Abstract: A fracturing fluid and method is disclosed comprising an aqueous metal hydrated galactomannan gum, buffered to a pH of from about 9 to about 11, and using reduced amounts galactomannan gum. Further, the invention provides a metal ion source, such as borate, to crosslink the galactomannan gum polymer in subterranean fractures. In one embodiment a slowly dissolving slurried borate is used in pumping an alkaline fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation to increase production of hydrocarbons. In another embodiment, an encapsulated borate source is used. A chemical stabilizer optionally may be used.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a novel fracturing fluid composition comprising an aqueous metal hydrated galactomannan gum, buffered to a pH of from about 9 to about 11. In another embodiment, a method of fracturing a formation is disclosed, the method being characterized by the use of the compositions mentioned.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the delay time of aqueous borate-crosslinked polysaccharide-based fluids for hydraulic fracturing and related applications which allows on-the-fly control of the delay time without comprising overall fluid integrity. Without having to modify the total boron content nor pH of the fracturing fluid, the delay time is controlled by adding a polyol to the fracturing fluid at a first rate, determining the resulting delay time and then adjusting the rate of the polyol addition to the fracturing fluid until the desired delay time is achieved.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a novel fracturing fluid composition comprising an aqueous metal hydrated galactomannan gum, buffered to a pH of from about 9 to about 11. In another embodiment, a method of fracturing a formation is disclosed, the method being characterized by the use of the compositions mentioned.

Abstract: The present invention extends the temporary temperature range for the use of magnesium oxide-delayed borate-cross linking of a galactomannan gum fracturing fluid by adding fluoride ion which precipitates insoluble magnesium fluoride. Alternatively, a chelant for the magnesium ion may be added. With the precipitation of magnesium fluoride, or the chelation of the magnesium ion, insoluble magnesium hydroxide cannot form at elevated temperatures which would otherwise lower the pH and reverse the boron-crosslinking reacting. The addition effectively extends the use of such fracturing fluids to temperatures of about 275.degree. to 300.degree. F.

Abstract: Dewatering of coal seams for facilitating the production of gas therefrom through a well is effected by treating the coal seam utilizing a well treatment fluid containing a dewatering aid which both enhances the permeability of the formation to water production and binds tenaciously to the coal surface so that the permeability enhancement benefits are realized over a long production term. The preferred dewatering surfactants used in the treatment fluid and the process of treating the well are selected from a group consisting of:(a) organic surfactant compounds having the formulaR.sub.1 --O([EO].sub.x --[PO]Y--[BO].sub.z)Hwherein R.sub.1 is an alcohol, phenol or phenol derivative or a fatty acid having 1 to 16 carbon atoms; EO is an ethylene oxide radical and x is 1 to 20; PO is a propylene oxide radical and y is 0 to 15 and BO is a butylene oxide radical and z is 1-15;(b) an organic polyethylene carbonate having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: The high temperature stability of an aqueous fracturing fluid is extended for use in high temperature (above 300.degree. F.) subterranean formations through the addition of quantities of unhydrated, particulate guar or guar derivative polymers prior to the pumping of the fracturing fluid into the formation. Additional high temperature stability is achieved through the addition of soluble bicarbonate to the fracturing fluid and raising the pH of the fracturing fluid to about 9.2 to 10.4.

Abstract: The froth flotation of coal is conducted in the presence of a conditioner of the condensate of naphthenic acid and an alkanolamine such as diethanolamine.

Abstract: A method of reducing paraffin deposits on a paraffin contaminated surface. The surface is contacted with a sulphur trioxide containing liquid to react with the paraffin, and convert at least a portion of it to a water-dispersible material. The surface is also contacted with a surfactant containing or providing liquid, so as to reduce the amount of organic precipitate formed by the action of the sulphur trioxide on the paraffin. Additionally the surface is usefully rinsed with an aqueous liquid, preferably an aqueous alkaline liquid, following it being contacted with the sulphur trioxide. The surface may be contacted with the surfactant containing liquid, either prior to, or subsequent to, contacting it with the sulphur trioxide containing fluid.

