Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized aqueous polymer compositions containing A) a stabilizing amount of a least a sulfur dye or containing a stabilizing amount of a sulfur dye with a compound comprising a heterocyclic system containing nitrogen and sulphur as ring heteroatoms and B) at least one polymer comprising groups which are capable of complex formation with ions. The aqueous polymer compositions are stabilized against thermal or other degradation processes of the polymer by addition of component A) to allow their use even under harsh conditions.

Abstract: Treating fluid compositions for use in hydrocarbon recovery operations from subterranean formations are described, as well as methods for their preparation and use. In particular, treating fluid compositions are described which comprise a liquid, a crosslinkable organic polymer material that is at least partially soluble in the liquid, a crosslinking agent that is capable of increasing the viscosity of the treating fluid by crosslinking the organic polymer material in the liquid, and a crosslinking modifier additive which can delay or accelerate the crosslinking of the treating fluid composition. Such compositions may be used in a variety of hydrocarbon recovery operations including fracturing operations, drilling operations, gravel packing operations, water control operations, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which makes it possible to obtain a gelled aqueous foam capable of decontaminating, stripping or degreasing a surface. The composition of the present invention comprises one or more surfactants, one or more acidic or basic reactants and a gelling agent. The decontamination foam obtained from this composition exhibits long lifetimes, generally of between 1 and 10 hours, guaranteeing a prolonged time of action on the surface and a high decontamination effectiveness. These foams can be used to remove the radioactivity from an inaccessible plant, which is large in size and complex in design, by simple filling or by simple spraying over an accessible surface.

Abstract: The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation. As a result, the subject technologies provide an effective economic solution to using high ratio gas fracturing compositions that can be produced in a continuous (i.e. non-batch) process without the attendant capital and operating costs of current pure gas fracturing equipment.

Abstract: A fluid loss pill that includes a crosslinked polymer gel, a brine, and solid salt particles disposed in said gel is described. Further, a method for reducing fluid loss that includes pumping a selected amount of a fluid loss pill into a wellbore leading to an oil-condensate-, or gas-producing formation, the fluid loss pill including a crosslinked polymer gel, a brine, and solid salt particles disposed in said gel is described.

Abstract: A composition of matter and a method of sealing a permeable formation is provided incorporating the composition to reduce or eliminate lost circulation in permeable formations. The composition comprises one or more sealing components, ranging in size from approximately 10 to approximately 750 microns, a wetting component, a viscosifier component and an activator or flocculant. A dry mixture of the components may be added directly from the bag to the drilling mud to the permeable formation and will not set up inside the drill string. The mixture will seal the formation in an aqueous or organic environment, thus removing the need to form a pill in a slugging pit prior to introduction. The mixture dewaters at a rapid rate without regard to the time and temperature required for curing agents or other additives. The mixture does not require additional agents such as defoamers, accelerators, retarders or spacers to dewater and set as a solid plug.

Abstract: A completion and workover fluid composition comprising, water and at least one rheology modifier and/or fluid loss control agent, and at least one other ingredient selected from the group consisting of inorganic salts, shale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitor, biocide, defoamers and finely divided solids particles (e.g., bentonite, attapulgite, sepiolite, calcium carbonate, etc.), depending upon the desired attributes, wherein the rheology modifier and/or the fluid loss control agent is an ethoxylated raw cotton linters or a modified ethoxylated raw cotton linters. The ethoxylated raw cotton linters provides comparable or better rheology and viscosity properties compared to high molecular weight commercial HECs made from purified cotton linters. These ethoxylated raw cotton linters derivatives are suitable for applications in oil-well servicing fluids, particularly to enhance functional properties of completion and workover fluids used during oil-well drilling operations.

Abstract: Particulate compositions that comprise macro-particulates, and degradable particulates in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates, the degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are fluids that comprise a liquid component, and a particulate composition, the particulate composition comprising macro-particulates and degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates, wherein the degradable particulates are present in the particulate composition in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates. Methods of using the particulate compositions and fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for generating acids for use downhole, for example, to break fluid-loss control pills. The delayed-release acid breakers of the present invention comprise orthoesters and/or poly(orthoesters).

