Abstract: A method of producing a well servicing fluid containing zinc bromide in which an activated hydroxyethyl cellulose is either admixed with a zinc bromide solution containing above about 30% by weight zinc bromide, or, in the alternative, is admixed with a non-zinc bromide containing solution to produce a viscosified solution which is then admixed with a zinc bromide containing solution.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing organophilic clay suspending agents having enhanced dispersibility in oleaginous liquids, the organophilic clay containing suspending agents, and methods of increasing the viscosity of oleaginous liquids utilizing these suspending agents. The suspending agents are of particular use in mineral oil based invert emulsion drilling fluids.

Abstract: Hydroxyethyl cellulose and a sequestrant are added to a heavy brine containing one or more salts selected from calcium chloride, calcium bromide, and zinc bromide to increase the viscosity of the brine. Preferably the brine contains zinc bromide, has a density in the range from about 14.2-19.2 pounds per gallon, and the sequestrant is a polyphosphonic acid or water soluble salt thereof.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions for, and methods of, increasing the viscosity of aqueous brine well servicing fluids comprising adding to the brine a composition containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, a solid organic activating agent for the hydroxyethyl cellulose, and a solvent for the activating agent which also functions as a suspending medium or carrier for the hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Abstract: The thermal aging stability of liquid suspensions of hydrophilic, water-soluble polymers in an organic liquid is improved by adding to the suspension a liquid fatty acid. Superior liquid polymer compositions having improved resistance to settling (syneresis), thermal aging characteristics, viscosity, and dispersibility in aqueous liquids comprise from about 40% to about 55% of an organic liquid, from about 35% to about 55% of a hydrophilic, water-soluble polymer, from about 2.0% to about 4.5% of an organophilic clay suspending agent, from about 0% to about 2.0% of a dispersant for the organophilic clay, from about 0.5% to about 2.5% of a non-ionic surfactant, and from about 1.25% to about 5.0% of a liquid fatty acid.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of liquifying materials which are either waxy solids at ambient temperatures or solid or semi-solid mixtures of such waxy materials and a solvent therefor. Specifically, the invention discloses a method of preparing a liquid suspension of a waxy material in a solvent wherein a solution of the waxy material in the solvent is formed at elevated temperatures, the solution is cooled to produce a semi-solid to solid phase, and thereafter the mixture is sheared.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for activating hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) such that the HEC will disperse and hydrate in compatible heavy brines having a density greater than about 13.5 pounds per gallon containing one or more salts selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium bromide, zinc chloride, and zinc bromide, at ambient temperatures such that the HEC will be at least 80% hydrated within one hour.The activation process comprises admixing the HEC with an organic liquid which has no appreciable swelling effect on the HEC and an amine activator.The invention also provides activated HEC compositions and a process of increasing the viscosity of a heavy brine utilizing these compositions.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in aqueous mediums comprising a hydrophilic polymer, a water miscible polar organic liquid which acts as a solvating agent for the hydrophilic polymer, the solvating agent being of a type which forms a semi-solid to viscous mixture with the hydrophilic polymer under certain conditions, and a diluting agent which is a non-solvating agent for the hydrophilic polymer. The polymer compositions can be added to aqueous mediums, particularly heavy brines, to produce well servicing fluids.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing organophilic clays having enhanced dispersibility in organic liquids, the organophilic clay containing gellants, and methods of increasing the viscosity of organic liquids utilizing these gellants.

Abstract: A thickened brine solution useful as a well servicing fluid is prepared, said solution consisting essentially of water, at least 20% by weight zinc bromide, calcium bromide, and a viscosifying amount of hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Abstract: A polymeric composition useful in the thickening of aqueous brines comprising hydroxyethyl cellulose, a water miscible organic liquid and an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of preparing organophilic clays having enhanced dispersibility in organic liquids, the organophilic clay containing gellants, and methods of increasing the viscosity of organic liquids utilizing these gellants.

Abstract: Plastic coated magnetic particles in bead form are used in drilling fluids to increase the lubricity thereof as indicated by a decrease in the drilling torque or the power required to rotate the drill string. Also provided is a method of recovering the beads from the drilling fluid for re-use using a magnetic separator.