Abstract: Techniques for drilling wellbores are described. The techniques include a) introducing a drilling fluid composition into a borehole defined by a formation; b) introducing a thinner composition including at least one tannin and at least one metal salt into the borehole; and c) contacting the thinner composition and the drilling fluid composition in the borehole, wherein the at least one tannin and at least one metal salt are not complexed ex situ. The at least one metal salt includes at least one copper salt, at least one zinc salt, or both at least one copper salt and at least one zinc salt.

Abstract: A method of using a suppression factor fluid during a well activity is provided. The method comprising the steps of introducing a suppression factor fluid into a wellbore, the suppression factor fluid comprising an untreated monovalent brine; and a suppression sugar alcohol, the suppression sugar alcohol in an amount operable to achieve a suppression factor, wherein a density upper limitation of the suppression factor fluid is greater than the density upper limitation of the monovalent brine; and completing the well activity in the wellbore, such that the suppression sugar alcohol inhibits crystallization during the well activity.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a plurality of particles of a polyhydroxyalkanoate latex polymer having the formula: [—O—CHR—(CH2)m—CO—]n, wherein m is a value ranging from 1 to 10 and n is a value equal to or less than 20000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amine based hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenging additive compositions comprising A) an additive 1 comprising at least one compound selected from the group comprising copper compound, copper soap, and copper salts of organic acid; and B) at least one activator capable of enhancing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenging efficiency of the additive 1, wherein the activator comprises aliphatic tertiary amine, or oxyalkylated derivate of aliphatic amine, or a mixture thereof. The present invention also relates to a process for scavenging hydrogen sulfide in hydrocarbons by employing the amine based hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenging additive composition of the present invention. The present invention also relates to a method of using the amine based hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenging additive composition of the present invention for scavenging hydrogen sulfide in hydrocarbons.

Abstract: What is described herein is an aqueous high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) stable drilling mud composition comprising (i) about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of 0-60% w/w brine solution; (ii) about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. % of butylated reaction product of p-cresol and dicyclopentadiene, a polymeric hindered phenol based antioxidant; (iii) about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % of triethanol amine, a chelating agent; (iv) (a) about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of rheology modifier (RM); and/or (b) about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of fluid loss additive (FLA); (v) about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of weighting agent; (vi) about 0 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of drilling solid; and (vii) about 0 wt. % to about 50 wt % of water.

Abstract: A method to reclaim and purify an oil bound to a substrate, and a reclaimed oil obtained thereby having, relative to the oil in the bound liquid in the substrate, a lower aromatic content, improved rheological properties, improved handling properties, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions including relatively low reactivity acids and having a pH of from about 2 to about 5, mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as fluids, in a non-limiting embodiment as drilling fluids, to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The fluids initially have low viscosities. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and within the formation rock. Even when the subterranean formation contains naturally-occurring fractures, the viscosified fluid will reduce fluid loss into the formation. After drilling through the targeted formation, internal breakers in the viscosified fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and production of the well with very little or no near well bore damage.

Abstract: Clear, high density brine for use completion operations in a subterranean formation for the recovery of hydrocarbons. The brine comprises an ionic compound selected from the group consisting of zinc iodide, strontium bromide, strontium iodide, cerium bromide, cerium iodide, cerium chloride, lanthanum bromide, lanthanum iodide, lanthanum chloride, and mixtures thereof. The brine may also advantageously be used as the internal phase of invert emulsion drilling fluids.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the finding that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially utilized in drilling fluids that are utilized in drilling subterreanean wells. For instance, it has been unexpectedly found that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially used as total or partial replacements for organoclays in oil based drilling fluids.

Abstract: A drilling fluid and method for drilling in a coal containing formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 1% potassium salt; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a coal seam.

Abstract: Drilling fluids comprising polymers containing hydroxylated structural units are useful as accretion inhibiting agents, and/or as fluid rheology controlling agents, and/or as filtrate reducing agents, and/or as lubricating agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to subterranean fluids, and more particularly, to subterranean drilling fluids that may be useful for reducing the production of water from a portion of a subterranean formation and/or stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation while drilling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the flow of water from a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an organoaluminum compound, the organoaluminum compound being capable of forming a reaction product in the presence of water. The present invention also includes methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation, methods of enhancing the stability of an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, methods of stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, and drilling fluids.

