Abstract: A drilling fluid flowback tracking system and method for determining quantities and qualities of drilling fluid returned from the wellhead in drilling operations, providing a frame, a receiving pipe, a riser pipe, and a surge suppressor for conveying returned drilling fluid, a tapered fluid bin having a calibrated drain slot, which retains fluid at a level corresponding to the inflow rate of the fluid, and flow rate marks for visual correlation of the highest level of outflow with the flow rate of the inflow. Collection and retention of data is further provided through sensors in an inline sensor housing communicating through a data cable with a data collection unit. Remote access to the data collection unit is further provided through a data transceiver and remote data unit.

Abstract: Formation treatment fluid compositions and methods are provided that include an aqueous base fluid, where the aqueous base fluid comprises one or more salts; and sago. The profile modification fluid may include sago in an amount in the range from 50,000 ppm to 100,000 ppm. Formation treatment fluid compositions may also include an aqueous base fluid, where the aqueous base fluid comprises one or more salts, and sago, where the formation treatment fluid may include sago in an amount in the range from 10,000 ppm to 50,000 ppm. Methods for using the formation treatment fluid may include introducing into a targeted stratum of a subterranean formation a treatment fluid. The subterranean treatment fluid may include an aqueous base fluid, where the aqueous base fluid includes one or more salts, sago, and the treatment fluid may include sago in an amount in the range from 10,000 ppm to 100,000 ppm.

Abstract: In order to substantially reduce friction during drilling operations, specialized lubricants need to be added to drilling fluid recipes. In general, lubricants reduce friction by forming a thin film of liquid that separates the solid surfaces in contact. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of enhanced activated sludge (EAS) as a lubricant in drilling fluids. EAS is activated sludge rich in lipids. The mixed consortium of microorganism in waste water treatment facilities in grown under a high carbon/nitrogen ratio to trigger lipid accumulation. Performance of EAS as drilling fluid additive was compared with commercial lubricants in terms of lubricity and flow properties. Lubricants were evaluated using water-based drilling mud at lubricant concentrations of 1.78, 3.11, 4.43, and 6.17 pounds per barrel (ppb). Experiments were carried out in a standard lubricity meter. The lubricity meter tests the ability of the lubricant in the drilling mud to reduce friction.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing drilling fluid compositions containing treated calcium bentonite. One such method includes mixing calcium bentonite with an aqueous mixture containing soda ash, followed by adding starch to form the treated bentonite mixture that is used to prepare a drilling fluid composition. Another method includes mixing the calcium bentonite with an aqueous mixture containing soda ash and magnesium oxide, followed by adding starch to form the treated bentonite mixture that is used to prepare a drilling fluid composition.

Abstract: A method of preparing a solid surfactant composite may include: coating a liquid water-wetting surfactant on a solid carrier; and drying the solid carrier to produce the solid surfactant composite. A method may include: introducing a spacer fluid into a wellbore, the spacer fluid comprising a solid surfactant composite; and displacing a fluid in the wellbore using the spacer fluid.

Abstract: Drilling fluid compositions include a base fluid, at least one additive chosen from an emulsifier, weighting material, fluid-loss additive, viscosifier, or alkali compound, and from 0.1 wt. % to 1 wt. %, based on total weight of the drilling fluid composition, of an ethoxylated alcohol compound having the formula R—(OCH2CH2)7—OH, in which R is a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbyl group having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms. The base fluid may be an aqueous base fluid. Methods for drilling a subterranean well include operating a drill in a wellbore in the presence of a drilling fluid composition including the base fluid, the additive, and the ethoxylated alcohol compound.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for modified cement material, methods of reducing or stopping cement shrinkage, methods of making modified cement material, and the like.

Abstract: Well fluids and methods are provided that can be used for stabilizing a shale formation, especially during drilling of a well into or through a shale formation. The well fluids include: (i) a continuous water phase; (ii) a viscosity-increasing agent, wherein the viscosity-increasing agent comprises water-soluble hydrophilic polymer; (iii) a fluid loss control agent; and (iv) a cyclodextrin-based compound. The methods of drilling include the steps of: (A) introducing the well fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation; and (b) drilling the zone.

