Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations include drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid that comprises water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on minerals and rocks in weak unconsolidated zones or formations and then further contacting the unconsolidated formation with a treating fluid comprising a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, and a water soluble or dispersible thermoset resin which cross-links the polymer, is catalyzed and cured by the catalyst and consolidates the weak zone or formation so that sloughing is prevented.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating unconsolidated weak zones or formations and forming chemical casings include drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid having a pH in the range of from about 6 to 10 and that comprises water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on the mineral surfaces in the weak zone, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin and a delay acid catalyst for curing the solid resin, and forming a filter cake on the walls of the well bore. The filter cake is then contacted with a treating fluid comprising a water soluble or water dispersible polymer which is capable of being cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causing the resin to be hard and tough when cured, and a water soluble or dispersible thermoset resin, whereby the treating fluid components deposit on the filter cake and the thermoset resin cures into a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing thereon.

Abstract: An additive package for removing oil from solid material recovered from a well bore, e.g., drill cuttings and produced sand, is provided. The additive package includes an aqueous acidic solution containing a polymer substituted with an amino group, a halogenating agent, and optionally one or more surfactants. The polymer substituted with an amino group is preferably chitosan, and the halogenating agent is preferably a sodium hypochlorite solution. A product of the reaction of the polymer and the halogenating agent, in conjunction with the surfactant when present, is capable of causing the separation of at least a portion of the oil from the solid material.

Abstract: Well-working fluid compositions containing certain processed inorganic, oil and water wettable ground elastomeric crumb rubber materials to decrease the seepage loss of various fluids to subterranean formations in which these well working fluids are required and utilized are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of reducing the seepage and whole mud loss of these well working fluids utilizing such ground elastomeric crumb rubber materials.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a wellbore employing a drilling fluid providing the advantages of easy pumpability of a low viscosity fluid with the drill cuttings suspension capability of a highly viscous fluid. The viscosity of the fluid is also easily and quickly adjustable so that the fluid rheology may be adapted during drilling as the subterranean conditions change. These advantages are obtained by including in said fluid a reversibly crosslinkable polymer and an encapsulated crosslink activator. The crosslink activator causes crosslinking after the fluid is in the wellbore. The crosslinking is reversed at the well surface to reduce the viscosity of the fluid to enable the drill cuttings to be easily removed. Crosslink activator is added back to the fluid and the fluid is returned to the borehole. The amount of crosslink activator and/or crosslinkable polymer may be adjusted in the fluid to change the fluid rheology to conform the fluid to changes in the well conditions as monitored real time.

Abstract: A method of treating a well including injecting a thermally stable, substantially water-free well-treating fluid into the well, wherein the well-treating fluid comprises a polymer, a glycol compound, and a salt is disclosed. In another embodiment, a thermally stable, substantially water-free well fluid including a polymer, a diol compound, and a salt is disclosed.

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: A drilling fluid additive is provided wherein the additive is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a combination of oil and glycol or cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet, treated or coated with the oil/glycol combination or the cellulose; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low toxicity drilling mud oil. In some embodiments, the fluid loss characteristic of the drilling mud oil as used in a borehole can be reduced to less than 0.2 ml/30 minutes by adding about 0.05% to about 2.0% by weight of a butadiene-styrene-butadiene (BSB) block copolymer having about 20% by weight or more styrene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable chemical compositions wherein core substrates, particularly oil well chemicals, are adsorbed onto particulate starch, particularly granular starch, providing a stable, controlled release formulation suitable for use in oil field applications. The invention further relates to the process of preparing obtaining these compositions.

Abstract: The use of polymer latices is described for fluid loss control in water-based drilling fluids. The latices used are water insoluble. The latices are essentially non-swelling in an aqueous solution. The latices are selected from known latices such that they are absorbed within a filter cake building up at the interface between the wellbore and porous formations in essentially the same state as they are in the aqueous drilling fluid during circulation.

