Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: A method for treating material, the material contaminated with contaminants, the method including: introducing material with contaminants to a system for remediation including a thermal treatment system, a quench system, a weir tank system and a condensing system; feeding a slurry of the material to the thermal treatment system and heating the material therein producing heated discharge solids and a discharge stream with liquid and solids therein; optionally, discharging the heated discharge solids and feeding them to a mill system; feeding the discharge stream to a quench system producing a cooled discharge stream which is fed to the weir tank system; the weir tank system having a clean side and a dirty side; the cooled discharge stream fed to the dirty side of the weir tank system, and from the weir tank system producing at least one stream of cleaned liquid and a stream with contaminants therein; and, in one particular aspect, remediating drilled cuttings material using such a method.

Abstract: In a drilling operation, where used drilling fluid is screened into a substantially solid portion and a substantially liquid drilling fluid and the drilling fluid is thereafter stored in a storage tank. A method and apparatus for of separating solids from liquids. The apparatus comprises a recirculation tank having a second liquid for receiving the solid portion, and a first rotational particle separator for separating the solid portion from the second liquid. The apparatus further includes a pump for pumping the solid portion and the second liquid from the recirculation tank to the first rotational particle separator and a bin region to receive and retain the separated solids from the first rotational particle separator, wherein the separated second liquid is returned to the recirculation tank.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: A mobile solids control system for the processing of drilling fluids. The solids control system includes a suction tank skid, a suction platform skid, a shaker tank skid, and an equipment platform skid. The suction tank skid and shaker tank skid include the drilling fluid storage tanks, pumps to effectuate the flow of fluid through the system, and agitators to circulate fluid within the tanks. The pumps are preferably centrifugal pumps mounted vertically within notches or recesses built into the sides of the tank skids. The suction platform skid and the equipment platform skid are installed on top of the tank skids, and include solids control equipment used to process the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of drilling fluid additives, including industrial carbon, calcium carbonate, natural and synthetic fibers, and other materials from a mixture. The mixture may include drilling fluids, drilled solids, and drilling fluid additives from a mud system. The process may include: separating at least a portion of the drilled solids from the mixture to form a first effluent and a drilled solids fraction; separating at least a portion of the drilling fluid additives from the first effluent to form a second effluent and a recovered additives fraction; and recycling at least a portion of the recovered additives fraction to the mud system. The drilling fluid additives may have a specific gravity greater than 1.4, and may include particles having an average size greater than 2 microns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting spent water-based drilling mud into fertile indigenous top soil at a well site or location. The fertile indigenous top soil is produced by the steps of: admixing, at a well site, effective amounts of spent water-based drilling mud, mature compost, organic fertilizer, and top soil from the well site to provide a mixture containing spent water-based drilling mud, from about 30 to about 150 volume percent mature compost, from about 5 to 20 volume percent organic fertilizer, and from about 5 to 20 volume percent top soil from the well site wherein each of the volume percents is based on the volume of the spent water-based drilling mud present in the mixture; stirring the mixture for a period of time effective to form a substantially homogenous mixture; and drying the substantially homogenous mixture so as to provide fertile indigenous top soil possessing similar microbial and enzyme characteristics as the top soil at the well site.

Abstract: In aspects, embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems and methods for managing cuttings formed during drilling of a subsea wellbore. By managing, it is meant the processing, storage, transportation and disposal of the cuttings. In an exemplary application, an offshore rig adapted to drill the wellbore uses one or more a selectively buoyant containers to transport the cuttings. The containers are positioned adjacent the offshore rig. In one arrangement, the containers are submerged to a selected depth below the water's surface. A transfer unit flows the cuttings from the offshore rig to the container via a conduit connected to the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of permanganate in the removal of heavy metal contaminants from heavy halide brines. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of treating heavy halide brines that comprise providing a heavy halide brine that comprises a heavy metal contaminant, wherein the heavy metal contaminant comprises water-soluble ions; adding permanganate to the heavy halide brine; allowing a water-insoluble compound to form; and mixing the heavy brine and the water insoluble compound. In other embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of removing heavy metal contaminants from heavy halide brines.