Abstract: Various salt crystal and agglomeration settling inhibiting agents may aid the ability to keep salt crystals of a desired particle size undissolved and dissolved in an aqueous drilling fluid, including, whey, wine-making residues, “steepwater solubles” or an organic liquid formed from the residue of wet processing of grains, sugar cane, sugar beets, and similar plants for the food and beverage industries for consumption by human or animals, and combinations thereof. A fluid so treated has more uniform properties and a reduced tendency for the salt therein to settle out as compared to an otherwise identical fluid absent an effective proportion or amount of the salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agent, even for saturated salt fluids. The salt crystal agglomeration and settling inhibiting agents are also believed to be useful in inhibiting or preventing the formation of gas hydrates under gas hydrate forming conditions of low temperature and high pressure.

Abstract: Compositions for controlling fluid loss may include an aqueous fluid, a viscosifier, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a delayed acid source, and a weighting agent. The composition may further comprise at least one selected from bridging solids, cleaning agent, dispersant, interfacial tension reducer, pH buffer, thinner, or surfactant. Such compositions may be used in producing a hydrocarbon from a formation by drilling the formation with a drill-in fluid to form a wellbore, emplacing the composition in the wellbore, and shutting the well for a predetermined time to allow the viscosity of the fluid loss composition to decrease.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous based fluid; an amphoteric, viscoelastic surfactant; and a modified starch is disclosed. Methods of drilling subterranean wells, methods of reducing the loss of fluid out of subterranean wells, and methods of completing wellbores using aqueous-based fluids having an ampoteric, viscoelastic surfactant and a modified starch are also disclosed.

Abstract: Drilling fluids were developed including a base fluid, a weighting agent and/or a bridging agent, and a thickening agent, where the weighting agent and/or the bridging agent includes a particulate strontium carbonate having a desired distribution, for weighting agents, the distribution includes particles between 2? and 5000? and for bridging agents, the distribution is constructed from particles having specific sizes. Methods making and using the drilling fluids were also discovered.

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: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing coated particles, wherein the coated particles comprise solid particles coated with an expandable coating; and introducing the coated particles into a permeable zone of the subterranean formation such that the coated particles form a barrier to fluid flow in the permeable zone. In another embodiment, a method of drilling a well bore may be provided, the method comprising: including coated particles in a drilling fluid, the coated particles comprising solid particles coated with an expandable coating; using a drill bit to enlarge the well bore; and circulating the drilling fluid past the drill bit.

Abstract: Well fluids and methods are provided that can be used for stabilizing a shale formation, especially during drilling of a well into or through a shale formation. The well fluids include: (i) a continuous water phase; (ii) a viscosity-increasing agent, wherein the viscosity-increasing agent comprises water-soluble hydrophilic polymer; (iii) a fluid loss control agent; and (iv) a cyclodextrin-based compound. The methods of drilling include the steps of: (A) introducing the well fluid into a zone of a subterranean formation; and (b) drilling the zone.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive, is provided, and the additive comprises: syrup solids and a liquid medium; and the sugar content of the additive is directly proportionate to the freezing point of the additive.

Abstract: Sulfonated graft copolymer obtained by radical graft copolymerization of one or more synthetic monomers in the presence of hydroxyl-containing naturally derived materials. The graft copolymer includes 0.1 to 100 wt %, based on weight of the total synthetic monomers, of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer having a sulfonic acid group, monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester or salt thereof, with the monomer and hydroxyl-containing naturally derived materials present in a weight ratio of 5:95 to 95:5.

Abstract: A drilling fluid, comprising an aqueous continuous phase, and a surfactant system comprising a mixture of an ester phosphate and a non-ionic ethoxylated alcohol. The drilling fluid may also contain one or more of at least one salt, an alkaline material, a viscosifying agent, a starch or starch derivative, a bridging agent, a weighting material, and a diesel oil or non-aromatic oil.

Abstract: A drilling fluid is provided that comprises a non-ionic or cationic polymer having general formula I or II. The drilling fluid may be used in drilling or other oilfield operations to prevent or limit the accretion of hydrocarbons to metal components when these are in contact with highly viscous hydrocarbons such as those present in formations containing heavy crude oil or tar sand.

Abstract: Drilling mud compositions and related methods are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The drilling mud compositions are water-based and contain volcanic ash. The compositions and methods of the present invention provide improved properties relative to tolerance of high salt content, cement, lime, and temperatures.

Abstract: An engineered composition for reducing lost circulation in a well includes a mixture of coarse, medium and optional fine particles, and a blend of long fibers and short fibers. The long fibers are rigid and the short fibers are flexible. The long fibers form a tridimensional mat or net in the lost-circulation pathway that traps the mixture of particles and short flexible fibers to form a mud cake. The mixture of particles and blend of fibers may be added to water based and oil-based drilling fluids. The composition, size, and concentration of each component of the mixture of particles and blend of fibers may be fine-tuned for each application.

