Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a sandstone formation comprising introducing a fluid containing glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (GLDA) and/or methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (MGDA) and having a pH of between 1 and 14 into the formation. The invention in addition relates to a fluid suitable for use in the above process containing 5-30 wt % of glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (GLDA) and/or methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (MGDA), a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, and a mutual solvent.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising at least in part shale formation, comprises providing a carrier fluid; providing a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 microns and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.75; combining the carrier fluid and the particulate blend into a fracturing slurry; fracturing the formation with the fracturing slurry to create at least a fracture; and removing the second amount of particulates from the fracture.

Abstract: The present invention covers a fluid and kit of parts suitable for treating carbonate formations containing glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (GLDA) and/or methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid or a salt thereof (MGDA), a corrosion inhibitor, and a surfactant, and the use thereof.

Abstract: An illustrative method of reducing an amount of treatment water injected into a subterranean well may include providing an environmentally friendly polymer, such as a biodegradable polymer (e.g., an aspartic acid based polymer), to the subterranean well. In some cases, the aspartic acid based polymer may include one or more of a copolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, a terpolymer of the aspartic acid based polymer, an aspartic acid based polymer derivative, an aspartic acid based polymer having an end cap, and a soluble salt of the aspartic acid based polymer. In some cases, the treatment water use may be reduced within the range of about five percent to about ninety five percent.

Abstract: A breaker fluid for breaking a filtercake in a wellbore. The fluid including a hydrolysable ester of carboxylic acid, and a chelant, an alkyl glycoside, or a combination thereof. The breaker fluid may be pre-mixed and include an amount of water less than required to completely hydrolyze the ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated particle containing a particle and a coating, wherein the particle contains glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a partial salt thereof of the formula HnYm-GLDA, wherein Y is a cation, selected from the group of sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof, n+m=4, and wherein the coating contains at least one salt that contains as a cation at least one of sodium, potassium or lithium and as anion at least one of silicate sulfate, carbonate, chloride, nitrate, percarbonate, glycolate, oxalate, citrate, stearate, lactate, succinate, malonate, maleate, diglycolate, and fumarate, to a process to prepare such a particle, and, to the use thereof.

Abstract: A method of removing a water-based filter cake from a wellbore, the method comprising: contacting the filter cake with a mixture comprising: a non-aqueous, polar solvent; an agent selected to breakdown the filter cake; said mixture comprising <5 wt % water and preferably being essentially anhydrous. The low water content of the mixture actually slows the degradation of the filter cake which has surprisingly been found to be more effective as it allows a more even removal of the filter cake and a more efficient use of the mixture; without the tendency to create local holes in the filter cake where the mixture could escape. Embodiments of the present invention use a polar solvent with a dielectric constant of more than (15), preferably more than (30) such as (15) monoethylene glycol (MEG). In preferred embodiments the agent comprises a salt based on potassium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in methods for drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive.

Abstract: The composition includes a pH adjusting agent and a precipitation-control agent. The pH adjusting agent provides the hydrolysis of degradable fibers at a temperature of no more than 50° C. and comprises substances that may provide and maintain a high pH environment. The precipitation-control agent allows maximally delaying or completely suppressing the formation and deposition of precipitate during the hydrolysis of the degradable components in the treatment fluid A method of treating an subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore with the additives described herein comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising a base mixture and a degradable substance, with additionally added degradable materials, and injecting the prepared treatment fluid into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of modulating the stability of emulsions, especially the stability of emulsions to flocculation and coalescence. The use of peptide emulsifiers comprising at least one side chain carboxylate group in preparing emulsions that are stable to flocculation or coalescence in the presence of salt is also described.

Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.

Abstract: In a method of treating a sandstone-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore, a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid containing a Bronsted acid, a hydrogen fluoride source and an organic acid or salt thereof that is substantially soluble in the aqueous fluid is formed. The treatment fluid contains less than about 2% of fluoride (F?) by weight of the fluid and from 2% or less of sodium (Na+) by weight of the fluid. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore as a single-stage without introducing an acid-containing fluid preflush into the formation prior to introducing the treatment fluid.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided to enhance oil recovery wherein the indigenous microbial population of an oil reservoir is fed a composition containing glutamate and an electron acceptor. The effect of the glutamate carbon source is to promote bioplugging of a permeable environment by the indigenous microorganisms. Bioplugging in an oil reservoir will improve sweep efficiency thereby leading to enhanced secondary oil recovery.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid having a pH equal to or greater than about 2. Fluids suitable for treating a subterranean formation can comprise water, GLDA or a salt thereof, and a surfactant.