Abstract: A shale-stabilizing additive is described which comprises a copolymer of an olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon and an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, carbocylic acid salt or carboxylic acid anhydride with alkylene oxide based side chains. The additive can be used for water-based service fluids (WBM) to facilitate the drilling or completion process in shales or clayey formations.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations or forming chemical casing or both while drilling are provided. One method of the invention comprises drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid comprised of water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on weak zones or formations formed of unconsolidated clays, shale, sand stone and the like, a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid catalyst for curing the solid and water soluble resins. The drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the well bore that cures and consolidates the unconsolidated weak zones and formations penetrated by the well bore so that sloughing is prevented and forms a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing on the walls of the well bore.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid having a polymer latex capable of providing a deformable latex film on at least a portion of a subterranean formation has been discovered to provide reduced drilling fluid pressure invasion when used to drill in shale formations for hydrocarbon recovery operations. A precipitating agent such as a silicate or an aluminum complex (e.g. sodium aluminate) is preferably used in conjunction with the polymer. Typically, the water present contains a salt to form a brine, often to saturation, although the invention may be practiced with fresh water. If a salt is employed, it is often helpful to additionally employ a surfactant, such as a betaine, for example.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating formations or forming chemical casing or both while drilling are provided. One method of the invention comprises drilling a well bore with a drilling fluid comprised of water, a polymeric cationic catalyst which is adsorbed on weak zones or formations formed of unconsolidated clays, shale, sand stone and the like, a water soluble or dispersible polymer which is cross-linked by a thermoset resin and causes the resin to be hard and tough when cured, a particulate curable solid thermoset resin, a water soluble thermoset resin, and a delayed dispersible acid catalyst for curing the solid and water soluble resins. The drilling fluid forms a filter cake on the walls of the well bore that cures and consolidates the unconsolidated weak zones and formations penetrated by the well bore so that sloughing is prevented and forms a hard and tough cross-linked chemical casing on the walls of the well bore.

Abstract: Novel corrosion inhibiting compositions comprising a combination of amino thiol or amino disulfide compounds with acidic amino acid polymers inhibit carbon dioxide induced corrosion of ferrous metals in aqueous systems. Particularly effective inhibitor compositions are the natural amino acids cysteine and cystine and their decarboxylated analogues cysteamine and cystamine in combination with polyaspartic acid. The inhibitor compositions are particularly useful for preventing corrosion and scale formation in oil production applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pressure resistant sphere comprising the steps of

Abstract: Environmentally acceptable or regulatory compliant oil-based drilling fluids and methods of using same in drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation are disclosed. The fluids are able to meet environmental regulations while maintaining acceptable oil mud rheology and overall oil mud performance. The fluids are comprised of an invert emulsion. The base or continuous phase of the emulsion is comprised of esters blended with isomerized olefins, and/or other hydrocarbons, such as paraffins, mineral oils or glyceride triesters or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the emulsion has as a base comprising isomerized olefins blended with other hydrocarbons such as linear alpha olefins, paraffins or naphthenes.

Abstract: The invention is a novel drilling fluid additive comprising particles of elastomer which are capable of swelling upon contact with a hydrocarbon fluid. The swelling of the elastomer is gradual, allowing the elastomer to reach the lost circulation zone before significant swelling occurs. Once in the lost circulation zone, the polymer expands sealing off the lost circulation zone. A method for preventing drilling fluid loss is also provided.

Abstract: Water based drilling fluid compositions which contain at least one viscosity builder and at least one rheological control agent wherein the rheological control agent is an amphoteric polymer, the cationic groups of the amphoteric polymer being quaternary ammonium groups.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in creating boreholes, tunnels and other excavations in unstable soils and earth formations, especially those composed partially or wholly of sand, gravel or other granular or permeable material are disclosed. The fluids include a polymer, and a soluble silicate ion source. The fluids of the invention, when used according to the methods of the invention, have unique dual functionality as excavating fluids and as earth-grouting or soil-hardening compositions.

Abstract: A drilling fluid having a brine base fluid, aluminum chlorohydrate as a viscosifying agent, an alkoxylated surfactant, and an amphoteric polymer encapsulant has been found to have excellent viscoelasticity and suspension characteristics. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a synergistic effect is present between the aluminum chlorohydrate and the surfactant such that less of each component is required when both are used together to suspend the same amount of solids, than if one or the other is used separately.

