Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: This invention refers to the oil and gas production industry and can be employed to enhance the productivity of wells by preventing the closure of fractures through application of proppant granular material during the formation fracturing operation.

Abstract: Sintered, substantially round and spherical particles prepared from a slurry of a calcined, uncalcined or partially calcined raw material having an alumina content of more than 55% by weight, and a mullite growth promoter in an amount of from about 2 to about 10% dry weight of the total solids in the slurry. The sintered particles are suitable for use as a propping agent or as a foundry media.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation includes forming a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a solid acid-precursor, and a solid scale inhibitor. The solid acid-precursor includes a material that forms an acid at downhole conditions in the subterranean formation. The method further includes adding a solid acid-responsive material into the treatment fluid, where the solid acid-responsive material enhances formation of acid from the solid acid-precursor in acidic conditions. The method includes performing an acid fracture treatment and inhibiting scale formation within the subterranean formation. The solid scale inhibitor allows for long-term scale inhibition after the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glass-ceramic proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions, as well as other uses. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the glass-ceramic proppants.

Abstract: Proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions are described. Proppant formulations which use one or more proppants of the present invention are described, as well as methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions, and other uses for the proppants and methods of making the proppants.

Abstract: A sealant composition, comprising an alkali metal silicate and a calcium containing inorganic compound, wherein the particles of the calcium containing compound have a mean particle size that is submicron, is useful for sealing cracks, fissures and voids in subterranean wells, thereby restoring zonal isolation. The mean particle size of the calcium containing compound is preferably smaller than 100 nm.

Abstract: Among the methods described herein are methods using low-specific gravity particulates wherein the particulates comprise silica and an aluminum oxide in an amount of about 0.1% to about 25% by weight and having at least one void, a specific gravity of less than about 2.2, a particle sized of 8 U.S. Mesh or smaller, and a substantially spherical shape.

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: A synthetic glass family in the quaternary phase field of CaO—SiO2-Al2O3-MgO (CSAM) with hydraulic and pozzolanic properties for use in differing applications in the gas and oil well cementing area. A method of making a mud-to-cement (MTC) slurry and a method for treating oil and gas wells with the MTC slurry containing a homogenous amorphous synthetic glass made from a mixture of inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of CSAM, wherein the cementing glasses with the mixture of inorganic materials are in a 100% amorphous phase with a degree of crystallization of zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proppant for the hydraulic fracturing of oil or gas wells, which consists of a mixture of from 10 to 95% by weight of a spherical proppant and from 5 to 90% by weight of an angular material, the percentages being based on the total weight of the mixture. The proppant obtained according to the present invention is useful for eliminating or decreasing the “flow-back” phenomenon in operations in oil or gas wells.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water and a particulate nano-silica. Embodiments also relate to use of nano-particles in drilling fluids, completion fluids, stimulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids.

Abstract: Spherical and rod-shaped proppants and anti-flowback agents made from sillimanite minerals possess high strength and high conductivity. The sillimanite minerals may be selected from the group consisting of kyanite, sillimanite, and andalusite and may be used alone or in combination with other materials, such as bauxite, kaolin, meta-kaolin, pure or technical grade alumina (about 98%-99.9% alumina by weight), alumina-containing slag, zirconia, silica, iron, alkali elements (such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium), and virtually any other mineral containing alumina. The starting material may optionally be milled to achieve better compacity and crush resistance in the final proppant or anti-flowback agent. A fracturing fluid may comprise the rods or spheres alone, or in combination with each other or other proppants or anti-flowback agents of different shapes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that may comprise cement, a nano-particle, latex, and water. An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. The method may include introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, a nano-particle, latex, and water. The method further may include allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention include a cement composition. The cement composition may comprise cement, a nano-particle, latex, and water.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore that includes injecting an alkali silicate into the wellbore; injecting a solid micronized silicate-precipitating agent into the wellbore; and allowing the alkali silicate and the solid micronized silicate-precipitating agent to react to form a silicate gel is disclosed.

Abstract: Spherical and rod-shaped proppants and anti-flowback agents made from sillimanite minerals possess high strength and high conductivity. The sillimanite minerals may be selected from the group consisting of kyanite, sillimanite, and andalusite and may be used alone or in combination with other materials, such as bauxite, kaolin, meta-kaolin, pure or technical grade alumina (about 98%-99.9% alumina by weight), alumina-containing slag, zirconia, silica, iron, alkali elements (such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium), and virtually any other mineral containing alumina. The starting material may optionally be milled to achieve better compacity and crush resistance in the final proppant or anti-flowback agent. A fracturing fluid may comprise the rods or spheres alone, or in combination with each other or other proppants or anti-flowback agents of different shapes.

