Abstract: The invention provides a novel process of preparing organophilic humate derivatives wherein: an aqueous solution of a humic acid-containing material is prepared with an alkali metal or ammonium base; an amine containing at least 16 carbon atoms and at least one functional group per molecule selected from the group consisting of primary amino, secondary amino, quaternary ammonium, and mixtures thereof, is mixed with the humate solution; an acid is mixed with the amine-containing humate solution in an amount at least sufficient to neutralize all of the alkali metal or ammonium base used to prepare the humate solution; and thereafter the organophilic substituted ammonium humate derivative is recovered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of formulating an aqueous medium to minimize the swelling and dispersion of subterranean formations contacted by the aqueous medium, particularly the aqueous phase of a water base drilling fluid. The process comprises: measuring a filtration property of a series of aqueous slurries containing particles of the subterranean formation and various concentrations of a water soluble compound which inhibits the swelling or dispersion of shales to determine the concentration range of the compound which maximizes the filtration rate; measuring a filtration property or the zeta potential of a series of aqueous slurries having a varying pH in the range from about 8 to about 13 to determine the pH range which either maximizes the filtration rate or provides a zeta potential in the range of about -10 millivolts to about +20 millivolts, respectively; and utilizing the concentration range of the compound and the pH range to formulate the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing organophilic clay suspending agents having enhanced dispersibility in oleaginous liquids, the organophilic clay containing suspending agents, and methods of increasing the viscosity of oleaginous liquids utilizing these suspending agents. The suspending agents are of particular use in mineral oil based invert emulsion drilling fluids.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for activating hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) such that the HEC will disperse and hydrate in compatible heavy brines having a density greater than about 13.5 pounds per gallon containing one or more salts selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium bromide, zinc chloride, and zinc bromide, at ambient temperatures such that the HEC will be at least 80% hydrated within one hour.The activation process comprises admixing the HEC with an organic liquid which has no appreciable swelling effect on the HEC and an amine activator.The invention also provides activated HEC compositions and a process of increasing the viscosity of a heavy brine utilizing these compositions.

Abstract: The thermal aging stability of liquid suspensions of hydrophilic, water-soluble polymers in an organic liquid is improved by adding to the suspension a liquid fatty acid. Superior liquid polymer compositions having improved resistance to settling (syneresis), thermal aging characteristics, viscosity, and dispersibility in aqueous liquids comprise from about 40% to about 55% of an organic liquid, from about 35% to about 55% of a hydrophilic, water-soluble polymer, from about 2.0% to about 4.5% of an organophilic clay suspending agent, from about 0% to about 2.0% of a dispersant for the organophilic clay, from about 0.5% to about 2.5% of a non-ionic surfactant, and from about 1.25% to about 5.0% of a liquid fatty acid.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of liquifying materials which are either waxy solids at ambient temperatures or solid or semi-solid mixtures of such waxy materials and a solvent therefor. Specifically, the invention discloses a method of preparing a liquid suspension of a waxy material in a solvent wherein a solution of the waxy material in the solvent is formed at elevated temperatures, the solution is cooled to produce a semi-solid to solid phase, and thereafter the mixture is sheared.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing organophilic clays having enhanced dispersibility in organic liquids, the organophilic clay containing gellants, and methods of increasing the viscosity of organic liquids utilizing these gellants.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing organophilic clays having enhanced dispersibility in organic liquids, the organophilic clay containing gellants, and methods of increasing the viscosity of organic liquids utilizing these gellants.