Abstract: A device for a top drive drilling machine, in which a drive shaft, which is arranged for releasable connection to a drive and to a first end portion of a drill pipe, is provided with a centre bore extending therethrough and arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant and a fluid bore in the drill pipe. First and second releasable, drive-shaft-surrounding, respectively drill-string-surrounding, pressure seals and a valve which is arranged to provide, in an open position, a passage for the drill pipe or drive shaft, form a first and a second chamber. A drilling mud inlet is arranged for the second chamber and is arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant and connection housing. A method for the continuous supply of drilling mud to a drill string by the use of the drilling machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement and a method for making a bore in a bed of a lake, sea or river, having a service platform which can be lowered for positioning on the lake, sea or river bed, a guide tube which is mounted so that it can be rotated, axially moved as well as fixed on the service platform, a drill rod with drill head which is arranged in the guide tube and can be driven via a drill drive, and a guide tube drive which is arranged on the service platform for incorporation of the guide tube in the lake, sea or river bed. In order to reduce the friction which arises upon incorporation of the guide tube between the outer shell surface of the guide tube and the earth material of the lake, sea or river bed, the guide tube has a sliding support means.

Abstract: A drilling fluid, spacer fluid and cementing compositions for use in subterranean wells are disclosed along with methods for making using same, where the compositions include a particulate weighted elastomeric composition system including at least one higher density weighting agent and at least one elastomer, where the higher density weighting agents have a density of at least 5.0 g/cm3 and conventional weighting agents, to produce compositions having a desired high density, while retaining other fluid properties such as pumpability, gas tight sealing, low tendency to segregate, and reduced high temperature cement strength retrogression.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer; and allowing the tar stabilizer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.

Abstract: A low electrical conductivity water-based wellbore fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a clay which swells in the presence of water, said wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; and a polymeric non-ionic tertiary amine is disclosed. Methods of using such fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon-based or ester-based drilling fluid or mud is described wherein the drilling fluid contains cesium phosphate. The hydrocarbon-based or ester-based drilling fluid or mud can have, for example, an external phase that contains hydrocarbon fluid and an internal phase that contains cesium phosphate. The hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid or mud can further contain at least one emulsifier or surfactant, and optionally other ingredients. The present invention can permit hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids to be essentially solids-free and may be used without corrosion and/or formation damage problems, for example, due to the use of the cesium phosphate in an internal phase of the hydrocarbon-based or ester-based drilling fluid. The present invention also relates to hydrocarbon-based or ester-based fluids for completion, workover, suspension and packer operations which contain cesium phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the method drilling a borehole with monoester-based drilling fluid compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such monoester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols so as to produce high value monoester-based drilling fluids. In some embodiments, such monoester-based drilling fluids are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.

Abstract: A drilling fluid composition for horizontal directional drilling is a flowable aqueous slurry of biodegradable, non-toxic, preferably edible plant particles. The particle size of the plant-derived particles depends on the drill bit used. The particles should be small enough not to clog the fluid jet orifices in normal use. The slurry is pumped through to the drill bit in a warm or preferably hot state, e.g. 80-100° C. After ejection, the slurry cools rapidly, causing solidification and creating a lining on the tunnel wall.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including: a branched alcohol ethoxylate and/or a capped alcohol ethoxylate; and a detergent builder.

Abstract: A composition and method for use in drilling or completing a subterranean well comprising a solidsfree, high-density brine composed of alkali metal polytungstate and blends thereof. These high-density brines are also useful as wellbore fluids and other non-oilfield fluids requiring high density properties.

Abstract: There is described an invert emulsion wellbore fluid that includes: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase; an emulsifier; and a rheological additive comprising a sulphonated polymer formed from 100 to 10,000 monomers. There is also described a method of drilling a subterranean hole using the invert emulsion drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the rheology of drilling fluids that is effective for any mud weight “clay-free” invert emulsion drilling fluid, even when drilling at high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of a silicon oil to the drilling fluid. A nonlimiting example of such a rheology additive comprises polydimethylsiloxane.

Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology effected with addition of a fatty dimer diamine additive in the presence of little or no lime. The drilling fluids of the present invention exhibit similar yield points and gel strengths at temperatures ranging from about 40° F. to about 375° F. or higher and at pressures ranging from about 0 psi to about 13500 psi.