Abstract: Circulating completion and workover fluids used in hydrocarbon recovery are filtered after monitoring for viscosity, which frequently causes plugging of filters. A viscometer generates a signal representative of viscosity in the fluid; the signal is used by a programmable controller to divert viscous fluid from the filter, or to take other action to prevent damage to the filter. The viscometer can be used in various positions in the system.

Abstract: An additive package for removing oil from solid material recovered from a well bore, e.g., drill cuttings and produced sand, is provided. The additive package includes an aqueous acidic solution containing a polymer substituted with an amino group, a halogenating agent, and optionally one or more surfactants. The polymer substituted with an amino group is preferably chitosan, and the halogenating agent is preferably a sodium hypochlorite solution. A product of the reaction of the polymer and the halogenating agent, in conjunction with the surfactant when present, is capable of causing the separation of at least a portion of the oil from the solid material.

Abstract: A modularly segmented apparatus for precise borehole pressure control, removing waste from borehole fluid, and recirculating the cleaned borehole fluid includes a pressure control section, a gas separator section, and a waste management section. In the pressure control section, a pressure manifold interconnects a plurality of chokes. A plurality of valves are used to direct the contaminated fluid through one of the chokes, which maintains a precise and predetermined pressure in the system. The manifold, chokes, and valves are mounted on a skid for easy transport. In the gas separator section, a gas separator is used to remove a majority of the gases present in the contaminated borehole fluid. In the waste management section, a vibratory separator removes large solid contaminants from the degassed fluid. The solids are directed to a solids collection container for further treatment or disposal. The fluid is directed to a first pit, which may be one partitioned are of a larger collection tank.

Abstract: A cavitation device is used to heat, concentrate and recycle or otherwise reuse dilute and other oil well fluids, brines and muds, and solution mining fluids, all of which commonly contain ingredients worthy of conservation. The cavitation device is powered by a Diesel engine whose exhaust may be used to heat the incoming fluid, and the product of the cavitation device is directed to a flash tank.

Abstract: Vessels for selectively holding drilling cuttings material and methods employing such vessels; the vessels, in at least certain aspects, having a body with a hollow container with an interior space for receiving drilling cuttings material and from which the material may exit from the body; a first opening through which the material enters into the container; a second opening through which the material passes out from the container; and movement apparatus with a movement member within the container movable adjacent the second opening to facilitate passage of the material into the second opening; and in certain aspects, the vessels having moisture-content sensor apparatus on the body for sensing moisture content of material within a vessel; conduit apparatus for conducting drilling cuttings from the exit opening; valve apparatus for selectively controlling flow of material in the conduit apparatus; and a controller in communication with the moisture-content sensor apparatus and the valve apparatus for selective

Abstract: Processes for removing oil from a solid wellbore material such as drill cuttings or water such as produced by a subterranean formation include contacting the solid material/water with an amino-substituted polymer such as chitosan and a halogenating agent. The oil separates from the solid material and becomes bound within a flocculated solid. The flocculated solid containing the oil subsequently may be combined with a solvent of the amino-substituted polymer. Further, the flocculated solid may be contacted with a reducing agent, converting the flocculated solid back into the amino-substitute polymer and forming an oil-phase separate from the solvent-phase. The oil-phase may then be separated from the solvent phase and recovered. The solvent in which the amino-substituted polymer is dissolved may be recycled for treating more solid material removed from the well bore.

