Abstract: Drilling fluid additive compositions are provided for use with synthetic, oil based, or water based drilling fluids. The combined additive and drilling fluid are effective for reducing lost circulation, seepage loss as well as wellbore strengthening and/or wellbore lining. The method includes injecting the drilling fluid and 0.01 or more pounds per barrel of a loss control additive including ground and sized pumice, barite or dolomite.

Abstract: A method of altering the properties of a drilling fluid includes adding effective amounts of crushed or whole oilseeds or mixtures of crushed or whole oilseeds to a drilling fluid. The crushed or whole oilseeds or mixture of crushed or whole oilseeds are selected to impart any one of or a combination of effects including but not limited to: an increase in drilling fluid emulsion stability in oil-based or invert emulsion fluids, decreased specific gravity of the drilling fluid, seepage loss control, filtration control, oil wetting and deflocculation/dispersion, of entrained solids and/or reduced torque and drag of the drilling string.

Abstract: A solid body contains a surfactant and crushed walnut hulls. The solid body is shaped to predetermined dimensions that permit passage through the central interior opening of drill pipe. The solid body dissolves in drilling mud for delivery of a pill to the annulus through the drill bit nozzles. The pill is an effective treatment against bit balling.

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: Treatments fluids relating to the hydrolysis of water-hydrolysable materials are provided. In one embodiment, provided is a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, a water-miscible solvent, and a water-hydrolysable material. Also provided is a hydrolysis retarder composition that comprises an aqueous liquid and a water-miscible solvent.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a silicone-tackifier matrix composition that comprises at least one silicone polymer component, at least one tackifying agent, and at least one curing agent and/or at least one cross linking agent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of altering the properties of a drilling fluid by adding effective amounts of crushed oilseeds, whole oilseeds, or one or more purified oils from oilseeds or mixtures of crushed oilseeds, whole oilseeds and/or one or more purified oils from oilseeds to a drilling fluid. The crushed oilseeds, whole oilseeds, and one or more purified oils from oilseeds or mixtures of crushed oilseeds, whole oilseeds and one or more purified oils from oilseeds are selected to impart any one of or a combination of effects including but not limited to: an increase in drilling fluid emulsion stability in oil-based or invert emulsion fluids, decreased specific gravity of the drilling fluid, seepage loss control, filtration control, oil wetting and deflocculation/dispersion of entrained solids and/or reduced torque and drag of the drilling string.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation is provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, ranging in size from approximately 10 to approximately 750 microns, a wetting component, a viscosifier component and an activator or flocculant. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud to the permeable formation and will not set up inside the drill string. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment, thus removing the need to form a pill in a slugging pit prior to introduction. The mixture dewaters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to dewater and set as a solid plug.

Abstract: A method of altering the properties of a drilling fluid includes adding effective amounts of crushed or whole oilseeds or mixtures of crushed or whole oilseeds to a drilling fluid. The crushed or whole oilseeds or mixture of crushed or whole oilseeds are selected to impart any one of or a combination of effects including but not limited to: an increase in drilling fluid emulsion stability in oil-based or invert emulsion fluids, decreased specific gravity of the drilling fluid, seepage loss control, filtration control, oil wetting and deflocculation/dispersion, of entrained solids and/or reduced torque and drag of the drilling string.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation are provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations up to at least 5100 psi. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, a wetting component, a viscosifier component, an activator or flocculant component, and an extender. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud up to the rate of 90 pounds per barrel. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment. The mixture de-waters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture may be weighted and does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to de-water and set as a solid plug.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to compositions and methods for using a composite particulate comprising a cellulosic fiber and a filler as a lost-circulation material. An example of a method of controlling lost circulation in a subterranean method, comprises contacting a subterranean formation with a fluid comprising a base fluid and a lost circulation material, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a composite particulate, and wherein the composite particulate comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. An example method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the cement compositions comprises a cement, water, and a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. Example compositions include lost-circulation materials, treatment fluids and cement compositions.

