Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using threshold scale inhibitors of the formula: wherein n is 2 or 3 and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, for preventing calcium carbonate, iron carbonate, and calcium sulfate scale formation in oilwell brines containing dissolved iron.

Abstract: A method and a thermo-chemical system for removing organic deposits such as wax, asphaltenes and resins in oil well borehole, and oil production and transportation tubing and pathway.

Abstract: Low molecular weight graft copolymer comprising a synthetic component formed from at least one or more olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers or salts thereof, and a natural component formed from a hydroxyl-containing natural moiety. The number average molecular weight of the graft copolymer is about 100,000 or less, and the weight percent of the natural component in the graft copolymer is about 50 wt % or greater based on total weight of the graft copolymer. Processes for preparing such graft copolymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The productivity of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing calcareous or siliceous formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition which contains a hydrofluoric acid source, a boron containing compound and a phosphonate acid, ester or salt thereof.

Abstract: Scale inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent; wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. The mixture may also contain a multivalent ion and the particulates may be coated with a coating material in an amount from about 0.1% to about 40% coating material by weight of the scale inhibiting particulate to delay the release of the scale inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel polymers derived from: (A) at least one N-vinyl amide-based unit and/or at least one acrylamide-based unit, and (B) at least one unit comprising: (i) at least one hydroxyl group, and/or (ii) at least one functional group convertible to a hydroxyl group wherein at least one group is converted to hydroxyl functionality in the final polymer product, wherein the polymer comprises at least one ester group. The polymers and compositions are used in oilfield applications, such as an inhibitor of gas hydrates and/or a kinetic inhibitor of gas hydrates. The polymer can assume alternating, block, and/or random configurations of the repeating units, with at least one ester group.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a composition and method of inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid comprising water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbon comprising adding to the fluid an effective anti-agglomerant amount of the following formula and optionally salts thereof: wherein each R1 is independently absent, C1-C10 alkyl, benzyl, or H; wherein R2 is C1-C10 alkyl; wherein R3 C1-C10 alkyl; and wherein R4 is C4-C22 alkyl or alkenyl.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte complex for the controlled release of an oil and gas field chemical selected from the group consisting of (a) a gel-forming or cross-linking agent, (b) a scale inhibitor, (c) a corrosion inhibitor, (d) an inhibitor of asphaltene or wax deposition, (e) a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, (f) a hydrate inhibitor, (g) a breaking agent, and a surfactant.

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: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the formation of hydrates within subsea or over-land pipeline systems. The compositions and methods include the use of organic salt solutions, such as an acetate salt solution, to precondition, treat, and/or dewater the pipeline systems, or employ the use of the organic salt solutions during other pre-commissioning operations. An effective concentration of an organic salt solution acts to reduce hydrates and/or inhibit hydrate formation within the pipeline systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting scale and corrosion in aqueous systems, for example, under high temperature and pressure conditions such as temperatures up to 250° C. and/or pressures up to 10000 psi (i.e., about 68.9 MPa). The method involves providing polymer compositions comprising 1% to 100% by weight of a phosphorus-containing amide monomer to such aqueous systems, which arise, for example, in connection with oilfield operations and some water treatment applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived at least from one: (A) one N-vinyl amide unit, and (B) one hydroxyl-containing acrylate unit, and to polymers derived at least from: (A) N-vinyl-2-caprolactam, and (B) one non-acrylate unit having: (i) at least one hydroxyl group, and/or (ii) at least one functional group convertible to a hydroxyl group wherein at least one group is converted to hydroxyl functionality in the final polymer product. Such polymers may exhibit degradability, e.g., in seawater or soil environments. In preferred embodiments, these polymers and compositions thereof are used in oilfield applications, such as an inhibitor of gas hydrates and/or a kinetic inhibitor of gas hydrates. The polymer can assume alternating, block, and/or random configurations of the repeating units, with at least one ester group. The chemical structure subscripts m, and n may be any integer equal to or greater than 1.

Abstract: Scale-inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. Methods of using scale-inhibiting particulates to inhibit scale formation in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of creating a carbon dioxide hydrate is disclosed. The preferred steps include supplying liquid carbon dioxide and a dissociation agent to a hydrocarbon hydrate, decomposing the hydrocarbon hydrate by the dissociation agent into a hydrocarbon gas and liquid water, and forming the carbon dioxide hydrate from the liquid carbon dioxide and the liquid water. The dissociation agent preferably is at least one of an inorganic salt, a surface active agent, a hydrate inhibitor, and an absorption solution. Furthermore, a substance composition of liquid carbon dioxide and the dissociation agent is described, which is provided for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation. Furthermore, a deposition device is described, which is configured for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation.

