Abstract: Methods and compositions comprising an emulsion or a microemulsion for use in various aspects of the life cycle of an oil and/or gas well are provided. In some embodiments, the emulsion or the microemulsion comprises water, a solvent, and a surfactant, and optionally, one or more additives.

Abstract: The present patent application discloses a low toxicity and high biodegradability drilling fluid composition in the form of an inverse emulsion containing an oil phase and an aqueous phase, wherein said oil phase comprises a mixture of at least two diesters obtained from the esterification of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The selected diesters are suitable for use in drilling of crude oil or natural gas deposits, exhibiting good stability in the formulations assessed under conditions of high pressure and high temperature and in the presence of divalent salt brines.

Abstract: A treatment fluid comprises: a base fluid; a lost-circulation material, wherein the lost-circulation material inhibits or prevents some or all of the treatment fluid from penetrating into a subterranean formation from a wellbore, wherein the wellbore penetrates the subterranean formation; and a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent consists of a plurality of fibers, and wherein the suspending agent provides a lost-circulation material distribution of at least 30% for a test treatment fluid consisting essentially of the base fluid, the lost-circulation material, and the suspending agent at the temperature of a lost-circulation zone of the subterranean formation and static aging for at least 1 hour.

Abstract: An aqueous-based downhole fluid having a lubricant therein may be circulated within a subterranean reservoir wellbore where the downhole fluid may be or include a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a fracturing fluid, a drill-in fluid, a workover fluid, and combinations thereof. The lubricant may include a clay stabilizer and a vegetable oil derivative, such as but not limited to, a sulfonated vegetable oil. The downhole fluid may include the lubricant in an effective amount for lubricating a first surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising: I) an organic phase comprising components i, from about 20 wt. % to about 99,999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon, ii. from about 0.001 wt % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester, II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase, III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt %, to a process for preparation of a drilling composition, to uses of a drilling composition, to a drilling system, to a process for making a borehole, to a process for conveying cuttings, to a process for treating a drill head, to a process for production of at least one of oil and gas.

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: The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising an organic phase having at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon, at least one ester, water or aqueous phase, and at least one additive. The present invention additionally relates to the use and preparation of the drilling composition, to a drilling system, to a process for making a borehole, to a process for conveying cuttings, to a process for treating a drill head, and to a process for production of oil and/or gas.

Abstract: Water in oil emulsion drilling and well treatment fluids comprising an ester of trimer fatty acids and polyoxyethyiene glycol, the polyoxyethyiene glycol having average molecular weight from about (150) to about (600) and the trimer acids having at least about 20% of carboxyl acid groups esterified, as rheology modifier.

Abstract: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; Ill) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: Methods of making a degradable ball composition comprising a carboxylic acid, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, or a combination thereof comprising the steps of: forming a thermoplastic mass, and allowing the thermoplastic mass to cool as to form a degradable ball that is introduced in subterranean treatments by a carrier fluid.

Abstract: Esters of alkanolamines with unsaturated, polyunsaturated or saturated C8-C36 monocarboxylic acids are additives for reducing accretion on drilling equipment (anti-accretion agents) to be used in drilling muds during drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.

Abstract: Spray dried emulsifier compositions are described, which have desirable emulsifying and wetting characteristics. Among other advantages, the solid particulate emulsifier compositions greatly reduce transportation costs and simplify the logistics and environmental concerns associated with shipping large volumes of solvent-containing liquids. The emulsifier comprises (1) a carboxylic acid terminated fatty amine condensate or (2) a modified tall oil or (3) a blend of (1) and (2) that is converted to its alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and spray dried.

Abstract: Compositions of and methods of using a fluid formulation for increasing flow, production, and/or recovery of oil and gas hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of drilling is disclosed and includes pumping a wellbore fluid into a wellbore through an earth formation, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises a base fluid and a surface active agent capable of altering wettability of fines located in the earth formation, and allowing filtration of at least a portion of the wellbore fluid into the earth formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biodegradable lubricant composition, notably intended to be incorporated as an oil phase with high lubricating power in a drilling fluid or mud. This composition may be in a drilling fluid or as a fluid for fracture of underground formations. These muds or fluids contained in the composition of the present disclosure are particularly suitable for very deep drillings, offshore in deep water and/or sidetracked drillings or with a long shift.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including: a branched alcohol ethoxylate and/or a capped alcohol ethoxylate; and a detergent builder.

Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol and an effective amount of a phosphorus-containing compound sufficient to increase the viscosity of coacervate gels up to 3 times as compared to the gels in the absence of the phosphorus-containing compound. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion, consisting of an oil phase and an aqueous phase and comprising as emulsion components (?1) 15 to 40% by weight of at least one water-immiscible organic solvent as solvent of the oil phase, (?2) 15 to 40% by weight of water as solvent of the aqueous phase, (?3) 10 to 40% by weight of at least one surfactant, (?4) 10 to 40% by weight of an alkoxylated fatty alcohol and (?5) 0 to 25% by weight of at least one other additive, wherein the quantities by weight of the components (?1) to (?5) are each relative to the total weight of the emulsion, and together add up to 100% by weight. The invention further relates to a method for producing an emulsion, to the emulsion which can be obtained from said method, to the use of an emulsion, to a method for cleaning the surfaces of well holes, drilling devices or drillings, to a method for producing a well bore, and to a method for producing an oil or a gas.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a carrier fluid comprising degradable balls that comprise a carboxylic acid, a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid salt, a fatty ester, a fatty acid salt, or a combination thereof, and introducing the carrier fluid to the subterranean formation during a treatment.

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: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: Aqueous drilling fluid compositions include one or more di-functional carboxylic acids in addition to common drilling fluid constituents such as viscosifiers, fluid loss control additives, weighting materials, and other materials. In certain embodiments, the one or more di-functional carboxylic acids comprise dodecanedioic acid. Such drilling fluid compositions are particularly beneficial for use in drilling operations in bitumen-laden formations such as oil sands, where the drill cuttings will introduce significant amounts of bitumen into the drilling fluid. The inclusion of the di-functional carboxylic acids, in suitable concentrations, reduces the tendency of bitumen to adhere to metal surfaces such as drill string components, and enhances wellbore integrity and stability.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing an invert emulsion comprising an aqueous fluid, an oleaginous fluid, and an emulsifier composition (EC), wherein the emulsifier composition comprises an emulsifier, a diluent, and a thinner, wherein the thinner comprises an alcohol, a fatty acid amide, or combinations thereof; and placing the invert emulsion in the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising flowing a wellbore serving fluid comprising an emulsifier composition (EC) through a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the EC comprises an emulsifier, a diluent and a thinner and wherein the thinner comprises 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-2-butanol, a fatty acid amide, or combinations thereof; contacting the EC with oil in situ within the formation to form an emulsion; and reducing the water-oil interfacial tension and altering the wettability to provide enhanced oil recovery from the formation.

Abstract: Adding a lubricant having a metal stearate and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to a downhole fluid may lubricate a first surface once the downhole fluid has been circulated within a subterranean reservoir wellbore. Friction, torque, and/or drag may be reduced when the lubricated first surface contacts a second surface. The first surface may be or include, but is not limited to a wellbore casing, a drill string, a pipe, a formation, a drill bit, a metal surface within a mud motor, formation evaluation tool, at least one drilling tool, and combinations thereof. One or both of the first and second surfaces may be metal. The downhole fluid may be or include, but is not limited to, a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a fracturing fluid, a drill-in fluid, a workover fluid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A sealant composition comprising an inverse emulsion polymer and methods of servicing a wellbore using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of servicing a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method comprises placing a sealant composition comprising an inverse emulsion polymer into the wellbore to reduce a loss of fluid to the subterranean formation during placement of the fluid in the wellbore.

Abstract: A drilling fluid comprising: a non-ionic surfactant including: a branched alcohol ethoxylate and/or a capped alcohol ethoxylate; and a detergent builder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an ester comprising an after-treatment of the ester to give an ester in granule form of defined particle size distribution, a device for carrying out this process, a process for the preparation of a thermoplastic composition comprising the ester prepared according to the invention, a process for the production of a shaped article comprising the ester according to the invention or the thermoplastic composition according to the invention, a process for the production of a packed product, a process for the production of an at least partly coated object, and uses of the esters according to the invention as an additive in various compositions.

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: The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising an organic phase having at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon, at least one ester, water or aqueous phase, and at least one additive. The present invention additionally relates to the use and preparation of the drilling composition, to a drilling system, to a process for making a borehole, to a process for conveying cuttings, to a process for treating a drill head, and to a process for production of oil and/or gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide alkyl esters useful as base fluids in oil-based mud compositions, and processes of preparing such alkyl esters. The alkyl esters are produced from raw material waste oil that include vegetable oil. The raw material waste oil can be obtained from the food industry, such as from food chains. The raw material waste oil is purified by removing impurities from it. The raw material waste oil is then esterified with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting alkyl ester products are then separated from triglycerides. The alkyl ester products are then washed and dried.