Abstract: A lost circulation material and method for well treatment employing the material that is effective at sealing or plugging small fissures and large fractures and has utility over a wide range of temperatures, including high temperatures. The material has an optimized bimodal particle distribution and optionally has a polymer flocculent or water swellable polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of altering the properties of a drilling fluid by adding effective amounts of crushed or whole oilseeds or mixtures of crushed whole oilseeds to a drilling fluid. The crushed or whole oilseeds or mixture of crushed or whole oilseeds are selected to impart any one of or a combination of effects including but not limited to: an increase in drilling fluid emulsion stability in oil-based or invert emulsion fluids, decreased specific gravity of the drilling fluid, seepage loss control, filtration control, oil wetting and deflocculation/dispersion, of entrained solids and/or reduced torque and drag of the drilling string.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to compositions and methods for using a composite particulate comprising a cellulosic fiber and a filler as a lost-circulation material. An example of a method of controlling lost circulation in a subterranean method, comprises contacting a subterranean formation with a fluid comprising a base fluid and a lost circulation material, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a composite particulate, and wherein the composite particulate comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. An example method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the cement compositions comprises a cement, water, and a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. Example compositions include lost-circulation materials, treatment fluids and cement compositions.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising contacting a solid defoamer/antifoamer composition with a wellbore servicing fluid, wherein the solid defoamer/antifoamer composition comprises at least one water-insoluble compound or slightly water-soluble compound having defoaming/antifoaming activity and at least one emulsifier, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid in the wellbore.

Abstract: A solid body contains a surfactant and crushed walnut hulls. The solid body is shaped to predetermined dimensions that permit passage through the central interior opening of drill pipe. The solid body dissolves in drilling mud for delivery of a pill to the annulus through the drill bit nozzles. The pill is an effective treatment against bit balling.

Abstract: A process for minimizing breaking of an emulsion type drilling fluid system comprising one or more fibrous lost circulation material, the process comprising: determining the water retention value of one or more candidate fibrous lost circulation materials; and, formulating the emulsion type drilling fluid system to comprise fibrous lost circulation material consisting of one or more of the candidate fibrous lost circulation materials having a water retention value of about 1 or less.

Abstract: The productivity of sandstone or carbonate formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a deformable particulate and a HF-containing acidizing solution. The deformable particulates create a partial monolayer in the formation while the HF-containing acidizing solution differentially etches the rock around the deformable particulate. The surface of the formation is partially blocked from reaction with the acidizing solution by the creation of the partial monolayer. Conductive channels are therefore created on the surface of the formation. The deformable particulates deform on closure. As the closure stress increases, the formation faces compress the non-dissolved, sandwiched formation points. These points function as pillars of un-reacted formation and act similar to a partial monolayer of proppant, providing the highly conductive channels.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid composition includes water and at least one rheology modifier and/or fluid loss control agent, and at least one other ingredient of polymeric additive, inorganic salts, dispersants, shale stabilizers, weighting agents, or finely divided clay particles, depending upon the desired attributes, wherein the rheology modifier and/or the fluid loss control agent comprises carboxymethylated raw cotton linters (CM-RCL) made from the baled raw cotton linters or comminuted raw cotton linters with increased bulk density.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive comprised of ground canola meal that decreases seepage loss and fluid loss of the fluid to permeable formations. The canola meal is ground to particle sizes between about 10 and 1250 microns, in particular, between about 100 to 1000 microns. This product can be added to oil or water based drilling fluids. It is environmentally safe, reduces torque and drag on a drill string, and provides viscosity in the system. The additive has a high return permeability and acid degradability.

Abstract: A composition that includes a product resulting from a condensation reaction of quebracho with at least one organophilic species that includes a reactive amine is disclosed.

Abstract: A circulation loss combination for water-based drilling fluid system(s) comprising: a first amount of alkali metal silicate; a second amount of water insoluble particulate; and, a quantity of water soluble activating agent effective to reduce the pH of the water-based drilling fluid system to a value sufficiently low to form an effective circulation loss structure at a desired period of time after addition to the water-based drilling fluid system.

Abstract: An additive for controlling filtration loss from a well working fluid in contact with a permeable formation, which comprises sugar cane ash, or sugar cane ash and a cellulose-like material, or sugar cane ash, a cellulose-like material and an oleaginous liquid, wherein the sugar cane ash and cellulose-like material have a particle size no more than 300 microns.

Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids that include carboxyalkylated corn hulls in an amount effective to inhibit fluid loss from a wellbore formation. The carboxyalkylated corn hulls are heat stable and surprisingly effective at inhibiting fluid loss. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and a drilling process.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided wherein the additive is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing at least one carrier such as a polypropylene glycol to talc and subsequently admixing graphite to the talc and carrier mixture; and then admixing an uintaite to the talc, carrier and graphite mixture.