Abstract: Treatment fluids that include magnetic surfactants may be useful in various subterranean operations, e.g., particulate placement operations and drilling operations. For example, some methods may include introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid including at least a base fluid and a magnetic surfactant, the magnetic surfactant being a cationic surfactant having a magnetically susceptible counterion.

Abstract: Methods for drilling and treating for lost returns continuously while drilling are provided. High fluid loss drilling fluid is used, along with particulate material that forms an immobile mass in hydraulic fractures to prevent their growth. The particulate material may be selected based on the predicted size of a hydraulic fracture, based on particle size to minimize fines, based on specific gravity to attain high solids content for a selected fluid density, and/or based on permeability of the particles to attain a high spurt loss.

Abstract: Processes are provided for reducing the hydrodynamic friction of a turbulent brine stream including, for example, the step of injecting a mixture of a finely divided free flowing friction reducing powder into the turbulent brine stream, wherein the particles of the powder have a primary particle size between 10 and 100 microns in average particle diameter, and the brine stream comprises water with at least 90,000 ppm total dissolved solids, wherein the total dissolved solids includes at least 30,000 ppm sodium cations, 10,000 ppm calcium cations, and 1,000 ppm magnesium cations, and wherein the brine has an electrical conductivity of greater than 100.0 mS/cm at 25° C. For use with a harsher brine, the particles preferably have a primary particle size between 10 and 53 microns in average particle diameter. The friction reducing powder may, for example, be a polyacrylamide polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a solid phase barite containing material for use in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of providing the barite containing material having relatively small particles with a particle size distribution of at least 50 vol % particles having a diameter in the range of 1 ?m to 10 ?m and at least 90 vol % particles having a diameter in the range of 4 ?m to 20 ?m; and contacting the barite containing material with a liquid in order to form relatively large particles having a particle size distribution with at least 90 vol % of the particles having a diameter of at least 30 ?m. There is also described a method of treating a wellbore with a fluid including the barite containing material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising an organic phase having at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon, at least one ester, water or aqueous phase, and at least one additive. The present invention additionally relates to the use and preparation of the drilling composition, to a drilling system, to a process for making a borehole, to a process for conveying cuttings, to a process for treating a drill head, and to a process for production of oil and/or gas.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid comprises a polymer which is a non-ionic polymer or an anionic polymer. The polymer can be a polyacrylamide. The fluid is used for drilling subterranean formations containing heavy crude oil and bitumen-rich oil sands, and may comprise additional fluid components.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation while drilling a well includes the steps of preparing a fluid useful for drilling a wellbore into the formation; drilling the wellbore into the formation with the fluid; acidizing the fluid such that the acid soluble additive is degraded; and fracturing the formation with the fluid in the wellbore to create a channel in the formation.

Abstract: A method of drilling a gas or oil well consists of use of a water-based drilling fluids containing high molecular weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid as viscosifying agent. The drilling fluid may further contain a lubricant, weighting agent and/or a wetting agent as well as a synthetic silicate or smectite clay. The aqueous based drilling fluid exhibits a coefficient of friction which is substantially close to the coefficient of friction of oil based drilling muds. The drilling fluid exhibits stability at well temperatures in excess of 150° C.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides drilling fluid additives for reducing or controlling lost circulation in a drilling operation. The additives comprises particles. The particles comprise one or more solids in association a wax or waxy substance. A drilling fluid comprising a drilling fluid additive of the invention is also provided, as well as a method and use of the drilling fluid additive in a drilling operation to reduce or control lost circulation. Methods for manufacturing the drilling fluid additives are also described.

Abstract: Methods for using complementary surfactant systems and downhole fluids, where the systems are tailored to foam the fluids, which include the analyzed crude and/or condensate.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string extending into the wellbore from surface and rotating a drill bit of the drill string. The drill string further includes a circulation sub having a port closed during drilling. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and carries cuttings from the drill bit. The drilling fluid and cuttings (returns) flow to the surface via an annulus formed between an outer surface of the tubular string and an inner surface of the wellbore. The method further includes after drilling at least a portion of the wellbore: halting drilling; sending a wireless instruction signal from the surface to a downhole portion of the drill string by articulating the drill string, acoustic signal, or mud pulse, thereby opening the port; and injecting drilling fluid through the drill string and into the annulus via the open port.

Abstract: A salt-tolerant, thermally-stable rheology modifier and, in particular, a rheology modifier for applications in oil-field well-bore fluids. In accordance with one aspect, the rheology modifier comprises a terpolymer of acrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and a long-chain alkyl acrylate wherein the terpolymer is prepared by dispersion polymerization.

Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods are described herein. In some embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a superabrasive table having a recessed surface in a cutting face thereof and a shaped feature in a substrate at the interface between the superabrasive table and the substrate, the shaped feature corresponding to the recessed surface in the cutting face of the superabrasive table. In further embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one substantially planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. In yet additional embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one non-planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving functional access to subterranean formations that include a well, which includes a casing string having at least one casing conduit that extends and provides a hydraulic connection between a surface region and the subterranean formation. Performing a plurality of downhole operations utilizing a casing string that constitutes a plurality of hydraulic pathways between the surface region and the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the plurality of downhole operations may be simultaneous operations and/or may be associated with at least one of a plurality of operational states including a drilling state, completing state, stimulating state, producing state, abandoning state, and/or killing state. In some embodiments, systems and methods may include a plurality of production control assemblies to control and/or monitor the downhole operations.

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 a rheology additive of the invention comprising fatty dimer diamines or dimer diamines and an organic acid or ester of the acid. A nonlimiting example of such a rheology additive comprises a C36 fatty dimer diamine and adipic acid or dimethyl adipate.

Abstract: A method of forming a subterranean well and a method of reducing lost circulation in a subterranean well while drilling the subterranean well are disclosed. The methods include using multi-component fibers as lost-circulation materials. The multi-component fibers having external surfaces and include at least a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. At least a portion of the external surfaces of the multi-component fibers includes the first polymeric composition, which at least partially adhesively bonds the mud cake formed during the method.

Abstract: Invert emulsion drilling fluids that have extended emulsion stability and reduced sag potential can be realized through incorporation of colloidal particles therein. The invert emulsion drilling fluids can be free of organophilic clays. The organophilic clay-free drilling fluids can comprise: an oleaginous fluid continuous phase; an aqueous fluid internal phase; a surfactant; a weighting agent; and a plurality of colloidal particles, the colloidal particles comprising fibrous colloidal particles and at least one other type of colloidal particle; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of colloidal particles interact with the surfactant to form an associative supporting structure that inhibits sag of the weighting agent.

Abstract: A high-temperature drilling fluid is disclosed based on brine and on a mixture of solids of controlled grain size, with water, dissolved salts and insoluble mineral solids comprising at least in part a weighting material of a grain size such that its D50 ranges between 1 and 25 ?m and in part colloids of a grain size such that its D50 ranges between 0.2 and 2 ?m. The total volume fraction of the solids ranges between 30 and 50% in relation to the total volume, and the total volume comprises at least 10% by volume of the colloids.

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. Treating composition and treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in drilling a wellbore into an earthen formation that includes the use of a graphene-based material, where the graphene-based material may be at least one of graphene, graphene oxide, chemically converted graphene, and derivatized graphite oxide are shown and described. In certain examples, the methods and compositions reduce permeability damage and/or stabilize shales.

Abstract: Compositions including relatively low reactivity acids and having a pH of from about 2 to about 5, mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as fluids, in a non-limiting embodiment as drilling fluids, to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The fluids initially have low viscosities. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and within the formation rock. Even when the subterranean formation contains naturally-occurring fractures, the viscosified fluid will reduce fluid loss into the formation. After drilling through the targeted formation, internal breakers in the viscosified fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and production of the well with very little or no near well bore damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.

Abstract: A method of strengthening subterranean formation by drilling and completing a wellbore penetrating at least one unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation, the method comprising: (a) drilling at least one interval of the wellbore that penetrates the unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation using a drilling mud comprising a base fluid comprising an aqueous phase containing up to 25% weight by volume (% w/v) of a water soluble silicate, wherein the drilling mud has an acid-soluble particulate bridging solid suspended therein that is formed from a salt of a multivalent cation, wherein the salt of the multivalent cation is capable of providing dissolved multivalent cations when in the presence of an acid; (b) subsequently introducing a breaker fluid containing an acid and/or an acid precursor into the wellbore; (c) allowing the breaker fluid to soak in the interval that penetrates the unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation for a predetermined period and strengthening formation by reacting wit

Abstract: Adding a lubricant having a metal stearate and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to a downhole fluid may lubricate a first surface once the downhole fluid has been circulated within a subterranean reservoir wellbore. Friction, torque, and/or drag may be reduced when the lubricated first surface contacts a second surface. The first surface may be or include, but is not limited to a wellbore casing, a drill string, a pipe, a formation, a drill bit, a metal surface within a mud motor, formation evaluation tool, at least one drilling tool, and combinations thereof. One or both of the first and second surfaces may be metal. The downhole fluid may be or include, but is not limited to, a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a fracturing fluid, a drill-in fluid, a workover fluid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A drilling fluid and method for drilling in a coal containing formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 0.05% calcium sulfate; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a coal seam.

