Abstract: An oil production system and method. The system includes a system for heating unrecovered oil. The system includes a chemical injection well having at least one subterranean outlet. The system also includes an oil production well with at least one subterranean inlet. The subterranean outlet is lower in elevation than the at least one inlet. The chemical injection well is coupled to an injected reactant source, and wherein said injected reactant source reacts with a second reactant in an exothermic reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modifying the water permeability of a subterranean formation, comprising at least the following steps: Preparing an injection fluid from a dispersion of a hydrophilic phase in a lipophilic phase, with water or brine, the dispersion comprising: a hydrophilic phase comprising at least one cross-linked (co)polymer PR, a lipophilic phase, at least one interface polymer composed of at least one monomer of formula (I): Injecting the injection fluid into the subterranean formation, said cross-linked (co)polymer PR forming a hydrogel in the presence of water.

Abstract: A method includes introducing a treatment fluid including a first polymer gel into a subterranean formation to generate a production fluid having an aqueous portion and a hydrocarbon portion, treating the aqueous portion of the production fluid with chlorine dioxide to separate additional hydrocarbons from the aqueous portion, and adjusting the viscosity of the treated aqueous portion prior to introducing the treated aqueous portion back into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention includes the use of anhydride compositions, including alkyl and aryl anhydrides, for use as a demulsifier in resolving emulsions of water and oil. In particular, the anhydride composition can be used alone or in a blend with other demulsifiers. Suitable anhydrides suitable for the present invention include acetic and propionic, with acetic anhydride being preferred. The anhydride composition can be added directly to crude oil or other compositions to be resolved. As such, the demulsifier composition includes an anhydride, such as acetic anhydride, alone or in combination with other demulsifiers. The anhydride can be used in an amount ranging between trace and 100% by weight of the demulsifier composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of foaming formulations for high temperature, salinity and concentration of divalent ions, such as Calcium and Magnesium, that apply the synergistic effect of sodium alpha olefin sulfonates and alkyl amido propyl betaines; said inventions may use, as solvent, water, sea water, connate water, alcohols or mixtures all thereof. Said formulations control the piping of gas in reservoirs of the naturally fractured carbonate type.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of quaternary polyamines having formula (I) for the recovery of oil from reservoirs formula (I), wherein n>=1 R1 represents H, CH3, CH2CH3, CnH2n+1 R2 represents H2CHOHCH2, CH2, CH2CH?CH2 R3 represents CH3, CH2CH3, CnH2n+1 R4 represents CH2, CH2CH?CH2 when R2 and R4 are allyl group, they can jointly form aliphatic cyclic structures, the ratio between the carbon atoms and nitrogen atoms (C/N) ranges from 2 to 30.

Abstract: A water-based fluid, containing: a non-ionic surfactant, which is stable in a temperature range from 10 to 90° C. and soluble in water; and a salt, wherein the non-ionic surfactant contains an alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of a C8 alkyl polyglucoside, a C10 alkyl polyglucoside, and mixtures thereof, and the salt is present, and is present in an amount up to 60%. In addition, a process for preventing the formation of a W/O inverse emulsion or resolving a W/O inverse emulsion that has already formed in an oil well in which an oil-based mud has been employed by injecting the water-based fluid into the oil well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering sulphur from a sour gas containing hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, comprising: oxidation of the sour gas, wherein a part of the hydrogen sulphide is oxidized to sulphur dioxide and water, reaction of the resulting sulphur dioxide with the residual hydrogen sulphide to elementary sulphur, and removal of elementary sulphur. According to the invention carbon dioxide and/or carbon dioxide generated by oxidation of the sour gas is compressed, and at least a part of the carbon dioxide is injected into an oil well. Furthermore, the invention relates to a plant suitable for performing the above method.

