Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the pressure protection of existing wells during infill drilling operations.

Abstract: A completion/stimulation/production fluid and injection mixture blend is disclosed. The blend may include an aqueous fluid, a polymer system and an injection mixture that includes a polyol, a natural sugar, an artificial sugar, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An additive composition for improving one or more cold temperature properties in oil-based fluids is provided. One additive composition may include a first additive component selected from at least one alcohol ethoxylate, at least one amine ethoxylate, at least one ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer, or a combination thereof, wherein the first additive component has an HLB ranging from about 4 to about 10. The additive composition may also include a second additive component selected from at least one alcohol, propylene glycol, at least one alcohol ethoxylate, or a combination thereof, wherein the second additive component has a total number of carbons from about 2 to about 30 carbons and a degree of ethoxylation is from zero to about 10.

Abstract: A method of drilling in a subterranean formation. A method may include providing a direct emulsion drilling fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, an oil, and a polysorbate emulsifier; circulating the direct emulsion drilling fluid from a surface, through a wellbore, and back to the surface; and extending the wellbore in the subterranean formation while circulating the direct emulsion drilling fluid.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a pre-mixed lost circulation treatment that can be pre-mixed ahead of time at a plant and delivered to a drilling site in one or more transport containers because the pre-mixture having a shelf life of at least one month and possibly longer. Because the components of the lost circulation treatment are mixed at a controlled mix site, the consistency of the lost circulation treatment is improved and can be better maintained from one lost circulation treatment to another. Further, one or more of the components of the pre-mixed treatment can be placed in a portable tote container that can be quickly and easily transported to the drilling site upon demand, or the tote can be delivered to the drilling site before a lost circulation zone is actually encountered.

Abstract: A completion/stimulation/production fluid and injection mixture blend is disclosed. The blend may include an aqueous fluid, a polymer system and an injection mixture that includes a polyol, a natural sugar, an artificial sugar, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations with fluids containing lost circulation materials are provided. In one embodiment, the methods introducing a treatment fluid that includes a base fluid and a lost circulation material into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the lost circulation material includes a plurality of particles having a multi-modal particle size distribution comprising a d10 value ranging from about 20 to about 50 microns, a d50 value ranging from about 55 to about 90 microns, and d90 value ranging from about 240 to about 340 microns.

Abstract: Treatment fluids of the present disclosure may comprise an aqueous base fluid and a surfactant composition. The surfactant composition may comprise a sulfonate surfactant in an amount of from 0.01 wt. % to 2 wt. % based on the total weight of the treatment fluid composition, a plant-based oil in an amount of from 0.01 wt. % to 2 wt. % based on the total weight of the treatment fluid composition, and a zwitterionic co-surfactant in an amount of from 0.01 wt. % to 2 wt. % based on the total weight of the treatment fluid composition. The plant-based oil may comprise from 65 mol. % to 85 mol. % species comprising one or more gondoic acid moieties. Methods for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation with the treatment fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for managing well construction operations includes accepting as input to a computer a list of tasks required to complete construction of at least one wellbore, the list of tasks having at least an initial chronological order. Measurements of at least one parameter related to at least one task on the list of tasks is entered into the computer. The list of tasks is prioritized by at least one of changing a chronological order of performance or a length of time to complete at least one of the tasks based on measurements of the at least one parameter. The prioritizing is performed to optimize at least one well construction performance parameter. The prioritized list is displayed to at least one user of the computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion comprising at least (a) an organic phase, (b) a water phase and (c) an ester based on an ether carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Also within the ambit of the invention is the use of an ester as defined in (c) as emulsifier, as a thickening agent and/or as an anti-foaming agent in particular in drilling emulsions and metal working fluids.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor III) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) may be formed in situ during hydrocarbon recovery operations after drilling with OBM or SBM using one or more fluid pills. The nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsions remove oil and solids from the well and wellbore surfaces. In one non-limiting embodiment, a single phase microemulsion (SPME) or other in situ-formed fluid may be created from a polar phase, a nonpolar phase, at least one viscosifier, and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor III) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) may be formed in situ during hydrocarbon recovery operations after drilling with OBM or SBM using one or more fluid pills. The nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsions remove oil and solids from the well and wellbore surfaces. In one non-limiting embodiment, a single phase microemulsion (SPME) or other in situ-formed fluid may be created from a polar phase, a nonpolar phase, at least one viscosifier, and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: The current invention relates to the use of chitin nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystal derivatives. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of chitin nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystals used in oil and gas operations. The chitin nanocrystals and chitin nanocrystals derivatives can be used as additives to cement and wellbore fluids and can be used to inhibit corrosion in pipelines, on downhole tools and on other oil and gas related equipment.