Abstract: A subsea return fluid recovery system for recovering drilling fluid and cuttings (“return fluid”) from a subsea wellbore in one embodiment includes a hub at the opening of the subsea wellbore that directs fluid into a transport device. In one embodiment, the hub includes a stand pipe that forms a return fluid column, the hydrostatic pressure of which causes return fluid to flow into the transport device rather than up the stand pipe. One or more buoyant members attached to the transport device convey the transport device toward the surface. A preferred recovery method includes collecting return fluid at the seabed, passively transporting the collected fluid to the surface, and processing the collected fluid at a local (offshore) or land based treatment facility. The retrieval and processing of the return fluid is done outside the critical path of the drilling activities at an offshore platform.

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling a bore hole into a subterranean earth formation, wherein at least a portion of the mud flow from the primary mud pump is diverted to the mud discharge outlet, thereby creating a backpressure system to readily increase annular pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for handling fluids returning from a well. The fluids are introduced into a separator and a separated gas stream is recovered or recycled. The gas stream may comprise more than one phase. The separated gas stream is urged through a multiphase pump before it is recovered. Alternatively, the return fluids may pass through a multiphase pump before it is introduced into the separator.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and/or non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc.

Abstract: An oil and gas drilling installation having a drill rig with a bell nipple having an outlet at a predetermined elevation, a screening machine having a feeder and an angularly adjustable vibratory frame, a weir positioned between the feeder and the vibratory frame, the weir having an elevation which is lower than the predetermined elevation of the outlet of the bell nipple but immediately above the portion of the screen frame adjacent to the weir, and a downwardly inclined conduit between the bell nipple conduit and the feeder. A vibratory screening machine and feeder combination including an angularly adjustable vibratory frame on the vibratory screening machine, and a weir and flexible seal between the feeder and the vibratory frame at an elevation which is immediately above the portion of the vibratory frame which is adjacent to the weir.

Abstract: A method and system for the prevention of backflash from an ignition source in a flare stack to a separator or wellbore particularly during drilling and production. A continuous positive flow of air or exhaust gas is provided into the flow of gases from the wellbore or the separator to ensure that the velocity of the flow is always higher than the velocity at which the flame can propagate backwards into either the separator or the wellbore. This method and system is particularly applicable to balanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas from the wellbore is intermittent and unpredictable and can stop and start during connection and disconnection of the air used as the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1–C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 is —OH or R1.

Abstract: A method for recirculating fluid in a well system includes drilling a first well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone, and drilling an articulated well bore that is horizontally offset from the first well bore at the surface and that intersects the first well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method also includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone, and receiving gas, water and particles produced from the subterranean zone at the junction via the drainage bore. The gas, water, and particles are received from the junction at the surface, and the water is separated from the gas and the particles. The method also includes determining an amount of water to circulate, and recirculating a portion of the separated water according to this determination.

Abstract: An apparatus to separate solids from drilling slurry, having an inlet positioned over an outlet of a concentration tank to displace water that would otherwise enter the down-stream centrifuges. Baffles are provided to direct solids to the outlet and minimize the time that solids spend in the concentration tank. Fluids having solids removed therefrom are removed from the apparatus at a location remote from the outlet.

Abstract: Method for the removal and recovery of the oily component from cuttings coming from the drilling of oil wells by treatment of the cuttings with a solvent, which can be compressed to the liquid state, at a pressure value ranging from 45 to 80 bar and a temperature corresponding to the saturation value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removing fluids, particularly entrained and/or adherent fluids, from drill cuttings generated during the well drilling process. A generally cylindrical wire-wrapped screen having a bore therethrough rotates about its longitudinal axis. Suction pressure is applied through the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. As fluid-laden drill cuttings are deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen, fluids are drawn off of the cuttings and evacuated from the inner bore of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen. Solid components of the cuttings remain on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen and eventually roll off the screen. A scraper member is provided to agitate cuttings deposited on the outer surface of the cylindrical wire-wrapped screen.

Abstract: A system for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in offshore and land-based drilling applications is disclosed. The present invention combines a base fluid of lesser/greater density than the drilling fluid required at the drill bit to drill the well to produce a combination return mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with a light base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved to facilitate transporting the return mud to the surface. Alternatively, by injecting the appropriate quantities of heavy base fluid into a light return mud, the column of return mud may be sufficiently weighted to protect the wellhead. At the surface, the combination return mud is passed through a treatment system to cleanse the mud of drill cuttings and to separate the drilling fluid from the base fluid.

