Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor can include (a) an inorganic alkali and/or alkaline earth metal compound and (b) an aldehyde and/or ketone component comprising at least one aromatic ring comprising a ketone and/or aldehyde group and at least one pendant group represented by —OR1. Each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group, or an aryl group. The coating composition can be used in a multi-layer coating with additional coating layers. Methods of preparing coating compositions with corrosion inhibitors and substrates at least partially coating with such compositions are also included.

Abstract: A substantially sand-free, aqueous-based, bentonitic fluid comprising flaked graphite can help dissipate heat from operation of electrical lines buried underground. The fluid is used in drilling a borehole, such as in trenchless drilling, or in making a trench, for receiving and containing the lines. The fluid may also be applied directly to the outside and/or to the inside of pipe containing electrical lines. Thermal conductivities having values of about 1.6 to about 1.8 BTU/hr ft° F. or higher can be attained.

Abstract: A treatment fluid comprises: a liquid fluorinated compound; and at least one additive, wherein the additive: (A) comprises carbon and at least one fluorine functional group; and (B) is soluble or dispersible in the liquid fluorinated compound. A method of treating a portion of a well comprises: forming the treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into the well.

Abstract: A polymer solution is mechanically mixed with at least one surfactant solution under conditions preventing air access. The produced polymer-surfactant solution is saturated with a gas by increasing pressure to a value ensuring complete gas dissolution and exceeding an expected pressure of use of aphrons. Then, the pressure is rapidly reduced to a value corresponding to the expected pressure of use of the aphrons and narrow size distribution aphrons are produced.

Abstract: Polyglycolic acid resin short fibers for a well treatment fluid, the fibers having the following characteristics of (a) to (e): (a) an outside diameter of 5 to 300 ?m; (b) a fiber length of 1 to 30 mm; (c) fineness of 0.1 to 25 D; (d) strength of 1 to 20 gf/D; and (e) a ratio of an area of the polyglycolic acid resin with respect to an area of a circle circumscribing a cross section of the fibers being from 10 to 95%; and a well treatment fluid containing the polyglycolic acid resin short fibers for a well treatment fluid.

Abstract: Nitrate brine compositions reduce hydrate formation in flowlines under conditions conducive for hydrate formation in the absence of the nitrate brines, where the nitrate brines include compatible anti-corrosion system.

Abstract: Phosphate brine compositions reduce hydrate formation in flowlines under conditions conducive for hydrate formation in the absence of the phosphate, where the phosphate brines include a compatible anti-corrosion system and may include nitrate brines.

Abstract: A rock dusting composition composed of rock dust, e.g., limestone or other mineral dust, water, pumping aid, and polymer, e.g., acrylamide homopolymers, acrylamide copolymers, and combinations thereof, and a method for applying the composition to the surface of a mine. The composition has a water content and a polymer content sufficient to allow the polymer to (i) disperse water molecules within the composition and, upon drying of the composition, (ii) dissipate forming void spaces in the dried composition. The composition is useful for suppressing propagation of a flame and/or fire caused by ignition of coal dust and/or gas within a coal mine.

Abstract: Gas-core microstructures, such as microbubbles, may be used in drilling and completion operations in the exploration and production of hydrocarbon fluids (e.g. oil and gas) from subterranean formations. The gas-core microstructures are dispersed in a base fluid such as water, oil or emulsions of water and oil, in accordance with the specific performance needs. Applications for fluids containing these gas-core microstructures include, but are not necessarily limited to, use as a spacers to control trapped annular pressure, use as low density drilling fluids, use as dual gradient drilling fluids and the delivery of chemicals downhole.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a foamed wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore; flowing the foamed wellbore servicing fluid back to the wellbore surface; and contacting the foamed wellbore servicing fluid with an immobilized defoaming agent structure comprising an inert substrate and a defoamer. A system comprising a foamed wellbore servicing fluid in contact with a de-foaming structure, wherein the de-foaming structure comprises a defoamer covalently bonded to an inert substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow hydrogel capsules. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a hollow hydrogel capsule including a hydrogel shell including a hydrolyzed and crosslinked polymerized composition. The hollow hydrogel capsule also includes a hollow interior including at least one component of a downhole composition for subterranean petroleum or water well drilling, stimulation, clean-up, production, completion, abandonment, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising the hollow hydrogel capsules and methods of making the hollow hydrogel capsules.