Abstract: A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among the methods provided is a method of drilling a subterranean well with an invert emulsion fluid comprising: providing an invert emulsion fluid formed by combining components that comprise: an oil-based continuous phase; an aqueous discontinuous phase; and a polar hydrophobic additive that comprises a polar hydrophobe, wherein the polar hydrophobic additive may substantially increases the yield point, the low-shear yield point, or both of the invert emulsion fluid relative to a fluid without a polar hydrophobic additive while limiting the change in the plastic viscosity to no more than about 35% of the change in the property with the largest increase; and placing the invert emulsion fluid in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: An environmentally responsible iron chelating additive and method for removing hydrogen sulfide or sulfide ions from drilling and packer fluids and preventing settling of precipitates. Iron chelating agents selected from the group consisting of ferrous lactate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous bis glycinate, ferrous citrate, ferrous acetate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous succinate, ferrous sacchrate, ferrous tartarate, ferrous glycine sulfate, ferrous glutamate, ferrous ascorbate, ferrous polymaltose, or a combination thereof, may be used. When the fluids are oil based, the iron chelating agents are added to the water phase of an emulsion, and the emulsion is added to the fluid. Viscosifiers may also be added to the drilling fluid with the emulsion.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid which includes an aqueous fluid and a water-soluble dissipative surfactant composition is described, wherein the dissipative surfactant composition includes at least one fatty acid or ester derivative of a plant or vegetable oil. Also described are methods of using such aqueous-based drilling fluids including the dissipative surfactant composition as described in hydrocarbon recovery operations associated with oil/tar sand, where such fluids act to increase the dispersant qualities of hydrocarbons within the oil/tar sand, and where such fluid exhibit a reduced coefficient of friction.

Abstract: Drilling fluids comprising a carrier fluid; a weighting agent that comprises sub-micron precipitated barite; a particle having a specific gravity of greater than about 2.6; and, a bridging agent that is not the submicron-precipitated barite or the particle. The weighting agent has a particle size distribution such that at least 10% of particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.2 microns, at least 50% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.3 microns and at least 90% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.5 microns. The particle has a specific gravity of greater than about 2.6 is not sub-micron precipitated barite. The ratio of the sub-micron precipitated barite to the particle is about 10:90 to about 99:1. The bridging agent comprises a degradable material.

Abstract: Methods and compositions utilizing a drilling fluid comprising sub-micron precipitated barite having a weight average particle diameter below about 1 micron. Methods include a method comprising circulating a drilling fluid in a well bore, wherein the drilling fluid comprises: a carrier fluid; and a weighting agent that comprises sub-micron precipitated barite having a weight average particle diameter below about 1 micron are disclosed. In some embodiments, the drilling fluid may comprise an invert emulsion. In some embodiments, the sub-micron precipitated barite has a particle size distribution such that at least 10% of particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.2 micron, at least 50% of the particles in the of the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.3 micron and at least 90% of the particles in the sub-micron precipitated barite have a diameter below about 0.5 micron.

Abstract: Pumpable multiple phase vesicle compositions carry agents and components downhole or through a conduit, and controllably releasing them at a different place and time by breaking the compositions. In one non-limiting embodiment the pumpable multiple phase vesicles have a third phase containing a first phase which bears the agent to be controllably released. The first and third phases of the vesicles are separated by a surface active material bilayer that forms the second phase. The pumpable multiple phase vesicles may have internal and external phases that are both oil miscible, both aqueous miscible, or both alcohol miscible. The surface active material bilayer may be composed of compounds such as phospholipids, alkyl polyglycosides, gemini surfactants, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, and many others. The agent may be released by one or more of a variety of mechanisms.