Abstract: Methods in which temperature is used to control the foaming and/or defoaming of foamed treatment fluids comprising an aqueous liquid, an ionic foaming surfactant, and a gas are provided. A method of treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the method comprising: providing a treatment fluid having a foam transition temperature, the treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid, and an ionic foaming surfactant; foaming the treatment fluid to form a foamed treatment fluid; circulating the foamed treatment fluid in a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; and defoaming at least a substantial portion of the foamed treatment fluid, the defoaming comprising lowering the temperature of the foamed treatment fluid to about at or below the foam transition temperature.

Abstract: A well drilling method comprises removing the drilling cuttings using an aqueous drilling fluid such as a foam including a foaming agent which includes at least one mono-(aliphatic hydrocarbyl) phosphate ester. More specifically, the drilling fluid takes the form of a potassium and/or alkanolamine and/or alkylalkanolamine salt, the foam also comprising a foam stabiliser.

Abstract: An improved method for removing proppant from fluid used in an oil and gas well for reuse in future operations. The proppant is separated from the well fluid and transported to a materials collection tank. A crane then transports the materials collection tank onto a processing boat. On the processing boat, the proppant is vacuumed from the materials collection tank to a hopper. The proppant is then discharged from the hopper into a holding tank for treatment and reuse. In a first alternative embodiment, two hoppers are positioned above each other so that the proppant can be added to the upper hopper and then fed by gravity to the lower hopper. A valving arrangement maintains vacuum within the interior of at least one hopper at all times to provide a continuous vacuum operation. A conduit discharges from the lower hopper into the holding tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling, processing and disposing the drill cuttings removed from the drilling mud of oil and gas well drilling rigs is disclosed. The apparatus and method utilize a shaker for separating drill cuttings from the mud, conduit for transporting the drill cuttings so separated to an extruder where the separated cuttings are compacted into a plurality of discrete compacted pellet-like bodies. The pellets substantially reduce the volume of drill cuttings. There is also a substantial reduction in the retained fluid volume, including the volume of environmentally harmful fluids, after the cuttings are compacted. Once extruded into pellets, the pelletized drill cuttings are transported to a desired end location that may include dumping the pellets offshore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-site treatment and reclamation of oil and gas well waste water or fracturing fluids. The mobile treatment process and apparatus provide both chemical precipitation and filtration to treat the drilling fluid waste to a technically and environmentally acceptable level allowing for reuse. Alkaline treating agents are applied to the drilling waste fluids, as they are pumped through the treatment apparatus, to increase the pH of the fluid waste to a preferred pH range and to also cause selective soluble contaminants in the fluids to form a precipitate. The waste fluid is allowed to clarify as the precipitate of insoluble contaminants, through flocculation, settle and form a sludge at the bottom of the drilling pit. The clarified fluids are then filtered to satisfy applicable industry and environmental requirements.

Abstract: In a device for sealing a bore hole and discharging drill cuttings and stripped excavation material, including a housing adapted to receive sealing elements and an opening capable of being connected to the bore hole, one side wall of the housing is provided with at least one opening for the connection of a haulage duct, wherein the housing end side facing the bore hole is equipped with a lockable, particularly screwable, sealing flange (13) for the detachable connection with a bore hole lining (11). The sealing flange (13) is rotationally and sealingly mounted within the housing and carries projections, in particular an annular brim (15) which is overlapped by a stop (14) of the housing.