Abstract: A method for preventing scale formation during an alkaline hydrocarbon recovery process is disclosed. An aqueous solution (e.g., recovered sea water, water produced from the subterranean reservoir, or a combination thereof) having a concentration of metal cations (e.g., calcium, magnesium) is provided. A stoichiometric amount of an organic complexing agent relative to the concentration of metal cations is introduced into the aqueous solution such that the organic complexing agent forms aqueous soluble cation-ligand complexes with the metal cations. At least one alkaline is introduced into the aqueous solution to form an injection fluid having a pH value of at least 10. The cation-ligand complexes remain soluble in the injection fluid such that scale formation is prevented when the injection fluid is injected into a subterranean reservoir.

Abstract: A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.

Abstract: Process to prepare coated particles containing a particle and a coating, wherein the particle contains glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a (partial) salt thereof of the formula HnYm-GLDA, wherein Y is a cation selected from the group of sodium, potassium, lithium, and mixtures thereof, n+m=4, in which the particle is made from a solution containing glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a partial salt thereof that has a p H of between 4 and 11, and subsequently or simultaneously the coating is applied on the particle, to an intermediate particle of HnYm-GLDA, wherein n is 0.1-3.2 and m is 0.8-3.9, the coated particle obtainable with the process, and the use thereof.

Abstract: An aqueous, viscoelastic fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) is stabilized and improved with an effective amount of an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, and post-transition metal hydroxides. These fluids are more stable and have a reduced or no tendency to precipitate, particularly at elevated temperatures. The additives may reduce the amount of VES required to maintain a given viscosity. These stabilized, enhanced, aqueous viscoelastic fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in hydraulic fracturing. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that use chemisorption, crosslinking and/or other chemistries to associate and stabilize the VES fluids.

Abstract: The invention discloses method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, the method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a viscosity enhancer; and a viscoelastic surfactant, wherein the enhancer is acid in the aqueous base fluid and co-operates with the viscoelastic surfactant to enhance viscosity compared to viscoelastic surfactant alone in the aqueous base fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes to create wormholes in carbonate reservoirs by contacting a formation with a solution comprising glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) and/or a salt thereof, methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA) and/or a salt thereof, or a combination thereof. The present invention also includes processes to remove wellbore damage in a carbonate reservoir by contacting a damaged zone of the carbonate reservoir with a solution comprising GLDA and/or a salt thereof, methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA) and/or a salt thereof, or a combination thereof. The present invention further includes solutions comprising a salt and further comprising GLDA and/or a salt thereof, methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA) and/or a salt thereof, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and an isothiazolinone-based biocide, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluid compositions used in treating a subterranean formation. In particular, the invention is aqueous wellbore treatment compositions which are foams containing a viscosifying agent, a foam extender, a gas component, and a surfactant, as well as methods of forming such fluids, and uses thereof. The viscosifying agent may be a hydratable polymer, viscoelastic surfactant, or heteropolysaccharide. The foam extender may be a material such as a polyoxyalkyleneamines, ethylenepolyamines, tertiary polyamines, bicarbonate, carbonate, phosphate, or sesquicarbonate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a well treatment fluid comprising an aqueous solution comprising greater than or equal to about 1 wt % boron, at least 5 wt % of a co-solvent, and greater than or equal to about 5 wt % sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination thereof, wherein the co-solvent comprises glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof. Methods of using the well treatment fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of preventing precipitation of calcium citrate and iron-based scale during acidizing treatments and related compositions are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The acidizing treatment fluid includes citric acid and tetra-salts of EDTA.

Abstract: Surfactant based viscoelastic fluids for enhancing the productivity of a hydrocarbon-bearing formations have particular applicability in acid fracturing of subterranean formations surrounding oil and gas wells. The viscoelastic fluid contains an organic acid, an inorganic monovalent salt and a quaternary ammonium aromatic salt and water. The fluid may further be foamed or energized.