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: Nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor III) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) may be formed in situ during hydrocarbon recovery operations after drilling with OBM or SBM using one or more fluid pills. The nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsions remove oil and solids from the well and wellbore surfaces. In one non-limiting embodiment, a single phase microemulsion (SPME) or other in situ-formed fluid may be created from a polar phase, a nonpolar phase, at least one viscosifier, and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: A method of reducing the torque of a drill string used in drilling a subterranean well that includes injecting into the drilling fluid a composition including a base fluid and a polymer coated colloidal solid material. The polymer coated colloidal solid material includes: a solid particle having an weight average particle diameter (d5o) of less than ten microns, and a polymeric dispersing agent coated onto the surface of the solid particle during the cominution (i.e. grinding) process utilized to make the colloidal particles. The polymeric dispersing agent may be a water soluble polymer having a molecular weight of at least 2000 Daltons. The solid particulate material may be selected from materials having of specific gravity of at least 2.

Abstract: Pumpable multiple phase vesicle compositions carry agents and components downhole or through a conduit, and controllably releasing them at a different place and time by breaking the compositions. In one non-limiting embodiment the pumpable multiple phase vesicles have a third phase containing a first phase which bears the agent to be controllably released. The first and third phases of the vesicles are separated by a surface active material bilayer that forms the second phase. The pumpable multiple phase vesicles may have internal and external phases that are both oil miscible, both aqueous miscible, or both alcohol miscible. The surface active material bilayer may be composed of compounds such as phospholipids, alkyl polyglycosides, gemini surfactants, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, and many others. The agent may be released by one or more of a variety of mechanisms.

Abstract: A water based drilling fluid which includes an aqueous fluid, at least one of a weighting agent and a gelling agent, and a lubricant, which includes at least one ester derivative of at least one fatty acid derived from castor oil is disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling fluid compound, for use as an additive in a water-based drilling mud system, comprises a neat (B100) biodiesel liquid at a concentration of at least 5% by volume, and is useful in downhole applications such as lubrication, spotting, shale inhibition, fluid loss control, and rate of penetration enhancement. A base fluid for a synthetic-based drilling mud system comprises a B100 biodiesel liquid at a concentration of at least 5% by volume. A polyalphaolefin, another isomerized olefin, a petrodiesel, a mineral oil, a mineral oil derivative, or combinations thereof, may also be included in the drilling fluid compound or in the base fluid, within suitable ranges. The compositions of matter satisfy the current environmental standards defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for drilling fluids.

Abstract: An electrically conductive oil mud meeting the fluid requirements for resistive logging tools and a method for preparing such mud is disclosed. The fluid has been optimized to deliver performance in a manner as similar to that of a traditional invert emulsion drilling fluid as is practical while still maintaining the required electrical conductivity for resistivity-based logging tools. This electrically conductive oil-based mud comprises a polar synthetic ester base and complimentary ester surfactants, one being more oil soluble, the other being more water soluble. The surfactants interact synergistically to provide dense packing of micelles at the palisade layer. This fluid is oil-wetting to solids, and in general behaves like a traditional oil mud.

Abstract: A method of separating from a mixture of oil-based drilling fluid and sample of formation hydrocarbon, the liquid component of the drilling fluid, which method comprises treating, e.g. chemically, the mixture in a way that selectively substantially affects the liquid component of the drilling fluid, producing one or more treatment products, while leaving the formation hydrocarbon substantially unaffected; and separating the treatment products from the formation hydrocarbon, by solvent extraction. The liquid component of the drilling fluid conveniently comprises one or more esters (which do not occur in significant quantities in naturally occuring formation hydrocarbons) and which can be hydrolysed to give water-soluble products readily removable from the formation hydrocarbon. The invention is applicable to sampling of formation hydrocarbon using wireline formation testers or sampling tools.

