Abstract: Non-aqueous base wellbore fluids characterized by enhanced electrical conductivity due to formulation with specified ionic liquids are disclosed. Drilling, completion, and workover methods utilizing the wellbore fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The use is disclosed of at least substantially water-insoluble ethers which are fluid and/or at least plastically deformable at working temperature and have flash points of at least 80° C., of mono- and/or polyfunctional alcohols of natural and/or synthetic origin or corresponding solutions of such ethers in ecologically acceptable water-insoluble oils as the dispersed oil phase of water-based O/W-emulsion drilling fluids which are suitable for the environmentally acceptable development of geological formations and which contain, if desired, insoluble, finely particulate weighting agents for the formation of water-based O/W-emulsion drilling muds and/or further additives, such as emulsifiers, fluid-loss additives, wetting agents, alkali reserves and/or auxiliary substances for the inhibition of drilled rock of high water-sensitivity.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid (WBM) comprises as additive a reaction product of a polyhydroxyalkane and alkylene oxide. The polyhydroxyalkane is desirably based on a monosacchoride, and is preferably sorbitol. The alkylene oxide may comprise ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) and/or butylene oxide (BO). Good results have been obtained with additives including Sorbitol+18EO, Sorbitol+9PO, Sorbitol+4EO+6BO, Sorbitol+6EO+6BO, or Sorbitol+6BO. Drilling fluids in accordance with the invention have been found in laboratory tests to exhibit improved shale inhibition properties as compared with known polyol containing WBM, particularly in the absence of added potassium ions. This is environmentally advantageous.

Abstract: Non-polymeric drag reducing agents in the form of maleated fatty acids and the esters thereof and the organic, inorganic or amine salts thereof are described herein. These additives are useful to reduce drag in hydrocarbon fluids and multi-phase fluids of hydrocarbon(s) and water. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing agent into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic or otherwise) of the additive necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent. The drag reducing additives of the invention are not subject to shear degradation and do not cause undesirable changes in the emulsion or fluid quality of the fluid being treated, or undesirable foaming.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved early-enhanced strength cement compositions and methods. The cement compositions can be utilized in surface construction projects as well as in the construction of oil, gas and water wells. The improved cement compositions of this invention are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry and hydrophobic silica powder.

Abstract: A new stable liquid suspension containing non-soluble particles dispersed in a non-aqueous liquid medium having a concentration of a suspension aid and a method of making and use thereof.

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: This invention relates to an improved glycol based aqueous drilling fluid. The drilling fluid of this invention has demonstrated utility in controlling and/or reducing swelling of clay formations in the drilling of subterranean wells.

Abstract: Pumpable multiple phase compositions for carrying agents and components downhole and controllably releasing them by breaking the suspensions are described. The multiple phase composition may have an external or third phase, which in turn has a first pumpable emulsion internally. The first pumpable emulsion has a second phase containing a first phase which bears the agent to be controllably released. The entire pumpable multiple phase composition may thus be an oil phase-in-aqueous phase-in-oil phase emulsion, or an aqueous phase-in-oil phase-in-aqueous phase emulsion. For example, a water-soluble shale stabilizer could be delivered downhole in an aqueous phase-in-oil phase-in-aqueous phase multiple phase emulsion by injecting the multiple phase composition into a water-based drilling fluid, and then the suspension broken by rotary bit nozzles under high shear stress to release the shale stabilizer at the drilling zone.

Abstract: A glycol ether block copolymer for use in low potassium content aqueous drilling fluids of the formula I R—O—[[—R1O]m[—R11O]n[—R111—O]p]H  I wherein the —R1O and —R11O groups may be in either order attached to the R—O group, and the R111O group, if any is spaced from the RO group by the R11O group and R1O group, and is different from the group R11 or R1O to which it is bonded directly. R is an organic group e.g. a hydrocarbyl group, R1is an ethylene group, each of R11 and R111, which are the same or different is a propylene, butylene ethylene group, m is 1-10 or an average of 1.0-10, while n is 1-10 or an average of 1.0-10, p is O or an average of 0.5-5 and the sum of m and n is at least 3.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to multiphase lubricant concentrates with improved properties for use in aqueous fluids for geological exploration by drilling which contain organic lubricating components which are solid and/or liquid at room temperature (O phase) together with emulsifiers finely dispersed in a continuous aqueous phase (W phase). These concentrates are characterized in that the system of O phase/W phase and emulsifiers has a phase inversion temperature (PIT) above room temperature and has been produced by heating the multiphase system to temperatures equal to or above the PIT and subsequent cooling to temperatures below the PIT. The present invention also relates to the use of the multiphase lubricant concentrates as an additive in water-based fluids for use in geological exploration by drilling and for the subsequent treatment of the resulting boreholes.