Abstract: Drilling mud compositions and related methods are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The drilling mud compositions are water-based and contain volcanic ash. The compositions and methods of the present invention provide improved properties relative to tolerance of high salt content, cement, lime, and temperatures.

Abstract: There is provided aqueous fluids comprising a mixture of at least two polysaccharides, water, and glass microspheres having pacified surfaces. There is also provided a method for making a fluid the method comprising (a) selecting a plurality of glass microspheres having alkaline surfaces; (b) coating the surfaces of the plurality of glass microspheres with an acid; and (c) combining the coated glass microspheres with (i) a mixture comprising at least two cross-linkable polysaccharides, and (ii) water. The fluids are useful, for example, as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions suitable as drilling fluids, completion fluids, work-over fluids, or stimulation/fracking fluids, which exhibit shale inhibiting, thermostabilizing, viscosifying, and fluid loss reducing effects when used for these purposes. In some embodiments, this disclosure provides compositions that include a cellulose product comprising the contact product of: at least one cellulosic ether; at least one salt of a polyvalent metal ion; and at least one ligand or a salt of the ligand. The resulting cellulose products are useful in drilling of oil, gas, and other wells.

Abstract: A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus.

Abstract: A method of controlling or arresting the rate of depolymerization of a polymer composition during a biocide treatment, and use of such methods in oilfield and industrial applications. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a visco-stable application fluid containing a biocide in an amount effective to reduce bacteria count, as well as additive compositions capable of reducing bacteria count in application fluids while maintaining viscosity in such fluids. Also disclosed are methods of preparing biocide-containing application fluids with improved friction reducing properties, as well as related compositions.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one example composition includes a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a tar stabilizing polymer comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene polymer, an acrylate polymer, a styrene-acrylate polymer, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to gels for use in downhole applications containing the reaction product of at least one polymer, or polymer precursor, and at least one oxazoline crosslinking agent, wherein the at least one polymer, or polymer precursor, and the oxazoline crosslinking agent are normally combined in a solution, and methods including the use thereof.

Abstract: A well treatment composition comprises: a water-soluble, organic liquid, wherein the organic liquid: (A) comprises the continuous phase of the well treatment composition; and (B) comprises a polyglycol or a derivative of polyglycol; a fluid loss additive, wherein the fluid loss additive: (A) is insoluble in the organic liquid; and (B) comprises a high molecular weight, water-swellable polymer; and a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent comprises an organophilic clay, wherein the well treatment composition has an activity of at least 15%. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, the cement composition comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the well treatment composition; and allowing the cement composition to set after introduction into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing to the wellbore a wellbore servicing fluid comprising an additive composition comprising a polysaccharide having carboxylate and sulfonate groups. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing at the well site an additive composition comprising a polysaccharide having carboxylate and sulfonate groups, introducing the additive composition into a wellbore servicing fluid, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into a subterranean formation. A method of preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising contacting a polysaccharide composition with an oxidizing agent to form an oxidized polysaccharide, and contacting the oxidized polysaccharide with a sulfonating agent to form a carboxylated sulfonated polysaccharide, and contacting the carboxylated sulfonated polysaccharide with a wellbore servicing fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-component fluid loss control system comprising a core substrate and a polymeric shell cooperating with each other to form a microcomposite, wherein the core substrate and the polymeric shell are formed from different materials. The system can demonstrate switchable behavior. The core substrate and the polymeric shell can be further modified, where modifications cooperate with each other to form the microcomposite. Also disclosed are formulations for fluid loss control and methods for controlling fluid loss in a well.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive system is provided and the system comprises: syrup solids which are heated and/or hydrolyzed and then admixed with a liquid medium, and the syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.

Abstract: Drilling mud compositions and related methods are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The drilling mud compositions are water-based and contain volcanic ash. The compositions and methods of the present invention provide improved properties relative to tolerance of high salt content, cement, lime, and temperatures.

Abstract: A drilling fluid includes a base fluid and a circulation loss reducing additive package having a polysaccharide, a cellulose derivative and a pH controlling component.

Abstract: A spotting fluid is provided and the spotting fluid consists essentially of: syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium, said syrup and syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof, and the liquid medium is selected from a group consisting of water, purified water, ionized water, salt water and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided and the additive consist of: syrup solids which are heated to evaporate water and then admixed with a liquid medium, and the syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.

