Abstract: A nontoxic, nonchloride, water-base drilling fluid which stabilizes water sensitive shales is disclosed. This drilling fluid is comprised of the potassium or ammonium salt of an organic acid in combination with a polar organic liquid, so as to reduce shale swelling with mineral adverse impact on the environment.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the fragmentation and excavation of hard, solid materials such as rock formations is provided which comprises adding to the rock surface an aqueous solution including a high molecular weight nonionic polymer such as polyethylene oxide which is capable of hydrogen bonding with water to produce charge-neutralizing positive charge dipoles. The nonionic polymeric solution is thus capable of neutralizing the rock surface charge and obtaining a condition of zero surface charge (ZSC) so that the drilling, tunneling, cutting or other similar operation can be conducted with substantial increases in drilling performance and penetration rate. The method is also extremely effective in extending the lives of drill bits, cutting tools, grinding media, or other polishing or drilling tools such that an enormous savings in terms of replacing equipment can be achieved.

Abstract: Substantially water-insoluble, oleophilic mono- and/or polyfunctional alcohols of natural and/or synthetic origin which have flash points of at least 80.degree. C., or corresponding solutions of mono- and/or polyhydric alcohols in ecologically acceptable water-insoluble oils as the dispersed oil phase of water-based O/W-emulsion drilling fluids, which are suitable for an environmentally-acceptable development of geological formations and which, if desired, contain insoluble, finely particulate weighting agents for the formation of water-based O/W-emulsions drilling muds and/or further additives, such as emulsifiers, fluid-loss additives, wetting agents, alkali reserves and/or auxiliary substances for the inhibition of drilled rock of high water-sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of producing a gel of an organic liquid, using a metal phosphate ester in which all of the reagents are substantially free of water and pH-affecting substances. The gel is particularly useful in fracturing subterranean formations by entraining a solid particulate proppant therein and pumping the resultant mixture into the subterranean rock formation at sufficient pressure to fracture the formation. The organic liquid is preferably a hydrocarbon such as diesel or crude oil, and the metal phosphate ester is preferably an aluminum phosphate diester. The metal phosphate diester may be prepared by the reaction of a triester with P.sub.2 O.sub.5 to produce a polyphosphate, which is then reacted with an alcohol to produce a phosphate diester. The latter diester is then added to the organic liquid along with a non-aqueous source of aluminum, such as aluminum isopropoxide in diesel, to produce the metal phosphate diester.

Abstract: Flow agent-dispersant composition for ink systems and the like comprising montan wax having from 3 to 10% of lecithin uniformly dispersed therein and a process for forming the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved continuous phase for an oil based drilling fluid and specifically a synthetic hydrocarbon continuous phase which is non-polluting and minimally toxic. The invention provides excellent drilling fluid properties under a wide variety of drilling conditions. The synthetic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of branched chain oligomers synthesized from one or more olefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length and wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 1000. In the drilling fluid compositions, suitable emulsifiers, wetting agents, viscosifiers, weight materials and fluid loss additives are utilized in conjunction with water and/or a brine phase for the desired rheological properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing and using substantially debris-free gelled aqueous well treating fluids containing a cellulose gelling agent. The preparation methods comprise the steps of forming a gelled aqueous fluid and then mixing an amine phosphonate compound therewith to cause the hydration of unhydrated gelling agent remaining therein.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a composition having improved solvent power for sulfur wherein a composition comprising a sulfide having the general formula RSSaSR' wherein R and R' are defined carbon-containing radicals and a is 0 to 3, and a catalyst for improving the ability of said composition to take up sulfur is treated, either before, during or after the addition of said catalyst to said composition, with a primary or secondary amine in an effective amount and for an effective time period.

Abstract: A water-based fluid for use in the drilling of wells is disclosed. This fluid: is rheologically stable over a wide temperature range, from room temperature to at least about 475.degree. F., thus reducing drilling time in high temperature applications; typically necessitates minimal disposal rates in operation; is resistant to temperature-induced carbonate gellation; creates a thin filter cake; and combines the low toxicity of a water-based fluid with the performance stability of an oil-based fluid.As further disclosed herein, this drilling fluid comprises a water-based colloidal suspension of certain readily available drilling fluid components, including clay, parenchymal cell cellulose ("PCC") and an inorganic salt.

Abstract: A aqueous oil well scale inhibiting composition is disclosed as well as a dispersion and scale inhibiting method. The inhibitor comprises a phosphate ester or phosphonate calcium carbonate inhibitor and a sulfonated alkyldiphenylether zinc and/or lead sulfide dispersant. The dispersion includes at least 1 ppm of effectively dispersed zinc and/or lead sulfide particulates up to a concentration of about 200 ppm or more.

