Abstract: Water-based, clay-free drilling fluids for use in drilling bore holes into subterranean formations having an aqueous system therein comprising water and a hydroxy magnesium containing reaction product. The aqueous system of the drilling fluid has the subject reaction product therein in an amount sufficient to impart non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic properties to the fluids when the fluids have a pH above at least about 11. The present invention further relates to an improved process of drilling bore holes into subterranean formations using the subject drilling fluids.

Abstract: A water-based, clay-free drilling fluid for use in drilling bore holes into subterranean formations having an aqueous mixture therein comprising water and a ferric hydroxide compound. The aqueous phase of the drilling fluid has the ferric hydroxide agent therein in an amount sufficient to impart non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic properties to the fluid at a pH of at least about 8. The present invention further relates to an improved process of drilling bore holes into subterranean formations using the subject drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method of forming an aqueous dispersion of alpha alumina monohydrate by subjecting a mixture of water and alpha alumina monohydrate to high shear rates. The process is further enhanced by having the mixture contain a small amount of a base selected from a water soluble alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate or oxide. The invention is also directed to a water dispersable alpha alumina monohydrate composition comprising solid particulate alpha alumina monohydrate having from 1 to 5% by weight of an alkali metal oxide, hydroxide or carbonate or ammonium hydroxide substantially uniformly mixed therewith.

Abstract: Water-based, clay-free drilling fluids for use in drilling bore holes into subterranean formations having an aqueous mixture therein comprising water and an aluminum hydroxide agent. The aqueous phase of the drilling fluids has the aluminum hydroxide agent therein in an amount sufficient to impart non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic properties to the fluids when the fluids have a pH of at least about 8. The present invention further relates to an improved process of drilling bore holes into subterranean formations using the subject drilling fluids.

Abstract: Stable and storable solid compositions which are capable of readily dispersing in an aqueous medium and causing the formed aqueous system to exhibit a high degree of pseudoplasticity. The solid composition comprises a mixture of particulate alkali metal aluminate and a solid, water soluble zinc, iron or aluminum metal salt of an inorganic mineral acid selected from halogen or nitric acid. The aluminate and metal salt should be present in a ratio such that the composition is capable of forming an aqueous system having an alkaline pH of at least 8.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing calcium sulfate scale deposits from surfaces, such as reverse osmosis membranes and electrodialysis stacks, wherein the surface to be cleaned is contacted by an aqueous solution comprising a chelating agent, a soluble carbonate and a fluorocarbon surfactant.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the deposition of scale on the heat exchange surfaces of evaporators by adding 0.1 to 15 part per million quantities of maleic-furan copolymers or salts thereof to the evaporators.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting scale formation in sea water distillation plants by adding threshold quantities of copolymers of maleic anhydride with allylacetate.

Abstract: A method for decreasing fouling of metalliferous surfaces of apparatus wherein water is evaporated from an aqueous system containing components which deposit onto the surfaces as hydrophilic foulants. The method comprises adding to the aqueous system a chelant-surfactant having a hydrophobic moiety and a chelating moiety through which the chelant-surfactant chelates with the metalliferous surfaces and provides a hydrophobic barrier to deposition of hydrophilic foulants.