Abstract: A system for curing lost circulation is made of fibers and a material able to stick fibers in a network when activated. Such activation can be temperature or pH change or both. The fibers can be metallic amorphous fibers, metallic non-amorphous fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymeric fibers and combinations thereof. The material can be a fiber coating or an additional material, for example polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane and heat activated epoxy resin.

Abstract: A viscoelastic drilling fluid for drilling in underground rock formations, comprising (a) an aqueous and/or organic liquid base, (b) at least one weighting agent, in particulate form, with a mass per unit volume of at least 2 g/cm3, preferably at least 4 g/cm3, in suspension in said liquid base, and (c) carbon nanotubes with a mean diameter of between 10 and 30 nm and a specific surface in excess of 200 m2/g, preferably of between 200 m2/g and 250 m2/g and a drilling method using such a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubrication system for a drilling apparatus. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string and a drill bit, and it is driven by a working fluid circulated through a working fluid circuit. The lubrication system uses a reservoir of a lubricating fluid for supply to a drilling apparatus during a drilling operation; and a pump for supplying lubricating fluid from said reservoir to the drilling apparatus during the drilling operation. The pump is controlled to supply lubricating fluid from the reservoir at a determined rate to a lubrication circuit formed by the working fluid circuit of the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: The invention being designed in this application relates to a radial drilling method. Boreholes are placed into oil and gas formations to provide openings for the removal of the product. Oil and gas wells extend to different depths and downhole well conditions. The radial system has been designed to accommodate the well conditions and to jet or drill different oil and gas formation. The radial system provides a mill/bit which is rotated from a downhole motor or a surface swivel. The mill ports, the steel casing, and the bit extend outward into the formation forming a borehole to a predetermined length. The borehole is provided without an entrance radius into the formation. Several radial holes can be provided considering a one trip event.

Abstract: An inhibitive water-based polymer mud system and method for using the system in drilling and in stabilizing wellbores is disclosed for use in water sensitive formations as an alternative to oil-based muds. The system comprises a fresh water or salt water base thinned or dispersed with a water soluble, biodegradable polyamide-based copolymer having at least one grafted side chain formed from ethylenic unsaturated compounds. This system is effective and has stable rheology over a broad pH range, even at a near neutral pH of 8.0. The drilling fluids do not contain heavy metals and are rheologically tolerant to contaminants such as cement, anhydrite and sodium and temperatures as high as about 400° F.

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore into a formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 1% potassium salt and/or at least 0.05% calcium sulfate; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a formation. An anionic thinner may be added if the clay concentration of the drilling fluid reaches a problematic level to adversely affect pumpability of the fluid.

Abstract: A well fluid additive having a heavier first bead and a lighter second bead, with the first bead having a specific gravity that exceeds the specific gravity of the second bead by at least 1 percent.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the finding that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially utilized in drilling fluids that are utilized in drilling subterreanean wells. For instance, it has been unexpectedly found that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially used as total or partial replacements for organoclays in oil based drilling fluids.

Abstract: A chopper mechanism for providing a fiber to a fluid at an oilfield. The chopper mechanism may be employed to process the fiber from an uncut form to a cut form in order to provide a mixture of the fluid and the fiber with flowback inhibiting character. Techniques of employing the chopper mechanism may be utilized at the site of an oilfield for applications such as fracturing, cementing, and drilling. Additionally, the chopper mechanism itself may be made available as a large high capacity chopper assembly, or a smaller handheld chopper gun for slower rate fiber supply operations.

Abstract: The present invention regards a method to be used when performing drilling in a well bore, comprising: positioning a dual bore drill pipe with a tool at on one end into a well bore, thereby forming an outer annulus between the well bore wall and the pipe and two inner bores within the pipe, dividing the outer annulus into two different sections along the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe, at least at one location close to the tool, providing a first fluid in the outer annuls and providing a second fluid within the drill pipe and around the tool, and a device.