Abstract: A lubricating composition containing one or more esters obtained as a reaction product from a reaction mixture of a glycerol component, a fatty acid component, and a carboxylic acid component wherein said glycerol component comprises glycerol, glycerol oligomers, or combinations thereof and further wherein said glycerol oligomers comprise linear chains, branched chains, cyclic chains, or combinations thereof and further wherein said glycerol oligomers have at least 2 repeat glycerol units and further no more than about 32 repeat glycerol units; wherein said fatty acid component comprises alkyl groups having at least about 8 carbon atoms and further wherein said alkyl groups have no more than about 32 carbon atoms; wherein said carboxylic component has at least one carbon atom per molecule and no more than about 8 carbon atoms per molecule; and wherein the fatty acid component comprises at least 50 percent by weight of the fatty acid component of oleic acid; wherein the fatty acid component comprises at least

Abstract: A lubricating composition containing one or more esters obtained as a reaction product from a reaction mixture of a glycerol component, a fatty/acid component, and a carboxylic acid component. The lubricating composition can additionally contain a water-insoluble fluid. The lubricating composition is suitable for use as a lubricant and rate of penetration enhancing additive in drilling muds for oilwell drilling operations.

Abstract: A well logging fluid is provided having a relatively non-conductive fluid and an effective amount of a salt sufficient to modify the electrical characteristics the relatively non-conductive fluid resulting in a modified fluid or well logging fluid such that an electrical well-logging tool when disposed in the modified fluid can perform an electrical well-logging survey of a borehole containing the modified fluid. The non-conductive fluid is selected from the group consisting of a non-aqueous fluid and an invert emulsion of an aqueous phase in a non-conductive liquid. In an invert emulsion, the aqueous portion thereof ranges up to about 70 percent by volume. The salt has a cation and an anion, wherein the cation is selected from the group consisting of divalent and trivalent metal cations capable of forming a complex, and the anion is one that disassociates from the cation in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A well logging fluid is provided having a relatively non-conductive fluid and an effective amount of a salt sufficient to modify the electrical characteristics the relatively non-conductive fluid resulting in a modified fluid or well logging fluid such that an electrical well-logging tool when disposed in the modified fluid can perform an electrical well-logging survey of a borehole containing the modified fluid. The non-conductive fluid is selected from the group consisting of a non-aqueous fluid and an invert emulsion of an aqueous phase in a non-conductive liquid. In an invert emulsion, the aqueous portion thereof ranges up to about 70 percent by volume. The salt has a cation and an anion, wherein the cation is selected from the group consisting of divalent and trivalent metal cations capable of forming a complex, and the anion is one that disassociates from the cation in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: An esterification process and the products resulting from it which achieves a mixture of secondary esters which are effectively used with invert drilling muds, the process involving the addition of one or more C1-C5 carboxylic acids and one or more C3-C22 olefins in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: An esterification process and the products resulting from it which achieves a mixture of secondary esters which are effectively used with invert drilling muds, the process involving the addition of one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 carboxylic acids and one or more C.sub.3 -C.sub.22 olefins in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-based drilling fluid, a continuous phase for an oil-based drilling fluid, and additives for an oil-based drilling fluid. The drilling fluid, the continuous phase of the drilling fluid, and the additives for the oil-based drilling fluid are characterized by non-fluorescence (defined as a fluorescence intensity of 800 or less) when exposed to ultraviolet light. The continuous phase of the drilling fluid is composed of synthetic hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of oligomers synthesized from one or more alphaolefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length, wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 100, and additives. The additives of the continuous phase include surfactants, wetting agents and/or emulsifiers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least predominantly linear hydrocarbon compounds olefinically unsaturated in the alpha-position with flashpoints of at least about 80.degree. as the oil phase or as part of the oil phase of oil- or water-based free-flowing borehole servicing preparations. Particular significance is attributed to corresponding drilling fluids which, together with the alpha-olefins, contain other oil phases from the field of borehole servicing preparations and are distinguished by ecological compatibility, being degradable under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Suitable mixture components for the oil phase are, in particular, oleophilic alcohols, ethers and corresponding esters selected from carboxylic acid esters and/or carbonic acid esters.