Abstract: Provided is an anticorrosive composition for use in aqueous salt solutions. The composition contains an antimony compound and at least two other components selected from morpholine derivatives, acetylenic alcohols, ascorbic acid derivatives, and selenium compounds. The composition is particularly useful for inhibiting corrosion of metallic surfaces of drilling devices or refrigeration systems that are in contact with salt brines at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing the retention of a scale inhibitor within a hydrocarbon producing system (e.g. a subterranean formation), said method comprising contacting said system with a polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and with said scale inhibitor, wherein said polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt has a molecular weight of greater than 50,000 (e.g. a molecular weight of 55,000 to 2,000,000).

Abstract: The invention provides laccases, polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, the methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for treating a wellbore tubular or subsurface completion equipment to help remove scale is provided. In general, the method comprises the steps of: (A) determining the likelihood of the presence of carbonate scale in the wellbore tubular or subsurface completion equipment; (B) forming or providing a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a chelating agent capable of forming a heterocyclic ring that contains a metal ion attached to at least two nonmetal ions; and (iii) a viscosity-increasing agent; and (C) introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore tubular or the subsurface completion equipment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that inhibit the corrosion of metal surfaces by aqueous acid solutions. The inhibition is basically achieved by the addition of a reaction product of an alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone with a primary or secondary amine to the aqueous acid solution.

Abstract: Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method includes a method comprising contacting a metal surface with an acidic fluid comprising an aqueous base-fluid, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and a corrosion inhibitor intensifier composition comprising a compound that corresponds to a formula R1R2XCCOOH, wherein X is a halogen, R1 comprises at least one group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C1-C20 oxyalkyl, and a C6-C20 aryl group, and R2 comprises at least one group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C20 alkyl group, a C3-C20 cycloalkyl group, a C1-C20 oxyalkyl, and a C6-C20 aryl group.

Abstract: Base compounds including 1,3-oxazinan-6-one derivatives of N-alkyl or N-alkenyl or N-cycloalkyl or N-aryl propionic acids and paraformaldehyde, and their application as corrosion inhibitors with multifunctional properties serving as inhibitory/dispersant of asphaltene in production processes, transportation, refining and storage of crude oil and derivatives. The corrosion inhibitor with inhibitory/dispersant of asphaltenes properties comprises an active substance base of 1,3-oxaninan-6-ones and hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, toluene, mixed xylenes, o-xylene, m-xylene and p -xylene, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, alcohols, aliphatic branched and unbranched alcohols containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as isopropanol, butanol and pentanol, and mixtures of hydrocarbon solvents with aliphatic branched or unbranched liquid fuels. In addition, a process for obtaining 1,3-oxazinan-6-ones derivatives of N-alkyl or N-alkenyl or N-cycloalkyl or N-aryl propionic acids and paraformaldehyde is described.

Abstract: The technical challenges for a smooth transition between using both a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor (THI) and a kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) to simply using only the KHI in multiple tie-in gas natural gas production systems is solved by adding more THI in a first pipeline leg of the production system while ceasing adding THI in a second pipeline leg of the system. Further, more KHI is added into the second leg of the system, and subsequently THI is gradually and/or slowly reduced in the remaining legs of the system until only KHI is being injected, after which the KHI amount in all legs may be reduced to the equilibrium or steady-state levels.

Abstract: Gas hydrate formation in a well completion fluid in the annular space of a hydrocarbon producing well may be controlled by the incorporation of effective amounts of one or more low dose gas hydrate inhibitors, including but not limited to, low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs), kinetic hydrate inhibitors, dendrimeric or branched compounds, linear polymers and copolymers, grafted or branched linear polymers and copolymers, and onium compounds.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) introducing into the underground formation a micellar dispersion comprising water, one or more organic acid precursors, one or more surfactants and, optionally, one or more salts, co-surfactants and/or organic liquids that are not organic acid precursors; and (b) allowing (i) the micellar dispersion to solubilize hydrocarbons, emulsions or water blocks present in the underground formation, and (ii) at least a portion of the organic acid precursor to hydrolyze in-situ to produce sufficient organic acid to substantively dissolve acid soluble material present in or adjacent to filter cakes or other damage in the underground formation.

Abstract: An acid-in-oil emulsion having a corrosion inhibitor as the external phase has been found to prevent downhole corrosion when acidizing carbonate formations to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting scale in a hydrocarbon system, including the steps of: providing a hydrocarbon system; providing an aloe-derived scale inhibitor; and mixing the aloe-derived scale inhibitor with the hydrocarbon system in amounts effective to inhibit formation of scale. The scale inhibitor is an aloe vera gel/aloe sap mix dissolved in water at a concentration of between about 5 and about 50% wt/wt, which includes polysaccharides having a hydrocarbon chain structure having carboxyl and alcohol functional groups that interact with divalent ions.

