Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrophilic, water soluble polymer concentrate for addition to aqueous liquids to enhance the properties thereof, particularly to increase the viscosity or decrease the fluid loss of well drilling and servicing fluids, the concentrate comprising a hydrophobic, water insoluble liquid, an organophilic clay suspension agent, the water soluble polymer, and a stabilizing agent comprising one or more acids in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1.5%, one or more anionic surfactants in an amount from about 0.001% to about 1.0%, one or more nonionic surfactants in an amount from 0.001% to about 0.625% and, from about 0% to about 0.75% of one or more water soluble organic liquids, wherein the total concentration of the stabilizing agent is from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, these percentages being based on the weight of the concentrate.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid having a non-aqueous continuous liquid phase that exhibits an electrical conductivity of not less than 10 &mgr;S m−1 at 1 kHz comprises a polar organic liquid (POL) which exhibits a dielectric constant of at least about 5.0 and a Hildebrand Solubility Parameter of at least about 17 (J cm−3)1/2. Oils or other organic liquids (OL) known to be suitable as the continuous liquid phase of wellbore fluids, may be used in admixture with POL component. Certain inorganic salts, organic bases, quaternary ammonium salts or hydroxides (the dissolved component, DC), display sufficient solubility (and current carrying abilities) in POL, OL or in mixtures of liquid (POL) and liquid (OL) to further improve the electrical conductivity of the mixture. The wellbore fluid can be used for providing enhanced information from electrical logging tools, measurement while drilling, logging while drilling, geosteering and the like.

Abstract: A method of treating a well including injecting a thermally stable, substantially water-free well-treating fluid into the well, wherein the well-treating fluid comprises a polymer, a glycol compound, and a salt is disclosed. In another embodiment, a thermally stable, substantially water-free well fluid including a polymer, a diol compound, and a salt is disclosed.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive is provided wherein the additive is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a combination of oil and glycol or cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet, treated or coated with the oil/glycol combination or the cellulose; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly method and composition is provided for removing hydrogen sulphide from fluids at high pH. The method and composition are particularly suited for removing hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids used in drilling boreholes in hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formations, and are suitable for use with any drilling fluid, including polymer based drilling fluids. The sulphide scavenger used in the method and composition is a ferrous gluconate, an organic iron chelating agent stable at pH as high as 11.5, the pH preferred for drilling fluids that may encounter hydrogen sulphide. Further, this additive has been found to enhance the resilience of the rheological properties of drilling fluids to hot rolling and comparable field conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a fluid for drilling or intervening in a well passing through a porous, permeable formation, wherein a water-based well fluid is circulating in said well. In this method, there is added to the fluid not only the conventional ingredients for such a fluid but also a maximum of 10 wt. % of a composition obtained from a grease or oil and an alcohol, with the chain lengths of the acid and alcohol parts being chosen such that the ester thus obtained has sufficient dispersion in water, compatibility with said ingredients, does not form an emulsion with the reservoir oil, and adsorbs sufficiently on the porous formation.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive system is provided wherein the system is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a carrier such as oils and glycols or talc with cellulose to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture to allow the beads to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then adding the suspended mixture with a mixture comprised of hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and a dispersant.

Abstract: A drilling fluid additive system is provided wherein the system is manufactured by a method comprised of admixing colloidal solids such as talc with a carrier such as oils or glycols to create a suspended mixture to thereby allow the colloidal solids to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then admixing copolymer beads to the suspended mixture to allow the beads to be pre-wet or coated with the carrier; and then adding the suspended mixture with a mixture comprised of hydrophilic clay, a pH controller, a fluid loss controller, and a dispersant.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of linear and/or branched fatty alcohols containing at least 12 carbon atoms in the molecule and/or to the use of mixtures of such fatty alcohols with carboxylic acid esters as a lubricating additive in water-based drilling fluids for their use in geological exploration by drilling. The fatty-alcohol-based lubricants or lubricant systems are particularly suitable for use in water-based alkali metal silicate drilling muds which are known to be distinguished by comparatively high pH values. The additives according to the invention combine their lubricating effect with a foam-suppressing effect, i.e. prevent unwanted foaming.