Abstract: A pourable concentrate suitable for forming structured surfactant drilling muds on dilution with aqueous electrolyte comprises: a) from 30 to 80% by weight, based on the weight of the composition, of surfactant consisting of at least 25%, based on the weight of the surfactant, of an anionic surfactant, from 0 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of surfactant, of an alkanolamide, and from 0 to 20% based on the total weight of surfactant, of other non-ionic surfactant and/or amphoteric surfactants; b) from 3 to 60% by weight of the composition of a compound of the formula RHX where R is hydrogen or a C1-6 alkyl group and X is a random or block copolymeric chain comprising a total of from 3 to 20 ethoxy and propoxy units in a relative numerical proportion of 0 to 10:1; and c) up to 65% by weight of water.

Abstract: A drilling fluid having a brine base fluid, aluminum chlorohydrate as a viscosifying agent, an alkoxylated surfactant, and an amphoteric polymer encapsulant has been found to have excellent viscoelasticity and suspension characteristics. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that a synergistic effect is present between the aluminum chlorohydrate and the surfactant such that less of each component is required when both are used together to suspend the same amount of solids, than if one or the other is used separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of oil-soluble oleophilic organic liquid phases—flowable at temperatures of 0 to 10° C.—from the classes of corresponding monocarboxylic and/or polycarboxylic acid esters, carbonic acid esters, fatty alcohols and their oligoalkoxides and/or ethers as the at least predominant part of the liquid phase in storage-stable homogeneous mixtures with guar and/or water-soluble guar derivatives for their use in water-based borehole servicing fluids.

Abstract: A pourable aqueous composition for use as, or for dilution to form, a drilling mud comprises a least 2% by weight of a water soluble polyvalent metal salt of an alkyl polyoxyalkylene sulphuric or carboxylic acid, and at least 1% by weight of a corresponding salt of an alkyl benzene sulphuric acid, preferably in the presence of a water soluble inorganic salt or base of said polyvalent metal.

Abstract: A drilling, drill-in, or completion fluid comprising water as a continuous phase, said continuous phase comprising a gas hydrate inhibiting amount of a blend comprising an ethylene glycol derivative and a propylene glycol derivative. The propylene glycol derivative is present in an amount effective to inhibit hydration of shale by the water base. The density of the fluid may be reduced by substituting the blend for salt, and by increasing the amount of propylene glycol derivative in the blend. The blend preferably should comprise at least about 10 vol % of the fluid, and a preferred ratio in the blend is about 35 vol % tripropylene glycol bottoms to about 65 vol % ethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides water base well drilling and servicing fluids containing a biopolymer viscosifier and a water soluble polyalkylene glycol shale stabilizing additive therein having enhanced thermal stability, as indicated by the low shear rate viscosity at 0.06 sec.sup.-1, the enhanced thermal stability being provided by an amorphous silica viscosifier therein.A method of enhancing the thermal stability of aqueous base well drilling and servicing fluids containing a biopolymer viscosifier and a water soluble polyalkylene glycol shale stabilizing additive therein is disclosed which comprises adding to the fluid an amorphous silica viscosifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for suppressing the formation of hydrates during drilling operations under conditions that are conducive to hydrate formation comprising using a water based fluid selected from the group consisting of a drilling, a drill-in, and a completion fluid, wherein said water based fluid comprises as an integral component a hydrate suppressing amount of a water-soluble organic compound having a molecular weight below about 800 and said fluid has effective rheology and fluid loss control properties.

Abstract: A fluid selected form the group consisting of a drilling, a drill-in, and a completion fluid, said fluid comprising a substantially linear heteropolyglycol in an amount effective to perform a function selected from the group consisting of polymer stabilization, shale stabilization, and a combination thereof. The fluid preferably comprises water as a continuous phase, and the heteropolyglycol preferably consists essentially of monomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide and linear alpha-omega alkylene diols.