Abstract: Steps in the processing of oils derived from plants or vegetables include the degumming, deodorizing and bleaching of the oil before it can be used for further applications. By eliminating one or more of these steps from the processing of the oil, followed by hydrogenating the oil to a specified degree of hydrogenation, the resulting upgraded oils can be incorporated into products having commercial applications. The process uses a high shear mixing device and a hydrogenation catalyst. The process can utilize a single or multiple high shear devices, and utilize renewable oils instead of increasingly scarce petroleum based products. The resulting hydrogenated products may then be utilized in a variety of other commercial applications, such as to render cellulosic products water resistant, provide a coating for numerous cellulosic products, adhesive compositions, ink compositions, firelog compositions, drilling muds or asphalt modifiers.

Abstract: A process for drilling cavities in subterranean formations includes a step of removal of the drill cuttings using an aqueous fluid in the form of a foam, obtained by mixing: an aqueous composition (Ci) including, per 100% by weight: from 0.5% by weight to 25% by weight of a compound of formula (I): R1—C(O)—NH—CH(COOM)-(CH2)n—COOM? (I) in which n represents an integer equal to 1 or 2, R1 represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon-based radical including from eight to eighteen carbon atoms, M represents a monovalent cation and M?, which is identical to or different from M, represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent cation; or of a mixture of compounds of formula (I), and from 75% to 99.5% by weight of water, with a gas or a mixture of gases, chosen from air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.

Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.

Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.

Abstract: Methods of using nanohybrid-containing fluids in a well are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming or providing a well fluid comprising a nanohybrid; and (b) introducing the well fluid into a well. The methods can be used in various applications, such as in drilling, completion, or intervention operations.

Abstract: A composition comprising a nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant having a weight average molecular weight of least 100,000 grams per mole, the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant comprising: divalent units independently represented by formula (I): in a range from 30% to 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant; and divalent units independently represented by formula (II): in a range from 70% to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant. Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having from 3 to 4 carbon atoms; R and R2 are each independently hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R1 is alkyl of 16 to 24 carbon atoms; and n is an integer from 2 to 11. Foams comprising the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant and a liquid hydrocarbon and methods of making and using the foams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new multi-purpose foaming composition having applications in oil field application, industrial applications, waste management applications, or other applications that can be benefited by a foam, is disclosed, where the composition includes a surfactant, a sulfur scavenger and optionally an additive, where the sulfur scavenger and/or additive improve foam characteristics and/or the foam improves an activity of the sulfur scavenger and/or the additives. Method for using and making the foaming compositions are also disclosed, especially, coiled and capillary coiled tubing downhole applications.

Abstract: A composition comprising a fluorinated pyridinium cationic compound of formula (I) wherein Rf is R1(CH2CH2)n—, R1 is a C7 to C20 perfluoroalkyl group interrupted by at least one catenary oxygen atom, each oxygen bonded to two carbon atoms, n is an integer of 1 to 3, and R is H, C1 to C5 linear or branched alkyl, or C1 to C5 linear or branched alkoxy, having surfactant properties for lowering surface tension in an aqueous medium or solvent medium, and for use as a foaming agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for producing foams, in particular for mineral oil and natural gas production.

Abstract: A method of insulating pipeline bundles used in recovering hydrocarbons from wells is disclosed. A polymeric substance, such as an orthophosphate ester, is injected into the annulus between a carrier pipe and the hydrocarbon conveying tubulars. A ferric salt, such as ferric sulphate, may be added as a gelling agent. The mixture results in a gel having a dynamic viscosity of greater than (1000) PaS. The gel insulates the inner hydrocarbon-conveying tubulars from the surrounding seawater thus helping to maintain the relatively high temperature therewithin. This in turn reduces the likelihood for chemicals, such as hydrates, to be precipitated out of the oil phase.

Abstract: Gas hydrate formation in a well completion fluid in the annular space of a hydrocarbon producing well may be controlled by the incorporation of effective amounts of one or more low dose gas hydrate inhibitors, including but not limited to, low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHIs), kinetic hydrate inhibitors, dendrimeric or branched compounds, linear polymers and copolymers, grafted or branched linear polymers and copolymers, and onium compounds.

Abstract: A method of reducing wear in a cutting head of a tunnel boring machine, by means of the addition at the cutting head of a foamed aqueous liquid composition, which comprises a foaming agent and a lubricant, the lubricant being selected from the group consisting of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides and bentonite. Preferred foaming agents are anionic and nonionic surfactants. Wear rates of cutting elements of TBMs boring in hard rock are considerably reduced. A wear-reducing foamable concentrate is also described.