Abstract: A method of drilling a gas or oil well consists of use of a water-based drilling fluids containing high molecular weight crosslinked polyacrylic acid as viscosifying agent. The drilling fluid may further contain a lubricant, weighting agent and/or a wetting agent as well as a synthetic silicate or smectite clay. The aqueous based drilling fluid exhibits a coefficient of friction which is substantially close to the coefficient of friction of oil based drilling muds. The drilling fluid exhibits stability at well temperatures in excess of 150° C.

Abstract: A oil field production fluid, namely a drilling mud composition, comprising a mixture of: (a) at least one base oil component; and (b) an additive component comprising a blend of dibasic esters. The functional fluid can optionally comprise additional additive components. The blend of dibasic esters comprises two or more of dialkyl methylglutarate, dialkyl adipate, dialkyl ethylsuccinate, dialkyl succinate, dialkyl glutarate.

Abstract: Properties of a base fluid may be controllably tuned to a pre-determined range of measurements by adding modified nanoparticles to a base fluid. The property to be modified may be or include, but is not limited to, electrical conductivity, dielectric strength, thermal conductivity, and combinations thereof. The modified nanoparticles may be or include modified graphene nanoparticles, modified graphene platelets, modified electrically-conductive nanotubes, modified electrically-conductive nanorods, nanospheres, single-walled nanotubes, double walled nanotubes, multiwalled nanotubes, nano-onions, fullerenes, nanodiamonds, and combinations thereof. The base fluid may be or include, but is not limited to a non-aqueous based fluid, an aqueous fluid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides drilling fluid additives for reducing or controlling lost circulation in a drilling operation. The additives comprises particles. The particles comprise one or more solids in association a wax or waxy substance. A drilling fluid comprising a drilling fluid additive of the invention is also provided, as well as a method and use of the drilling fluid additive in a drilling operation to reduce or control lost circulation. Methods for manufacturing the drilling fluid additives are also described.

Abstract: Fatty esters of oligoesters of a dicarboxylic acid and a polyol retaining at least one free hydroxyl group, particularly of the formula (I): R1—[OR2O—C(O)—R3—(O)C—]m—R4 (I), where R1 is H, a monocarboxylic acid group, or R6O—[C(O)—R3—(O)C]—; R2s are residues of polyols having at least one substituent free hydroxyl; R3s are hydrocarbylene; R4 is —OH, —OM where M is a salt forming metal, amine or ammonium, —OR6, or —OR2O—R7; R5 is C7 to C21 hydrocarbyl; R6 is C8 to C22 hydrocarbyl; R7 is H, or —C(O)R5; and m is 1 to 20; provided that at least one of R1 and R4 is or includes a C8 to C22 group, are surfactants. A range of surfactant properties can be obtained by varying the molecules within these ranges. Especially where R2 is derived from a higher polyol e.g. sorbitol, R3 is C2 to C6, and the fatty terminal group is C8 to C14, the products can be highly water soluble and effective oil in water emulsifiers.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake is disclosed. The method may include circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes a non-oleaginous internal phase and an oleaginous external phase, where the non-oleaginous phase includes a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting agent, and the oleaginous external phase includes an oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.

Abstract: Of the many embodiments provided herein, one embodiment includes a method comprising: providing a drilling fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a surfactant; and drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation comprising an oleaginous fluid using the drilling fluid, wherein the surfactant forms a micelle within the well bore; and removing an oil block in the formation.

Abstract: Ester based drilling fluids with enhanced stability at high temperatures for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation. The drilling fluids comprise a monomeric or polymeric carbodiimide hydrolysis inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.

Abstract: A corrosion control system is disclosed including an anionic oxygen inhibitor, a cationic acid inhibitor or dispersant, and a noxious species inhibitor or scavenger for use in a fluid in contact with a metallic surface at low temperature, moderate temperature and especially at high temperature. A drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid and a geothermal fluid including an effective amount of the corrosion control system is also disclosed as well as methods for making and using same.

