Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for preparing injection fluid in oil and gas recovery comprising an inverse emulsion of an associative water-soluble polymer A comprising at least one hydrophobic monomer or hydrophobic macromonomer, and solid particles of a water-soluble polymer B, said polymer B being preferably associative. The invention also relates to a method of treating a portion of subterranean formation comprising providing the composition, preparing an injection fluid with at least the composition, introducing the injection fluid into portion of the subterranean formation. The composition is particularly useful to prepare fracturing fluid in fracturing operations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for controlling asphaltenes in a subterranean formation. The compositions may include a halloysite nanotube. The nanotube has a lumen and a polymer, along with a charged surfactant, may be disposed in the lumen. A wax may be disposed on the nanotube. The wax may be disposed at either or both ends of the nanotube, thereby temporarily preventing the polymer and charged surfactant from leaving the lumen.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a near-field communication module and a powering circuit for delivering a power supply voltage to the near-field communication module. When the near-field communication module is in a low power mode, the powering circuit is configured for an operational mode where it is periodically started to provide the power supply voltage.

Abstract: A method of drilling a subterranean geological formation is described. The method includes driving a drill bit to form a wellbore in the subterranean geological formation thereby producing a formation fluid including hydrogen sulfide. The method further includes injecting a drilling fluid into the subterranean geological formation through the wellbore. The drilling fluid includes an aqueous solvent, a hydrogen sulfide scavenger including particles of a manganese oxide supported on a porous support. The particles are suspended in the aqueous solvent. The method further includes reacting the hydrogen sulfide scavenger with the hydrogen sulfide present in the formation fluid to form a manganese sulfide.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions are provided that include an alkyl propylene diamine and an ethoxylated alcohol as the inverting surfactant, which is present in an amount less than 5 percent by weight of the water-in-oil emulsion.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprises a liquid and functionalized nanoparticles suspended in the liquid. At least some of the functionalized nanoparticles comprise nanoparticles of aluminosilica and have a chemical structure of: wherein at least one of the X's represents —O— bonded to a silicon (Si) atom or an aluminum (Al) atom of the aluminosilica of at least one of the nanoparticles; each other of the X's represents an additional —O— bonded to another silicon (Si) atom or another aluminum (Al) atom of the aluminosilica of at least one of the nanoparticles, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, a hydroxyl group (OH), a hydrogen atom, or a halide; Z represents an oxygen (O) atom or an NH group; and Q represents an epoxide group, an aziridine group, a —CH(OH)CH2OH group, a —CH(OH)CH2NH2 group, a —CH(NH)2CH2OH group, or a —CH(NH2)CH2NH2 group. Methods of formation and of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the rheological properties of fluids including sepiolite are provided. In one or more embodiments, the compositions comprise a clay selected from the group consisting of: sepiolite, palygorskite, attapulgite, and a combination thereof; and an extender comprising sodium polyacrylate, wherein the extender is present in an amount from about 0.01 lbs/ton of the clay to about 10 lbs/ton of the clay. In one or more embodiments, the methods comprise introducing a treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, a clay selected from the group consisting of: sepiolite, palygorskite, attapulgite, and a combination thereof, and an extender comprising sodium polyacrylate.

Abstract: Wellbore fluid compositions may include an oleaginous base fluid; and a polymeric rheology modifier incorporating a polar comonomer at a percent by weight (wt %) in the range of 1 wt % to 20 wt %; wherein the low shear rate viscosity (LSRV) of the wellbore fluid measured by FANN 35 rheometer at 3 rpm and 150° F. is in the range of 8 to 12. Methods may include emplacing a wellbore fluid in a wellbore, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises an oleaginous base fluid and a polymeric rheology modifier incorporating a polar comonomer at a percent by weight (wt %) in the range of 1 wt % to 50 wt %; wherein the low shear rate viscosity (LSRV) of the wellbore fluid is in the range of 8 to 12.

Abstract: A slurry for treating a wellbore, comprising a base fluid and a plurality of pre-processed fiber flocks dispersed in the base fluid.