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: A method of treating liquid, particularly an oil/water mixture, in an oil well pipe, wherein a radio frequency propagating electrical field is established in the liquid in the pipe cause the formation of seed crystals or scale-forming material in the liquid, on which seed crystals asphaltenes and/or paraffin waxes in the liquid are deposited so that they are carried through the pipe with the liquid in preference to being deposited on the pipe wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for inhibiting scale formation or precipitate formation in oil field flow lines and processing equipment exposed to fluid containing components that form scale or precipitates on surfaces of oil field flow lines and processing equipment, especially in highly paraffinic crude oils, where the method and system include applying an electric field across the fluid flowing through a flow line, where the fluid includes a scale or precipitate inhibitor and where the fluid strength and the inhibitor concentration is sufficient to reduce or prevent scale or precipitant formation.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed nitrilotriacetonitrile compositions are disclosed prepared by a method characterized by a one-shot addition of an amount of nitrilotriacetonitrile to a solution containing an acid catalyst, where the reaction is complete in a time period of less than an hour. The method is also characterized by adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a pH of at least 8. The method is also characterized by oxidatively removing free cyanide to a desired low level through the addition of an oxidizing agent the produces environmentally benign by-products to the crude hydrolyzed NTAN to form hydrolyzed NTAN compositions having minimized, negligible, or substantially no free cyanide levels.

Abstract: Hydrolyzed nitrilotriacetonitrile compositions are disclosed prepared by a method characterized by a one-shot addition of an amount of nitrilotriacetonitrile to a solution containing an acid catalyst, where the reaction is complete in a time period of less than an hour. The method is also characterized by adjusting the pH of the reaction mixture to a pH of at least 8. The method is also characterized by oxidatively removing free cyanide to a desired low level through the addition of an oxidizing agent the produces environmentally benign by-products to the crude hydrolyzed NTAN to form hydrolyzed NTAN compositions having minimized, negligible, or substantially no free cyanide levels.

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 to remove hydrate plugs in a production system by passing a non-hydrate-forming or a hydrate-forming gas, which forms hydrates at a higher pressure than the existing hydrate, through the flow-restricting hydrate.

Abstract: Naphthenic acid solids and/or emulsions can be inhibited by introducing an additive to crude oil prior to or concurrent with the deprotonation of the naphthenic acids present in the crude oil. The additives may be surfactants and can be amines, quaternary ammonium compounds, quaternary phosphonium compounds, and mixtures of both. The additives may also be linear compounds having at least two carboxylic acid or acrylic acid functional moieties.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions that include a method comprising contacting a metal surface with an acidic fluid comprising a corrosion inhibitor that comprises a reaction product formed from a direct or an indirect reaction of an aldehyde with a thiol and/or an amine functionalized ring structure. A composition provided includes an acidic treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous-base fluid, and acid, and a corrosion inhibitor that comprises a reaction product formed from a direct or an indirect reaction of an aldehyde with a thiol and/or an amine functionalized ring structure.

Abstract: An acid treatment composition is provided including a corrosion inhibitor and an optional corrosion inhibitor intensifier in an acidic solution. More specifically, the composition includes an anionic surfactant. Methods for treating wells with these acid treatment compositions are also provided that help control corrosion of the steel used in the wells during the acid treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for introducing additives into formation fluid from an oil and gas well in or moving through equipment and systems located downstream from the oil and gas well. The method is practiced using pellets having a density sufficient to suspend the pellet at an interface of two phases of fluid within the Downstream Equipment. The pellets are prepared from a pellet matrix, such as an ethoxylated wax, and, optionally, 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 for a time sufficient to deliver the additive to the desired point within the Downstream Equipment. The method of the invention may also be used with Refinery Equipment such as a fuel distribution system or a waste water treatment system.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful in treating crude sources, and more specifically, to methods and compositions useful in reducing the concentration of phosphorus in crude streams and hydrocarbon flowback fluids. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods that include a method comprising: providing a crude stream or a hydrocarbon flowback fluid; optionally testing the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid for total phosphorus content; optionally testing the crude stream or hydrocarbon flowback fluid for volatile phosphorus content; adding a solution comprising a trivalent metal ion to the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid; adding a sufficient amount of a caustic solution to the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid to raise the pH of the stream or the fluid to about 8 or more; allowing at least a plurality of precipitates to form; removing at least one precipitate; and forming a clean crude stream or a clean hydrocarbon flowback fluid.