Abstract: Processes for producing alkyl esters useful as base fluids in oil-based mud compositions. The alkyl esters are produced from raw material waste oil that include vegetable oil. The raw material waste oil can be obtained from the food industry, such as from food chains. The raw material waste oil is purified by removing impurities from it. The raw material waste oil is then esterified with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting alkyl ester products are then separated from triglycerides. The alkyl ester products are then washed and dried.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation, comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a drilling fluid and lost circulation material into a lost circulation zone within the wellbore, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a polyelectrolyte multilayer material and a first counterion. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a drilling fluid and a lost circulation material comprising a polyelectrolyte multilayer material and a counterion comprising a halide, wherein the LCM has a first state that is hydrophilic. A tunable lost circulation material comprising a base material, a polyelectrolyte multilayer on said base material, wherein the polyelectrolyte multilayer comprises a first electrolyte layer, a second electrolyte layer, and a charged surface, and a counterion, wherein wettability of the lost circulation material is a function of the counterion.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes providing a drilling fluid comprising a base drilling fluid and a plurality of particulates, wherein the base drilling fluid without the particulates is characterized by N1(B) and wherein the base drilling fluid with the particulates is characterized by N1(A); and adjusting a concentration of the particulates in the drilling fluid by comparing the value of ?N1(F) to ?N1(P) so that ?N1(F)??N1(P), wherein ?N1(F)=|N1(A)|?|N1(B)|.

Abstract: A method for determining a Plug Normal Stress Difference (?N1(P)) may include providing a test base drilling fluid that is characterized by N1(TB); adding a first concentration of a test particulate to the test base drilling fluid; adjusting the concentration of the test particulate in the test base drilling fluid to achieve a minimum concentration of the test particulate in the test base drilling fluid that will substantially plug a tapered slot, wherein the test base drilling fluid with the minimum concentration of the test particulate is characterized by N1(TA); and calculating ?N1(P)=|N1(TA)|?|N1(TB)| wherein each First Normal Stress Difference is measured by the same procedure.

Abstract: Adding a lubricant having a metal stearate and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to a downhole fluid may lubricate a first surface once the downhole fluid has been circulated within a subterranean reservoir wellbore. Friction, torque, and/or drag may be reduced when the lubricated first surface contacts a second surface. The first surface may be or include, but is not limited to a wellbore casing, a drill string, a pipe, a formation, a drill bit, a metal surface within a mud motor, formation evaluation tool, at least one drilling tool, and combinations thereof. One or both of the first and second surfaces may be metal. The downhole fluid may be or include, but is not limited to, a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a fracturing fluid, a drill-in fluid, a workover fluid, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Invert emulsion drilling fluids that have extended emulsion stability and reduced sag potential are described herein. The drilling fluids comprise an invert emulsion, a weighting agent, and a plurality of colloidal particles. The invert emulsion comprises an oleaginous fluid continuous phase, an aqueous fluid internal phase, and a surfactant. At least a portion of the plurality of colloidal particles interact with the surfactant to form an associative supporting structure that inhibits sag of the weighting agent. In some embodiments, the weighting agent comprises barite particles, particularly barite particles that are less than about 45 ?m in size. Methods for placing the invert emulsion drilling fluids in a subterranean formation via a wellbore are also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of a solvent for bitumen extraction, either from mined oil sands or in situ. The solvent includes (a) a polar component, the polar component being a compound comprising a non-terminal carbonyl group; and (b) a non-polar component, the non-polar component being a substantially aliphatic substantially non-halogenated alkane. The solvent has a Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter of 0.3 to 1.7 and/or a volume ratio of (a):(b) in the range of 10:90 to 50:50.

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: A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) includes: providing an aqueous fluid; adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order, components comprising: a VES comprising a non-ionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant or zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid comprising a plurality of elongated micelles, an unsaturated fatty acid comprising a monoenoic acid or a polyenoic acid; or a combination thereof; and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid. The method also includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of metal ions and heating the gelled aqueous fluid to a temperature sufficient to cause the unsaturated fatty acid to auto-oxidize to products present in an amount effective to reduce the viscosity.

Abstract: Water-based drilling mud lubricants using a blend of fatty acid polyamine salts and fatty acid esters give synergistically better lubricity results than either component used separately. For example, the blends with different ratios of fatty acid diethylenetriamine salt and fatty acid methyl ester demonstrate much better lubricity in water-based drilling fluids than those where only fatty acid diethylenetriamine salt or fatty acid methyl ester are separately used. The amines in fatty acid amine salt might also include other polyamines, such as butanediamine pentamethylenediamine, spermidine, spermine, propylene diamine and propylene polyamines. The fatty acid esters might also include fatty acid ethyl ester, fatty acid glycerol ester and fatty acid trimethylolpropane ester. The carbon numbers of the fatty acids used to make the components in the lubricant blend may range from C4 to C28.