Abstract: A cementing fluid composition includes a latex and a cement. The latex includes a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer includes polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate. A molar concentration of the polyvinyl alcohol in the first polymer is greater than 80% and less than 100%. The second polymer has a general structure in which x is an overall molar ratio of styrene, y is an overall molar ratio of butadiene, and z is an overall molar ratio of carboxylic acid. A sum of x, y, and z is represented as s. Styrene (x) is in a range of from about 20% to about 30% of s. Butadiene (y) is in a range of from about 70% to about 80% of s. Carboxylic acid (z) is in a range of from about 1% to about 5% of s.

Abstract: Described herein are treated polymers comprising a polyacrylamide homopolymer or a copolymer thereof having at least 30 mol % acrylamide residue content and a weight average molecular weight in the range of 1×105 g/mol to 1×108 g/mol, and 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of a C1-C6 alkyl ricinoleate based on the weight of the mixture of polymer and alkyl ricinoleate. The polymers are in powder form and include less than about 30 wt % water based on the powder weight. The treated polymer powders dissolve rapidly in water and develop very little or even no insoluble gel upon diluting with water, even when the water is produced water or connate. The treated polymer solutions are useful for in-the-field rapid dilution for applications such as papermaking, flocculation, beneficiation, wastewater treatment, and enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: A silicon oxide Janus nanosheets relatively permeability modifier (RPM) for carbonate and sandstone formations. The silicon oxide Janus nanosheets RPM may be used to treat a water and hydrocarbon producing carbonate or sandstone formation to reduce water permeability in the formation and increase the production of hydrocarbons. The silicon oxide Janus nanosheets RPM for carbonate formations includes a first side having negatively charged functional groups and a second side having alkyl groups. The silicon oxide Janus nanosheets RPM for sandstone formations includes a first side having positively charged functional groups and a second side having alkyl groups. The negatively charged functional groups may include a negatively charged oxygen group groups and hydroxyl groups. The positively charged functional groups may include amino groups and an amine.

Abstract: A polymer dispersion may include a water soluble copolymer, a water soluble salt, a polyol, and water. A method of preparing a polymer dispersion may include controlled radical polymerization. A method of using the polymer dispersion as a friction reducer in oil field processes.

Abstract: A method includes providing a treatment fluid including a strong acid precursor defined by the structure: where X is independently selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine; where each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently selected from a hydrogen, X, and a C1 to C10 hydrocarbon chain; and where the electron withdrawing group (EWG) is independently selected from a carboxylic acid, carboxylate salt, or carboxylate ester, an orthoester, a sulfonic acid, sulfonate salt, or ester, a phosphonic acid, phosphonate salt, or phosphonate ester, a nitrate, or a cyanide; where Y is hydrogen, a cation, or a C1 to C10 hydrocarbon chain; and wherein each R? is independently is independently selected from a hydrogen, X, and a C1 to C10 hydrocarbon chain. The method also includes introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Water-based drilling fluids may include an aqueous base fluid and a mixture of polyethylene polyamines in an amount of from 1 lbm/bbl to 20 lbm/bbl relative to the total volume of the water-based drilling fluid. The polyethylene polyamines of the mixture may have a first chemical structure H2NCH2CH2(NHCH2CH2)xNH2, where x may be an integer greater than or equal to 3. The average molecular weight of the polyethylene polyamines in the water-based drilling fluid having the first chemical structure may be from 200 g/mol to 400 g/mol. Methods for drilling a subterranean well with the water-based drilling fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fracturing fluid comprising, in solution in water, a proppant and an associative amphoteric polymer, the said polymer and comprising: 0.01 to 10 mol % of at least one cationic monomer containing a hydrophobic chain, from 0.09 to 89.99 mol % of at least one anionic monomer, and from 10 to 99.9 mol % of at least one nonionic water-soluble monomer, the total amount of monomer being 100 mol %. Fracturing process using this fluid.