Abstract: An agitation system for a mud tank to prevent core material initially suspended in the drilling mud, from settling. The method agitates sludge and eliminates the need to hand shovel sludge from the tank after dumping. The method comprises the step of pumping mud taken from within the tank through a permanently mounted rubber nozzle directed at mud on a bottom portion of the tank. In a preferred aspect of this invention the tank is a cylindrical and longitudinally mounted on a truck for waste mud hauling, and has a rear end cap hinged to a top portion of the tank, so that when a front portion of the tank is marginally elevated and the end cap is hinged opened, mud dumps from a rear end portion of the tank.

Abstract: Methods for moving drilled cuttings, the methods, in certain aspects, using a cuttings processor with a rotating annular screen to separate fluid from drilled cuttings and/or such methods including conveying with air under positive pressure, drilled cuttings to flow conduit apparatus; applying air under positive pressure to the flow conduit apparatus to continuously move the drilled cuttings material therethrough; continuously moving the drilled cuttings material with the air under pressure to separation apparatus; with the separation apparatus continuously separating drilled cuttings from air; wherein, in certain aspects, the drilled cuttings are included in a low density slurry with drilling fluid, drilling mud, and/or oil and wherein, in certain aspects, the separation apparatus is a cyclone separator and the drilled cuttings moved into the cyclone separator are wet; and systems for effecting such methods.

Abstract: A method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oil component and an aqueous component. The method includes: mixing the invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion clearing agent, wherein the emulsion clearing agent is a mixture of an anionic tensid and a non-ionic tensid; and separating the oil component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaking agent that is a combination of an anionic tensid, a non-ionic tensid and an alkyl polyglycoside tensid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for drilling for petroleum. The method and apparatus circulate drilling mud through a particle separation apparatus that rapidly removes clay and other chemical additives. The drilling method and apparatus of the invention drastically reduces the amount of water required to drill a petroleum well, processes drilling mud at the well site, and produces water that can be broadcast on ground adjacent the well site, that can be introduced into deep water injection wells, or that can be given to livestock.

Abstract: A method for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep water applications. The mud recirculation system may be used in conventional drill bit drilling operations or with drilling with casing operations. Drilling mud is combined with a non-gaseous base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. The base fluid may be injected utilizing a wellhead injection device for attachment to the wellhead and for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud at a location below the seabed. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low-density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the drilling mud below the seabed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a mixture of drilling fluid and beads into a flow of drilling fluid, e.g., flowing in a conduit or flowing upwardly within an annulus of a riser, the method in certain aspects including: introducing an initial stream including a mixture of drilling fluid and beads into a hydrocyclone; processing the initial stream with the hydrocyclone producing a first stream and a second stream, the first stream containing drilling fluid and beads and the second stream containing drilling fluid; and feeding the first stream to shale shaker apparatus and/or to centrifugal liquid/liquid separator apparatus producing a primary stream and a secondary stream, the primary stream including beads and drilling fluid; and feeding the primary stream into the conduit or into an annulus of the riser.

Abstract: Methods for moving drilled cuttings, the methods, in certain aspects, including conveying with air under positive pressure, drilled cuttings to flow conduit apparatus; applying air under positive pressure to the flow conduit apparatus to continuously move the drilled cuttings material therethrough; continuously moving the drilled cuttings material with the air under pressure to separation apparatus; with the separation apparatus continuously separating drilled cuttings from air; wherein, in certain aspects, the drilled cuttings are included in a low density slurry with drilling fluid, drilling mud, and/or oil and wherein, in certain aspects, the separation apparatus is a cyclone separator and the drilled cuttings moved into the cyclone separator are wet; and systems for effecting such methods.

Abstract: A system and method for developing and recycling drilling fluids at the site of a subterranean well is described, thus eliminating the need for transporting the fluids to the site.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep water applications. A base fluid of lesser density than the drilling mud required at the wellhead is used to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a diluted riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. The present invention also includes a wellhead injection device for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the return mud. At the surface, the diluted return mud is passed through a treatment system to cleanse the mud of drill cuttings and to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.