Abstract: A complexor and method of use are shown for providing controlled delay of the cross-linking reaction in an aqueous well fracturing fluid. A base fluid is first prepared by blending together an aqueous fluid and a hydratable polymer which is capable of gelling in the presence of borate ions. The complexor is prepared by mixing a cross-linking additive capable of furnishing borate ions in solution with a delay additive. The delay additive is effective, within a selected pH range, to chemically bond with both boric acid and the borate ions produced by the cross-linking additive to thereby limit the number of borate ions initially available in solution for subsequent cross-linking of the hydratable polysaccharide. The subsequent rate of cross-linking of the polysaccharide can be controlled by adjusting the pH of the complexor solution.

Abstract: A clayish formation, such as encountered in rock surrounding an oil well bore, is stabilized with a quaternary ammonium salt of an imide of polymaleic anhydride. The invention is particularly relevant to hydraulic fracturing fluids used for enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-soluble demulsifying and antifouling agent capable of separating possibly emulsified water/hydrocarbon mixtures, and particularly water/crude petroleum mixtures containing suspended matter.Said agent comprises from 10 to 60 percent by weight of a combination of the following compounds:at least one quaternary tetraalkylammonium halide; andat least one polyalkyloxylated alkylenediamine or its sulfate.

Abstract: A clay swelling inhibitor additive for oil and gas well treatment is disclosed. The additive comprises an aqueous solution of tetraalkylammonium chloride, preferably tetramethylammonium chloride and a quaternary amine-based cationic polyelectrolyte, such as methyl chloride quaternary salt of ethylene-ammonia condensation polymer. The additive composition synergistically retards water absorption by the down-hole clay formation.

Abstract: There is provided a solvent system for use in oil wells and gas wells, which solvent system comprises a hydrocarbon solvent, such as a mixture of xylenes, a substantially water-soluble alcohol, such as a mixture of methanol and a propanol, and a substantially oil-soluble alcohol, such as a C.sub.8 -alcohol or C.sub.8 -alcohol mixture.The system can also contain a non-ionic dispersant, such as an oxyalkylated alcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates to drilling fluid additives that suppress clay swelling within a subterranean well and to methods for controlling clay swelling during the drilling of a subterranean well. Aliphatic polyamines and aliphatic acids react to form polyamides and polyamino acids that are water soluble, that have molecular weights of less than about 1000, and that have low toxicity levels. The polyamides and polyamino acids are added to water base drilling fluids which are circulated throughout a well.When X in the acid is a hydroxyl group, the polyamide products have the following general structure: ##STR1## When X in the acid is a halogen such as chlorine, the polyamino acid products have the following general structure: ##STR2## The drilling fluid additives and the method of controlling clay swelling provide for improved control of the rheological properties of drilling fluids along with an increased environmental compatibility.

Abstract: A complexor solution and method of use are shown for providing controlled delay and improved high temperature gel stability of borated fracturing fluids. A base fluid is first prepared by blending together an aqueous fluid and a hydratable polymer which is capable of gelling in the presence of borate ions. The complexor is prepared by mixing a cross-linking additive capable of furnishing borate ions in solution with a delay additive. The delay additive is effective, within a selected pH range, to chemically bond with both boric acid and the borate ions produced by the cross-linking additive to thereby limit the number of borate ions initially available in solution for subsequent cross-linking of the hydratable polysaccharide. In addition to providing more precise control of the delay time, the complexor provides a reserve of borate which provides improved gel stability at higher temperatures.

Abstract: Foam is formed from a solution of demineralized make-down water and foaming agent, and the foam contacted with solid materials to suppress process dust emissions. The foaming agent may be a low salt tolerant surfactant which loses its surface active properties in typical aqueous process streams, or end uses, thereby minimizing subsequent foam related problems. The low salt tolerant surfactant may be part of a combination of components for forming foam which is low salt tolerant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing compositions comprising microcapsules by phase separation microencapsulation wherein the hardening agent employed is a volatile silicone fluid and with the compositions prepared thereby. The use of the volatile silicone fluid as a hardening agent permits the production of microcapsules substantially free of any alkane hardening agent, eliminating potential combustability problems of the prior art processes and toxicity problems of the prior art compositions.

Abstract: A method for treating a hydrocarbon stream containing free sulfur wherein a formulation comprising a diaryldisulfide and a film forming corrosion inhibitor are introduced into the hydrocarbon stream.