Abstract: Polyacrylamide (PAM)-coated nanosand that may be a relative permeability modifier (RPM) and that is applied to treat a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The treatment may be for excess water production. The PAM-coated nanosand is PAM-hydrogel-coated nanosand. The PAM-coated nanosand os nanosand coated with PAM hydrogel. The PAM hydrogel includes crosslinked PAM in water. Application of the PAM-coated nanosand may reduce water production from the subterranean formation into the wellbore. The PAM hydrogel of the PAM-coated nanosand may expand in a water zone of the subterranean formation to restrict water flow into the wellbore. The PAM hydrogel of the PAM-coated nanosand may contract in an oil zone of the subterranean formation so not to significantly restrict crude oil flow into the wellbore.

Abstract: Non-aqueous suspension composition of water-soluble polymers and method for treating a subterranean formation comprising the step of placing an aqueous fluid containing the suspension composition into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Foamed treatment fluids for use in subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a foamed treatment fluid comprises: introducing a foamed treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation, wherein the foamed treatment fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid, one or more surfactants, a natural gas, and a plurality of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of reducing shear recovery time of a viscosifying surfactant fluid system that includes introducing a viscosifying surfactant fluid system into a subterranean formation, wherein the fluid includes a major portion of a surfactant and a hydrophobically-modified associative polymer in a concentration sufficient to shorten the shear recovery time of the fluid system compared to the shear recovery time of the fluid system without the polymer.

Abstract: Random copolymers from itaconic acid and/or isomers and sodium alkenyl sulfonates are obtained by polymerization in an aqueous solution via free radicals at an acidic pH in the range from 1.0 to 3.5 and with a redox system as initiator were described. The copolymers can be used as calcium carbonate and calcium, strontium and barium sulfates mineral scale inhibitors and as dispersants of clays, iron oxides, calcium carbonate and strontium, barium and calcium sulfates. Random copolymers prevent and control damage in an oil reservoir, obstruction of water injection and crude oil production pipelines, and in production rigs due to mineral scale precipitation caused by high levels of salinity of the injection water and formation water. Random copolymers are tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions, such as calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium, and can be added to the reservoir and to injection or production pipelines, treated water, sea water and water that is used as means of transportation.

Abstract: A flow improver comprising a plurality of core-shell particles that can be formed by emulsion polymerization. The core of the core-shell particles can include a drag reducing polymer, while the shell of the particles can include repeat units of a hydrophobic compound and an amphiphilic compound. The flow improver can demonstrate increased pumping stability over conventionally prepared latex flow improvers.