Abstract: A drill cuttings slurry process system is disclosed for defluidizing earth drill cuttings, thereby extracting valuable drilling additives and returning them to the drilling system while producing a dense, drier material which may be discharged directly in the environment at or near the well being drilled or chemically treated for distillation and/or better dissolution into the environment, thereby reducing, cost in transportation and environmental treatment chemicals thus reducing environmental contamination. The system comprising a cuttings press having solids/fluids separation a dryer and/or a retort for flashing off any residual petroleum residue and moisture, a fines grinder and a chemical injection system. The retort including an analyzer system for weighing and determining rate of throughput and analyzing the cuttings for residual petroleum residue content prior to discharge to environment or further refinement prior to reinjection into the well or transport to environmental depository sites.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling formation pressures during drilling of a subterranean formation utilizing a selectively fluid backpressure system in which fluid is pumped down the drilling fluid return system in response to detected borehole pressures. A pressure monitoring system is further provided to monitor detected borehole pressures, model expected borehole pressures for further drilling and control the fluid backpressure system.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for recycling an invert emulsion based drilling fluid, in which the invert emulsion based drilling fluid includes an oleaginous component and an aqueous component. The apparatus includes an emulsion breaking tank, a water treatment tank, a filter press, and hydrocarbon filters. The method includes: mixing said invert emulsion drilling fluid with a emulsion breaker, wherein the emulsion breaker is a mixture of an alkyl glucoside and an alkane sulfonate; and separating the oleaginous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid from the aqueous component of the invert emulsion drilling fluid. The method preferably utilizes an emulsion breaker that is a combination of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation with a fracturing fluid wherein the formation has particulate material that swells or migrates upon exposure to the fracturing fluid comprises preparing a fracturing fluid comprising (1) a thickening compound comprising a first surfactant selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant having only a single cationic group, an amphoteric surfactant and a mixture thereof; and, an anionic surfactant; and, (2) water, wherein no or essentially no inorganic salt is added to the fracturing fluid; and using the fracturing fluid to fracture the formation. A method for recycling a fracturing fluid is also provided.

Abstract: Measuring systems and methods measure particle velocity and/or particle velocity distribution and/or particle size or particle size distribution. The measuring system includes a filter for filtering collected signals which is arranged to pass signals at a relevant frequency band or at relevant frequency bands. The relevant frequency band or frequency bands are arranged to correspond to a frequency band or frequency bands defined by frequencies which exist in consequence of one or more process equipment or a process occurrence affecting to the medium flow.

Abstract: A nutrient source for marine organisms comprising: drilling fluids containing organic contaminants; a solidification agent; a cell transport agent; and a cellulosic additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an additive package for removing oil from solid material recovered from a well bore, e.g., drill cuttings and produced sand. In this process, the solid material is passed from the well bore to a separation zone. An aqueous acidic solution containing a polymer substituted with an amino group is introduced to the separation zone containing the solid material along with a halogenating agent and optionally one or more surfactants. The polymer, halogenating agent, and optional surfactant constitute the additive package. The polymer substituted with an amino group is preferably chitosan, and the halogenating agent is preferably a sodium hypochlorite solution. The mixture formed in the separation zone is agitated to cause a product of a reaction between the polymer and the halogenating agent to contact the solid material and remove residual oil therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling mud density at a location either at the seabed (or just above the seabed) or alternatively below the seabed of wells in deep water and ultra deep water applications combines a base fluid of lesser density than the mud required at the wellhead to produce a diluted mud in the riser. By combining the appropriate quantities of drilling mud with base fluid, a riser mud density at or near the density of seawater may be achieved. A wellhead injection device for attachment to the wellhead is used for injecting the base fluid into the rising drilling mud at a location below the seabed. The riser charging lines are used to carry the low density base fluid to the injection device for injection into the drilling mud below the seabed. The cuttings are brought to the surface with the diluted mud and separated in the usual manner. The diluted mud is then passed through a centrifuge system to separate the heavier drilling mud from the lighter base fluid.