Abstract: Processes for pre-sharpening cutting structures comprising particles of superabrasive material such as diamond grit, dispersed in a metal matrix material such as cemented tungsten carbide. Matrix material may be removed from a surface of a cutting structure to a desired depth to expose superabrasive particles within the matrix material adjacent the surface, and to increase exposure of partially exposed superabrasive particles at the surface. Electrodischarge machining (EDM), laser machining, electrolytic etching and chemical etching may also be employed. Pre-sharpened cutting structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inhibitive water-based polymer mud system and method for using the system in drilling and in stabilizing wellbores is disclosed for use in water sensitive formations as an alternative to oil-based muds or water-based muds comprising ferro-chrome lignosulfonates. The system comprises a fresh water or salt water base thinned or dispersed with a sulfonated acrylic copolymer having a hybrid/graft lignosulfonate multipolymer structure containing carboxylate and sulfonate functional groups with synthetic polymer side chains covalently linked to a base lignosulfonate material, having a molecular weight in the range of about 1,000 to about 15,000, and having a high anionic charge density. This system is effective and has stable rheology over a broad pH range, even at a near neutral pH of 8.0. The drilling fluids do not contain heavy metals and are rheologically tolerant to contaminants such as cement, anhydrite and sodium and temperatures as high as about 400° F.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring the rotation of a member in a reciprocating rod lift system. In this manner, rod and tubing wear of the system may be minimized.

Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines.

Abstract: A method of hydraulically activating a mechanically operated wellbore tool in a bottom hole assembly includes: holding moveable elements of the wellbore tool in an unactivated position using a shear pin; inserting one or more drop balls into a drilling fluid; and flowing the drilling fluid with the drop balls to a flow orifice located in or below the wellbore tool. The flow orifice is at least partially plugged with the drop balls to restrict fluid flow and correspondingly increases the hydraulic pressure of the drilling fluid. The hydraulic pressure is increased to a point beyond the rating of the shear pin, thereby causing the shear pin to shear and allowing the moveable elements of the tool to move to an activated position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drilling shafts (2) in ground layers (3). The method comprises of arranging a borehole casing (4) in the ground (3), lowering into the borehole casing (4) a hollow drill string (5) provided with a drill head (7) with cutting tools (8), arranging a water column (10) in the borehole casing (4), and then setting the drill string (5) into rotation (20) in the borehole casing (4) so that ground material (31) is dislodged by the cutting action of the cutting tools (8). At the position of the drill head (7) a first fluid (26) is injected under a first pressure into the ground layers (3) by means of one or more nozzles (25). The method has a higher drilling efficiency than the known method. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method, and a jack-up pontoon provided with the device.

Abstract: Drilling fluid and fracturing fluid compositions comprising estolide base oils. Exemplary drilling and fracturing fluid comprise an estolide base oil and at least one additive.

Abstract: A spacer fluid comprises a fluid and a viscosity agent. The viscosity agent is a mixture of at least two polyvinylalcohol compositions. A first polyvinylalcohol composition comprises polyvinylalcohols having a first degree of hydrolysis and a second polyvinylalcohol composition comprises polyvinylalcohols having a second degree of hydrolysis. The first and second degrees of hydrolysis are substantially different such that the rheology of the spacer fluid is stable during temperatures changes.

Abstract: A method for reducing the friction forces between tubulars, for example coiled tubing in casing includes mixing a selected suspending agent and surfactant and polymer particles in oil, then adding the mixture to water and pumping the mixture down the tubing. The mixture is particularly useful in coiled tubular drilling inside casing of an oil or gas well. The formulation has also been found to reduce corrosion on metal surfaces.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a drilling fluid comprises: water and a set accelerator, wherein the drilling fluid has a 10 minute gel strength of less than 20 lb*ft/100 sq ft, wherein the drilling fluid has a density in the range of about 9 to about 14 pounds per gallon, wherein the drilling fluid remains pourable for at least 5 days, and wherein when at least one part of the drilling fluid mixes with three parts of a cement composition consisting of water and cement, the drilling fluid cement composition mixture develops a compressive strength of at least 1,200 psi. According to another embodiment, a method of using the drilling fluid comprises the steps of: introducing the drilling fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein at least a portion of the drilling fluid is capable of mixing with a cement composition.

Abstract: Methods including using fluid including an aggregating composition including heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, polyvinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof in the absence of phosphate esters or amine-phosphate reaction products during drilling or fracturing operations to alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles, surfaces, and/or materials in or entrained in the fluid.