Abstract: A well treatment fluid contains a surface modifying treatment agent having an anchor and a hydrophobic tail. The surface modifying treatment agent is an organophosphorus acid derivative. After the well treatment fluid is pumped into a well penetrating the subterranean formation, the anchor binds to the surface of the formation. The subterranean formation is a siliceous formation or a metal oxide-containing subterranean formation. The anchor bonds to a Si atom when the formation is a siliceous formation and to the metal of the metal oxide when the formation is a metal oxide-containing formation. After being bound to the surface of the formation, frictional drag within the well is reduced. This allows for faster recovery of formation fluids. The bonding of the surface modifying treatment agent onto the formation may further be enhanced by first pre-treating the formation with a non-aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A process for obtaining random copolymers from itaconic acid and/or isomers and sodium alkenyl sulfonates is by polymerization in an aqueous solution via free radicals at an acidic pH in the range from 1.0 to 3.5 and with a redox system as initiator. The copolymers can be used as calcium carbonate and calcium, strontium and barium sulfates mineral scale inhibitors and as dispersants of clays, iron oxides, calcium carbonate and strontium, barium and calcium sulfates. Random copolymers prevent and control damage in an oil reservoir, obstruction of water injection and crude oil production pipelines, and in production rigs due to mineral scale precipitation caused by high levels of salinity of the injection water and formation water. Random copolymers are tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions, such as calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium, and can be added to the reservoir and to injection or production pipelines, treated water, sea water and water that is used as means of transportation.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer additives that may be used as thinners and/or deflocculants in subterranean treatment fluids are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying agent, and a crosslinked synthetic polymer that comprises a copolymer of at least a first monomer comprising 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid or any salt thereof, and a second monomer comprising an N-vinyl amide, and at least one crosslinking agent, wherein the average molecular weight of the crosslinked synthetic polymer is less than about 3,000,000 grams per mole; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified reinforcement fibers for use in a variety of applications. The modification includes crimping linear or straight reinforcement fibers to create a deformed or different shaped reinforcement fiber. Examples of the shaped fibers resulting from crimping include w-shaped, s-shaped, z-shaped and wedge-shaped.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes using a latex emulsion to treat well bore tar comprising. The method comprises providing a latex emulsion comprising a tar stabilizing polymer and water, combining the latex emulsion with alcohol, introducing a treatment fluid comprising the latex emulsion into a well bore, and contacting tar resident in the well bore with the treatment fluid wherein the latex emulsion at least partially reduces the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a composition comprising a base fluid, a thixotropic viscosifier, a gellable composition and a bridging material, applying a shear force to the composition such that the composition viscosity decreases, introducing the composition into a lost circulation zone in the subterranean formation, wherein the lost circulation zone comprises cavities greater than about 200 microns in diameter, decreasing the shear force applied to the composition, and allowing the composition to set in the lost circulation zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition, preparation method and use of a solids-free drilling fluid system formulated with a mixture of divalent heavy brines, which is resistant to high pressures and high temperatures. The system has the special feature that it significantly reduces productive-formation permeability damage as it uses mixtures of different salts of water-soluble divalent metals to provide the features of density, polymers and special additives to provide the system with the physicochemical properties that any fluid for drilling, completing and repairing wells requires in order to fulfill the functions thereof and to provide heat resistance up to 200° C. A main feature of the present invention is that the composition that embeds the drilling/completing/repairing of oil wells fluid contains synthetic polymers and biopolymers that do not require large amounts of time, high shear speeds or heating for hydration thereof in divalent metal salt derived simple or binary brines.

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: The present invention provides a drilling fluid additive comprising a specific cation-modified PVA-based resin and a drilling fluid containing the same. The drilling fluid additive can reduce hydration swelling of inorganic clay mineral such as bentonite, and provide a drilling fluid such as drilling mud capable of forming a thin and tough mud wall on the stratum during drilling operation.

Abstract: A well servicing fluid for reducing polymer degradation is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: at least one free radical scavenger, with the proviso that the free radical scavenger is not erythorbate, lignin or lignin derivatives; at least one polymer and an aqueous based solvent. Methods for servicing a well employing well servicing fluids of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a reservoir protecting agent composition, consisting of non-fluorescent sulfonated asphalt and a reservoir protecting agent, wherein, the reservoir protecting agent is composed of structural units denoted by the following formula (1), (2), and (3). The present subject matter further provides a drilling fluid that contains the above-mentioned reservoir protecting agent composition for middle permeability reservoirs. The present subject matter further provides an application of the drilling fluid for middle permeability reservoirs in well drilling in middle permeability reservoirs. The drilling fluid for middle permeability reservoirs disclosed in the present subject matter exhibits favorable rheology property, temperature tolerance property, and anti-collapse and protection performance when it is used in wall drilling in middle permeability reservoirs.

Abstract: A swellable system reactive to a flow of fluid including an article having a swellable material operatively arranged to swell upon exposure to a flow of fluid containing ions therein. A filter material is disposed with the swellable material and operatively arranged to remove the ions from the flow of fluid before exposure to the swellable material.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a reservoir protecting agent composition, consisting of non-fluorescent sulfonated asphalt, micron-sized cellulose, and a reservoir protecting agent, wherein, the reservoir protecting agent is composed of structural units denoted by the following formula (1), formula (2), and formula (3). The present subject matter further provides a broad-spectrum drilling fluid that contains the reservoir protecting agent composition. The present subject matter further provides a use of the broad-spectrum drilling fluid in oil and gas well drilling. When the broad-spectrum drilling fluid provided in the present subject matter is used in oil and gas well drilling in reservoirs with different structures, it exhibits good rheology property, temperature tolerance, and anti-collapse and protection performance.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a protecting agent composition for high/ultra-high permeability reservoirs, consisting of a protecting agent and a filler, wherein, the filler comprises calcium carbonate of 600-1,000 mesh, calcium carbonate of 300-590 mesh, and calcium carbonate of 50-200 mesh at 1:(1-30):(0-40) weight ratio, and the protecting agent comprises structural units denoted by the following formulae (1), (2), and (3). The present subject matter further provides a drilling fluid containing the above-mentioned composition. The present subject matter further provides a use of the drilling fluid for drilling in high/ultra-high permeability reservoirs. The drilling fluid provided in the present subject matter has advantages including easy use, high environmental friendliness, and outstanding reservoir protection, greatly reduces the damages of drilling fluid to high/ultra-high permeability reservoirs, and brings substantial economic benefits.