Abstract: Provided are methods that include a method comprising: providing a micro-crosslinked gel that comprises micro-domains; and placing the micro-crosslinked gel into a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the formation at a desired pressure. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions that include a micro-crosslinked gel comprising a jigsaw configuration of micro-domains and particulates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a fluid for use within in a subterranean formation including crosslinking a polymer along the surface of microspheres in a water-in-water emulsion and introducing the microspheres into the subterranean formation. Methods and apparatus for forming a fluid for use within in a subterranean formation including crosslinking a polymer along the surface of microspheres in a water in water emulsion, isolating the microspheres from the emulsion, and introducing the microspheres into the subterranean formation. Methods and apparatus for forming a fluid to treat a subterranean formation including introducing a crosslinkable polymer, partitioning agent, and crosslinker into a solvent, crosslinking the crosslinkable polymer, isolating beads of the crosslinkable polymer from the partitioning agent, introducing the beads into a fluid for treating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Adding relatively low molecular weight water-soluble friction loss reduction polymers to an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) increases the critical generalized Reynold's number at which the Fanning friction factor increases and friction pressure starts to increase rapidly. The water-soluble polymeric friction loss reduction additives lower surface pumping pressure in VES-gelled fracturing fluids for a given pump rate, thus lowering hydraulic horsepower (HHP) requirements for pumping fluids downhole, e.g. for hydraulic fracturing or frac packing treatments of subterranean formations.

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: According to the invention, a fully viscosified acid diversion system for hydrofluoric acid has been developed. The viscosifying agent comprises a xanthan polymer or a derivative thereof. A method of acidizing a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (A) forming a viscosified treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) hydrogen fluoride or a controlled-release source of hydrogen fluoride; and (iii) a gelling agent comprising a xanthan polymer or derivative thereof; and (B) introducing the viscosified treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation. A breaking agent can be used to achieve a controlled gel break time under downhole conditions. Other additives can also be included in the treatment fluid.

Abstract: Treatment fluids are provided that comprise a gelling agent that comprises scleroglucan and/or diutan.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating fluids, especially spacer fluids and cement compositions as well as drilling, completion and stimulation fluids including, but not limited to, drilling muds, well cleanup fluids, workover fluids, conformance fluids, gravel pack fluids, acidizing fluids, fracturing fluids and the like for introduction into a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore, wherein the treating fluid comprises zeolite and a carrier fluid. The treating fluid may additionally include one or more of a viscosifier, organic polymer, dispersants, surfactants and weighting materials.

Abstract: Aqueous wellbore treatment fluids having improved thermal stability are provided. The wellbore treatment fluids comprise at least one polysaccharide and an effective amount of at least one polyacrylamide to maintain its stability at a temperature greater than about 250° F. A formate compound is not required to achieve high-temperature stability in the fluid. Thus, the fluid is less expensive than conventional polymer-containing aqueous wellbore treatment fluids. The aqueous fluid may serve as, for example, a drilling fluid in the wellbore and thus may be circulated through the wellbore without being concerned that it could become unstable due to exposure to relatively high downhole temperatures.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid composition useful for the recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation, including a mixture of water, a water soluble polymer, an inorganic salt and at least one zwitterionic surfactant and methods of using same.

Abstract: Polymer suspensions prepared with non-aqueous, oil-free carrier fluids, for use in oil or gas well servicing. The polymer suspensions typically comprise a hydrophilic polymer, an organic clay, a stabilizer, and a carrier fluid selected from propylene glycol and butylene glycol. The addition of isopropyl alcohol, a polar activator, lowers the viscosity of the suspension. The further addition of neopentyl glycol further lowers viscosity and improves cross-linking of the polymer. The composition is both stable and environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: A method for pre-emptively reducing the production of water in an oil and gas well is provided. In one embodiment, a drill-in fluid having a relative permeability modifier (RPM) capable of impeding the production of water is introduced into the wellbore during drilling operations. In a second embodiment, a completion fluid having a relative permeability modifier (RPM) capable of impeding the production of water is introduced into the wellbore during completion operations. The drill-in fluid or completion fluid may further include an organosilicon compound to increase flow resistance and extend the effective RPM permeability application range.