Abstract: For tubing/casing annulus plug treatment to plug a well, a tubing/casing annulus plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a tubing/casing annulus plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the tubing/casing annulus of a well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the annulus.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore to restore lost circulation. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a pellet comprising a mixture of lost circulation materials (LCMs).

Abstract: A nutrient source for marine organisms comprising: drilling fluids containing organic contaminants; a solidification agent; a cell transport agent; and a cellulosic additive.

Abstract: A method to significantly reduce mounding on the seafloor near oil drilling operations comprising the steps of: mixing drilling fluids with organic contaminates in a high shear mixer; adding a solidification agent which expands when hydrated and electrolytically attracts said organic contaminates to its surface; adding a cellulosic additive in an amount between 1 and 50 wt % based on the amount of said organic contaminate in the drilling fluid forming a mixture; adding a cell transport agent in an amount between 0.5 wt % and 10 wt % based on the amount of said organic contaminate in the drilling fluid, wherein said cell transport agent is capable of transporting large organic molecules through cell walls and neutralizing said mixture to a pH of between 7 and 8 to said mixture; and mixing at a high shear rate until said mixture forms a fine powder, dispersing said fine powder into the sea.

Abstract: A dense drilling fluid additive used to control lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations is disclosed. Such additive is formed from ground base materials, such as inorganic matter, and may be used to manage the rheological properties of drilling fluid.

Abstract: A composition for oil and gas drilling fluids containing organic contaminants comprising: a solidification agent; cell transport agent; a cellulosic additive; and wherein said composition comprises enough solidification agent to enable the solidification agent to electrolytically attract the organic contaminates to the surface of the solidification agent when hydrated.

Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids suitable for use in connection with oil well drilling. The drilling fluids of the invention include in one embodiment a liquid base, an alkyl glucoside, such as methyl glucoside, and a borehole stability agent that includes a maltodextrin, a carboxyalkyl starch, a hemicellulose-containing material, or a mixture of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the drilling fluid includes a liquid base and desugared molasses solids, preferably in combination with an alkyl glucoside and more preferably in further combination with one of the aforementioned borehole stability agents. The drilling fluids of the invention surprisingly have a reduced tendency to swell shale as compared with known drilling fluids. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and process. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string, which may be conventional, that is fluidically coupled to a source of drilling fluid, the source of drilling fluid including the drilling fluid of the invention.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating oil and gas drilling fluids containing organic contaminants comprising: a solidification agent and a cellulosic additive; and wherein the composition comprises enough solidification agent to enable the solidification agent to electrolytically attract the organic contaminates to the surface of the solidification agent when hydrated.

Abstract: A composition for sealing porous subterranean formations comprises a mixture of a water-swellable clay and a water insoluble, water absorbent, water-swellable polymer, wherein the mixture is coated with a material that is resistant to penetration by water. The water penetration resistant material helps the delay the onset of swelling of the clay and polymer until it reaches the formations intended for sealing. Mixing the clay with the water-swellable polymer prior to coating assists in coating of the water-swellable polymer with the water penetration resistant material. The coated mixture can be suspended in an aqueous liquid, and then pumped into a subterranean cavity to seal porous formations therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a viscosifier which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to at least 10,000 centipoise, an aphron-generating surfactant, and aphrons, wherein the fluid contains less than about 20% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously re-circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.

Abstract: A new fluid system additive is provided that serves to disperse and maintain fluid system solids in a stabilized condition and also “toughen” the filter cake. Fluid systems containing this additive also tolerate calcium contamination better than existing additives, and in laboratory tests simulating well conditions, the treated fluid systems demonstrate good fluid properties at high temperatures (e.g. 250° F.) in contrast to similar fluid systems treated with conventional, more costly additives.