Abstract: An oil based drilling mud is viscosified with a maleated ethylene-propylene elastomers. The elastomers are preferably EPM copolymers or EPDM terpolymers. The concentration of the maleic anhydride grafted to the copolymer or terpolymer backbone ranges from 0.01 to 5 wt %, preferably 0.1 to 2.0 wt %. The maleated elastomers are far more effective oil mud viscosifiers than the organophilic clays presently used.

Abstract: Aqueous drilling and reservoir fluids are provided comprising polymers with shale and clay inhibition characteristics. These polymers are dissolved in the fluid and are formed from 50 to 100 mo % monomers of formula (I), wherein R.sup.1 is selected from H and C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl groups; R.sup.2 is selected from C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl groups, --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 COCH.sub.3, --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 and --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH.sub.2. R.sup.3 is selected from H, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl groups, CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH-- and CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)--; wherein when R.sup.3 is H or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl then R.sup.1 is H and R.sup.2 is --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CH.sub.2 and when R.sup.2 is --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CH.sub.2 COCH.sub.3 then R.sup.1 is H; 0 to 50 mol % other ethylenically unsaturated non-ionic monomers and 0 to 20 mol % ionic ethylenically unsaturated monomers and the polymer has a molecular weight of below 1 million.

Abstract: Simplified drilling fluids (and other well bore fluids) contain a non-aqueous-base fluid and a viscosifying/fluid loss agent that meets certain performance criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-based drilling fluid, a continuous phase for an oil-based drilling fluid, and additives for an oil-based drilling fluid. The drilling fluid, the continuous phase of the drilling fluid, and the additives for the oil-based drilling fluid are characterized by non-fluorescence (defined as a fluorescence intensity of 800 or less) when exposed to ultraviolet light. The continuous phase of the drilling fluid is composed of synthetic hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of oligomers synthesized from one or more alphaolefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length, wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 100, and additives. The additives of the continuous phase include surfactants, wetting agents and/or emulsifiers.

Abstract: A foamable drilling fluid for use in well operations such as deep water offshore drilling where risers are not employed in returning the fluid to the surface mud pit. A preferred foamable drilling fluid comprises a prehydrated clay such as bentonite, sea water, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-olefinsulfonates, alkylpolyglycosides, alcohol sulfates, salts of ethoxylated alcohol sulfates, and a stabilizing surfactant consisting of cocoamine betaine. The stabilized foam drilling fluid resists foam breakdown upon drilling cessation, prevents fluid loss to reduce filter cake buildup and increases the carrying capacity of cuttings and other solids. In addition, a foamable drilling fluid is provided including an hydraulic material selected from the group consisting of Portland cement, siliceous material like fumed silica, blast furnace slag and pozzolans such as fly ash.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved water based drilling fluid containing a controlled cross-linked polymeric fluid loss control agent. The novel polymeric fluid loss control agent of this invention exhibits improved thermal stability and other enhanced drilling fluid additive properties. The controlled cross-linking of the polymer of this invention results from the addition of specific amounts and types of cross-linking agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for viscosifying aqueous fluids, methods for making them and methods for using them. In one aspect of the invention, inventive compositions comprise a prehydrating alcohol having at least two hydroxyl groups and having a molecular weight of from about 60 to about 600; an inorganic salt; and a polymer. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the viscosifier composition additionally comprises a solvent having a molecular weight of from about 75 to about 1000. According to another aspect of the invention, inventive compositions comprise a prehydrating alcohol; an inorganic salt; and a polymer; and the composition is essentially free from water. Inventive compositions find advantageous use in viscosifying fluids utilized in subterranean drilling activities such as, for example, drilling, drill-in, completion, hydraulic fracturing, work-over, packer, well treating, testing, spacer, or hole abandonment fluids.

