Abstract: The present invention relates to sol gel hydrous metal oxide particles, such as hydrous zirconium oxide particles, their manufacture, and their use in such applications as sorbent dialysis.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation includes providing capsules comprising at least one of a mineral acid, a Lewis acid, a hydrolysable acid precursor, and mixtures thereof; providing a carrier fluid; placing the capsules and the carrier fluid into a zone in a shale formation, the zone comprising fractures; allowing the capsules to at least partially dissolve. Upon the hydrolysis of the acid, etching of the faces of the fractures occurs.

Abstract: A method is provided for improved degradation of metal-crosslinked polymer gels, which are useful in oil and gas treating operations. In this method a polysaccharide having a higher degree of substitution than the polymer in the polymer gel is added to the gel. The polysaccharide removes the crosslinking metal ion from the gel to thus break down the gel and reduce its viscosity.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation includes providing capsules comprising at least one of a mineral acid, a Lewis acid, a hydrolysable acid precursor, and mixtures thereof; providing a carrier fluid; placing the capsules and the carrier fluid into a zone in a shale formation, the zone comprising fractures; allowing the capsules to at least partially dissolve. Upon the hydrolysis of the acid, etching of the faces of the fractures occurs.

Abstract: A method of sorbent dialysis is provided for enhanced removal of uremic toxins, such as toxic anions and/or organic solutes, from spent dialysate. More highly adsorbable zirconium polymeric complexes of these anions and/or organic solutes can be initially formed in spent dialysate by treatment with zirconium salt solution or other zirconium cation source, and then removed with adsorbent to provide purified or regenerated dialysate. Sorbent dialysis systems for detoxifying spent dialysate containing toxic anions and organic solutes are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for improved degradation of metal-crosslinked polymer gels, which are useful in oil and gas treating operations. In this method a polysaccharide having a higher degree of substitution than the polymer in the polymer gel is added to the gel. The polysaccharide removes the crosslinking metal ion from the gel to thus break down the gel and reduce its viscosity.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling a wellbore fluid that includes a base fluid and one or more fluid additives includes identifying a target viscosity profile of the wellbore fluid; determining an initial set of values of the fluid additives that are based at least in part on the target viscosity profile; determining, with one or more non-linear predictive models, a computed viscosity profile of the wellbore fluid and a computed set of values of the fluid additives based, at least in part, on the initial set of values of the fluid additives; comparing the computed viscosity profile and at least one of the computed set of values with a specified criteria of the wellbore fluid; and preparing, based on the comparison, an output including the computed viscosity profile and at least one of the computed set of values of a resultant wellbore fluid.

Abstract: A method of sorbent dialysis is provided for enhanced removal of uremic toxins, such as toxic anions and/or organic solutes, from spent dialysate. More highly adsorbable zirconium polymeric complexes of these anions and/or organic solutes can be initially formed in spent dialysate by treatment with zirconium salt solution or other zirconium cation source, and then removed with adsorbent to provide purified or regenerated dialysate. Sorbent dialysis systems for detoxifying spent dialysate containing toxic anions and organic solutes are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling a wellbore fluid that includes a base fluid and one or more fluid additives includes identifying a target viscosity profile of the wellbore fluid; determining an initial set of values of the fluid additives that are based at least in part on the target viscosity profile; determining, with one or more non-linear predictive models, a computed viscosity profile of the wellbore fluid and a computed set of values of the fluid additives based, at least in part, on the initial set of values of the fluid additives; comparing the computed viscosity profile and at least one of the computed set of values with a specified criteria of the wellbore fluid; and preparing, based on the comparison, an output including the computed viscosity profile and at least one of the computed set of values of a resultant wellbore fluid.