Abstract: A drilling fluid and an invert emulsion fluid having utility for drilling, completing or working over subterranean oil and gas wells are disclosed. The drilling fluid includes a continuous phase that includes a preferentially-oil-soluble glycol ether which has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of at least 10 centipoise, and an emulsifier. The invert emulsion fluid includes a oleaginous fluid including a preferentially-oil-soluble glycol ether which is miscible in oil and is such that less than 10% by volume of the glycol ether is miscible in fresh water at 20.degree. C., that is to say 10% by volume of the glycol ether mixed in fresh water results in two phases. The invert emulsion fluid also includes a nonoleaginous fluid and an emulsifier which is functionally effective to stabilize the invert emulsion.

Abstract: A non polluting additive or spotting fluid which lubricates, releases and/or prevents differentially stuck drill strings and casings in the wellbore of a subterranean well is presented. This additive composition comprises a glycol or glycol ether derived from a long chain epoxide of greater than 3 carbon atoms (preferably greater than 10 carbon atoms); and preferably comprises the reaction product between 2-ethylhexanol and the epoxide of 1-hexadecene. The present invention enhances the lubricity of a drilling fluid to prevent drill string sticking and when utilized as a spotting agent reduces the time required to release a stuck pipe. This invention also helps reduce or prevent foaming. By eliminating the need for traditional oil-based components, the present invention is nontoxic to marine life, biodegradable, environmentally acceptable, easy to prepare, and capable of being disposed of at the drill site without costly disposal procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a solution for use in downhole drilling to reduce the torque necessary to rotate the drill string. The solution comprises a phosphate and a sulfonate according to the formula (RSO.sub.3).sub.x Me.sup.x, where R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 280 and about 650, x is the number of (RSO.sub.3) groups, and Me.sup.x is a metal ion having a valence x. The phosphate is preferably a phosphate ester, ether phosphate, or soluble phosphate having a molecular weight in the range of about 300 to bout 900. The phosphate is able to operate at temperatures prevailing in drilling mud systems. The solution is pumped down a drill string as a slug in order to coat solids which accumulate in the well and allow them to be removed along with the drilling fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are invert oil emulsion drilling fluids in which the internal aqueous phase contains one or more water soluble polyethylene glycols dissolved therein. The fluids are characterized by an elevated low shear rate viscosity, hence excellent suspension properties, an elevated Shear Thinning Index, hence excellent drilling characteristics, and a high shale stability index, hence excellent cuttings stabilization and formation protection. Preferred polyethyleneglycols have a molecular weight from about 500 to about 10,000, preferably from about 1000 to about 10,000. Preferred fluids contain from about 5% to about 40% by weight of the polyethyleneglycol in the aqueous phase, most preferably from about 10% to about 30% by weight. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the thermal stability of invert emulsion well drilling and servicing fluids which comprises dissolving in the aqueous phase thereof one or more polyethyleneglycols.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a fluid for use in drilling and completion operations comprising mixing a fluid comprising a salt of an alkaline earth metal with a nonionic colloid-forming material in an amount and under conditions sufficient to convert a majority of said nonionic colloid-forming material into water insoluble hydrated colloidal complexes comprising hydrated ions of said alkaline earth metal complexed with said nonionic colloid-forming material, said complexes being effective to improve a property of said fluid selected from the group consisting of rheology, fluid loss control, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive for use during drilling and excavating applications, the additive comprises a mixture of an oil, an ester alcohol, nonionic surfactant and polypropylene glycol; and a method for manufacturing a drilling fluid additive comprising the step of admixing an oil, an ester alcohol, a nonionic surfactant, and a polypropylene glycol.

Abstract: A method of removing the filter cake formed from invert emulsion compositions including an oleaginous, a non-oleaginous and an acid sensitive surfactant in an oil and gas well are disclosed. The acid sensitive surfactant is selected so that the invert emulsion can be broken and residual filter cake solids made water-wet upon the addition of an acidic wash fluid to the well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel made of apolar medium including:an apolar medium,a "multichain" liquid surface-active agent in acidic form, soluble or dispersible in the said apolar medium,an agent for neutralizing the said "multichain" surface-active agent,from 0.2 to 5 molecules of water per molecule of "multichain" surface-active agent,optionally at least one emulsifying agent and/or a solid filler which is soluble or insoluble in the apolar medium.This gel may be employed for the formulation of water-based drilling fluids.

