Abstract: A storage and thermally stable polymer suspension in fresh water remains pourable after mixing at 6 months comprises at least 30% ammonium or sodium thiosulfate and 20% hydroxyethylcellulose. In an oil drilling fluid, yield value decreases less than 35% when heated for 16 hours at 250.degree. F.

Abstract: A novel cementing composition comprising a hydraulic cement and, as a fluid loss agent, water-soluble, nonionic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, are disclosed. Preferably, the cementing composition further comprises water-soluble, nonionic hydroxyethyl cellulose as a second fluid loss agent. A novel aqueous slurry containing the cementing composition, a novel process of using the aqueous slurry to fill an annulus between a borehole wall and casing, and a novel composition of matter comprising specified amounts of water-soluble, nonionic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose and water-soluble, nonionic hydroxyethyl cellulose, are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition comprising a water- and caustic-insoluble, inswellable, fibrous, particulate polymer comprising cross-linked units of a water-soluble polymer and a water-soluble cationic poly(diallylamine)-epichlorohydrin resin. This polymer is useful as an exchange resin, tablet disintegrant, thickener and suspending aid.

Abstract: A novel cementing composition comprising a hydraulic cement and, as a fluid loss agent, water-soluble, nonionic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose, are disclosed. Preferably, the cementing composition further comprises water-soluble, nonionic hydroxyethyl cellulose as a second fluid loss agent. A novel aqueous slurry containing the cementing composition, a novel process of using the aqueous slurry to fill an annulus between a borehole wall and casing, and a novel composition of matter comprising specified amounts of water-soluble, nonionic hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose and water-soluble, nonionic hydroxyethyl cellulose, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) drilling fluid compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of fresh and tap water, natural and synthetic sea water, and natural and synthetic brine, and carboxymethyl guar having a degree of substitution (D.S.) of 0.1 to 0.4; (2) drilling fluid compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of fresh and tap water, natural and synthetic sea water, and natural and synthetic brine, a carboxymethyl guar having a D.S. of from 0.1 to 0.4, and a metal salt selected from the group consisting of water-soluble metal carbonates and bicarbonates; and (3) drilling fluid compositions consisting essentially of an aqueous medium selected from the group consisting of fresh and tap water, a carboxymethyl guar having a D.S. of from 0.1 to 0.4, a metal salt selected from the group consisting of water-soluble metal carbonates and bicarbonates, and a noncarbonate polyvalent metal salt.

Abstract: Disclosed are gelled aqueous compositions having (1)(a) a water thickening amount of an anionic or nonionic water soluble polymer in fresh water or brine solutions at a pH of greater than 10; (b) a water thickening amount of an anionic water soluble polymer having carboxylate functionality and a cellulose backbone in brine solutions at an acidic pH; or (c) a water thickening amount of (i) an anionic water soluble polymer having carboxylate functionality and a cellulose backbone or (ii) a copolymer of sodium acrylate having from about 10% to about 90% acrylate content, in brine solutions at neutral to about 10 pH; and (2) a water soluble cationic poly(diallylamine)-epichlorohydrin resin in an amount sufficient to cause gelation and form the gelled composition. The compositions are useful in the recovery of oil and gas by fracturing and as a matrix plugging agent in enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: Disclosed are nonionic dihydroxypropyl hydroxyalkylcelluloses having a dihydroxypropyl M.S. of from about 0.1 to 1.2 and a hydroxyalkyl M.S. of from about 1.5 to about 3.0. The dihydroxypropyl hydroxyalkylcelluloses are capable of reacting with polyvalent metal cations, such as, titanium and zirconium, in an aqueous medium, such as a salt brine medium, to form viscoelastic gels useful in oil recovery operations.