Abstract: Drilling fluid is reduced in density while under pressure and prior to injection in the well by creating microbubbles of gas formed on transportation through a membrane while maintaining a transmembrane pressure difference sufficient to create the microbubbles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the compositions of a water-based silicate drilling fluid comprising: (1) alkali metal silicates; (2) cationic polyacrylamide; (3) a lubricant composition; and (4) other conventional drilling fluid additives. The lubricant composition comprises a lubricating effective amount of a carrier oil and one or more lubricants selected from lecithins, sulfurized vegetable and/or lard oils or modified castor oil.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprises water and microbubbles in an amount to achieve a density of the fluid in the range of 4-6 pounds per gallon; the desired density is achieved, and the novel drilling fluid exists, at pressures in the range of 350-5000 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: Provided herein are defoaming agents that comprise lecithin and a solvent. Optionally, they may comprise hydrophobic particles. One embodiment provides a method comprising: providing a well fluid that comprises foam; providing a defoaming agent that comprises lecithin and a solvent; and contacting the well fluid with the defoaming agent so that the amount of foam present in the well fluid is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved clay-based compositions comprising colloidal or colloidal-like phases (e.g., emulsions, aphrons) and methods of using those compositions. The compositions generally comprise an aqueous continuous phase, one or more palygorskite-sepiolite group clays, one or more surfactants, aphrons and optionally one or more Aphron Stabilizers. The compositions of the present invention are capable of being used in high-pressure applications.

Abstract: Self-generating foamed fluids for circulation through a well during drilling operations and methods for circulating such self-generating foamed drilling fluids are provided for. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous solvent, a polymer, a surfactant, a first foam generating agent, and a second foam generating agent. The first and second foam generating agents react to generate a gas within the drilling fluid and thereby to foam the drilling fluid. Preferably, the foam generating agents are selected such that they react to generate carbon dioxide. Preferably a base fluid comprising excess amounts of only one of the foam generating agents is pumped into the drill string using a hydraulic pump. The other foam generating agent then is injected in a controlled manner downstream of the circulation pump such that the drilling fluid is foamed after being pumped for circulation through the well. The novel drilling fluids preferably have a density of from about 5.8 lb/gal to about 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid, and a portion of variable pressure weighting material particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions of treating subterranean zones penetrated by well bores in primary well cementing operations, well completion operations, production stimulation treatments and the like. The invention includes aqueous well treating fluids comprised of water and a water soluble polymer complex fluid loss control additive. Preferred polymer complexes comprise water-soluble polymers made in the presence of hydroxyethylcellulose.

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: The current invention provides improved methods and compositions for completing a well bore. In one aspect, the current invention provides a process for preparing a foamed well composition. The process utilizes air to foam the composition after the air has been treated to lower the oxygen content below that concentration necessary to support combustion. Additionally, the current invention provides a process for completing and/or treating a well bore using a foamed composition wherein the foam is generated with reduced oxygen content air. Finally, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a foamed cement composition wherein the gaseous portion of the composition is air having a reduced oxygen content.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved compositions comprising stabilized colloidal or colloidal-like phases (e.g., emulsions, aphrons) and methods of using those compositions. The compositions generally comprise an aqueous continuous phase, one or more viscosifiers, one or more surfactants, aphrons and one or more Aphron Stabilizers. The compositions of the present invention possess aphrons with significantly increased half-life and enhanced ability to seal permeable formations, and are capable of being used in high pressure applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of surface-modified nanoparticles in fluids used to recover hydrocarbon from underground formations. The use of surface-modified nanoparticles in such fluids provides foams that are stable under pressure yet have a shorter foam lifetime than typical surfactant-stabilized foams after the pressure is released or lowered.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions of matter and methods of using those compositions. More particularly, and as part of one of the preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of fluids useful for sealing formation fractures and/or inhibiting downhole fluid loss. The present invention is useful as a pill or series of pills that can be formulated and spotted to a particular formation zone.

Abstract: A foamable drilling fluid is provided which includes an aqueous solvent; a surfactant; and a polysaccharide preferably derived from a galactomannan gum. The foamed drilling fluid includes a liquid phase consisting of the aqueous solvent, polysaccharide and surfactant, and a gas phase of air, nitrogen, natural gas, CO2 and mixtures thereof. The drilling fluid is stable in the presence of crude oil and salt and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a viscosifier which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to at least 10,000 centipoise, an aphron-generating surfactant, and aphrons, wherein the fluid contains less than about 20% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously re-circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine.

