Abstract: Viscosifiers for addition to high zinc salt brines, used as oil well workover and completion fluids, are prepared from polysaccharide gums or gelatin by treatment with formaldehyde and/or an aliphatic dialdehyde containing from 2 to 6 carbons. The treated viscosifiers have improved dispersibility and give increased viscosity effects in the brines. Preferably, the viscosifiers are prepared from carrageenan, locust bean gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose, or gelatin by treatment with a mixture of formaldehyde and glyoxal.

Abstract: The title compositions exhibit superior efficacy as conditioners in the flotation of coal. These compositions are prepared by condensing diethanolamine with a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 fatty acid in a molar ratio of 1:2 and then introducing one-half the equimolar amount, relative to the condensate, of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanoic acid.

Abstract: A hydratable cement composition useful for preparing a pectolite-containing expanding cement at temperatures above about 150.degree. C. comprising a water soluble sodium salt of a weak acid, a 0.1 molar aqueous solution of which salt has a pH of between about 7.5 and about 11.5, a calcium source, and a silicon source, where the atomic ratio of sodium to calcium to silicon ranges from about 0.3:0.6:1 to about 0.03:1:1; aqueous slurries prepared therefrom and the use of such slurries for plugging subterranean cavities at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C.The invention composition is useful for preparing a pectolite-containing expansive cement having about 0.2 to about 2 percent expansion, by volume, when cured at at least 150.degree. C.

Abstract: Coal and other particulate can be transported on a conveyor belt exposed to winter weather conditions with reduced slippage of the particulate on the belt surface by periodically treating the belt surface with from about 0.001 to about 0.005 gallons per square foot of belt surface (0.04-0.4 liters/sq. meter) of a composition containing a small amount of a dimethyl polysiloxane with the balance consisting substantially of water soluble components comprising (A) a water soluble polyhydroxy compound or monoalkyl ether thereof, and (B) a water soluble organic nonvolatile compound having at least one hydrophilic group, (A) being different from (B).

Abstract: To reduce the production of water from a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing interval of a formation the producing interval of the formation is treated with an aqueous solution or sol of a high molecular weight, water soluble polyacrylamide (PAM). The polymer which is absorbed in the formation is crosslinked in situ, e.g. by subsequently flushing the formation with a crosslinking solution.

Abstract: A method of well completion is provided which enables much of the well casing to be later recovered from the well in the event the well is later abandoned, or where intermediate casing must be run during drilling of the well but may later be removed when the liner is in place. The well is completed by any of several embodiments of manipulative steps, leaving the lower portion of the annulus filled with a conventional cementitious material and the upper portion of the annulus filled with an aqueous gel comprising effective quantities of water, a water soluble alkali metal silicate, and a water soluble metal compound capable of releasing a multivalent metal cation to react with the water soluble silicate. An economically significant portion of the casing can thereafter be recovered if necessary after first severing the casing above that portion adjacent the set cementitious material.

Abstract: Fluid loss control for aqueous chemical washes of the type used in well cementing is provided by incorporating in the wash, an effective amount of an oil-soluble resin mixture comprising a particulate friable resin and a particulate pliable resin.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydration of acrylonitrile to acrylamide where nitrile and water are contacted with a heterogeneous hydration catalyst and the process is improved by utilizing as feed acrylonitrile and water which are substantially free of oxazole. Acrylamide monomer of enhanced stability against premature polymerization is obtained.

Abstract: Linear copolymers of glycidol, glycidyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and, optionally, alkylene oxides, are made by the reaction of an unsaturated fatty acid with a polymer or copolymer of tert.-butyl glycidyl ether in the presence of an acid catalyst. The products are polymerizable and copolymerizable with vinyl monomers and are useful as curable resins.

Abstract: Linear copolymers of glycidol, glycidyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and, optionally, alkylene oxides, are made by the reaction of an unsaturated fatty acid with a polymer or copolymer of tert.-butyl glycidyl ether in the presence of an acid catalyst. The products are polymerizable and copolymerizable with vinyl monomers and are useful as curable resins.

Abstract: Cupreous catalysts containing (a) copper prepared by reducing copper oxide, (b) reduced copper oxide, or (c) copper oxide have been found to be excellent heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of nitriles in the presence of water to the corresponding amides. High conversions and yields are obtained with little or no deleterious by-products.