Abstract: A permeable cement composition including an aqueous slurry of a hydraulic cement which is based upon a water-immiscible dispersed fluid phase and a hollow particulate material. The hollow particulate material breaks down in the presence of the cement so as to leave voids which together with the dispersed phase create a permeable structure in the cement.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas an configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous oilfield treatment fluids containing a gas component and fibers, wherein the fluids may further include a viscosifying agent and/or proppant. The fluids have good proppant suspension and transport properties as well as excellent gas phase stability. Use of fluids comprising an aqueous medium, a gas component, viscosifying agent, and fibers for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation, cleanup operations, and gravel packing a wellbore, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes grinding a solid particulate material and a polymeric dispersing agent to provide a resulting polymer coated solid material, and suspending the resulting polymer coated solid material in the wellbore fluid. At least a portion of the resulting polymer coated solid material has a particle diameter less than 2.0 microns, wherein the polymeric dispersing agent has a molecular weight greater than 10,000. Exemplary starting materials for the solid material include weighting agents including barite, calcium carbonate, dolomite, ilmenite, hematite or other iron ores, olivine, siderite and strontium sulfate as well as mixture and combinations of these and other similar weighting materials. The dispersant in one illustrative embodiment is a polymeric acrylate ester made from the monomers of stearyl methacrylate, butylacrylate, and acrylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water and a particulate nano-silica. Embodiments also relate to use of nano-particles in drilling fluids, completion fluids, stimulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid having an oleaginous phase and an additive for increasing the density of the wellbore fluid. The additive comprises solid colloidal particles coated with a dispersant coated onto the colloidal particle during the comminution process of forming the particles. Exemplary starting materials for the colloidal particles include commonly known weighting agents including barite, calcium carbonate, dolomite, ilmenite, hematite or other iron ores, olivine, siderite, and strontium sulfate as well as mixture and combinations of these and other similar weighting materials. The dispersant in one illustrative embodiment, is selected from carboxylic acids of molecular weight of at least 150 Daltons.

Abstract: Improved lost circulation compositions that include melt-processed inorganic fibers and methods for using such compositions in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method of the present invention is a method comprising providing a drilling mud comprising a plurality of melt-processed inorganic fibers, wherein the melt-processed inorganic fibers have a length of less than about 10 millimeters, and comprise at least one melt-processed inorganic fiber selected from the group consisting of: a basalt fiber, a wollastonite fiber, and a ceramic fiber; and circulating the drilling mud in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of controlling the pressure of a casing annulus in a subterranean well that includes injecting into the casing annulus a composition including a base fluid and a polymer coated colloidal solid material. The polymer coated colloidal solid material includes: a solid particle having an weight average particle diameter (d50) of less than two microns, and a polymeric dispersing agent coated onto the surface of the solid particle during the comminution (i.e. grinding) process utilized to make the colloidal particles. The polymeric dispersing agent may be a water soluble polymer having a molecular weight of at least 2000 Daltons. The solid particulate material may be selected from materials having of specific gravity of at least 2.68 and preferably the solid particulate material may be selected from barium sulfate (barite), calcium carbonate, dolomite, ilmenite, hematite, olivine, siderite, strontium sulfate, combinations and mixtures of these-and other similar solids.

Abstract: A drilling fluid system comprising a brine and a quantity of cationic copolymers comprising a ratio of acrylamide monomers to cationic derivatives of acrylamide monomers, wherein the quantity and the ratio are effective to maintain effective rheology and fluid loss control in said drilling fluid system at temperatures of at least about 250° C. for at least about 16 hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for use in the extraction of oil and to a method of extracting oil using the composition. The composition comprises components A, B and C in which: A is a first solid hydrophobic material which is in-soluble in an organic solvent selected from light fractions of petroleum, distillate, kerosene, acetone, gasoil, hexane, benzene and condensate; B is a second hydrophobic material which is either soluble in or can be emulsified with an organic solvent selected from light fractions of petroleum, distillate kerosene, acetone, gasoil, hexane, benzene and condensate; and C is a retention improving material comprising a mineral material. A solvent, D, is added before the composition is used to treat an oil well. In oil well systems in which water or surfactant is pumped into the stratum through an injection well under pressure so that petroleum is forced from the rock stratum into the bottom hole zone of an extraction well, the composition is added to the extraction well.