Abstract: Compositions emulate oil based fluids include an aqueous phase and an organic internal phase, which creates an osmotic membrane within the aqueous continuous phase. The osmotic membrane allows hydration-dehydration mechanisms to be in place and control interactions between formation and fluid, where the non-aqueous phase is composed of glycerols, polyglycerols, poly hydroxyl alcohols, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharide derivatives, or mixtures and combinations thereof, while the aqueous phase contains additives that impart different inhibiting mechanisms to the overall composition, where the additives include, without limitation, amphoteric polymers, potassium and/or sodium salts up to saturation and/or acrylamides.

Abstract: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; Ill) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprises determining a cation exchange capacity of a sample of a shale, determining a swelling characteristic of the shale using the cation exchange capacity in an equation comprising a term of the form: Az % salt=x(cation exchange capacity)y where Az % salt is a final swelling volume of the shale in the presence of an aqueous fluid having a salt concentration of z %, and x and y are empirical constants, determining a composition of a wellbore servicing fluid based on the determined swelling characteristic, and drilling the wellbore using the wellbore servicing fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for feeding drilling fluid additives into drilling mud. The apparatus may have an additive containment device with a top and a bottom. The bottom of the additive containment device may be connected to an outlet. The other end of the outlet may be connected to a valve. A flow nozzle may be connected to the valve so that the flow rate of the additive from the flow nozzle into the drilling mud is substantially constant.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation while drilling, applying a new combination of completion techniques. When combined to work simultaneously together, these techniques have synergistic amplified benefits, dynamically opening fissures deep into the production zone. The saturated saltwater phase of the drilling fluid dehydrates all the clays and shale that are drilled through, by osmosis-opening up or enlarging production channels or paths while the relaxed filtrate penetrates further into the wall of the well bore through the naturally occurring fissures or channels in the formation. The saturated salt water fluid with a relaxed filtrate combines with a (0.5-5% by volume) variety of acids (encapsulated by natural oils or polymers) to acid etch or scour the clay or shale walls leaving an acid etch matrix of channeling for later hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting light through a light absorbing medium in which a light transmissive fluid column or channel contiguous with the light absorbing medium is formed in the light absorbing medium. The light is introduced into a light inlet end of the column of light transmissive fluid, whereby the light is transmitted in the column of light transmissive fluid through the light absorbing medium until exiting a light outlet end of the column. The invention has applicability to the field of fiber optics and downhole applications of lasers, such as for wellbore drilling and completion activities.

Abstract: An invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: (A) an external phase, wherein the external phase comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; (B) an internal phase, wherein the internal phase comprises a hygroscopic liquid; (C) a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent is a polymer, and wherein the polymer comprises urea linkages; and (D) a particulate, wherein the particulate has a density less than 3.5 g/cm3, wherein a test fluid consisting essentially of the external phase, the internal phase, the suspending agent, and the particulate, and in the same proportions as the treatment fluid, and after static aging for 2 months at a temperature of 200° F. (93.3° C.), has a 10 minute gel strength of at least 30 lb/100 ft2 (1,436 Pa) at a temperature of 120° F. (48.9° C.). A method of using the invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A conditioned, water-based drilling fluid including water-based drilling fluid; and unmodified vegetable tannin comprising hydrolysable tannin.

Abstract: A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet.

Abstract: Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method of drilling with such fluid, having improved rheology at low mud weights and high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of hydrophobic amines, most preferably dimer diamines.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a composition comprising amine compound and carboxylic acid compounds, wherein at least the amine compounds are alkoxylated, use thereof as a drilling fluid, and a method for using the drilling fluid

