Abstract: Low concentrations, 1-10% of potassium salt, especially potassium formate, are used in a drilling fluid in oil production. Preferably they are used with guar derivatives, most preferably carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar. The concentration of potassium formate is maintained at the desired level by adjusting the potassium formate to maintain a desired Zeta potential in the circulating drilling fluid. The potassium formate/guar derivative composition may be used in the substantial absence of hydrophilic clay additive.

Abstract: Carboxylate salts of amines are used as components of heat exchange fluids. The amines may have a ratio of N to C of 1:0 to 1:12 and the carboxylate anion may be derived from an acid of the formula H(CH2)0-3COOH. A preferred monoamine heat exchange fluid utilizes triethanolamine formate. Lower carboxylate salts of diamines and triamines having the formula R2[N[(CH2)mNR]1-2]R where each R is independently selected from moieties of the formula —CnH2n+1 and moieties of the formula H[O(CH2)1-4]—, each m is independently a number from 1 to 6, and each n is a number from 1 to 4, are disclosed as compounds.

Abstract: Roadbed material is stabilized by the addition of a small amount of potassium formate, preferably together with a water-soluble polymer which is preferably a cationic polymer.

Abstract: Water soluble nonionic friction reducers and added to coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. Excellent friction reducing properties are manifested; a particularly practical use for the compositions is in subterranean formation fracturing.

Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids.

Abstract: Coal and other piles of particulates exposed to the weather are inhibited from freezing by treating them with potassium formate. A viscosifier is used to retain the solution in the interstices and voids between the particulates, inhibiting drainage and waste of the solution. Corrosion inhibitors are also compatible with the solution.

Abstract: An invert emulsion, in which the aqueous phase includes a low concentration of potassium formate, is used in well drilling. The low concentration of potassium formate may be maintained by monitoring the potassium level in the circulating drilling fluid and/or by intermittently measuring the water activity of the drilling fluid. As an emulsifier, a reaction product of tall oil and a fatty alkanolamide may be used, optionally with an additional reaction product of tall oil with an aminoethylpiperazine.

Abstract: Fire hydrants are protected from freezing by including potassium formate, preferably at least 10% by weight, in the water enclosed in them during nonuse.

Abstract: Alkanolamine formates are used as deicers, preferably accompanied by potassium formate. Preferred is triethanolamine formate, but the amine portion may be mono-, di- or triethanolamine or may be other, further alkoxylated amines. Tht compositions and methods are suggested for aircraft deicing.

Abstract: A gas dryer particularly useful for natural gas transmission lines has a sump vessel including a splash plate for intercepting incoming gas, a lower region for collecting water removed from the gas, at least one tower or other vessel for holding desiccant tablets and permitting water to drain into the sump, and partition(s) in the vessel extending into the lower region to permit collected sump water to be in a single body of liquid while the partitions in the upper regions of the vessel direct the gas from one tower or drying vessel to another.

Abstract: Desiccant tablets including solid potassium formate are used to dry gas, especially in natural gas transmission lines. Preferred tablets comprise 1-4% potassium formate (most preferably 2-3%), up to 1% of a surfactant as a lubricant, and the balance desiccant salts, preferably calcium chloride.

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 fluid of potassium formate together with a cationic formation control additive.

Abstract: Coal and other piles of particulates exposed to the weather are inhibited from freezing by treating them with potassium formate.

Abstract: Potassium formate is used together with a sulfide scavenger to remove and otherwise treat sulfhydryl compounds such as hydrogen sulfide present in hydrocarbons and aqueous substrates

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling fluid of potassium formate together with an amount of guar effective to inhibit clay and shale swelling and sloughing.

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in the drilling of wells for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling fluid of potassium formate together with an amount of guar effective to inhibit clay and shale swelling and sloughing.

Abstract: In a gas dryer for use in a gas transmission line in which a bed of desiccant tablets is suspended in the flow of gas, making an aqueous solution of the desiccant salts from the moisture taken from the gas, the solution is inhibited from generating solids and precipitates in a sump area by conducting the heat of hydration from the bed area to the sump area.

Abstract: Desiccant tablets including solid potassium formate are used to dry gas, especially in natural gas transmission lines. Preferred tablets comprise 1-4% potassium formate (most preferably 2-3%), up to 1% of a surfactant as a lubricant, and the balance desiccant salts, preferably calcium chloride.

Abstract: Moisture is removed from gas by contacting the gas with a solution of potassium formate to remove moisture from the gas, regenerating the potassium formate solution by removing water from it, and returning the potassium formate solution to contact gas to dehydrate it. Regeneration of the potassium formate solution is most preferably accomplished in a cavitation regenerator. The gas is most preferably natural gas.

Abstract: Potassium or other alkali metal formate solution is used to absorb moisture from gas through a membrane. The membrane may be supported on permeable tubes, and the potassium or other alkali metal formate may be regenerated for reuse, preferably by a cavitation regenerator. The potassium or other alkali metal formate should be present as a 40-80% solution, most preferably 70-76%. The process is especially useful for the dehydration of natural gas.