Abstract: A reduced abrasion drilling fluid system and method of drilling a borehole by circulating the reduced abrasion drilling fluid through the borehole is disclosed. The reduced abrasion drilling fluid comprises a drilling fluid, a first additive and a weighting agent, wherein the weighting agent has a particle size of at least 90% by volume less than 50 ?m.

Abstract: Drilling, drill-in and completion fluids containing nanoparticles for use in hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes and methods related thereto are provided. The fluids also include a dual acting shield agent that shields the nanoparticles and also acts as a viscosifier. The fluids can be used in various types of hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes, such as drilling, drill in, completion, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glycerol based drilling fluids. In particular, the invention relates to drilling fluids comprising a 95-20 volume % glycerol/water solution capable of stabilizing water-sensitive formations during drilling and the use of such solutions for drilling a well having water-sensitive formations.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid and method of using same are presented in this disclosure, which fluid is used in drilling wells through a formation containing a shale that swells in the presence of water. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous based continuous phase; a weighting material; and a shale hydration inhibition agent (SHIA) selected from the group consisting of propylamine derivatives, hydrogenated poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers (HPPID), and polyamine twin dendrimers (PTD). In some embodiments, the SHIA of this disclosure is not hydrolyzed at a temperature in the range of from about 100° F. to about 500° F. The drilling fluid may further comprise a fluid loss control agent, an encapsulating agent, other additives, and combinations thereof. A method of reducing shale swelling during wellbore drilling is also described. The method comprises circulating in the subterranean well a water-based drilling fluid comprising an aqueous based continuous phase, a weighting material, and a SHIA.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved lubrication in drilling and completion fluids used in subterrane drilling for oil and gas. The addition of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) acts as a lubricant, an enhancer to other lubricants and rate of penetration enhancer.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the finding that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially utilized in drilling fluids that are utilized in drilling subterreanean wells. For instance, it has been unexpectedly found that certain chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers can be beneficially used as total or partial replacements for organoclays in oil based drilling fluids. The chlorosulfonated a-olefin copolymers that are useful in the practice of this invention are typically chlorosulfonated ethylene/octene copolymers or chlorosulfonated ethylene/butene copolymers. The utilization of chlorosulfonated ?-olefin copolymers in oil-based drilling fluids offers (1) long service life at high operating temperatures, (2) minimal formation damage, (3) improved filtration behavior, and (4) highly effective performance at low viscosifier levels.

Abstract: Compositions including relatively low reactivity acids, mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as drilling fluids to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The drilling fluids have low viscosities in the drilling pipe. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the drilling fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and the downhole annulus between the drilling pipe and the formation rock. The viscosified drilling fluid will reduce fluid loss and will carry no dissolved drilling debris to the surface. After drilling through the targeted formation, the internal breakers in the viscosified drilling fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and the well is ready to produce with very little or no near well bore damage.

Abstract: To improve drilling performance, a drilling fluid is selected based on one or more criteria and to have at least one target characteristic. Drilling equipment is used to drill a wellbore, and the selected drilling fluid is provided into the wellbore during drilling with the drilling equipment. The at least one target characteristic of the drilling fluid includes an ability of the drilling fluid to penetrate into formation cuttings during drilling to weaken the formation cuttings.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a particulate bridging agent comprised of a sparingly water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of melamine (2,4,5-triamino-1,3,5-triazine), lithium carbonate, lithium phosphate (Li3PO4), and magnesium sulfite.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods of contacting carbon dioxide with an aqueous mixture. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, a subterranean brine may be contacted with carbon dioxide to produce a reaction product, which may or may not be further processed as desired. Also provided are methods in which a brine or minerals are contacted with an aqueous composition. Aspects of the invention further include compositions produced by methods of the invention as well as systems for practicing methods of the invention.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes a multifunctional fluid that addresses a new concept in the removal of filter cake. A composition is disclosed comprising: a carrier fluid, a surfactant, a fluorine source and an organic stabilizer able to minimize precipitation of fluorine The associated method to remove the filter cake is also described.

