Abstract: Fluids useful as subterranean treatment fluids, and more particularly, polymeric fluid loss additives, subterranean treatment fluids with improved fluid loss control, and their associated methods of use, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, and a polymeric fluid loss control additive that comprises at least a first plurality of polymer molecules having a first average molecular weight, and a second plurality of polymer molecules having a second average molecular weight, wherein the first average molecular weight is different from the second average molecular weight; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a Theological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support.

Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising gelling agents that comprise crosslinkable polymers and certain biopolymers, and methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a crosslinking agent; and a gelling agent comprising a polymer that is a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer that is a biopolymer wherein a molecule of the biopolymer (1) consists only of glucose, or (2) has a backbone comprising one or more units that comprise at least (a) one glucose unit and (b) one linear or cyclic pyranose-type monosaccharide unit, wherein (a) and (b) have different molecular structures.

Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising gelling agents that comprise crosslinkable polymers and certain biopolymers, and methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a crosslinking agent, and a gelling agent comprising a polymer that is a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer that is a biopolymer wherein a molecule of the biopolymer (1) consists only of glucose, or (2) has a backbone comprising one or more units that comprise at least (a) one glucose unit and (b) one linear or cyclic pyranose-type monosaccharide unit, wherein (a) and (b) have different molecular structures; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysacoharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing, are provided. One embodiment provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment provides a method of treating subterranean formation with slurry comprising the steps of creating a slurry using a method comprising the steps of combining a polysacchande with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry; and, placing that slurry into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysaccharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating subterranean formation with slurry comprising the steps of creating a slurry using a method comprising the steps of combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry; and, placing that slurry into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a treatment fluid comprising water, a crosslinking agent, and a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer having a C* of at least about 0.27. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising preparing a treatment fluid comprising water, a crosslinking agent, and a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer having a C* of at least about 0.27; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising preparing a treatment fluid comprising water, a crosslinking agent, and a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer having a C* of at least about 0.27; and, placing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing and using viscous gelled well treating fluids devoid of insoluble gelling agent residue and compositions. A viscous gelled treating fluid composition devoid of insoluble gelling agent residue basically comprises water, a hydrated gelling agent and the water insoluble residue therefrom, a base for raising the pH of the water so that the water insoluble residue is dissolved therein, and additional water to lower the amount of the gelling agent in the treating fluid relative to the amount of water therein and to lower the pH thereof.

Abstract: A playset in which the position of various vehicles or characters will be depicted upon a video screen or monitor. A method of identifying a location is provided in a playset map upon which the vehicles or characters would traverse. Based upon the position of the vehicles or characters, different scenes would be depicted on the video screen or monitor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating fetal weight at birth and risk of macrosomia are disclosed. Information regarding maternal characteristics and ultrasound measurements are obtained for the fetus. A computer program selects the most accurate equation from a hierarchy of birth weight/risk of macrosomia estimation equations based on the available information. Program outputs include estimated birth weight, risk of macrosomia, and confidence intervals.

Abstract: The rotational speed of the roll supporting shaft of a differential driven rewinder-unwinder is controlled whereby to substantially eliminate the generation of heat by utilizing a variable speed variable torque, regenerative motor-type drive in conjunction with a regenerative, multi-quadrant D.C. control. Current is generated and returned to the power lines during a part of each rewinding or unwinding cycle, thereby conserving energy.