Abstract: A method for determining hydration of a polymer includes mixing a water-soluble, powdered dye with a powdered polymer and introducing the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye and powdered polymer into a water-based fluid. Full hydration of the powdered polymer is determined when the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye, powdered polymer and water-based fluid comprises substantially no internal optical contrast.

Abstract: A method for determining hydration of a polymer includes mixing a water-soluble, powdered dye with a powdered polymer and introducing the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye and powdered polymer into a water-based fluid. Full hydration of the powdered polymer is determined when the mixed water-soluble, powdered dye, powdered polymer and water-based fluid comprises substantially no internal optical contrast.

Abstract: A composition for a chemical coating includes either (a) a low volatile organic compound (VOC), high flash point, BTEX-free, and at least partially hydrophobic liquid and/or (b) a concentrated solution of polyethylene glycol and/or (c) melted polyethylene glycol; wherein any or all of (a), (b), (c) is mechanically applied as a coating to a hydrophilic polymer powder to reduce clumping of the partially hydrated polymer upon introduction to a water-based fluid, and therefore promote dispersion and ultimately improve hydration. The coating is naturally removed when introduced into the water-based fluid by either hydrophilic-hydrophobic repulsion, emulsification, dissolution, or a combination thereof; and while higher shear rates increase the removal rate of the coating, high shear mixing is not required to remove the coating.

Abstract: A composition for fluid additives that includes at least one water soluble polymer having a predetermined melting temperature. The polymer has mixed therein a selected amount of at least one powdered fluid additive when at least one soluble polymer is held at or above the predetermined melting temperature and is subsequently cooled to solidify. The predetermined temperature is greater than a maximum expected temperature to which the composition will be exposed prior to use of the composition.

Abstract: A drilling fluid composition comprises a concentrated mixture of mud additives. The concentrate comprises a water-based suspension medium comprising a colloidal solid and an effective amount of a water-sequestering polymer and an effective amount of at least one drilling mud additive mixed into the water-based suspension medium.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. An expandable liner hanger, if present, is expanded into engagement with the casing. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.

Abstract: Reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, release assembly, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball operated sliding sleeve valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. The expandable liner hanger is expanded into engagement with the casing. Conventional circulation is restored. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. An expandable liner hanger, if present, is expanded into engagement with the casing. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, release assembly, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball operated sliding sleeve valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. The expandable liner hanger is expanded into engagement with the casing. Conventional circulation is restored. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.