Abstract: An air drilling misting fluid is provided and the fluid comprises: a continuous liquid phase solution comprising syrup, syrup solids and a first liquid medium, the syrup and syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof; and a second liquid medium.

Abstract: A water based wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous fluid; a micronized weighting agent; a polysaccharide derivative; and at least one fatty acid ester derivative is disclosed.

Abstract: A water-based polymer drilling fluid, containing effective quantities of surfactants having HLB numbers equal to or greater than approximately 7, emulsifies oil and bitumen contained in oil sand cuttings, resulting in the oil and bitumen being dispersed into the mud as an emulsion. This eliminates or significantly reduces the ability of the oil, bitumen, and cuttings to clog the well or stick to drill string components when drilling a well through oil-bearing sands, particularly sands containing highly viscous oil or bitumen. The emulsification process separates the sand particles from the oil and bitumen, such that the sand particles can be removed when the mud is run through a conventional shale shaker or other suitable apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-disrupting filter cake in an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) incorporating into a drilling fluid a solid polymer capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; (b) using the drilling fluid to drill a wellbore into the underground formation such that the solid polymer in the drilling fluid contributes to the formation of a filter cake; and (c) allowing the solid polymer to hydrolyse in the presence of water and to disrupt the integrity of the filter cake. A drilling fluid which contains as a bridging agent one or more solid polymers capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids is also provided.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous based fluid; an amphoteric, viscoelastic surfactant; and a modified starch is disclosed. Methods of drilling subterranean wells, methods of reducing the loss of fluid out of subterranean wells, and methods of completing wellbores using aqueous-based fluids having an ampoteric, viscoelastic surfactant and a modified starch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spotting fluid is provided and the spotting fluid consists essentially of: syrup, syrup solids and a liquid medium, said syrup and syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, inverted sugar syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof, and the liquid medium is selected from a group consisting of water, purified water, ionized water, salt water and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Aqueous fluids for circulation through a well during drilling operations, especially drilling operations where shale and another clay bearing formations are encountered, and methods for circulating such clay stabilizing drilling fluids are provided for. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying polymer, a starch, and a chloride-free clay stabilizer. In one embodiment, the starch is selected from the group consisting of potato and corn starch and mixtures thereof and is present in relatively high amounts, i.e., starch in amounts from about 6 to about 18 lb/barrel of fluid, and stabilizer in amounts up to about 3% by volume of fluid. Other embodiments provide concentrations of polymer, starch, and clay stabilizer effective to provide the fluid with clay swelling of about 10% or less, preferably about 5% or less, and shale disintegration of about 10% or less, preferably about 5% or less. Preferably the novel fluids also comprise an environmentally friendly lubricant and surfactant.

Abstract: Drilling fluid additive compositions are provided for use with synthetic, oil based, or water based drilling fluids. The combined additive and drilling fluid are effective for reducing lost circulation, seepage loss as well as wellbore strengthening and/or wellbore lining. The method includes injecting the drilling fluid and 0.01 or more pounds per barrel of a loss control additive including ground and sized pumice, barite, anthracite or dolomite.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided and the additive consist of: syrup solids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% by weight of total volume of the additive and a liquid medium in the amount from about 10 to about 70% by weight of total volume of the additive, said syrup solids are derived from a group consisting essentially of agave syrup, barley syrup, sugar syrup, beets syrup, birch syrup, rice syrup, cane syrup, chocolate syrup, coconut syrup, corn syrup, date syrup, fruit syrup, golden syrup, high fructose corn syrup, karo syrup, citrus fruit syrup, maple syrup, molasses, Muscavado syrup, palm syrup, rice syrup, sorghum syrup, Turbinado syrup, vanilla syrup and mixtures and blends thereof.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided and the additive consist of: hydrolyzed glucose syrup solids in the amount from about 30 to about 90% by weight of total volume of the additive and a liquid medium in the amount from about 10 to about 70% by weight of total volume of the additive.

Abstract: Aqueous fluids comprising polysaccharide, dissolved salt, and borate anions. The fluids are useful, for example, as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized aqueous polymer compositions containing A) a stabilizing amount of a least a sulfur dye or containing a stabilizing amount of a sulfur dye with a compound comprising a heterocyclic system containing nitrogen and sulphur as ring heteroatoms and B) at least one polymer comprising groups which are capable of complex formation with ions. The aqueous polymer compositions are stabilized against thermal or other degradation processes of the polymer by addition of component A) to allow their use even under harsh conditions.