Abstract: A foamable drilling fluid for use in well operations such as deep water offshore drilling where risers are not employed in returning the fluid to the surface mud pit. A preferred foamable drilling fluid comprises a prehydrated clay such as bentonite, sea water, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-olefinsulfonates, alkylpolyglycosides, alcohol sulfates, salts of ethoxylated alcohol sulfates, and a stabilizing surfactant consisting of cocoamine betaine. The stabilized foam drilling fluid resists foam breakdown upon drilling cessation, prevents fluid loss to reduce filter cake buildup and increases the carrying capacity of cuttings and other solids. In addition, a foamable drilling fluid is provided including an hydraulic material selected from the group consisting of Portland cement, siliceous material like fumed silica, blast furnace slag and pozzolans such as fly ash.

Abstract: Linear olefin monomers, and particularly alpha-olefins, having a pour point greater than -102.degree., a flash point greater than 10.degree. and a boiling point greater than 121.degree. are proposed as frac fluids in treatment of oil and gas wells by fracturing. Linear olefin monomers are injected into the well, and fracturing pressures applied to the well to fracture the well. Linear olefin monomers may be mixed with a liquified drive fluid such as CO.sub.2, preferably with the CO.sub.2 forming a miscible bank ahead of the linear olefin monomers for use in driving the load fluid from the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to an earth stabilization fluid and to a method for using such an earth stabilization fluid. This invention uses a continuous phase that has been added to a borehole and a polymer material that forms gel masses having desired functional properties when added to the continuous phase.

Abstract: A high internal phase ratio water-in-oil emulsion containing an emulsifier comprising a block or graft copolymer the general formula (A-COO).sub.mB or a reaction product of a polyalk(en)yl succinic anhydride and a polar compound having at least one hydroxyl or amino group demonstrates surprisingly low pumping friction pressure losses, high temperature stability and excellent proppant carrying capacity for use as a fracturing fluid in the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formation.

Abstract: Oil-base drilling fluids containing a non-sulfonated polymer and/or a non-organophilic clay maintain desirable rheological properties at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A stable, non-aqueous liquid suspension of delayed boron cross-linkers comprises an anhydrous boron compound or a sparingly soluble borate suspended in a mixture of mineral spirits (commonly termed as naphtha) and a resin. Anhydrous boron compounds suitable for suspension include, but are not limited to, anhydrous borax, anhydrous boric acid, or a mixture of both the anhydrous borax and anhydrous boric acid. Sparingly soluble borates suitable for suspension include, but are not limited to, alkaline earth metal borates, alkali metal borates, or a mixture thereof. The mixture between the mineral spirits and resin produces a mineral spirits-resin solution. Alternatively, the mineral spirits may be replaced with a suitable oil which forms an oil-resin solution when mixed with the resin. The oil-resin solution suspends the anhydrous boron compound or the sparingly soluble borate to produce a stable, non-aqueous liquid suspension of delayed boron cross-linkers.

Abstract: The water-soluble copolymer comprises 5-90% by weight of groups of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl, R.sup.2 is C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -alkylene, and Me is ammonium or an alkali metal, 5-90% by weight of groups of the formula--CH.dbd.CH--CH.sub.2 --N.sup.+ R.sup.3 R.sup.4 --CH.sub.2 --CH.dbd.CH-- X.sup.- IIin which X is a halogen, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, independently of one another, are C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, 0-60% by weight of groups of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 together are a propylene group which with inclusion of the radical ##STR3## forms a pyrrolidone radical, and 0-30% by weight of groups of the formula--CHR.sup.7 --CHR.sup.8 -- IVin which R.sup.7 is hydrogen or methyl and R.sup.8 is CONH.sub.2, CON(CH.sub.3).sub.2, cyano, SO.sub.3 H, SO.sub.3 Me, C.sub.6 H.sub.4 SO.sub.3 H, C.sub.6 H.sub.4 SO.sub.3 Me, CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 H, CH.sub.2 SO.sub.3 Me, COOH, COOMe, or carboxy-C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing and earth stabilization fluid, a method for using such an earth stabilization fluid and to the earth stabilization fluid itself. This invention uses a continuous phase that has been added to a borehole and a polymer material that forms gel masses having desired functional properties when added to the continuous phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a drilling fluid containing additives composed of copolymers which are obtainable by an industrially favorable process and superior in heat-resisting property. Even though the additives are used in a relatively small amount, such an amount sufficiently prevents changes in the properties of drilling fluid due to various kinds of hard water components being contained in underground water or cement as well as due to sea water, and the additives are able to display the properties of drilling fluid constantly regardless of presence or absence of salts.Drilling fluid additives of the present invention are composed of a water-soluble copolymer (A) having an average molecular weight of 1,000-50,000. The water soluble copolymer (A) is composed of 40-99.5 mole percent of an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer (I), as shown in the following general formula (I), and 0.5-60 mole percent of an unsaturated (meth)allylether monomer (II), as shown in the general formula (II).

