluid containing gelling agents is broken, even at temperatures of about 250° F. and lower, utilizing an oxidizing breaker and a reducing sugar to activate the breaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscoelastic fluids that contain nanotube structures that may be used advantageously as oilfield stimulation fluids in many different applications, most particularly as a fracturing fluid. Viscoelastic fluid compositions of the present invention include an aqueous medium, a viscoelastic surfactant, an organic or inorganic acids, or salt thereof, organic acid salts, inorganic salts, and a nanotube component. The invention is also called to a methods of treating a subterranean well bores in which the viscoelastic fluid is injected into the wellbore to perform operations such as fracturing, drilling, acid fracturing, gravel placement, removing scale, matrix acidizing, and removing mud cake. Further, a method of preparing a nanotube viscoelastic fluid comprising the steps of effectively mixing a carbon nanotube component into a viscoelastic fluid, and sonicating the mixture in order to incorporate the carbon nanotube component is claimed.

Abstract: Particulate compositions that comprise macro-particulates, and degradable particulates in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates, the degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are fluids that comprise a liquid component, and a particulate composition, the particulate composition comprising macro-particulates and degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates, wherein the degradable particulates are present in the particulate composition in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates. Methods of using the particulate compositions and fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant based aqueous fluid systems useful as thickening agents in various applications, e.g. to suspend particles produced during the excavation of geologic formations. The surfactants are zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants such as dihydroxyl alkyl glycinate, alkyl ampho acetate or propionate, alkyl betaine, alkyl amidopropyl betaine and alkylimino mono- or di-propionates derived from certain waxes, fats and oils. The thickening agent is used in conjunction with an inorganic water-soluble salt or organic additive such as phthalic acid, salicylic acid or their salts.

Abstract: A method of stimulating and stabilizing an area of a subterranean formation comprising placing an acid fluid into an area of a subterranean formation and allowing the acid to at least partially dissolve a portion of the area of the subterranean formation; placing a consolidation fluid into the area of the subterranean formation; and, placing an afterflush fluid into the area of the subterranean formation. A method of stimulating and stabilizing an area of a subterranean formation comprising placing an acid fluid into an area of a subterranean formation and allowing the acid to at least partially dissolve a portion of the area of the subterranean formation; placing a consolidation fluid into the area of the subterranean formation; and, placing a fracturing fluid into the area of the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture therein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing the viscosity of subterranean treatment fluids that comprise a gelling agent utilizing breakers that comprise hydroquinone and/or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a gelling agent; providing a breaker that comprises a hydroquinone component; allowing the breaker to interact with the treatment fluid; and allowing the breaker to at least partially reduce the viscosity of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A process for reducing the viscosity of fracturing fluids in downhole oilfield operations is provided. The process comprises contacting a sulfamate stabilized, bromine-based breaker with an aqueous polysaccharide fracturing fluid, with the breaker present in an amount to reduce the viscosity of the fracturing fluid. A composition which comprises a sulfamate stabilized, bromine-based breaker for use in decreasing the viscosity of an aqueous polysaccharide fracturing fluid for use in subterranean oil and gas wells is also provided.

Abstract: A method is given for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore with a viscosified fluid. The fluid contains a solid hydrolysable polyacid that upon dissolution and hydrolysis releases an acid that is a breaker for the viscosifying system. Suitable solid hydrolysable polyacids include polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid. The fluid also contains a pH control agent, present in an amount sufficient to neutralize any acid present in the solid hydrolysable polyacid before the injection and to neutralize any acid generated by the solid hydrolysable polyacid during the injection, so that the acid breaker is not available to break the fluid during the injection. In one embodiment the viscosifier is a viscoelastic surfactant fluid system and the solid hydrolysable polyacid is of a size selected to be a fluid loss additive, for example in fracturing or gravel packing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for treating a subterranean formation with an aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid that an aqueous base fluid and one or more non-ionic amido amine oxide surfactant gelling agents. The treatment method comprises injecting the aqueous viscoelastic surfactant treating fluid through a wellbore and into the subterranean formation under conditions effective to control fluid loss, and breaking the gel of the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid subsequent to treating said formation.

Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation ensures that the conductivity of water inflow below the productive zone of the subterranean formation is reduced. The method consists of two principal steps. In the first step, a fracture in and below the productive zone of the formation is initiated by introducing into the subterranean formation a fluid, free of a proppant, such as salt water, fresh water, brine, liquid hydrocarbon, and/or nitrogen or other gases. The proppant-free fluid may further be weighted. In the second step, a proppant laden slurry is introduced into the subterranean formation which contains a relatively lightweight density proppant. Either the fluid density of the proppant-free fluid is greater than the fluid density of the proppant laden slurry or the viscosity of the proppant-free fluid is greater than the viscosity of the proppant laden slurry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a subterranean formation utilizing a fluid having a splittable foamer, i.e., a fluid that creates a stable foam when it contacts the formation but that loses its ability to foam as it remains in contact with the formation for extended time. The present method has the advantage that the fluid can be recovered from the well unhindered by the difficulties involved with recovering a foamed fluid from a well. The present method does not require the use of breakers, though the splitting of the foam can be accelerated by introducing an organic or inorganic acid into the well, if so desired.

Abstract: Propped fractures in formations from which fluids are produced are described that have wormholes extending out into the formations from the faces of the fractures at locations distant from boreholes. Methods are given for creating such propped fractures having wormholes in which either a closed propped fracture is formed and then the wormholes are formed, or the entire fracture and channel system is formed before the closure occurs.

Abstract: An acid fracturing method is provided in which the acid is generated in the fracture by hydrolysis of a solid acid-precursor selected from one or more than one of lactide, glycolide, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, a copolymer of polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid, a copolymer of glycolic acid with other hydroxy-, carboxylic acid-, or hydroxycarboxylic acid-containing moieties, and a copolymer of lactic acid with other hydroxy-, carboxylic acid or hydroxycarboxylic acid-containing moieties. The solid acid-precursor may be mixed with a solid acid-reactive material to accelerate the hydrolysis and/or coated to slow the hydrolysis. Water-soluble liquid compounds are also given that accelerate the hydrolysis. The method ensures that the acid contacts fracture faces far from the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight composite particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of forming a lightweight particulate suitable for use as proppant or gravel in a subterranean operation comprising the steps of forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of PET and a filler material; forming the homogeneous mixture into particulates suitable for use in a subterranean environment. Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods of treating, fracturing, and gravel packing a chosen zone in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactants are described for use in aqueous systems to generate thickened fluids. The surfactants are alkyl amidoamine salts of inorganic acids and/or organic acids. The fluids may also contain inorganic salts, organic salts or mixtures thereof. Additionally, the fluids may contain a co-surfactant. These fluids are particularly useful in oilfield applications such as hydraulic fracturing, gravel packing, drilling, completion, etc. Viscoelastic fluids of the invention are also useful in industrial and consumer product fluid applications as rheology control agents.

Abstract: Reduced friction fluids comprising an aqueous liquid, carbon dioxide, and a polymer comprising acrylamide and an acrylamide copolymer derivative. And methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a reduced friction fluid comprising an aqueous liquid, carbon dioxide, and a polymer comprising acrylamide and an acrylamide copolymer derivative; and, introducing the reduced friction fluid to a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid, and a portion of variable pressure weighting material particles.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid, and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the well and into contact with the formation. The treatment fluid includes: (1) water; (2) a water-soluble polysaccoharide capable of increasing the viscosity of the water or a water-soluble polysaccharide and a crosslinking agent for the water-soluble polysaccharide; (3) a breaker comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of a source of chlorite ions and a source of hypochlorite ions; and (4) a breaker moderator comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of a source of magnesium ions and a source of calcium ions.

