Abstract: Novel cationic amide compositions having the structure ##STR1## where R.sup.1 represents an alkylene group of the formula C.sub.n H.sub.2n, and alkenyl group of the formula C.sub.n H.sub.n, or a phenyl group, or mixtures thereof, where n equals 0 to 10; R.sup.2 represents C.sub.m H.sub.2m, where m equals 1 to 4; R.sup.3 independently represents methyl, ethyl or propyl; and the combination of R.sup.4 and X.sup.- represents the remnant from a quaternizing agent have been discovered and have been found useful as demulsifiers in breaking petroleum emulsions as might be produced during fireflooding petroleum recovery procedures. In one embodiment, the cationic amide/ester compositions are made by reacting (1) a dicarboxylic acid of the formula: ##STR2## where R.sup.1 represents C.sub.n H.sub.

Abstract: A method of effecting an improved electric log of a subterranean clay-containing formation ion which a chloride-containing fluid is present which comprises introducing a fluid composition comprising a selected potassium salt of a water-soluble organic acid which stabilizes said clay-containing formation and reduces the chloride-induced interference with the electric log into said formation prior to effecting the electric well log.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the corrosive effects of a heavy brine upon a metal by admixing a quantity of a selected corrosion inhibitor with the brine solution. The corrosion inhibitor can comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of a monovalent or divalent salt of erythorbic acid, a molybdate salt, ferrous gluconate and sodium gluconate. The brine solution can contain potassium, sodium, calcium or zinc halide salts. The corrosion inhibitor can be used in drilling, completion, packer and workover fluids.

Abstract: An improved well drilling and completion fluid composition which has excellent stability over a broad temperature range, has a low tubular goods corrosion rate, prevents the sloughing of clay-containing materials and is environmentally acceptable. The composition is comprised of water, a viscosity increasing agent, a fluid loss reducer and rheology stabilizer and one or more water-soluble clay-stabilizing organic salts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clay based aqueous drilling fluid containing dissolved inorganic salts for use in drilling through either or both shale and salt formations. The fluid is prepared by dissolving designated quantities of ammonium chloride and sodium chloride in the aqueous fluid prior to admixing of the clay and other additives.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well bore into a subterranean formation containing water with monovalent and polyvalent cations and preventing leak-off into the formation of an oil-base drilling fluid used in the drilling. The method is carried out by adding to an oil-base fluid comprising an oil, water, a weighting agent and an emulsifying agent, a powdered seepage loss reducer selected from the group consisting of an amorphous silicate having a molecular ratio of silicon dioxide to alkali metal oxide in the range of from about 1.5:1 to about 3.3:1 wherein the alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, and mixtures thereof, an ammonium soap of a fatty acid having from about 12 to about 22 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof to form the drilling fluid and circulating the drilling fluid containing the powdered seepage loss reducer in the well bore.

Abstract: An improved well drilling and completion fluid composition which has excellent stability over a broad temperature range, has a low tubular goods corrosion rate, prevents the sloughing of clay-containing materials and is environmentally acceptable. The composition is comprised of water, a viscosity increasing agent, a fluid loss reducer and rheology stabilizer and one or more water-soluble clay-stabilizing organic salts.