Abstract: The present invention provides a water dispersible particulate polymer composition having improved water dispersibility comprising a water soluble particulate polymer which has been contacted with a finely divided particulate dispersant comprised of at least one insoluble or sparingly soluble fatty acid or salt thereof so that the particles of the water soluble particulate polymer have dispersed thereon said finely divided particulate dispersant, a method for making said water soluble particulate polymer composition, and the use thereof in viscosifying water-based fluids.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid comprising a water soluble tetrapolymer in combination with clayey materials.

Abstract: A water based drilling fluid composition and an additive for water based drilling fluid compositions having as components poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone/sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate) and ferrous sulfate useful in controlling high temperature water loss in drilling a well to recover oil and gas from a subterranean formation in a hostile environment and their methods of use.

Abstract: Well cement slurries, water soluble dispersants therefor and methods of producing the dispersants are provided. The dispersants prevent high initial cement slurry viscosities and friction losses when the slurries are pumped, and are comprised of water soluble sulfoalkylated naphthols in which the naphthol molecules are alkylated with at least one group having the formula --C(R).sub.2 --SO.sub.3 M wherein R is selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms and M is an alkali metal.

Abstract: In an aqueous drilling fluid, an improved thinning effect is obtained by adding a first agent comprising a mixture of a sulfoalkylated tannin or polyvalent metal complex thereof with a lignite, optionally in combination with a second agent comprising a metal compound of chromium, titanium, iron, zinc, strontium or magnesium which is at least partially soluble in water.

Abstract: A well-working fluid such as a drilling mud containing a mixture of sulfonated asphalt and a causticized lignite. The use of the mixture gives a less expensive composition than would be the case with pure sulfonated asphalt and at the same time results in a higher quality fluid in that foaming is reduced and on balance the rheological properties are improved. The invention is of particular applicability in drilling muds using conventional ingredients such as clays and polymeric thickening agents such as CMC.