Abstract: Use of a mixture comprising a surfactant and a cosurfactant in the form of an aqueous solution for flooding underground deposits of hydrocarbons for mobilizing and recovering the hydrocarbons from the underground deposits, the cosurfactant being a substance or a group of substances selected from the following list: an amphiphilic comb polymer having a backbone with two or more side chains attached to the backbone, the side chains differing from one another and/or the side chains differing from the backbone in their amphiphilic character, an amphiphilic polymer having one or more hydrophobic subunits [A2] based on a polyisobutene block, at least 50 mol % of whose polyisobutene macromolecules have terminally arranged double bonds, and one or more hydrophilic subunits [B2], or an amphiphilic polymer having the general structural formula

Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.

Abstract: A method of preparing a drag reducing polymer wherein the drag reducing polymer is able to be injected into a pipeline, such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow through the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is injected into a pipeline of liquid hydrocarbon hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon wherein the viscosity of the treated liquid hydrocarbon is not less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer has a solubility parameter within 4 MPa1/2 of the solubility parameter of the liquid hydrocarbon. The drag reducing polymer is also added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and/or an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore drilled with a drilling fluid that forms a filter cake that includes emplacing a breaker fluid into the wellbore, the breaker fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a fragmentation agent; and an amphoteric chemotrope; and shutting in the well for a period of time sufficient to initiate breaking of the filter cake is disclosed.

Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise bis-quaternary compound. The bis-quaternary compounds of the present technology can be symmetric or dissymmetric. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic well bore treatment fluids comprising water, and at least one polycationic quaternary ammonium compound that comprises a bis-quaternary compound. In another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic carboxylates. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or 110° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of injection and production of well fluids in a subterranean well is described to optimize the use of stimulation fluids to enhance their compatibility with subterranean reservoirs and the surface environment and thereby reducing the damage said fluids induce in subterranean reservoirs and upon flow back to the surface reduce their damage to the environment is described. More specifically, this method is directed to the subterranean treatment of injection fluids.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion that includes a brine continuous phase; and an oleaginous discontinuous phase stabilized by an emulsifier blend, the emulsifier blend comprising: an emulsifier having an HLB greater than 11; and an amphoteric chemotrope is disclosed. Emulsifier blends comprising an emulsifier having an HLB greater than 11 and an amphoteric chemotrope and methods of using emulsifier blends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing an alkylaryl sulfonate comprising (a) reacting at least one meta-xylene compound with olefin or a mixture of olefins having from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of an acid catalyst, wherein the resulting product comprises no more than 40 weight percent of 1-alkyl-2,4 dimethylsubstituted aromatic compound and at least about 60 weight percent of 1-alkyl-3,5 dimethyl substituted aromatic compound; (b) sulfonating the product of (a); and (c) neutralizing the product of (b) with a source of alkali or alkaline earth metal or ammonia.

Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.

Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In at least one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising dissymmetric bis-quaternary compounds. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic compositions comprising polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise dissymmetric bis-quaternary compounds. In yet another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a carboxylate functional polycationic quaternary ammonium compound. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or about 110° C.

Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In at least one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising bis-quaternary compounds. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic compositions that comprise polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising bis-quaternary compounds. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or about 110° C. when the amount of the one or polycationic quaternary compounds is less than about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise bis-quaternary compound. The bis-quaternary compounds of the present technology can be symmetric or dissymmetric. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic well bore treatment fluids comprising water, and at least one polycationic quaternary ammonium compound that comprises a bis-quaternary compound. In another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic carboxylates. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or 110° C.

Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions are disclosed herein containing an effective amount of one or more random or structurally defined polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition. In at least one aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising dissymmetric bis-quaternary compounds. In another aspect, the present technology provides viscoelastic compositions comprising polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds that comprise dissymmetric bis-quaternary compounds. In yet another aspect, the present technology provides polycationic quaternary ammonium compounds comprising a carboxylate functional polycationic quaternary ammonium compound. Preferred viscoelastic compositions of the present technology maintain viscoelasticity at a temperature greater than about 80° C., preferably greater than about 100° C. or about 110° C.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cost effective custom-designed blend of organic chemicals to stimulate oil production. The invention includes a chemical composition for use in drilling operations for oil recovery and the method of using the chemical composition. The chemical composition includes an ammonia compound, an alcohol, and aqueous carrier solution. The aqueous carrier solution is of sufficient volume such that it is operable to fully dissolve the ammonia compound and alcohol in the aqueous carrier solution.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to fluid loss control operations are provided. More particularly, fluid loss treatment fluid compositions may comprise ceramic particulate bridging agents, a partially depolymerized starch derivative, and a base fluid. In some embodiments, the partially depolymerized starch derivative may include a crosslinked ether derivative of a partially depolymerized starch, a partially depolymerized crosslinked ether derivative of a starch, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the fluid loss from a wellbore servicing fluid include combining a terpolymer with the wellbore servicing fluid to reduce the fluid loss from the fluid, followed by displacing the fluid into a wellbore. In an embodiment, the following monomers are used to make the terpolymer: from about 75 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid or an alkali salt thereof; from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of acrylamide; and from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, all weight percentages being based on a total weight of the monomers. The wellbore servicing fluid may comprise water or an aqueous salt solution such as a formate solution. The wellbore servicing fluid may also comprise clay such as montmorillonite and attapulgite clay.

Abstract: An improved concentrated surfactant formulation and process for the recovery of residual oil from subterranean petroleum reservoirs, and more particularly an improved alkali surfactant flooding process which results in ultra-low interfacial tensions between the injected material and the residual oil, wherein the concentrated surfactant formulation is supplied at a concentration above, at, or, below its CMC, also providing in situ formation of surface active material formed from the reaction of naturally occurring organic acidic components with the injected alkali material which serves to increase the efficiency of oil recovery.

Abstract: A thixotropic thermal insulating fluid includes a heavy hydrocarbon, water and oleophilic clay, wherein said heavy hydrocarbon is present in an amount of between about 75% to about 92% by volume of the fluid, said water is present in an amount of between about 5% to about 15% by volume of the fluid, and said oleophilic clay is present in an amount of between about 3% to about 10% by volume of the fluid. The fluid may be prepared by mixing water in an amount of between about 5% to about 15% by total volume of the fluid with oleophilic clay in an amount of between about 3% to about 10% by total volume of the fluid so as to provide a substantially homogeneous first gel product; and mixing said first gel product with a heavy hydrocarbon in an amount of between about 75% to about 92% by total volume of the fluid under agitation for a time sufficient to provide a second thixotropic gel product.

Abstract: Corrosion inhibiting composition include the use of certain plant derived catechol complexes in aqueous based compositions, such as process water, and other aqueous and non-aqueous solvent based coating compositions. The compositions have corrosion inhibiting and/or biocide activity. The compositions find particular usefulness as coatings, including paints, on iron and aluminum metal surfaces.

Abstract: A gelling composition and a process for wellbore treatment comprising injecting the composition into reservoirs are disclosed wherein the composition comprise a produced brine; a water-soluble polymer such as, for example, polyacrylamide; a crosslinker such as, for example, a complexed zirconium compound; and optionally a complexing ligand such as, for example, lactic acid.

Abstract: An aqueous gellable composition capable of producing gels resistant to syneresis in the presence of divalent ions, contains:a water-soluble acrylamide polymer or copolymer,a crosslinking agent formed by a water-soluble aldehyde, or a water-soluble aldehyde and a water-soluble phenol,a water-soluble anti-syneresis agent selected from: organic carboxy acids, organic hydroxy acids and aminoacids, or among aminophosphonic acids and their alkali-metal or ammonium salts.When malonic acid is used, a delay in aqueous composition gelation is additionally obtained.

Abstract: Visible gels are formed by mixing an inorganic crosslinking agent with a low viscosity aqueous solution having a low polyacrylamide concentration and devoid of polymers containing a vicinal diol pendant group. The visible gels are employed to reduce the water/hydrocarbon permeability ratio of subterranean formations.