Abstract: The strength of ice is reduced by dissolving in water prior to freezing a composition of (A) a water-soluble polyhydroxy compound or monoalkylether thereof and (B) a water-soluble organic nonvolatile compound having a hydrophilic group such as amine, carboxyl or carboxylate groups in an amount to provide an effective amount, e.g., on the order of about 0.25-5 weight percent, of (A) plus (B) based on the weight of water. The method is especially useful for application to particulate solids, such as coal and mineral ores, which are shipped and stored in masses exposed to freezing temperatures. Any ice that is formed is physically weak and will not deter the unloading of the thusly conditioned particulate solids.

Abstract: A surface which is to be contacted with another surface, e.g., a particulate material, in the presence of moisture (water) which is subject to freezing, is coated with a composition containing water and substantially water soluble components comprising (1) a polyhydroxy compound or monoalkyl ether thereof, (2) an organic nonvolatile compound having at least one hydrophilic group, (2) being different than (1), optionally a salt which functions to lower the freezing point of water, and a sufficient quantity of an organic polymer which functions to increase the viscosity and tackiness of the composition sufficient to retain the composition on non-horizontal surfaces to freeze proof the same.

Abstract: Frozen water is thawed by applying to the surface thereof a composition containing water and substantially water soluble components comprising (1) a polyhydroxy compound or monoalkyl ether thereof, (2) an organic nonvolatile compound having at least one hydrophilic group, (2) being different than (1), (3) an inorganic salt which functions to lower the freezing point of water, wherein only one of (2) or (3) need be present but both may be present, (4) sufficient quantity of an organic polymer which functions to increase the viscosity and tackiness of the composition sufficiently to permit a uniform layer of the composition to be placed on the frozen surface and (5) H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: The title compositions exhibit superior efficacy as conditioners in the flotation of coal. These compositions are prepared by condensing diethanolamine with a C.sub.10 -C.sub.24 fatty acid in a molar ratio of 1:2 and then introducing one-half the equimolar amount, relative to the condensate, of C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkanoic acid.

Abstract: The strength of ice is reduced by dissolving in water prior to freezing a composition of (A) a water-soluble polyhydroxy compound or monoalkylether thereof and (B) a water-soluble organic nonvolatile compound having a hydrophilic group such as amine, carboxyl or carboxylate groups in an amount to provide an effective amount, e.g., on the order of about 0.25-5 weight percent, of (A) plug (B) based on the weight of water. The method is especially useful for application to particulate solids, such as coal and mineral ores, which are shipped and stored in masses exposed to freezing temperatures. Any ice that is formed is physically weak and will not deter the unloading of the thusly conditioned particulate solids.

Abstract: The surface of a mass of finely divided particulate matter, e.g. the surface of a coal pile, is treated by applying to the surface a combination of an organic polymer latex and a silicone to provide a water repellant surface.

Abstract: A water dispersible particulate organic polymer is coated with a polyvinyl lactam-containing polymeric material to provide a particulate material which is readily dispersible in aqueous solutions with a minimum of agglomeration of the water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A water dispersible particulate organic polymer is coated with a polyvinyl lactam-containing polymeric material to provide a particulate material which is readily dispersible in aqueous solutions with a minimum of agglomeration of the water soluble polymer.

Abstract: Finely divided mineral solids are pelletized by uniformly blending the solids with a binder consisting essentially of an aqueous film forming latex of a water insoluble polymer after which the blend is shaped and dried. The binder preferably also contains a water dispersible agglutinant, such as wheat flour or bentonite.

Abstract: The surface of a mass of finely divided particulate matter, e.g. the surface of a coal pile, is treated by applying to the surface a combination of an organic polymer latex and a silicone to provide a water repellant surface.