Abstract: A copolymer comprised of at least one monomer having ethylenic unsaturation and a carboxylic acid group, optionally at least one monomer having ethylenic unsaturation and not having a carboxylic acid group, at least one oxyalkylated monomer having ethylenic unsaturation and terminated by a fatty hydrophobic chain having at least 26 C atoms, and optionally at least one monomer having at least two sites of ethylenic unsaturation. The copolymer is employed as a modifier of rheological properties, stabilizing agent, and/or an antisedimentation or suspension agent for coarse mineral of organic materials, in applications such as drilling muds, textile printing pies, cosmetics, detergents, plant protection, and paints and coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture of a brine and a liquid hydrocarbon, and (A) a viscosity increasing amount of at least one ester of a carboxy-containing interpolymer or salt thereof wherein the interpolymer is prepared by polymerizing an olefin selected from the group consisting of alpha-olefins and vinyl aromatic monomers with at least one alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acylating agent, and provided that when the olefin is vinyl toluene, then the alpha, beta-unsaturated carboxylic acylating agent is an alpha, beta-unsaturated dicarboxylic acylating agent. The compositions of the present invention are useful as drilling fluids as well as completion fluids. The esters of the carboxy-containing interpolymer or salts thereof provide beneficial viscosity, formation stabilization, emulsification and rheology properties to the fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved continuous phase for an oil based drilling fluid and specifically a synthetic hydrocarbon continuous phase which is non-polluting and minimally toxic. The invention provides excellent drilling fluid properties under a wide variety of drilling conditions. The synthetic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of branched chain oligomers synthesized from one or more olefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length and wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 1000. In the drilling fluid compositions, suitable emulsifiers, wetting agents, viscosifiers, weight materials and fluid loss additives are utilized in conjunction with water and/or a brine phase for the desired rheological properties.

Abstract: A non-polluting dispersing agent for drilling fluids based on soft water or salt water.A dispersing agent for aqueous drilling fluids, optionally saline, belonging to the group of polymers and/or copolymers containing acid functions which is characterized in that, to ensure that these fluids retain their rheological characteristics, even under the extreme temperature and pressure conditions prevailing in deep bore holes, said dispersing agent is a salt of said polymers and/or copolymers of which the salifying cation corresponds to a metal having a Pauling electronegativity at least equal to 0.95 and preferably greater than 1.

Abstract: A water soluble polymer which is characterized by the formula: ##STR1## wherein x is 50 mole percent or 662/3 mole percent or 75 mole percent and y+z is 50 mole percent, when x is 50 mole percent, y+z is 331/3 mole percent, when x is 662/3 mole percent, and y+z is 25 mole percent, when x is 75 mole percent, wherein the molar ratio of y to z is about 100:1 to 1:100, and M.sup.+ is hydrogen or a metal cation selected from the group consisting of lead, aluminum, iron and Groups IA, IIA, IB and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements and the level of sulfonation based upon the styrene monomer is about 75 to about 100 mole percent, and R is an alkyl group having about 6 to about 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A water-based drilling mud additive comprising a preblended combination of about 2 parts of high softening point uintaite, about 1 part of a lower softening point uintaite, about 1 part of causticized lignite, and a strongly lipophilic, non-ionic surfactant is disclosed. This composition decreases shale sloughing and bore-hole instability during drilling of wells.