Abstract: Oil in water emulsion drilling fluid properties are enhanced by incorporation thereinto of an alcohol such as glycerol or polycyclicpolyetherpolyol and salt.

Abstract: Drilling fluid properties are enhanced by incorporation thereinto of a cyclicetherpolyol such as a cyclic dimer of glycerol and, optionally, a polyol such as glycerol or a monoalicyclicpolyol, and/or salt.

Abstract: A nontoxic, nonchloride, water-base drilling fluid which stabilizes water sensitive shales is disclosed. This drilling fluid is comprised of the potassium or ammonium salt of an organic acid in combination with a polar organic liquid, so as to reduce shale swelling with mineral adverse impact on the environment.

Abstract: Substantially water-insoluble, oleophilic mono- and/or polyfunctional alcohols of natural and/or synthetic origin which have flash points of at least 80.degree. C., or corresponding solutions of mono- and/or polyhydric alcohols in ecologically acceptable water-insoluble oils as the dispersed oil phase of water-based O/W-emulsion drilling fluids, which are suitable for an environmentally-acceptable development of geological formations and which, if desired, contain insoluble, finely particulate weighting agents for the formation of water-based O/W-emulsions 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: The present invention relates to an improved continuous phase for an oil based drilling fluid and specifically a synthetic hydrocarbon continuous phase which is non-polluting and minimally toxic. The invention provides excellent drilling fluid properties under a wide variety of drilling conditions. The synthetic hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of branched chain oligomers synthesized from one or more olefins containing a C.sub.2 to C.sub.14 chain length and wherein the oligomers have an average molecular weight of from 120 to 1000. In the drilling fluid compositions, suitable emulsifiers, wetting agents, viscosifiers, weight materials and fluid loss additives are utilized in conjunction with water and/or a brine phase for the desired rheological properties.

Abstract: Drill cuttings are cleaned of oil-based drilling mud and oil using a cleaning agent, such as a C6-C10 carboxylic acid, that is preferentially oil soluble at one pH and preferentially water soluble at another pH. The oily cuttings are treated with the carboxylic acid and then washed with an aqueous, alkaline washing solution, which converts the carboxylic acid to its water soluble salt and, with vigorous agitation, lifts most of the oil from the cuttings. In other embodiments, the process is used for cleaning oil-contaminated soil, sand, and gravel, and for separating the oils from the solids in oily sludges.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a water based drilling fluid additive comprising the steps of: (a) mixing hydrophobic carbon black and either a surfactant or a dispersant and (b) shearing the mixture of step (a) under a sufficiently high mechanical shear for a sufficient time to convert the hydrophobic carbon black into hydrophilic carbon black. This invention is also directed to a water based drilling fluid additive prepared according to the above process and the use of the additive in a water based drilling fluid.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a water based drilling fluid additive comprising the steps of:(a) premixing hydrophobic asphaltite and either a surfactant or a dispersant and(b) shearing the mixture of step (a) under a sufficiently high mechanical shear for a sufficient time to convert the hydrophobic asphaltite into hydrophilic asphaltite. This invention is also directed to a water based drilling fluid additive prepared according to the above process and the use of the additive in a water based drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for the prevention of balling of formation cuttings upon the surface of drilling equipment and for lubrication of said equipment used in conjunction with subterranean well operations. An aqueous system is prepared to which is added a composition of a water insoluble polyglycol having a molecular weight of from between about 1,200 and about 10,000, an emulsifying surfactant having a hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of about 4 or more, and a hydrotrope. An additive for use in the method also is disclosed.

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