Abstract: Acidic treatment fluids used in industrial and/or subterranean operations, and more particularly, acidic treatment fluids comprising clarified xanthan gelling agents, and methods of use in industrial and/or subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing an acidic treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, an acid, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified xanthan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Compositions and process for recovering of oil from subterranean oil-bearing reservoirs consisting of green non-toxic biodegradable strong alkali metal salt of polymerized weak acids, one or more surfactants, an aqueous fluid, a optionally one or more mobility control agents and optionally one or more co-solvents are disclosed. Such compositions are injected into the reservoir through one or more injection wells and assist in recovering trapped oil through one or more producing wells. A preferred green non-toxic biodegradable strong alkali metal salt of polymerized weak acids is the sodium salt of polyaspartic acid shown below where n is 10 to 50. The compositions and the process of the present invention offer the advantage of improved compatibility with unsoftened waters, surfactants, and various mobility control agents. The green non-toxic, biodegradable properties of the alkali makes it particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive applications such as offshore and inland lakes.

Abstract: Novel cross-linked gels comprised of alkoxyetheramides grafted to polysaccharides that have superior viscosity properties have been made. By controlling the chain length of the alkoxyetheramides and the hydrophobic nature of the gel, these materials are ideal for many uses such as in hydraulic fracturing of oil-bearing geological formations, in the paint and dye industries, as dispersants, in personal care products and for carriers in controlled drug delivery.

Abstract: A method for treating a wellbore tubular or subsurface completion equipment to help remove scale is provided. In general, the method comprises the steps of: (A) determining the likelihood of the presence of carbonate scale in the wellbore tubular or subsurface completion equipment; (B) forming or providing a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a chelating agent capable of forming a heterocyclic ring that contains a metal ion attached to at least two nonmetal ions; and (iii) a viscosity-increasing agent; and (C) introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore tubular or the subsurface completion equipment.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and use application of aqueous fluidized polymer suspensions of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) suspended in sodium thiosulfate for use in oil field applications such completion fluids, drilling fluids, fracturing fluids and oil well cement slurries as rheology/viscosity modifier and fluid loss reducer for use where the affect on the marine environment is to be minimized.

Abstract: A well drill lubricant and shale stabilizer employs a sugar alcohol, such as glycerin or crude glycerol and graphite beads suspended in the liquid alcohol. A viscosity agent, such as a gum, is added to improve viscosity along with water. Some impurities present in crude glycerol, such as ash, methanol and MONG are present in small amounts. The composition is non-toxic, fully biodegradable, while possessing high coefficient of lubricity.

Abstract: Many methods are provided herein including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: providing a fluid that comprises an acid, crosslinked oxidized xanthan, and optionally, a base fluid; placing the fluid in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the fluid to acidize at least a portion of the formation or damage contained therein. In another embodiment, herein provided is a fluid for subterranean uses comprising an acid and crosslinked, oxidized xanthan.

Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises a clarified diutan; and introducing the treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be placed into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing a acidic treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, an acid composition, and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan; and introducing the acidic treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be allowed to interact with a component of the subterranean formation so that the component is at least partially dissolved. In some embodiments, the acidic treatment fluid may be introduced into a pipeline. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: Treatment fluids are provided that include a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid is a subterranean treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent that comprises clarified diutan, and at least a plurality of particulates. Additional treatment fluids are also provided.