Abstract: For well plug treatment to plug an abandoned well, a well plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: An environmentally safe lost circulation material and method of use which provides effective drill bit lubrication over a wide temperature range and allows drilling in a variety of porous or fractured subterranean structures. The lost circulation material comprises generally pelletized cottonseed hulls together with between approximately 0.001% and 0.01% by weight of preservative. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lost circulation material comprises of between approximately 98% and 99.5% by weight of pelletized cottonseed hulls, between approximately 0.5% and 2.0% by weight of corn starch, between approximately 0.001% and 0.01% by weight of surfactant, and between approximately 0.001% and 0.01% by weight of preservative. In another preferred embodiment, the lost circulation material comprises between approximately 50% and 80% by weight of pelletized cottonseed hulls, between approximately 10% and 40% by weight of pelletized wood, between approximately 0.

Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids that include carboxyalkylated corn hulls in an amount effective to inhibit fluid loss from a wellbore formation. The carboxyalkylated corn hulls are heat stable and surprisingly effective at inhibiting fluid loss. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and a drilling process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and gellable composition for decreasing the loss of fluid during well drilling or servicing operations. The gellable composition comprises a superabsorbent polymer in an acidic aqueous liquid in which the superabsorbent is not swellable. Preferably the gellable composition also contains a viscosifier, preferably chitosan. The method is practiced by forming the gellable composition, placing it at the location of fluid loss in a well, and mixing it with a basic aqueous liquid to raise the pH and thus allow the superabsorbent to expand in volume. Advantageously, the superabsorbent, chitosan, and an acid, preferably a solid acid, preferably sulfamic acid, are admixed to form an additive for preparing the gellable composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ligand-modified cellulose product comprising cellulose ether, calcium salt and at least one ligand as a chelating agent. The product can be used e.g. in drilling fluids.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for reducing lost circulation in wellbores. The invention utilizes certain selected water swellable polymers that swell at a rate slow enough to reach the lost circulation zone of a well before those polymers have swollen to an extent that disrupts the drilling process. These selected polymers may be used alone or in conjunction with other lost circulation materials which do not swell or also swell slowly enough to reach the lost circulation zone without interfering with the drilling operation. Mixtures of such materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are drilling fluids suitable for use in connection with oil well drilling. The drilling fluids of the invention include in one embodiment a liquid base, an alkyl glucoside, such as methyl glucoside, and a borehole stability agent that includes a maltodextrin, a carboxyalkyl starch, a hemicellulose-containing material, or a mixture of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the drilling fluid includes a liquid base and desugared molasses solids, preferably in combination with an alkyl glucoside and more preferably in further combination with one of the aforementioned borehole stability agents. The drilling fluids of the invention surprisingly have a reduced tendency to swell shale as compared with known drilling fluids. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and process. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string, which may be conventional, that is fluidically coupled to a source of drilling fluid, the source of drilling fluid including the drilling fluid of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and composition of improved additives for use in control of lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations. In particular, the additive is formed such that the additive can be incorporated into the drilling fluid with much greater speed than powdered or ground additives of similar components. The steps to create this dense additive include grinding of the lost circulation and seepage control material to produce a small particle size and applying pressure to the lost circulation and seepage control material such that it densifies and is forced through apertures creating a pelletized dense additive.

Abstract: A dense drilling fluid additive used to control lost circulation, fluid loss and/or seepage loss of drilling fluid during drilling operations is disclosed. Such additive is formed from ground base materials, such as inorganic matter, and may be used to manage the rheological properties of drilling fluid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of performing drilling operations wherein a drilling fluid is circulated in a well being drilled in the ground comprising the steps of grinding a tannin-containing organic waste to form granules, adding the ground tannin-containing organic waste product to the drilling fluid, and circulating the drilling fluid with the ground tannin-containing organic waste product in the well while drilling operations are being carried out. In a preferred embodiment, tannin-containing organic waste products include grape pomace, tomato pomace, yellow pine bark, yellow pine, wood bark and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling fluid comprising cellulose nanofibrils comprising at least 80% of cells with primary walls and charged with carboxylic acids and with acidic polysaccharides, alone or as a mixture. This additive, alone, gives the drilling fluid shear-thinning properties and is stable up to temperatures of about 180° C.

Abstract: An drilling fluid additive to reduce loss circulation includes comminuted rice fraction and corn cobs, and includes ground at least one of ground wood fiber, ground nut shells, ground paper and shredded cellophane. A method of treating a drilling fluid includes contacting such drilling fluid additive with the base drilling fluid to form well fluid. A method of operating a well includes circulation of such a well fluid into and out of a borehole.

Abstract: For lost circulation treatment, a lost circulation additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a lost circulation fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.