Abstract: A foamable drilling fluid for use in well operations such as deep water offshore drilling where risers are not employed in returning the fluid to the surface mud pit. A preferred foamable drilling fluid comprises a prehydrated clay such as bentonite, sea water, a surfactant selected from the group consisting of .alpha.-olefinsulfonates, alkylpolyglycosides, alcohol sulfates, salts of ethoxylated alcohol sulfates, and a stabilizing surfactant consisting of cocoamine betaine. The stabilized foam drilling fluid resists foam breakdown upon drilling cessation, prevents fluid loss to reduce filter cake buildup and increases the carrying capacity of cuttings and other solids. In addition, a foamable drilling fluid is provided including an hydraulic material selected from the group consisting of Portland cement, siliceous material like fumed silica, blast furnace slag and pozzolans such as fly ash.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures comprising acetals and oleophilic alcohols and/or oleophilic esters which are suitable for the preparation of inverted emulsion drilling muds and emulsion drilling muds. They completely or partly replace here the base oils, diesel oil, purified diesel oil, white oil, olefins and alkylbenzenes known to date.The invention furthermore relates to the use of the inverted emulsion drilling mud and emulsion drilling mud as claimed in claim 10.

Abstract: Aqueous structured surfactants, e.g., lamellar, or preferably spherulitic systems optionally containing suspended solids are used as functional fluids, such as drilling fluids, cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, construction muds and lubricants. A composition consisting essentially of: water; a surfactant or mixture of surfactants present in a concentration sufficient to form a mobile spherulitic or dispersed lamellar phase in the absence of an electrolyte; and a substantially water insoluble functional material, suspended in the composition, the composition being substantially free from electrolyte.

Abstract: Acetals are used as a mineral oil substitute, oil component or base oil in invert-emulsion drilling muds, emulsion drilling muds, engine oils, gearbox oils, lubricating oils and also metal-working fluids, coolants, cooling lubricants and hydraulic fluids. As compared with conventional mineral oils, acetals show good biodegradability and are less toxic.

Abstract: Reduction of the adhesion of polyethercyclicpolyol (PECP) to metals by preparing the PECP by condensing polyol molecules by reactive distillation and replacing part of the polyol with an alcohol of lower hydroxyl content than the polyol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a solution for use in downhole drilling to reduce the torque necessary to rotate the drill string. The solution comprises a phosphate and a sulfonate according to the formula (RSO.sub.3).sub.x Me.sup.x, where R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 280 and about 650, x is the number of (RSO.sub.3) groups, and Me.sup.x is a metal ion having a valence x. The phosphate is preferably a phosphate ester, ether phosphate, or soluble phosphate having a molecular weight in the range of about 300 to bout 900. The phosphate is able to operate at temperatures prevailing in drilling mud systems. The solution is pumped down a drill string as a slug in order to coat solids which accumulate in the well and allow them to be removed along with the drilling fluid.

Abstract: An improved drilling fluid with enhanced anti-settling properties useful for all types of drilling systems is described. The invention includes a process for providing anti-settling properties to both oil and invert oil (i.e., water in oil emulsion) based fluids as well as the additive itself. The drilling fluid drilling mud invention contains at least one reaction product of which the reactants comprise an alkoxylated aliphatic amino compound and an organic polycarboxylic anhydride or acid and a rheologically active clay-based material.

Abstract: A composition and process for improving the osmotic efficiency of a shale during the drilling of a well with a drilling fluid containing polyglyerol with other additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing argillaceous rocks containing reactive clays in the presence of water, wherein said argillaceous rocks are placed in contact with an aqueous solution containing a polymer with hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic groups.

Abstract: Reducing the adherence of polyethercyclicpolyol to metal by exposing the metal to a selected surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-based drilling fluid that reduces water adsorption and hydration of argillaceous rocks. The drilling fluid comprises a glycol with a molecular weight of less than about 200, an organic cationic material such as salts of choline or an organic salt of potassium, a filtration control agent, a viscosifier and water.

