Abstract: A solids-free, essentially all-oil wellbore fluid comprises an organic fluid having (i) a melting point less than about 20.degree. C. (about 68.degree. F.), (ii) a flash point greater than about 54.4.degree. C. (about 130.degree. F.), and (iii) a dipole moment greater than 0 debye (D) and/or an aromatic solvent having a density at about 15.6.degree. C. (60.degree. F.) of at least about 0.9 g/ml (7.5 pounds per gallon (ppg)), a flash point of greater than about 54.4.degree. C. (130.degree. F.), a solubility in water at about 25.degree. C. (77.degree. F.) of less than about 1 weight percent, a solubility in benzene at about 25.degree. C. (77.degree. F.) of at least about 80 weight percent, and a pour point of less than about 15.6.degree. C. (60.degree. F.). Generally, a salt is dissolved in the organic fluid. The wellbore fluid is employed in well drilling, completion, and work-over operations.

Abstract: A method for cleaning oil-contaminated substrates employing a composition composed of a diluent oil, a first surfactant having a HLB value of at least 10, and a second surfactant having a higher HLB value. The difference in the HLB values of the first and second surfactants is at least 3 and a mixture of the surfactants would have a HLB value of at least 11.

Abstract: A non-toxic, inexpensive synthetic fluid for use in wellbore fluids (e.g., drilling fluids) is selected from the group consisting of (A) fluids having (I) a pour point greater than about -30.degree. C. (-22.degree. F.) and (II) a cetane index greater than 50, and comprising (i) at least about 95 weight percent hydrocarbons containing 11 or more carbon atoms, (ii) greater than 5 weight percent hydrocarbons containing 18 or more carbon atoms, (iii) at least about 50 weight percent isoparaffins, (iv) at least about 80 weight percent total paraffins, (v) less than 10 weight percent naphthenics, (vi) less than 0.1 weight percent aromatics, and (vii) at least 2 hydrocarbons containing a consecutive number of carbon atoms, and (B) fluids comprising (i) at least about 95 weight percent hydrocarbons containing 10 or more carbon atoms and (ii) at least about 90 weight percent n-paraffins.

Abstract: Oil-base drilling fluids containing a non-sulfonated polymer and/or a non-organophilic clay maintain desirable rheological properties at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A solids-free, essentially all-oil wellbore fluid comprises (a) an organic fluid having (i) a melting point less than about 20.degree. C. (about 68.degree. F.), (ii) a flash point greater than about 54.4.degree. C. (about 130.degree. F.), and (iii) a dipole moment greater than 0 debye (D), and (b) a salt dissolved in the organic fluid. The wellbore fluid is employed in well drilling, completion, and work-over operations.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid (e.g., a drilling, completion, packer, or fracturing fluid) comprises (a) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, wetting agents, viscosifiers, weighting agents, fluid loss control agents, proppants for use in hydraulically fracturing subterranean formations, and particulate agents for use in forming a gravel pack; and (b) a non-toxic white mineral oil having (i) an API gravity at 15.6.degree. C. (60.degree. F.) greater than 35, (ii) a content of compounds containing 14 or more carbon atoms of at least about 95 weight percent, and (iii) a pour point of at least about -30.degree. C. (-22.degree. F.).

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleansing agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleaning agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: A composition for use in enhanced oil recovery procedures comprises steam, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, and a corrosion inhibitor. In one version of the invention, the corrosion inhibitor is a carbonate-containing buffering agent and in another version of the invention, the corrosion inhibitor is a pH-adjusting agent.