Abstract: A method of introducing an oil field or gas field production chemical into a hydrocarbon-bearing porous subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising: injecting a gelling composition comprising an aqueous liquid, an oil field or gas field production chemical, and a gellable polymer through the wellbore into the porous subterranean formation wherein the gellable polymer forms a gel within the pores of the subterranean formation thereby encapsulating the production chemical in the gel; and controllably releasing the production chemical from the gel into a formation fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon foam particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation using a servicing fluid comprising providing a slurry comprising a carrier fluid and open-cell carbon foam particulates; and, placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a particulate suitable for use as proppant or gravel in a subterranean application comprising a foamed, cellular structure.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid having an oleaginous phase and an additive for increasing the density of the wellbore fluid. The additive comprises solid colloidal particles coated with a dispersant during the comminution process of forming the particles. Exemplary starting materials for the colloidal particles include commonly known weighting agents as well as mixture and combinations thereof. The dispersant in one embodiment, is selected from carboxylic acids of molecular weight of at least 150 Daltons. Alternatively, the dispersant coating may be made of compounds including oleic acid, polybasic fatty acids, alkylbenzene sulfonic acids, alkane sulfonic acids, linear alpha-olefin sulfonic acid or the alkaline earth metal salts of any of the above acids, and phospholipids as well as mixtures and combinations of these compounds. In another embodiment the dispersant is a polyacrylate ester having an average molecular weight from about 10,000 Daltons to about 200,000 Daltons.

Abstract: An additive that increases the density of fluids containing a sized barite weighting agent. The wellbore fluid has rheological properties comparable to a conventional wellbore fluids but does not exhibit problems with sag and resulting variations in density. An illustrative embodiment is directed to a method for making the sized barite weighting agent and a method for using such sized barite weighting agent in a wellbore fluid. In one preferred embodiment the sized barite weighting agent has a particle diameter between 4 ?m to 15 ?m In another preferred embodiment, the additive has a D50 (by weight) of approximately 1 ?m to 6 ?m. In another preferred embodiment the additive has a D90 (by weight) of approximately 4 ?m to 8 ?m. The additive may be used in any wellbore fluid such as drilling, cementing, completion, packing, work-over (repairing), stimulation, well killing, and spacer fluid.

Abstract: An additive that increases the density of fluids containing a sized barite weighting agent. The wellbore fluid has rheological properties comparable to a conventional wellbore fluids but does not exhibit problems with sag and resulting variations in density. An illustrative embodiment is directed to a method for making the sized barite weighting agent and a method for using such sized barite weighting agent in a wellbore fluid. In one preferred embodiment the sized barite weighting agent has a particle diameter between 4 ?m to 15 ?m In another preferred embodiment, the additive has a D50 (by weight) of approximately 1 ?m to 6 ?m. In another preferred embodiment the additive has a D90 (by weight) of approximately 4 ?m to 8 ?m. The additive may be used in any wellbore fluid such as drilling, cementing, completion, packing, work-over (repairing), stimulation, well killing, and spacer fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid comprising contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with an acid generated from an orthoester composition that comprises an orthoester. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reducing the pH of a viscosified treatment fluid comprising providing an orthoester composition that comprises an orthoester; contacting the viscosified treatment fluid with the orthoester composition; allowing the orthoester to generate a generated acid; and allowing the generated acid to at least partially reduce the pH of the viscosified treatment fluid. Embodiments of fracturing and gravel packing methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: An additive that increases the density of fluids containing a sized barite weighting agent. The wellbore fluid has rheological properties comparable to a conventional wellbore fluids but does not exhibit problems with sag and resulting variations in density. An illustrative embodiment is directed to a method for making the sized barite weighting agent and a method for using such sized barite weighting agent in a wellbore fluid. In one preferred embodiment the sized barite weighting agent has a particle diameter between 4 ?m to 15 ?m In another preferred embodiment, the additive has a D50 (by weight) of approximately 1 ?m to 6 ?m. In another preferred embodiment the additive has a D90 (by weight) of approximately 4 ?m to 8 ?m. The additive may be used in any wellbore fluid such as drilling, cementing, completion, packing, work-over (repairing), stimulation, well killing, and spacer fluid.

Abstract: Small spheres, commonly referred to as proppants, are manufactured from sol-gel ceramics, preferably aluminosilicates or phosphates, and include chemical composites termed geopolymers. In the preferred manufacturing process, the required chemical components are blended, and the proppant particles are shaped and cured at low temperatures. The proppant particles have high compressive strength, are chemically inert, and a low specific gravity, making them particularly suited for hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to well bore operations, and more particularly, to contained micro-particles, and methods for using such contained micro-particles in cementing operations. An exemplary method of facilitating the use of micro-particles in a well bore fluid comprises the steps of providing contained micro-particles, and adding the contained micro-particles to the well bore fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the well bore fluids of the present invention comprise encapsulated micro-particles. In another exemplary embodiment, the well bore fluids of the present invention comprise pelletized micro-particles.

