Abstract: A sexual attraction pheromone exclusively obtained from Tribolium castaneum male insects, a method to obtain said pheromone and a device useful for controlling insects in grain silos are disclosed. The device comprises an outer shell, a membrane impregnated with the sexual attraction pheromone and a nucleus containing an insecticide formulation comprising effective amount of an isolated microsclerotia of Beauveria bassiana and an agronomically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A method for preparing a super-hydrophobic membrane by cleaning a metal mesh by immersion in an organic solvent; subjecting the cleaned metal mesh to a surface modification treatment to increase its hydrophilicity; coating the treated metal mesh with a hydrophobic organic substance; and drying the metal coated mesh for obtaining the super-hydrophobic membrane. The super-hydrophobic membrane obtained thereby.

Abstract: A method of oil recovery by applying an electrical signal to a reservoir of interest, wherein said method comprises the following steps: obtaining the characteristic frequency of the water-oil interface of the reservoir; and applying the electrical signal to the reservoir, wherein said electrical signal is an alternating current signal or a combination of a direct current signal and an alternating current signal, and wherein the frequency of the alternating current signal is the characteristic frequency of the water-oil interface, thereby producing alteration of the water-oil interface and movement of the oil for extraction.

Abstract: A polymeric surfactant for use in chemical enhanced oil recovery, including a terpolymer of a first non-ionic monomer, a second non-ionic monomer, and an ionic monomer, the first non-ionic monomer being a hydrophilic monomer and the second non-ionic monomer being a hydrophobic monomer, the ionic monomer being in a lower proportion than the first and second non-ionic monomers. A method of preparation of polymeric surfactants.

Abstract: A drilling fluid composition comprising a continuous phase and a disperse phase, the continuous phase comprising fatty acid methyl esters derived from soy oil, and sunflower lecithin as an emulsifier. A method for increasing the electrical stability of a drilling fluid composition.

Abstract: A dissolvable alloy, the chemical composition of which comprises aluminum between 2.5% and 9%; zinc between 0.1% and 1.5%; iron between 0.01% and 3%; and magnesium the remainder, such alloy being usable in tools and components of the petroleum industry.

Abstract: A friction reducer comprising a copolymer of acrylamide, an anionic monomer, a zwitterionic monomer or a cationic monomer, a physical ligand or a chemical ligand, wherein the acrylamide amounts to at least 50% (w/w) of the total monomer content. The friction reducer is useful in hydraulic fracturing operations and is obtained by controlled radical polymerization at a temperature between 30° C. and 70° C. using iodine as polymerization control agent.

Abstract: Acrylamide-derived hydrogels and methods of fabrication thereof from an acrylic monomer, a crosslinking agent comprising an organosilicon compound, a polymerization initiator, a solvent and a polymerization accelerator, as well as their use in controlling circulation losses. The obtained hydrogels interact with the walls of the reservoir and exhibits an increase in viscosity, either at delayed times or in response to a given stimulus, such as changes in temperature, pressure, pH, salinity, using a simple and easily scalable methodology.

Abstract: A method and device for detection of solid organic matter and fluids in a shale rock by means of low field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) in a single measurement, by submitting a rock sample to a 2D NMR assay comprising applying a 2D pulse sequence with a saturation-recovery, or inversion-recovery, in an indirect dimension and an FID-CPMG in a direct dimension. The method can be used as an analytical technique for rock samples from unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Abstract: A device and method for testing a rock specimen in order to determine the fracture toughness (KIC) thereof. The device comprises: a frame; a hydraulic pressure testing rig supported by the frame and comprising a pressure gauge, a lever and a pressure diaphragm; a storage tank for storing hydraulic fluid and supported by the frame; and a pressure chamber supported by the frame, in which the test specimen is placed to be subjected to hydrostatic pressure through conduits that connect said pressure chamber with the storage tank in fluid communication.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracking aqueous fluid, including: water; one or more soluble calcium salts; a carbonate ion generating compound; and one or more soluble zinc salts. A method for fracking an underground formation using the hydraulic fracking fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioinsecticide formulation comprising highly resistant Beauveria bassiana microsclerotia and to its use for insect control, in particular for control of insects in grain silos, and to a method of preparation of said formulation. The microsclerotia are obtained in a culture medium comprising an iron (II) compound at a concentration of approximately 0.2 g/L.

Abstract: A biological inoculant having both fertilizing and fungicidal activity is disclosed. More particularly, a bio-inoculant having the said combined effects, comprising Bradyrhizobium japonicum and specific isolates from the Trichoderma genus is disclosed. The bio-inoculant is applied to soybean crops for preventing fungi borne diseases. More particularly, the bio-inoculant of the invention is useful for protecting soybean crops against infection by Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Cercospora sp., Sclerotinia sp. and Rhizoctonia sp.

Abstract: A device for separating an oil phase from an aqueous phase in a remediation well and conveying said separated oil phase to a tank at the surface, wherein said device comprises: a chamber comprising at least two hoses connected to an upper part of the chamber, the hoses being communicated with an interior of the chamber; an oil phase and aqueous phase separating filter, located in the upper part of the chamber and communicated with the interior of the chamber, the filter having a lid on an upper part of the filter; and a hollow float attached to a lower part of the chamber, the float comprising a ballast at a lower end, wherein the ballast comprises a centering body at a lower end.

Abstract: A composition for fracking an unconventional reservoir including hard water and liquid carbon dioxide for in-situ generation of proppant particles. A method for fracturing a rock formation in an unconventional reservoir at high temperature and pressure conditions, including pumping the composition into the rock formation and precipitating calcite and aragonite crystals inside the rock formation.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring and diagnosing the operation of a deviated oil well pumping system comprising sucker rod string driven by a polished rod, as well as devices for carrying out such methods, are described. The methods employ mathematical models incorporating phenomena not contemplated in the methods of the prior art, providing advantageous results for the adequate operation of a non-vertical oil well.

Abstract: Tracers for oil recovery, particularly fluorescent nanotracers comprising polynucleotides such as DNA strands. The tracer comprises a core-shell nanoparticle tailored according to the operation to be traced. It contains a fluorescent core comprising a target polynucleotide that allows the detection thereof in the field and a functionalized polymeric shell that provides increased stability in high salinity aqueous phases. A method for preparing said nanotracer by encapsulation of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: A phase-separating device for hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifers comprising a support module comprising a central axis, a filter module operatively attached to the lower end of the central axis of the support module, an elastic module operatively attached to the filter module; and a reservoir module.

Abstract: Oil and aqueous phase separator device comprising: a basket that comprises a frame having a plurality of supporting arms and fitting means for linking to other phase separator devices; a top lid of the basket; a hydrophobic mesh linked to the basket and supported by the plurality of supporting arms; a plurality of floats linked to the frame of the basket; a housing for an additional float formed on the upper edge of the frame of the basket; and discharging means linked to the basket.

Abstract: Methods for the measurement of surface dynamometer cards and diagnosis of operation in sucker rod pumped oil-producing wells, as well as devices using such methods having an autonomous, compact and cost-effective design.