Abstract: A method and system are provided for injecting high pressure abrasive fluid into an abrasive jet tool. The method and system comprise a slurry tank connected to an abrasive hopper and a low pressure abrasive pump for circulating abrasive slurry and transferring the slurry to a high pressure vessel. The method and system also contain a high pressure non-abrasive pump connected to a high pressure valve for pressurizing the high pressure vessel prior to injecting abrasive fluid into the abrasive jet tool.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymers that may be useful, for example, as viscosifiers or fluid-loss control additives for well treatment and servicing fluids are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a crosslinked polymer composition comprising at least one polymer that comprise at least one N-vinyl lactam monomeric unit, and at least one crosslinker selected from the group consisting of: an acrylamide-based crosslinker, an acrylate-based crosslinker, an ester-based crosslinker, an amide-based crosslinker, any derivative thereof, and any combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Improved methods and additives for eliminating or reducing concentrations of hydrogen sulfide or soluble sulfide ions for use in subterranean formations and fluids are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising an oil-based liquid and a sulfide scavenging additive comprising one or more polyaliphatic amines and a catalyst comprising one or more quaternary ammonium salts; introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the sulfide scavenging additive to interact with hydrogen sulfide or sulfide ions present in the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid may include an oleaginous continuous phase, one or more magnetic carbon nanoribbons, and at least one weighting agent. A method of performing wellbore operations may include circulating a wellbore fluid comprising a magnetic carbon nanoribbon composition and a base fluid through a wellbore. A method for electrical logging of a subterranean well may include placing into the subterranean well a logging medium, wherein the logging medium comprises a non-aqueous fluid and one or more magnetic carbon nanoribbons, wherein the one or more magnetic carbon nanoribbons are present in a concentration so as to permit the electrical logging of the subterranean well; and acquiring an electrical log of the subterranean well.

Abstract: Methods of treatment subterranean formations including providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a lubricating agent, wherein the lubricating agent is selected from the group consisting of bismuth dialkyl dithiophosphate; tungsten disulfide; a mixture of micronized graphite and micronized metal disulfide; and any combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings.

Abstract: A method of drilling is disclosed and includes pumping a wellbore fluid into a wellbore through an earth formation, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises a base fluid and a surface active agent capable of altering wettability of fines located in the earth formation, and allowing filtration of at least a portion of the wellbore fluid into the earth formation.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to solid nano-particles applied to the surface of well equipment to treat bituminous material adhesion. An embodiment provides a method of treating the surface of well equipment. The method may comprise applying a solid nanoparticle film to the surface of the well equipment with a treatment fluid comprising solid nanoparticles. The method may further comprise allowing the solid nanoparticles to interact with the surface of the well equipment and/or bituminous materials adhered to the surface of the well equipment to remove at least a portion of the bituminous materials from the surface of the well equipment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving wellbores stability of a hydrocarbon bearing shale formation using nanoparticles to decrease swelling and plug pore throats.

Abstract: Beneficiated clay viscosifying additives may include a low-quality clay and a polymer coated high-quality clay that comprises a high-quality clay at least partially coated with a polymer, wherein the ratio of low-quality clay to high-quality clay is about 90:10 to about 80:20 by weight. Such beneficiated clay viscosifying additives may be used in drilling fluids.

Abstract: Beneficiating drilling fluids that comprise low-quality clay and high-quality clay may be performed by adding a polymer and a high-quality clay to a fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a low-quality clay, so as to yield a drilling fluid, wherein the ratio of the low-quality clay to the high-quality clay is about 90:10 to about 80:20.

Abstract: New classes of temporary and/or permanent clay stabilization compositions including at least one quaternary salt of polyamines or a reaction product of at least one polyamine having an NH moiety with an aldehyde, and to methods for making and using same, where the quaternary salts of polyamines have reduced toxicity.

Abstract: A device for the pressure regulation of a well is provided with a return pump for drilling fluid. The operating level of drilling fluid in an annulus which is fanned between an outer pipe and an inner pipe is at a height level between the upper portion of the outer pipe and the bottom portion of the well. The return pump is in the annulus.

Abstract: System and method for predicting the mud weight window in formations, particularly those formations having geologic structures such as salt domes. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method of modeling a formation in 3-D and determining a plurality of effective stress ratios for the modeled 3-D formation using finite element analysis. Thereafter, the trajectory of a proposed wellbore through the 3-D modeled formation is plotted and the specific effective stress ratios along the wellbore are selected to form a data set. The 3-D data set of effective stress ratios is then imported into 1-D modeling software and combined with 1-D data. The combined data is thereafter utilized to estimate the mud weigh window for the formation around the wellbore.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions have been discovered to be useful to the oil field. More particularly water-in-oil (W/O), oil-in-water (O/W) and other classes of nanoemulsions have found beneficial application in drilling, completion, well remediation and other oil and gas industry related operations. Additionally, nanoemulsions may reduce friction pressure losses, as well as reduce subsidence of solid weight material during oil and gas operations. New preparation methods for nanoemulsions have also been discovered.

Abstract: An arrangement in a rock drill rig 10 has an inlet valve 31 arranged upstream from a displacement compressor 32 that is used for supplying an air flow 34 to at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of a drill bit 20. The rock drill rig 10 also has an air regulator 35 arranged to regulate the system pressure in the air flow path 34 downstream from the compressor and a detector for detecting air flow through the at least one flushing hole 23 in the surface of the drill bit. The detector has a pressure sensor 36, arranged between the air regulator 35 and the inlet valve 31, for measuring the reduced system pressure.