Abstract: Cement compositions including environmentally compatible defoamers and methods of using such cement compositions are provided herein. An example of a method is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of reducing foam generation in a cement composition. An example of a composition is a cement composition including water, hydraulic cement, and a defoamer. Another example of a composition is a defoamer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially drilling fluids, that comprise zeolite and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations, and more specifically, to improved methods and compositions for generating acids for use downhole, for example, to at least partially degrade the acid-soluble portions of filter cakes deposited in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of degrading an acid-soluble portion of a filter cake comprising contacting the acid-soluble portion of the filter cake with an acid generated from an orthoester.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for introducing additives into an oil, gas, or water injection well or pipeline in solid form at a location other than at the bottom. The method is practiced using pellets having a density sufficient to suspend the pellet at a top phase, bottom phase or at the interface of two phases of fluid within a wellbore. The pellets are prepared from a pellet matrix, such as an ethoxylated wax, and a weighting agent as well as an additive. By varying the amount of weighting agent, the density of the pellet can be varied to suspend it at a desired point to for a time sufficient to deliver the additive to the desired point within the wellbore.

Abstract: A solids-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion and a method for preparing the solids-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion. The oil-in-water emulsion is formed by combining oil, water, solid particles and a pH enhancing agent and mixing until the solid-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion is formed. The low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion can be used to enhance production of oil from subterranean reservoirs. The low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion can also be used to enhance the transportation of oil through a pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean fracturing operations, and more particularly to fracturing fluids that includes a fluid loss control additive, and methods of using such fracturing fluids in fracturing subterranean formations. In one embodiment, a fracturing fluid of the present invention includes a viscosifier; and a fluid loss control additive that includes a deformable, degradable material.

Abstract: Zeolite compositions having enhanced compressive strength and methods therefor are provided. In particular, methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially settable spotting fluids having enhanced compressive strength are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing fluid flow from subterranean formations. More particularly, this invention relates to providing improved proppant matrixes within fractures in a subterranean formation. An example of the methods of increasing the conductivity of a fracture in a subterranean formation comprises the steps of providing a fracturing treatment fluid comprising a proppant composition, the proppant composition comprising proppant particulates and a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole; introducing the proppant composition to the fracture; and allowing the proppant composition to form a proppant matrix having voids in the fracture.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of surface-modified nanoparticles in fluids used to recover hydrocarbon from underground formations. The use of surface-modified nanoparticles in such fluids provides foams that are stable under pressure yet have a shorter foam lifetime than typical surfactant-stabilized foams after the pressure is released or lowered.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions of matter and methods of using those compositions. More particularly, and as part of one of the preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of fluids useful for sealing formation fractures and/or inhibiting downhole fluid loss. The present invention is useful as a pill or series of pills that can be formulated and spotted to a particular formation zone.

Abstract: Compressed bentonite-containing nodules are disclosed as are methods for their production and methods for using them to plug wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing the permeability of a subterranean formation by forming a resinous mass having conductive channels through which fluids can be produced in the formation. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of creating a permeable resinous mass comprising the steps of selecting an interval along a well bore; providing a resin slurry comprising an acid curable resin, filler, and degradable material; placing the resin slurry into the selected interval; and, activating the acid curable resin using an activator wherein the activation causes the acid curable resin to substantially cure, the degradable material to substantially degrade, and forms the permeable resinous mass.

Abstract: Light weight high strength particles and methods of treating subterranean producing zones utilizing the particles are provided. The light weight high strength particles of the invention are basically comprised of sintered mixtures of a base material and hollow microspheres.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grout for making watertight screens which comprises a mixture of water, natural or modified clay, specific blast furnace slag and an activating agent. The invention also relates to a process which makes use of said grout, as well as the use of a specific blast furnace slag for preparing said grout.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid including a peroxide degradable polymer and an encapsulated peroxide source. The peroxide degradable polymer may be a polysaccharide. The peroxide source may include an inorganic peroxide, including zinc and alkaline earth metal peroxides, such as magnesium peroxide. The encapsulating material may be a polymer, including enteric polymers. The release of peroxide, from peroxide sources generally, can be controlled by means of pH such that peroxide source can be activated, and peroxide released, by a change in pH. In a wellbore, this pH change can be effected by using produced fluids to lower the pH of a more basic wellbore fluid.