Abstract: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: A brine for use during drilling operations, preferably a completion brine, comprising an amount of a low molecular weight water-soluble organic compound effective to reduce the crystallization point of the brine. The low molecular weight water soluble organic compound can be a variety of compounds, with preferred compounds being ethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol bottoms, and combinations thereof. A method of lowering the crystallization point of the brine using a low molecular weight water soluble organic compound also is provided.

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 composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

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: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: A silicate drilling fluid having effective rheology and filtration control properties comprising water as a continuous phase wherein hematite is used as a weighting agent and manganese oxide is used as a bridging agent. The drilling fluids uses a minimal number of components, which includes a salt, preferably sodium chloride, water-soluble polymers for viscosification and filtration control, and a glycol for shale stabilization and filtration control.

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 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 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: Rheologically modified compositions, and rheologically modified fluid compositions prepared therefrom, containing reticulated bacterial cellulose in a polyol base fluid, are disclosed. The amount of reticulated bacterial cellulose present in the composition is an amount effective to viscosify the polyol base fluid.

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: A drilling fluid system that combines a carbon black/asphaltite/lignite mixture with a fish oil/glycol mixture; and a method for manufacturing a drilling fluid system that could be utilized with pre-existing water based muds during drilling and excavating applications.

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 reducing formation damage when drilling for oil and gas. Firstly, determining initial water, hydrocarbon and gas saturation in the porous formation under consideration. Secondly, determining a preferential wettability of the porous formation. Thirdly, determining potential damaging effects due to aqueous phase trapping as a result of increasing water saturation in the porous formation. Fourthly, determining an alcohol type and concentration that will reduce severity of aqueous phase trapping. Fifthly, incorporating the alcohol type and concentration into a drilling fluid. The alcohol concentration will not less than 1% of the volume of the drilling fluid. Sixthly, pumping the drilling fluid containing the alcohol down a drilling string to a drill bit during drilling operations. The described method reduces invasive damage caused by drilling fluid entering the formation.

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 drilling fluid system that combines a carbon black/asphaltite/lignite mixture with a fish oil/glycol mixture; and a method for manufacturing a drilling fluid system that could be utilized with pre-existing water based muds during drilling and excavating applications.

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: 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: 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: 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: An oil-in-water emulsion composition is disclosed which comprises a mixture of brine and;(A) at least one natural oil or synthetic triglyceride of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently saturated or unsaturated aliphatic groups that contain from about 7 to about 23 carbon atoms;(B) at least one alcohol, R.sup.4 OH wherein R.sup.4 is an aliphatic group containing from 1 up to about 18 carbon atoms;(C) at least one emulsifier; and(D) at least one sulfurized composition wherein (B), (C) and (D) are soluble and reside within (A).

Abstract: The use of a water external micellar dispersion as a drilling fluid for rotary and horizontal drilling operations wherein the drilling fluid contains more than 50% oil in the internal phase, improved high temperature stability, high yield points, low gel strengths, and ultra low fluid loss.

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

Abstract: Herbicidal 1-cyclopropyl tetrazolinones of the formula ##STR1## wherein X represents C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl or halogen,n represents 0 to 5,R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each independently represents C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.2-6 alkenyl, C.sub.2-6 alkynyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl which may optionally be substituted by C.sub.1-3 alkyl, epoxy-C.sub.3-5 alkan-1-yl, phenyl which may optionally be substituted, or aralkyl which may optionally be substituted, orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the N-atom to which they are attached, represent a cyclic ring which may be substituted, and some novel intermediates therefor.

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: 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: Aqueous drilling muds are disclosed which contain, as fluidifier agent, one or more complexes, which may be either pre-formed or produced in situ, selected from:tetravalent zirconium and one or more organic acids, or their salts, having the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different from each other, represent --H, --COOH, --CH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2 COOH, --CH(OH)COOH;aluminum citrate.

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 operation is carried out utilizing a universal fluid comprising blast furnace slag, water and a polyalcohol, the components of the drilling fluid being chosen so as to have a dual functionality in promoting the drilling fluid and thereafter in being functional constituents of a cementitious slurry.