Abstract: The amount of crystallized salt in an oil and/or gas well may be minimized or reduced by use of a fructan, such as inulin, or a derivative as a salt block inhibitor. A preferred salt inhibitor is the salt of carboxyalkyl inulin such as a sodium salt of carboxymethyl inulin. The salt block inhibitor may be adsorbed onto a water-insoluble adsorbent.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful in inhibiting the formation, growth, and/or maintenance of gas hydrates in a fluid mixture. The gas hydrate inhibitors comprise polyetheramines and acids that are exothermically reacted in situ to produce polyetherammonium compounds.

Abstract: The present invention involves inhibiting clathrate hydrate formation by adding ionic liquids that are soluble in water. Properly tailored ionic liquids shift the hydrate-aqueous liquid-vapor equilibrium curve to a lower temperature and, at the same time, retard the hydrate formation by slowing down the hydrate nucleation rate. This dual function makes this type of inhibitors perform more effectively. The present invention is useful for the production, processing, and transportation in oil and gas industry, especially for deep-sea exploration and production where the operating temperature and pressure become in favor of hydrate formation.

Abstract: A method comprising contacting a zwitterionic surfactant, co-surfactant, and water to form a microemulsifier, and contacting the microemulsifier with an oleaginous fluid under low shear conditions to form a microemulsion. A method comprising introducing a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising at least one oleaginous fluid into a wellbore, wherein the first wellbore servicing fluid forms oil-wet solids and/or oil-wet surfaces in the wellbore, and contacting the oil-wet solids and/or oil-wet surfaces in the wellbore with a second wellbore servicing fluid comprising a zwitterionic surfactant, a co-surfactant, and a brine to form a microemulsion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a process for providing a pumpable hydrate slurry in a hydrocarbon pipeline fluid mixture having a water-cut greater than about 50 volume percent. In one or more embodiments the process comprises treating the fluid mixture with an anti-agglomerant and adding water to the fluid mixture in an amount sufficient to lower the gas-water ratio sufficiently to achieve a pumpable hydrate slurry. Also disclosed are methods for producing hydrocarbons utilizing a process for providing a pumpable hydrate slurry in a hydrocarbon pipeline fluid mixture having a water -cut greater than about 50 volume percent.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for inhibiting hydrate formation blockage in a flow line used to transport hydrocarbon containing fluids. Water is added to a hydrocarbon containing fluid to produce a water cut enhanced hydrocarbon containing fluid. Salt may be added to the hydrocarbon containing fluids as well. Hydrate formation blockage is inhibited from forming within the flow line by the addition of the water and/or the salt. Sufficient water may be added such that the hydrocarbon containing fluid is converted from a water in oil emulsion to a water continuous emulsion. A system for preventing the formation of hydrate blockage in conduits is also provided. The system includes a flow line for transporting a hydrocarbon containing fluid and a water injection conduit fluidly connected to the flow line to add water to the flow line to increase the water cut of a hydrocarbon containing fluid flowing through the flow line.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly compounds for corrosion inhibition and hydrocarbonaceous deposit removal and methods using such compounds are disclosed and claimed. The compounds are derivatives of heterocyclic bis-quaternary molecules having an amido moiety and are applicable to a variety of oil and gas operations.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to oil compositions, primarily to fuel oil and petroleum compositions produced there from susceptible to wax formation at low temperatures, to polymeric amides for use with such fuel oil compositions, and to methods for their manufacture.

Abstract: A low toxicity composition and method of reducing the swelling of clay in well comprising circulating in the well a water-based fluid comprising a functionally effective concentration of the additive formed from the following reaction of a tertiary amine of the following general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups with one to three carbon atoms or combinations thereof, and R3 is a hydroxyalkyl group with one to three carbon atoms, with an alkylating agent of the following general formula: R-A wherein R is an alkyl radical with one to three carbon atoms, and A is an organic or inorganic anion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, phosphate, carbonate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods of treating hydrocarbon fluids to reduce the apparent viscosity of hydrocarbon fluids encountered in petroleum operations and reducing deposits within a well annulus or a pipeline are disclosed. The method comprises contacting such fluids with a hydrophobically modified polysaccharide to create water external emulsions. The disclosed hydrophobically modified polysaccharides have been demonstrated to reduce interfacial tension to below 65 mN/m and thereby improve the transportability of inherently viscous hydrocarbon fluids, such as heavy crude oils.

Abstract: Controlling the formation of crystalline hydrates in various fluid systems, most notably, gas and oil transmission pipeline systems by contacting the systems with certain polymers or polymers associated with solid particles. The polymers useful are chelating polymers capable of interacting with charged gaseous molecules such as carbon dioxide, by removing the carbon dioxide, or more practically by scavenging for the carbon dioxide, to prevent the methane or ethane hydrate structures from forming since they require carbon dioxide to stabilize their structures.