Abstract: A non-aqueous suspension including boron-containing particulates, a low molecular weight polyalkylene glycol and a suspension stabilizer is provided. Methods of crosslinking water soluble polymers and of fracturing a subterranean formation are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are presented to induce a screenout during a subterranean formation fracturing or combined fracturing and gravel packing treatment having a viscoelastic surfactant-based carrier fluid by laying down a filter cake at least a portion of which is a base-soluble material, injecting proppant slurry, and causing hydrolysis and dissolution of the solid base-soluble material by adding base so that leak-off increases, the concentration of proppant in the fracture increases, and the proppant screens out. A method of gravel packing with a viscoelastic surfactant-based carrier fluid by laying down a filter cake at least a portion of which is a base-soluble material, injecting gravel, and causing hydrolysis and dissolution of the solid base-soluble material by adding base. Methods of slowing or accelerating the hydrolysis and dissolution are given, and addition of bridging-promoting materials is included.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean zones and treating fluids are provided. The methods are basically comprised of preparing or providing a subterranean zone treating fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and an additive for preventing the swelling and migration of formation clays in the subterranean zone selected from the group consisting of 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl methanaminium chloride, 2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl ethanaminium acetate, and 2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl 1-propanaminium acetate.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved permeable cement composition for formation of downhole sand screens. The improved composition includes an effective amount of a surfactant. Addition of the surfactant to the permeable cement composition yields at least a pumpable slurry with a minimal amount of water or brine solution.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fracturing subterranean formations using fluids having substantially reduced polymer loadings that have performance equivalent to conventional fluids. Reduced polymer loadings provide significant advantages such as reduced treatment costs and less damage to the fracture sand pack and surrounding subterranean formations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for plugging of natural or artificially-created fractures in subterranean formations to reduce the flow of fluids. The compositions are mixtures of primarily inert particles of different sizes that leave a minimal flow path for fluids when the particles are packed in the fracture. If the fracture can close on the particles, the particles need not fill the width of the fracture before closure to cause plugging.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for placing particulate materials in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a compacted particulate material fluid that comprises a compacted particulate material, and a foam within the pore spaces of the compacted particulate material, the foam comprising a pressurized gas and a liquid solution of a foam forming surfactant; and pumping the compacted particulate material fluid into the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A method of fracturing subterranean zones at temperature below about 200° F. wherein the fracturing fluid comprises water, a viscosity increasing gelling agent, a particulate proppant material, a delayed viscosity breaker for causing the fracturing fluid to revert to a thin fluid and a breaker activator comprising a mixture selected from the group of a mixture of cobaltous acetate and the sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and a mixture of thioglycolic acid and sodium molybdate.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for controlled addition of components that decrease the viscosity of the viscoelastic surfactant fluids or for controlled changes in the electrolyte concentration or composition of the viscoelastic surfactant fluids. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of internal breakers with a delayed activation. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of precursors that release a breaking system such as alcohol by a process such as melting, slow dissolution, reaction with a compound present in the fluid or added to the fluid during or after the step of injecting, rupture of an encapsulating coating and de-adsorption of a breaking agent absorbed into solid particles. In another aspect of the invention, alcohols are included in a pad to reduce the low-shear viscosity and reduce the resistance to flow of the treatment fluids during a desired phase of the treatment.

Abstract: Methods of fracturing subterranean zones with less pumping are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of providing an aqueous fracturing fluid comprised of a brine having a density in the range of from about 9 to about 19 pounds per gallon, pumping the aqueous fracturing fluid into the subterranean zone at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the subterranean zone and recovering the aqueous fracturing fluid from the subterranean zone.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and related compositions for altering the physical and chemical properties of a substrate used in hydrocarbon exploitation, such as in downhole drilling operations. In a preferred embodiment a method involves formulating a fluid, tailored to the specific drilling conditions, that contains one or more inactivated enzymes. Preferably the enzyme is inactivated by encapsulation in a pH responsive material. After the fluid has been introduced into the well bore, one or more triggering signals, such as a change in pH, is applied to the fluid that will activate or reactivate the inactivated enzyme, preferably by causing it to be released by the encapsulation material. The reactivated enzyme is capable of selectively acting upon a substrate located downhole to bring about the desired change in the chemical or physical properties of the substrate.

Abstract: A low residue well treatment fluid comprises: an aqueous solvent; a gelling agent comprising one or modified polysaccharides, the modified polysaccharides having hydrophilic groups; and a crosslinking composition. The fluid may optionally further comprise a gel breaker, a buffer and/or a proppant. The fluids generate no or minimal residue upon being broken, and are particularly useful in well fracturing operations.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the productivity of a subterranean well comprising passing a solvent out of a string of production casing through perforations proximate an unfractured soluble formation, dissolving a region of the soluble formation to create a cavity therein, and increasing the size of the cavity until the subterranean formation proximate the cavity collapses.

Abstract: Methods of fracturing subterranean zones to produce maximum hydrocarbon productivity are provided. The methods are basically comprised of providing a fracturing fluid comprised of water, a gelling agent present in an amount in the range of from about 0.06% to about 0.3% by weight of the water and an inorganic salt for preventing clay swelling present in an amount in the range of from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the water. The fracturing fluid is introduced into the subterranean zone at a rate and pressure sufficient to form fractures and the fracturing fluid is recovered from the zone.