Abstract: Drilling fluid additive compositions are provided for use with synthetic, oil based, or water based drilling fluids. The combined additive and drilling fluid are effective for reducing lost circulation, seepage loss as well as wellbore strengthening and/or wellbore lining. The method includes injecting the drilling fluid and 0.01 or more pounds per barrel of a loss control additive including ground and sized pumice, barite, anthracite or dolomite.

Abstract: Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with oil-based muds (OBMs). The single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. Optionally, an acid capable of solubilizing the filter cake bridging particles may also be used with the microemulsion. In one non-limiting embodiment the acid may be a polyamino carboxylic acid. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced. In another optional embodiment, the single phase microemulsion may contain a filtration control additive for delaying the filter cake removal, destruction or conversion.

Abstract: A method for removing water from a wellbore fluid is disclosed. The method may include the steps of contacting a wellbore fluid with a water absorbing polymer, where the wellbore fluid includes an aqueous fluid, allowing the water absorbing polymer to interact with the wellbore fluid for a sufficient period of time so that the water absorbing polymer absorbs at least a portion of water in the aqueous fluid, and separating the water absorbing polymer containing the absorbed water from the wellbore fluid.

Abstract: An aqueous mixture of a non-toxic, low pH, antimicrobial, acidic composition having a pH between approximately 0.5 and approximately 3.5 is used in a drilling fluid and a stuck pipe additive. One embodiment of the stuck pipe additive composition includes an alkali metal halide salt in a range of approximately 10-35 weight %; a sequenching agent in a range between 2-8 weight %, a low pH, non toxic acid composition in a range of 0.5-20 weight percent and water in a range of 7-88.5 weight %. As a drilling fluid, it maintains well control and removes drill cuttings from holes drilled into the earth. As a spotting fluid, it frees a stuck drill stem in the annulus of a bore hole in minutes.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved lubrication in drilling and completion fluids used in subterrain drilling for oil and gas. The addition of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) acts as a lubricant, an enhancer to other lubricants and rate of penetration enhancer.

Abstract: A method and drilling fluid system for providing filtration control during drilling operations using a drilling fluid system comprising water soluble polymer comprising acrylamide monomer, the method comprising: providing a drilling fluid system having effective rheological properties, the drilling fluid system comprising aqueous base consisting essentially of freshwater, a quantity of from about 21 to 58 kg/m3 (7.5 to about 20 pounds per barrel) plugging agent, and an amount of bridging agent comprising water soluble polymer comprising acrylamide monomer which exhibits a 5% by weight Brookfield viscosity in freshwater of from about 50 cP to about 100 cP, and; contacting a subterranean formation with the drilling fluid system and maintaining effective filtration control at concentrations of about 10,000 ppm or less monovalent salt, as demonstrated in the laboratory by producing a HPHT filtrate of 25 cm3/min or less after 30 minutes at about 149° C. (300° F.

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 process of preparing a well servicing fluid comprising viscosifying a heavy brine by contacting with a cationic polysaccharide and a composition thereof.

Abstract: A granulated calcium bromide product is provided, and a method for its manufacture. The product, obtained by wet granulation or by dry granulation, contains at least 80 wt. % calcium bromide, and it is particularly suitable for preparing dense calcium bromide brines used as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in water containing multivalent ions. Exemplary embodiments relate to methods of improving the performance of anionic friction reducing polymers in a subterranean treatment, wherein the method comprises adding a complexing agent to water comprising multivalent ions. The method comprises adding the anionic friction reducing polymer to the water comprising the multivalent ions, wherein the anionic friction reducing polymer is added in an amount less than or equal to about 0.15% by weight of the water. The method comprises introducing the water comprising the multivalent ions, the complexing agent and the anionic friction reducing polymer into at least a portion of the subterranean formation such that the friction reducing polymer reduces energy loss due to turbulence in the water.