Abstract: Improved methods of generating gas in and foaming aqueous well fluids introduced into a subterranean zone are provided. A method of the invention includes the steps of combining with an alkaline aqueous well fluid one or more gas generating chemicals and a mixture of foaming and foaming stabilizing surfactants so that the gas generating chemical or chemicals react with the alkaline aqueous well fluid and gas and foam are formed in the well fluid while it is being pumped, and then pumping the well fluid into the subterranean zone.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. The fluid comprises an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a polymer which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to the extent that the thixotropic index of the fluid is at least about 10 and a surfactant, and wherein the fluid contains less than about 15% by volume of aphrons preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation. The method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprises continuously circulating, while drilling, such a drilling fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating microbubbles in oleaginous liquids which comprises adding a silicone oil to the oleaginous liquid and thereafter subjecting the liquid to mechanical forces in the presence of a gas. Also disclosed are oil base well drilling and servicing fluids having a low shear rate viscosity as measured with a Brookfield Viscometer at 0.5 rpm of at least 10,000 centipoise and having incorporated therein microbubbles generated by the disclosed method, and a method of drilling a well wherein there is circulated within the wellbore during drilling the oil base, microbubble-containing fluid disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions of matter and methods of using those compositions. More particularly, and as part of one of the preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions and methods of use of fluids useful for sealing formation fractures and/or inhibiting downhole fluid loss. The present invention is useful as a pill or series of pills that can be formulated and spotted to a particular formation zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally safe foamed acidizing fluids for acidizing subterranean zones, additives for foaming and stabilizing foamed acidizing fluids and methods of acidizing subterranean zones. The foamed acidizing fluids are basically comprised of an aqueous acid solution, sufficient gas to form a foam and an effective amount of an additive for foaming and stabilizing the aqueous acid solution comprised of hydrolyzed keratin.

Abstract: Improved methods of drilling well bores utilizing foamed aqueous drilling fluids are provided. The methods basically comprise circulating an aqueous drilling fluid containing a single foaming and defoaming surfactant and a gas downwardly through a rotary drill pipe and drill bit connected thereto. Well bore cuttings generated by the drill bit are lifted to the surface by foam produced from the aqueous drilling fluid and gas. Upon reaching the surface, the foamed aqueous drilling fluid is defoamed whereby the cuttings and gas are removed therefrom and the aqueous drilling fluid is combined with additional foaming surfactant when needed and additional gas. The foaming and defoaming of the aqueous drilling fluid are accomplished by changing the pH of the aqueous drilling fluid from basic to acidic which causes the single foaming and defoaming surfactant to foam and defoam the aqueous drilling fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and fluid for drilling or servicing a well in a subterranean formation, particularly containing lost circulation zones or depleted, low pressure reservoirs. A method of decreasing the density of the fluid circulated in a borehole, decreasing the invasion of fluid into formations contacted by the fluid, or decreasing the lost circulation potential of the fluid is provided by using as the fluid an aqueous liquid having dispersed therein a polymer which increases the low shear rate viscosity of the fluid to the extent that the shear thinning index of the fluid is at least about 10, a surfactant, and aphrons, wherein the aphrons are preferably generated by the turbulence and pressure drop as the fluid exits the drill bit in the vicinity of the formation, the fluid having a low shear rate viscosity of at least 40,000 centipoise.

Abstract: A process for circulating an aqueous foam in a wellbore includes the steps of forming a foam from an aqueous composition having a determined pH value, injecting the foam into a well so that it circulates from the surface to the well bottom and then back from the well bottom to the surface, and then changing the pH value of the foam when it returns to the surface. The aqueous composition from which the foam is made includes at least one ionic surfactant whose charge does not practically depend on the pH value and a polyampholytic polymer whose global charge depends on the pH value. This composition gives the foam the property that when the pH of the foam is varied at the surface of the well, the charge of the polyampholytic polymer is modified and the foam becomes destabilized and breaks more readily.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water based foaming composition and the method of making it. The composition is optimized in that it contains a surfactant specifically selected according to the polymer also present in the composition. The surfactant and the polymer are selected so that they are oppositely charged. The invention is very useful in drilling or treating wells.