Abstract: Long-chained polymer compounds are useful to viscosify aqueous brine fluids so that they can function as drilling fluids, completion/workover fluids, fracturing fluids, agricultural products, cleaning compounds, etc. These polymers may be hydrated with a microemulsion or lactescent emulsion prior to being added to the target fluid. The rate and completeness of hydration by this method are controlled and improved. In one non-limiting embodiment the microemulsion includes a polar hydrocarbon component, a nonpolar hydrocarbon oil, a small amount of water, a surfactant and optionally a co-surfactant.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore includes preparing a treatment fluid with shear thinning, non-monotonic rheological properties, injecting the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, and inducing shear rate softening phase transition in the treatment fluid. The non-monotonic rheology properties can be such that in the relationship between shear stress (?) versus strain rate ({dot over (?)}), where {dot over (?)}1<{dot over (?)}2<{dot over (?)}3<{dot over (?)}4, the shear stress values are ?1<?2?3??4, and ?3<?2 The method can heterogeneously deposit proppant or solid acid in a fracture. A system to fracture a subterranean formation includes the fracturing fluid, a wellbore to inject the fracturing fluid to propagate a fracture in the formation, and a rate controller to inject the fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a minimum volumetric rate to provide a shear stress at an inlet to the fracture that exceeds ?2.

Abstract: A composition for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation is provided, the composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted to be within an appropriate range for the type of activator. A method for treating a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: forming or providing a composition comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrogen peroxide, and (c) an activator for the source of hydrogen peroxide; wherein the pH of the composition is adjusted within an appropriate range for the type of activator; and introducing the composition through a wellbore to treat a portion of a wellbore or a portion of a subterranean formation. The activator can be a water-soluble alkanoyl-donor compound or a chelated transition metal. Preferably, the composition further comprises an iron chelating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosified treatment fluids used in well completion and stimulation operations for oil and gas production, and more particularly, to viscosified treatment fluids comprising xanthan gelling agents. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises water and a gelling agent that comprises a modified xanthan; and treating the portion of the subterranean formation. The present invention also provides methods of fracturing, gravel packing, acidizing with the viscosified treatments fluids. Also provided are viscosified treatment fluid compositions and gelling agent compositions.

Abstract: A composition useful for making gelled fluids by crosslinking hydratable polymers is an aqueous solution of zirconium complexed with carbonate and bicarbonate as the only multidentate ligands complexed with zirconium. The composition also provides pH modifying capability and the crosslinking is delayed, so that the single composition replaces several liquid additives previously necessary for generation of fluids used, for example, in hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: Many methods and compositions are provided. One of the methods provided comprises the steps of: providing an aqueous treatment fluid that comprises a polysaccharide and a dual functional component, the aqueous treatment fluid having a first viscosity; allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide such that the viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid increases to a second viscosity, the second viscosity being greater than the first viscosity; placing the aqueous treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the dual functional component to interact with the polysaccharide so as to reduce the second viscosity of the aqueous treatment fluid to a third viscosity, the third viscosity being less than the second viscosity. An example of a composition is a viscosified treatment fluid for treating subterranean formations comprising: an aqueous base fluid and an apparent cross linked reaction product of a polysaccharide and a dual functional component.

Abstract: A well service fluid comprising one or more anionic viscoelastic surfactants and one or more polymers is described. The fluids can contain an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid and/or a buffer for adjusting the pH of the fracturing fluid. The well service fluid can be used as a fracturing fluid in order to control water production from a well, while simultaneously increasing the oil production from the well.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: A liquid gel concentrate for forming a high viscosity treating fluid is provided which can be premixed and stored before being used. The concentrate is comprised of an aqueous formate solution, at least one hydratable polymer which yields viscosity upon hydration and optionally an inhibitor having the property of reversibly reacting with the hydratable polymer in a manner whereby the rate of hydration of the polymer is retarded. Upon the selective reversal of the hydration inhibiting reaction the polymer is hydrated and high viscosity yielded thereby. The concentrate can be diluted with water to hydrate the hydratable polymer and form a large volume of high viscosity treating fluid.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a coarse-foamed fracturing fluid comprising a liquid fracturing fluid component, a gas, proppant particulates, and a foaming agent; and placing the coarse-foamed fracturing fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture therein.