Abstract: An under-balanced drilling fluid additive is disclosed which reduces reactive shale and/or clay swelling during under-balanced drilling operations, where the additive includes an effective amount of a choline salt. A method for under-balanced drilling is also disclosed including the step of circulating a drilling fluid including an effective amount of a choline salt to reduce reactive shale and/or clay swelling during under-balanced drilling operations.

Abstract: Rapid setting plugging compositions comprising oil, clay, magnesium chloride, and magnesium oxide powder are provided for sealing permeable zones in subterranean formations. The permeable zones may be sealed by passing the plugging composition and water to the subterranean formation. While being exposed to downhole temperatures in a range of from about 0° F. to about 500° F., the plugging composition quickly thickens to form a sealing mass that is substantially impermeable to fluid in less than about 1 minute after contacting the water. It then usually develops an effective amount of compressive strength to prevent it from being washed away within a period ranging from about 5 minutes to about 2 hours at temperatures ranging from about 0° F. to about 500° F.

Abstract: A slurry mixture for use in slurry wall trench construction. The slurry mixture includes fly ash to partially replace bentonite in soil-cement bentonite and soil bentonite cut-off wall construction. A small amount of bentonite is added to the fly ash, water and alluvial material mixture to maintain cohesiveness, prevent settlement and for decreasing permeability of the fly ash.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to subterranean fluids, and more particularly, to subterranean drilling fluids that may be useful for reducing the production of water from a portion of a subterranean formation and/or stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation while drilling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of reducing the flow of water from a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an organoaluminum compound, the organoaluminum compound being capable of forming a reaction product in the presence of water. The present invention also includes methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation, methods of enhancing the stability of an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, methods of stabilizing an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation, and drilling fluids.

Abstract: In one aspect, this invention relates to the use of thermoset nanocomposite particles as components of drilling fluid, drill-in fluid, completion fluid, and workover fluid additive packages to reduce fluid losses to a formation and/or to enhance a wellbore strength. In another aspect, this invention relates to the use particles of specific gravity ranging from about 0.75 to about 1.75 as components of drilling fluid, drill-in fluid, completion fluid, and workover fluid additive packages to reduce fluid losses to a formation and/or to enhance a wellbore strength. Using embodiments of the invention, reduction of fluid loss and/or enhancement of wellbore strength may be achieved while working with water-based, oil-based, invert emulsion, or synthetic drilling muds. The currently most preferred embodiments of the invention use substantially spherical thermoset nanocomposite particles, possessing a specific gravity from approximately 1.02 to approximately 1.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Bromate oxidizing agents are used along with selected breaking activators for the bromate breaking compounds. Useful bromate breaking activators include acid-generating breaking activators, oxidizing sulfur containing breaking activators, and reducing agent breaking activators.

Abstract: Wellbore treating fluids that include zeolite, an activator, and an organic acid or salt thereof are provided.

Abstract: Fluids, such as completion fluids, containing at least one alkali metal tungstate and optionally at least one chelating agent are described. Methods of removing a filter cake from a well bore surface, which may include one or more alkaline earth metal sulfates, is also described, wherein the method includes contacting the filter cake with the completion fluid of the present invention. A drilling fluid or mud is also described wherein the drilling fluid contains at least one alkali metal tungstate. The drilling fluid preferably further contains at least one emulsifier or surfactant and at least one hydrocarbon-based fluid. The various fluids of the present invention can contain other conventional ingredients and optionally at least one alkali metal formate. The present invention permits the fluids to be essentially solids free due to the use of the alkali metal tungstate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to settable compositions that comprise magnesium oxide and at least one divalent salt and associated methods of use. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of a forming a hardened mass comprising providing a settable composition comprising magnesium oxide, and a brine comprising water and a divalent salt; placing the settable composition into a desired location; and allowing the settable composition to set to form the hardened mass. In other embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of forming a hardened mass in a subterranean formation comprising placing a brine comprising water and a divalent salt into the subterranean formation; contacting the brine with magnesium oxide; and allowing the brine and the magnesium oxide to react to form the hardened mass. In other embodiments, the present invention discloses methods forming a casing in a well bore, and converting a drilling fluid to a settable composition.