Abstract: Composition including freeze thaw stability polymer such as a copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 30,000 grams per mole, a blend of a first polymer and a second polymer, a crosslinked alkali swellable acrylate copolymer, or at least one polymerizable reactive alkoxylated acrylate monomer. The copolymer has one or more first monomeric units and one or more second monomeric units. The one or more first monomeric units each independently including at least one bicycloheptyl-polyether, bicycloheptenyl-polyether or branched (C5-C50)alkyl-polyether group per monomeric unit. The bicycloheptyl-polyether or bicycloheptenyl-polyether group may optionally be substituted on one or more ring carbon atoms by one or two (C1-C6)alkyl groups per carbon atom. The one or more second monomeric units each independently including at least one pendant linear or branched (C5-C50)alkyl-polyether group per monomeric unit.

Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for use in fracturing subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of calcium salts in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A method for reducing filtrate loss of oil based drilling fluids comprising the following steps: a) preparing by emulsion polymerization an aqueous dispersion containing: i) from 20% to 60% by weight of a copolymer comprising from 60% to 90% by weight of styrene and/or vinyltoluene monomers, from 7 to 40% by weight of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate monomers and from 0.01 to 3% of polyfunctional unsaturated monomers; ii) from 40 to 80% by weight of water; iii) from 0.1% to 5% by weight of at least one surfactant; b) providing an oil based drilling fluid containing the aqueous dispersion obtained from step a), or its copolymer in powder form; c) injecting and circulating the drilling fluid in the borehole.

Abstract: Aqueous and substantially anhydrous fluids having particularly low thermal conductivities and variable densities are disclosed. The fluids include: one or more organic and/or inorganic salts and at least one aprotic polar organic solvent, a mixture of aprotic and protic polar organic solvents, and/or a polar organic solvent having both protic and aprotic polar functional group linkages. The fluids optionally include one or more viscosifying agents and are free of cross-linking agents. Methods for formulating and using the fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation are disclosed that include placing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a one or more polymers capable of consolidating to form a polymeric structure at a downhole location. Also disclosed are treatment fluids including a polymeric structure for treating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; and (c) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A stable, aqueous composition containing a crosslinked, nonionic, amphiphilic polymer capable of forming a yield stress fluid in the presence of a surfactant is disclosed. The yield stress fluid is capable of suspending insoluble materials in the form of particulates and/or droplets requiring suspension or stabilization.

Abstract: A stable, aqueous composition containing a crosslinked, nonionic, amphiphilic polymer capable of forming a yield stress fluid in the presence of a surfactant is disclosed. The yield stress fluid is capable of suspending insoluble materials in the form of particulates and/or droplets requiring suspension or stabilization.

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: 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: Methods of treating flowback water from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore are provided, comprising: (a) providing remediated flowback water having a ferrous iron (Fe+2) ion concentration of less than about 100 milligrams of ferrous iron ion per liter of flowback water, a barium ion (Ba+2) concentration of less than about 500 milligrams of barium ion per liter of flowback water, and a calcium ion (Ca+) concentration of at least about 1,000 milligrams of calcium ion per liter of remediated flowback water; and (b) treating the flowback water with: (i) at least one friction reducing agent; and (ii) at least one scale formation inhibiting agent and/or at least one iron precipitation control agent to provide treated flowback water which can be reused as fracturing fluid in a well drilling operation.

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

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