Abstract: A method for sealing a subterranean zone is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing a wellbore fluid, placing the wellbore fluid into at least a portion of an annular space between the sidewalls of a wellbore and the exterior of a casing string disposed in the wellbore, and allowing the wellbore fluid to solidify therein, wherein the wellbore fluid includes an oleaginous fluid as the continuous phase of the wellbore fluid, a non-oleaginous fluid as the discontinuous phase of the wellbore fluid, and about 5 to about 50 pounds per barrel of a thermally activated hydrocarbon gellant.

Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, a fluid loss control agent and a viscosity enhancer are useful as treating fluids and particularly as fracturing fluids for subterranean formations. These VES-based fluids have faster and more complete clean-up than polymer-based fracturing fluids. The use of an internal breaker permits ready removal of the unique VES micelle based pseudo-filter cake with several advantages including reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume since more VES fluid stays within the fracture, generating a more optimum fracture geometry for enhanced reservoir productivity, and treating reservoirs with permeability above the present VES limit of approximately 400 md to at least 2000 md.

Abstract: A well servicing fluid is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: an organic salt, the organic salt being the product of an organic acid and an organic amine base; and an aqueous based solvent. A method of servicing a well is also disclosed.

Abstract: Treatment fluids for use in subterranean formations, particularly sandstone and other siliceous formations, may contain a source of fluoride ions to aid in mineral dissolution. In some cases, it may be desirable to generate the fluoride ions from a fluoride ion precursor, particularly a hydrofluoric acid precursor, such as a boron trifluoride complex.

Abstract: Treatment fluids containing biodegradable chelating agents and methods for use thereof are described. The methods can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a chelating agent composition, and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The treatment fluids can also be used for treatment of pipes or tubing such as, for example, well bore pipes or tubing penetrating a subterranean formation and above-ground pipelines. Illustrative biodegradable chelating agents include, but are not limited to, glutamic acid diacetic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, ?-alanine diacetic acid, S,S-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, hydroxyiminodisuccinic acid, any salt thereof, any derivative thereof, and any combination thereof. The treatment fluids can optionally comprise an acid, which can include hydrofluoric acid or a hydrofluoric acid generating compound.

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive.

Abstract: Composition and method for shortening the shear recovery time of cationic, zwitterionic, and amphoteric viscoelastic surfactant fluid systems by adding an effective amount of a co-gelling agent selected from triblock oligomeric compounds having hydrophilic (for example polyether) and hydrophobic (for example alkyl) portions. The co-gelling agent also increases fluid viscosity and very low co-gelling agent concentration is needed. Preferred surfactants are betaines and quaternary amines. The fluids are useful in oilfield treatments, for example fracturing and gravel packing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated particle including a particle including at least one chelating agent of the formula COOH—CHX—N—(CH2—COOH)2, wherein X stands for carboxyalkyl, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or aminoalkyl, and alkyl is a C1-C4 alkyl group, and the coating on the particle includes at least one scale-inhibiting additive, a process to prepare such particle, and to the use thereof in detergents, in oil field applications, in agriculture and in water treatment.

Abstract: A method of dissolving minerals in subterranean formations is set forth. The method includes injecting a chelating solution into a subterranean formation. The chelating solution includes a thermally stable chelating agent and sufficient caustic to elevate the pH to 10-12.5. The chelating solution is capable of simultaneously dissolving silica, silicates, and calcite present in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an additive, and its use for inhibiting nucleation, growth and agglomeration of gas hydrates by adding an effective amount of an inhibitor to a multiphasic mixture which tends to hydrate formation and consists of water, gas and optionally condensate, or to a drilling fluid which tends to form gas hydrates. Said inhibitor comprising dialkoxylated quaternary ammonium compounds of the formula 1 where R1, R2 are each independently radicals of the formulae -(A-O)n—(C)—CO—O—R5, R3 is C1- to C30-alkyl or C2- to C30-alkenyl, R4 is an organic radical which optionally contains heteroatoms and has from 1 to 100 carbon atoms, R5 is an alkyl or an alkenyl, n is a number from 1 to 20, A is an alkylene group, B is an alkylene group, C is a C1- to C6-alkylene group and X is an anion, are used as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: Many methods are provided including a method comprising: providing a surfactant gel having a first viscosity that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a surfactant; providing an ortho ester breaker; contacting the surfactant gel with the ortho ester breaker; allowing the ortho ester breaker to hydrolyze to produce an acid and an alcohol; and allowing the acid and/or the alcohol to interact with the surfactant gel so as to reduce the first viscosity of the surfactant gel to a second viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing ether carboxylates.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for treating hydrocarbon wells contains (a) a scale inhibitor and (b) a viscoelastic surfactant, and further contains from 0 to less than 1% by weight of acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for removing preexisting filtercake from a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by providing water-degradable particles formed from a solid polymeric acid precursor material that is capable of a degrading to acid for reacting with materials of the filtercake. A slurry is formed from the particles with a carrier fluid. The slurry of particles is introduced into the formation through the wellbore and allowed to degrade to form acid, whereby the formed acid facilitates decomposition of preexisting filtercake material. In certain applications, the water-degradable particles may also be used in combination with non-water-degradable particles, which may be used for forming a gravel pack. The water-degradable particles may also be used to reduce fluid loss temporarily to areas of the formation immediately surrounding the wellbore.