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: A method of making a well fluid for use in a well which includes the steps of determining uphole and downhole operating temperatures in the well, and then contacting a well lubricant with a lubricating additive, wherein the lubricating additive has a cloud point temperature greater than the uphole operating temperature and less than the downhole operating temperature. A method of lubricating drilling equipment during opeation of a subterranean well, includes the steps of determining uphole and downhole operating temperatures in the well, and then contacting the drilling equipment with a treating fluid comprising a well lubricant and a lubricating additive, with the lubricating additive having a cloud point temperature greater than the uphole operating temperature and less than the downhole operating temperature.

Abstract: New compositions are disclosed that are useful for the prevention of sludge or emulsions during the drilling or workover of producing oil wells. These compositions are comprised of a N,N-dialkyl amide of a fatty acid, a hydrocarbon solvent for petroleum and a mutual oil/water solvent. Also taught and claimed is a method of preventing such sludge or emulsion formation or of breaking the same after it is formed.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprises a continuous phase of diesel oil, mineral oil, ester, mono-ether, di-ether, poly-alpha-olefin, detergent alkylate, terpene and mixtures thereof. Water is added to make an inverted emulsion. In the non-terpene based drilling fluids, terpene or terpenes is added in the amount of 1-80% by volume to increase the penetration rate and provide other advantages, such as rapid biodegradability. The terpene may be of the unsaturated type or the saturated type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a solution for use in downhole drilling to reduce the torque necessary to rotate the drill string. The solution comprises a sulfonate according to the formula (RSO.sub.3).sub.x Me.sup.x, where R is selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkylaryl group, and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 280 and about 650, x is the number of (RSO.sub.3) groups, and Me.sup.x is a metal ion having a valence x. The solution is pumped down a drill string as a slug in order to coat solids which accumulate in the well and allow them to be removed along with the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A process employing a polymer enhanced foam in a wellbore as a drilling fluid during a wellbore drilling operation. The polymer enhanced foam is formed from an uncrosslinked acrylamide polymer, a surfactant, an aqueous solvent, and an added gas.

Abstract: Low-toxicity invert emulsion fluids for well drilling are disclosed. The fluids comprise a non-hydrocarbon, non-mineral oil continuous phase and a dispersed aqueous phase. The continuous phase materials of the invention pass the 48 hour, LC50 Mysidopsis bahia bioassay test protocol.

Abstract: Described is the use of oleophilic monomeric and/or oligomeric diesters of carbonic acid with the same or different oil-soluble and ecologically compatible mono-functional and optionally polyfunctional alcohols as a component of oil-based or water-based drilling fluids and other fluid drill-hole treatment agents. The invention in one embodiment comprises oil-based fluids, and particularly inverted fluids of the W/O type, which in the continuous phase at least in part contain oleophilic carbonic acid diesters. In a further important embodiment the invention relates to water-based emulsion fluids which in the dispersed oil phase at least in part contain said oleophilic carbonic acid diesters.

Abstract: A composition and method for inhibiting corrosion by chlorine dioxide in oil field water flood systems are disclosed. The composition is comprised of an alcohol, an acid, a fatty imidazoline, an ethoxylated fatty diamine, and water. This composition has proven more effective than chromates at inhibiting the corrosion caused by chlorine dioxide, further without the serious toxicological effects caused by the use of chromates.

Abstract: A method for drilling utilizing a composition comprising water, a water-soluble polyalcohol, a water-insoluble alcohol, and drill solids. Also, a composition ideally suited for drilling is provided comprising water, a mixture of water-soluble and insoluble alcohols and drill solids.

Abstract: A drilling and cementing process wherein a drilling fluid containing a proton acceptor metal compound component is utilized and thereafter combined with a water-soluble monomer having polymerizable unsaturated groups to give a cementitious slurry which is thereafter used in a wellbore cementing operation. There is thus provided a cementitious slurry comprising a drilling fluid, i.e., at least water and drill solids, proton acceptor metal compound component and water-soluble monomeric component having polymerizable unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A water-based drilling mud additive comprising a preblended combination of about 2 parts of high softening point uintaite, about 1 part of a lower softening point uintaite, about 1 part of causticized lignite, and a strongly lipophilic, non-ionic surfactant is disclosed. This composition decreases shale sloughing and bore-hole instability during drilling of wells.