Abstract: A drilling fluid delivery system for drilling boreholes with a drill bit, includes a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit. The system also includes a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit. Furthermore, the system includes a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits. When the cutting transfer system is in use, it receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit and separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings. The first stream is returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream is directed to the secondary flow circuit.

Abstract: A drilling fluid including a drilling fluid medium selected from the group consisting of water, air and water, air and foaming agent, a water based mud, an oil based mud, a synthetic based fluid, and a composition thereof. The drilling fluid also includes at least one intercalation compound of a metal chalcogenide having molecular formula MX2, where M is a metallic element such as tungsten (W), and X is a chalcogen element such as sulfur (S), wherein the intercalation compound has a fullerene-like hollow structure or tubular-like structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of drilling a wellbore wherein a drill-in fluid is foamed at the drill tool. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises providing a drill-in fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a foaming agent, a foam stabilizer, a gas generating chemical and an encapsulated activator; introducing the drill-in fluid downhole into a drill string connected to a drill tool; and allowing the drill-in fluid to exit the drill tool where, upon exiting the drill tool, the encapsulated activator is de-capsulated sufficiently to react with the gas generating chemical such that a gas is generated within the drill-in fluid and thus foams the drill-in fluid.

Abstract: A method of using precipitated particles in a wellbore may comprise circulating a wellbore fluid in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid having a density of about 7 ppg to about 50 ppg and comprising a base fluid and a plurality of precipitated particles having a shape selected from the group consisting of ovular, substantially ovular, discus, platelet, flake, toroidal, dendritic, acicular, spiked with a substantially spherical or ovular shape, spiked with a discus or platelet shape, rod-like, fibrous, polygonal, faceted, star shaped, and any hybrid thereof.

Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities, and methods relating thereto. Mineral particles may be utilized in a method that comprises introducing a wellbore fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles that comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese carbonate, NixFe (x=2-3), copper oxide, and any combination thereof, the mineral particles having a median diameter between about 5 nm and about 5000 microns.

Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. Methods of using mineral particles may include circulating a wellbore fluid with a first density of about 7 ppg to about 50 ppg in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid, a plurality of first mineral particles, and a plurality of second mineral particles such that the first mineral particles and the second mineral particles are present in a first relative ratio, and the first mineral particles and the second mineral particles having a multiparticle specific gravity of about 3 to about 20; and changing the first relative ratio to a second relative ratio on-the-fly so as to yield the wellbore fluid with a second density.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean bore hole comprising a) pumping a drilling fluid down a drill string, the drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, b) rotating the drill string about its longitudinal axis to that the bit forms bore hole in the ground, the method further comprising the steps of: c) changing the rate of pumping of the drilling fluid into the drill string in response to a change in the speed of rotation of the drill string, and/or changing the speed of rotation of the drill string in response to a change in the rate of pumping of the drilling fluid into the drill string.

Abstract: Methods of drilling or treating a well including the steps of: designing a fluid with high-gravity solids (e.g., barite); calculating the sagged fluid mud weight after allowing for sag according to formulas; forming a fluid according to the sagged fluid mud weight; and introducing the fluid into the well. The methods can be used to help control the well or to avoid excessive drilling torque or pressure, kick, or lost circulation due to sag of high-gravity solids such as barite.

Abstract: A drilling method includes arranging a dual drill string (20) having an inlet fluid conduit (9) and a return fluid conduit (10) in a well (14) formed in a subsurface formation such that a well annulus (22) is formed between the dual drill string (20) and a wall (21) of the well (14). A divider element (3) is disposed in the well annulus (22) to divide the well annulus (22) into an upper annular region (5) extending above the divider element (3) to a surface of the well annulus (22) and a lower annular region (12) extending below the divider element (3) towards a bottom of the well annulus (22). The lower annular region (12) contains a first fluid (25). A second fluid (27) is fed into the upper annular region (5). The method includes configuring the second fluid such that the density of the second fluid (27) is greater than the density of the first fluid (25).

Abstract: A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).

Abstract: There is described an invert emulsion wellbore fluid that includes: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 by volume; an emulsifier; and a rheological additive comprising a sulphonated polymer formed from 100 to 10,000 monomers. There is also described a method of drilling a subterranean hole using the invert emulsion drilling fluid.