Abstract: Treatment fluids that comprise a phosphorus component useful for inhibiting metal corrosion in acidic environments and associated methods of use are provided. An example of a method of using such treatment fluids may comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises: an aqueous base fluid, a weak acid or salt thereof, and a phosphorus component, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.

Abstract: A method for removing drilling damage from a formation in a wellbore that has not been produced includes injecting a chemical-acting cleanup fluid and contacting it with a filtercake on a face of a formation of interest for a period of time sufficient to loosen some of the solids embedded in the filtercake. The method further includes circulating a solids removal fluid at a high rate through the wellbore across the face of the formation of interest, the solids removal fluid including a viscosifier, and positioning a second treatment fluid having a fluid loss control pill in the wellbore at the formation of interest. The method further includes degrading particles of the fluid loss control pill and degrading remaining bridging agent from the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A substantially liquid gellant formed as one or more reaction products of a metal carboxylate or metal carboxylate amine salt, one or more organic acids, an ester which drives the reaction so that the reaction products are asymmetrical in structure, and a rheology modifier which preferentially interacts between the reaction products for prevent solidifying of the gellant reaction products until such time as the gellant is mixed with the fracturing fluid containing an activator after which the reaction products preferentially interact with the activator to gel the fracturing fluid. The resulting gellant is capable of gelling a hydrocarbon base fluid in less than about 30 seconds.

Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.

Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for treating hydrocarbon wells contains (a) a scale inhibitor and (b) a viscoelastic surfactant, and further contains from 0 to less than 1% by weight of acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A composition is comprised of a mixture of the reaction product of an amine and a poly-functional isocyanate, and the reaction product of (i) a carboxylic acid with at least two carboxylic moieties; (ii) a polyamine having an amine functionality of two or more; and a chemical selected from the group consisting of (i) alkoxylated alkyl amines, (ii) fatty acid amides and (iii) mixtures thereof, and it is used as a drilling fluid additive.

Abstract: Methods for remediation and/or prevention of polymer deposition on surfaces, in particular, on surfaces of drilling machinery and earth formations in the petroleum industry are described herein. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of remediating xanthan deposition, the method including the steps of contacting xanthan deposition, including xanthan complexed with polyvalent metal ions, with a remediation fluid containing at least one chelating agent; and allowing the fluid to dissolve the xanthan deposition. Also disclosed is a method of preventing polymer deposition, including emplacing a wellbore fluid including a crosslinkable polymer and at least one chelating agent in a wellbore; wherein the at least one chelating agent complexes with polyvalent metal ions present in the wellbore.

Abstract: Improved methods of placing and/or diverting treatment fluids in subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, wherein the treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid, and a plurality of solid particulates comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: a scale inhibitor, a chelating agent, and a combination thereof, wherein the solid particulates are substantially insoluble in the base fluid; and allowing at least a portion of the solid particulates to form a barrier or at partially divert a subsequent fluid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Oxidizing agents such as air, oxygen, persulfates, bromates, peroxides, and others are used. The break may be accelerated, for example with a free radical propagating species, or retarded, for example with an oxygen scavenger. In certain brines, for example bromide brines, certain zwitterionic viscoelastic fluid systems that can decarboxylate and that require an anion-containing co-surfactant undergo delayed degradation if oxygen is present, for example from fluid preparation or in a foam.