Abstract: Improved methods for treating and for fracturing subterranean formations and the fluid compositions are provided. The viscosity of a treating fluid containing gelling agents is broken, even at temperatures of about 250° F. and lower, utilizing an oxidizing breaker and a reducing sugar to activate the breaker.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing galactomannan-type polysaccharide polymers and xanthan, preferably galactomannans, to a pre-selected lower molecular weight by irradiation with high energy electron beams. The preferred galactomannans for treatment according to this method are guar gum, guar splits and hydroxypropyl guar. In a preferred embodiment the guar gum is depolymerized preferably to a molecular weight of about 150,000 Daltons to about 200,000 Daltons. The depolymerized guar has a polydispersity of less than about 3.0 and is useful in oil well fracturing to enhance oil production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscoelastic fluids that contain nanotube structures that may be used advantageously as oilfield stimulation fluids in many different applications, most particularly as a fracturing fluid. Viscoelastic fluid compositions of the present invention include an aqueous medium, a viscoelastic surfactant, an organic or inorganic acids, or salt thereof, organic acid salts, inorganic salts, and a nanotube component. The invention is also called to a methods of treating a subterranean well bores in which the viscoelastic fluid is injected into the wellbore to perform operations such as fracturing, drilling, acid fracturing, gravel placement, removing scale, matrix acidizing, and removing mud cake. Further, a method of preparing a nanotube viscoelastic fluid comprising the steps of effectively mixing a carbon nanotube component into a viscoelastic fluid, and sonicating the mixture in order to incorporate the carbon nanotube component is claimed.

Abstract: Improved methods for treating and for fracturing subterranean formations and the fluid compositions are provided. A method presented herein is a method of reducing the viscosity of a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises a basic fluid and a gelling agent, providing a breaker composition comprising an oxidizing breaker and a breaker activator that comprises a reducing sugar; and allowing the breaker composition and the viscosified treatment fluid to interact so as to reduce the viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides well drilling and servicing fluids, and methods of drilling, completing, or working over a well therewith, preferred fluids comprise an aqueous liquid, a water soluble polymer viscosifier (preferably xanthan gum), a polymeric fluid loss control additive (preferably a partially depolymerized partially crosslinked hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of starch or a hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of a partially crosslinked and partially depolymerized starch), a bridging agent comprising a particulate calcined magnesia that has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds, and an additive selected from the group consisting of citric acid, alkali metal salts of citric acid, ammonium citrate, and mixtures thereof in an amount sufficient to increase the low shear rate viscosity of the fluids, preferably from about 0.05–5 ppb, most preferably from about 0.15–3 ppb.

Abstract: The invention provides well drilling and servicing fluids, and methods of drilling, completing, or working over a well therewith, preferred fluids comprise an aqueous liquid, a water soluble polymer viscosifier (preferably xanthan gum), a polymeric fluid loss control additive (preferably a partially depolymerized partially crosslinked hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of starch or a hydroxyalkyl ether derivative of a partially crosslinked and partially depolymerized starch), a bridging agent comprising a particulate calcined magnesia that has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds, and citric acid in an amount sufficient to increase the low shear rate viscosity of the fluids. The invention further provides a method of increasing the low shear rate viscosity of fluids which contain a water soluble polymer and a calcined magnesia bridging agent which has an Activity Index greater than about 800 seconds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a subterranean formation utilizing a fluid having a splittable foamer, i.e., a fluid that creates a stable foam when it contacts the formation but that loses its ability to foam as it remains in contact with the formation for extended time. The present method has the advantage that the fluid can be recovered from the well unhindered by the difficulties involved with recovering a foamed fluid from a well. The present method does not require the use of breakers, though the splitting of the foam can be accelerated by introducing an organic or inorganic acid into the well, if so desired.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for breaking treatment fluids utilized in the stimulation of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean fracturing operations, and more particularly to fracturing fluids that includes a fluid loss control additive, and methods of using such fracturing fluids in fracturing subterranean formations. In one embodiment, a fracturing fluid of the present invention includes a viscosifier; and a fluid loss control additive that includes a deformable, degradable material.