Abstract: A lubricant which is prepared from at least one synthetic ester composition exhibiting thermal and oxidative stability which comprises the reaction product of 3,5,5-trimethyl-1-hexanol and an acid or anhydride; and a lubricant additive package; whereby the incorporation of an antioxidant in the lubricant additive package for the purpose of maintaining oxidative and thermal stability of the crankcase lubricating oil formulation to at least 20 minutes as measured by HPDSC at 220.degree. C., 3.445 MPa air and 0.5 wt. % dioctyl diphenyl amine can be either reduced or eliminated. The synthetic ester composition preferably exhibits the following additional properties: a metals content of 10 ppm or less metals based on the total synthetic ester composition, an ash content of 15 ppm or less ash based on the total synthetic ester composition, a total acid number of 0.05 mg KOH/g or less, and a volume resistivity of at least about 1.times.10.sup.11 ohm cm.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) a surfactant and (b) a diluent oil are employed in oil-based drilling fluids and processes for cleaning oil-contaminated substrates (e.g., oil-contaminated animals, drill cuttings) as well as in processes for cementing well casings, enhanced oil recovery, and lifting oil from wellbores.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved quaternary ammonium compounds useful as metal corrosion inhibitors in aqueous acid solutions, methods of preparing the compounds, metal corrosion inhibited aqueous acid solutions containing the compounds and methods of protecting metal surfaces from acid corrosion using the compounds. The compounds are prepared by contacting the still bottoms residue produced in the distillation of quinoline from coal tar with oxygen to oligomerize aromatic amines contained therein and then reacting the oligomerized amines with a benzylhalide.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) a surfactant and (b) a diluent oil are employed in oil-based drilling fluids and processes for cleaning oil-contaminated substrates (e.g., oil-contaminated animals, drill cuttings) as well as in processes for cementing well casings, enhanced oil recovery, and lifting oil from wellbores.

Abstract: The invention involves biopolymer/oil suspension compositions for the oil service industry, most particularly drilling and completion fluids, which provide such fluids a variety of desirable properties. Biopolymers include water soluble polymers and water swellable polymers. Such biopolymer/oil suspension compositions are essentially mixtures of biopolymers such as cellulosics in an oil medium with a specific anti-settling additive. The invention is particularly directed to providing enhanced anti-settling properties to such biopolymer/oil compositions; that is, the ability of the biopolymer/oil composition to retain the biopolymers in suspension prior to the composition being introduced into drilling and completion fluids. The invention in one embodiment is described as a liquid biopolymer-in-oil additive compositions for use in aqueous-based completion fluids, containing an agent comprising: a) one or more polyamides, and b) hydrogenated caster oils including castorwax.

Abstract: An environmentally acceptable, thermally insulating annular fluid comprised of a liquid which is non-aqueous, non-corrosive, and thermally insulating, a clay gellant, and a clay dispersant. A preferred packer fluid includes an ester originated from a vegetable or animal oil as at least a major portion of the liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved continuous phase for an oil based drilling fluid and specifically a synthetic hydrocarbon continuous phase which is non-polluting and minimally toxic. The invention provides excellent drilling fluid properties under a wide variety of drilling conditions. The synthetic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of branched chain oligomers synthesized from one or more olefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length and wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 1000. In the drilling fluid compositions, suitable emulsifiers, wetting agents, viscosifiers, weight materials and fluid loss additives are utilized in conjunction with water and/or a brine phase for the desired rheological properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved water based drilling fluid and an improved spotting fluid utilizing unhydrogenated synthetic hydrocarbon compositions which are non-polluting and minimally toxic. The invention provides excellent drilling fluid properties under a wide variety of drilling conditions. The synthetic hydrocabons are selected from the group consisting of branched chain oligomers synthesized from one or more olefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length and wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 1000. The compositions of these hydrocarbons are free of aromatics and petroleum based toxic impurities. The synthetic hydrocarbons are unhydrogenated.