Abstract: The use is described ofa) mono- and/or polyfunctional alcohols of natural and/or synthetic origin which are at least largely water-insoluble and are fluid and pumpable in the temperature range of 0.degree. to 5.degree. C.,or ofb) solutions, fluid and pumpable in the given temperature range, in ecologically-acceptable water-insoluble oils, of at least largely water-insoluble mono- and/or polyfunctional alcohols of natural and/or synthetic origin,as the continuous oil phase of drilling fluids, which exist as W/O-emulsions, have a dispersed aqueous phase and preferably have further usual additives in the alcohol-containing oil phase, and which are suitable for the environment-friendly development of, e.g., petroleum and natural gas deposits.

Abstract: Improved mud additive compositions are provided which are especially formulated to control hole enlargement due to salt bed erosion during drilling, and to assist in solubilization of deposited salt during well operations. The compositions include a first ingredient such as sodium or potassium ferrocyanide and mixtures thereof, and a second ingredient such as the trisodium salt of nitrilotriacetic acid and alkali metal citrates. The first ingredient is generally present at a level of from about 50-95% by weight in the particulate, dilutable form of the invention, whereas the second ingredient is present at a level of from about 5-50% by weight. The compositions hereof may be added to drilling mud during drilling operations or to fresh water for removing salt depositions.

Abstract: A composition suitable for drilling and cementing comprising coal slag, water and drill solids, the components of the drilling fluid being chosen so as to have a dual functionality in promoting the drilling fluid and thereafter in being functional constituents of a cementitious slurry. Also, a method for drilling using a drilling fluid containing coal slag so as to lay down a filter cake which is settable and which is compatible with a subsequent coal slag cementitious slurry.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of water-insoluble esters with flash points above 80.degree. C., from monohydric alcohols of natural and/or synthetic origin with at least 4 carbon atoms, preferably at least 6 carbon atoms in the alcohol radicals, as the oil phase, or a constituent of the oil phase of invert drilling fluids which exist as W/O-emulsions, have a dispersed aqueous phase and ideally also have further usual additives in the continuous oil phase, which is fluid and pumpable in the temperature range of 0.degree. to 5.degree. C., and which are suitable for the environment-friendly development of, e.g., petroleum and natural gas deposits. Drilling fluids of the above type are also described which are characterized in that they contain as the continuous oil phase, or dissolved in ecologically-acceptable water-insoluble oils, an additive of at least largely water-insoluble ethers from monohydric alcohols, the oil phase in each case being fluid and pumpable in the temperature range of 0.degree. to 5.

Abstract: The use is disclosed of water-dispersible esters, which are fluid or at least plastically deformable at working temperature and have flash points of at least 80.degree. C., from saturated and/or unsaturated carboxylic acids with up to 36 carbon atoms and mono- and/or polyhydric alcohols, as at least the main constituent of the dispersed oil phase of water-based O/W-emulsion drilling fluids which are suitable for the environmentally friendly 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: Novel compositions useful as fluid gelling agents, especially for use in subterranean applications such as drilling fluids, are prepared by reacting an aqueous dispersion of a clay, such as bentonite, with an aqueous gel of a monodispersed mixed metal layered hydroxide of the formula Li.sub.m D.sub.d T(OH).sub.(m+2d+3+na) A.sub.a.sup.n, where D is a divalent metal, such as Mg, T is a trivalent metal, such as Al, and A represents other monovalent or polyvalent anions, the formula being described in detail in the disclosure.

Abstract: An aqueous base drilling fluid additive composed of salt and lime or gypsum, and including an acyclic polyol and/or cyclicetherpolyol and salt.

Abstract: An emulsion and emulsion drilling fluid are disclosed. The emulsion has utility as an oil based drilling fluid comprising a glycol emulsified in a synthetic hydrocarbon material. The synthetic hydrocarbon material has an average molecular weight of from about 120 to 1,000 and is synthesized from one or more olefinic monomers having a chain length of C.sub.2 to C.sub.14.