Abstract: Self-generating foamed fluids for circulation through a well during drilling operations and methods for circulating such self-generating foamed drilling fluids are provided for. The drilling fluid comprises an aqueous solvent, a polymer, a surfactant, a first foam generating agent, and a second foam generating agent. The first and second foam generating agents react to generate a gas within the drilling fluid and thereby to foam the drilling fluid. Preferably, the foam generating agents are selected such that they react to generate carbon dioxide. Preferably a base fluid comprising excess amounts of only one of the foam generating agents is pumped into the drill string using a hydraulic pump. The other foam generating agent then is injected in a controlled manner downstream of the circulation pump such that the drilling fluid is foamed after being pumped for circulation through the well. The novel drilling fluids preferably have a density of from about 5.8 lb/gal to about 0.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of formulating an alkali metal silicate-containing drilling fluid and drilling a well therewith. Thus an alkali metal silicate is added to an aqueous base drilling fluid, when the drilling fluid is being circulated while drilling, at a rate sufficient to react with the drilled cuttings and freshly exposed surface of the borehole while leaving very little excess soluble silicate in the drilling fluid circulated to the surface. The rate of addition of the silicate is based on the circulation rate of the drilling fluid in the wellbore and the volume of the hole being drilled.

Abstract: A method of improving the lubricity of an aqueous based drilling fluid composed of an aqueous base fluid, and a weighting agent. The method involves the addition of an effective amount of a phospholipid to substantially reduce the coefficient of friction when compared to the fluid absent the phospholipids. Preferably the phospholipids have the structure: in which R and R? are C6 to C25 hydrocarbon groups; and A is an anion to counter the cationic charge.

Abstract: A method of formulating and the resulting biodegradable wellbore fluid includes a first synthetic internal olefin fraction having from 16 to 18 carbon atoms (C16-18 IO), a second synthetic internal olefin fraction having between 15 to 18 carbon atoms (C15-18 IO), and a third synthetic internal olefin fraction having 15 to 16 carbon atoms (C15-16 IO). The components of the wellbore fluid are blended such that the desired characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content, toxicity and biodegrability are balance to achieve compliance with environmental requirements for hydrocarbon based drilling fluids.

Abstract: A solution containing a compound having the general formula XF.nH2O2, wherein X is K+, Na+ or NH4+ and n is an integer from 1 to 3 (e.g., a peroxysolvate of potassium fluoride compound such as potassium fluoride hydroperoxide (KF.H2O2)) is injected into a subterranean formation in order to increase its permeability, especially with respect to hydrocarbon flow. These compounds serve to dissolve a wide variety of subterranean formation minerals (e.g., siliceous materials as well as carbonaceous materials). Potassium hydrofluoride (KHF2), can be employed with these compounds to produce particularly efficacious subterranean formation treatment solutions.

Abstract: A method and product is disclosed which provides emulsion stability and filtration control to invert emulsion drilling fluids. The product comprises a blend of a carboxylic acid terminated polyamide and/or a wetting agent with a reaction product or mixture produced by the Diels-Alder reaction of dienophiles, preferably carboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, acid anhydrides, or combinations or mixes thereof, with a mixture of fatty acids and resin acids. The product of the invention is extremely effective, decreasing by about two-thirds the amount of emulsifier generally required to formulate an effective drilling fluid. The product of the invention also greatly reduces and in many cases eliminates the need for conventional fluid loss additives, and additionally provides electrical stability.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that affords improved stability to wellbores during drilling in argillaceous formations with water-based drilling fluids. The method comprises adding to the drilling fluid a compound of the invention having the capacity in water to generate a highly efficient membrane on argillaceous materials. The compound is soluble in the drilling fluid at least at the pH at which the compound is added to the drilling fluid or exists in the drilling fluid, but is insoluble in the water in the pores of the argillaceous formations, or at least at the pH of the water in such pores.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole employing a drilling fluid including an additive comprising a glucose derivative with pH lowering acid, buffers and surface active agents. The drilling fluid additive preferably exhibits the following properties: activity of approximately 30%–45% in water solution; pH of about 4.5 to 5.5; a light amber to clear liquid appearance and a density of approximately 1.200 grams per cubic centimeter.