Abstract: Thickener systems which are suitable for preparing thickener compositions, and which systems consists of (A) at least one anionic surfactant A and (B) at least one polymer B comprising at least one hydrophobic group and preferably at least one hydrophilic group, wherein the concentration of the polymer B in a thickener composition is below the overlap concentration c* of the polymer, along with processes for preparing such compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful in treating subterranean formations, and more particularly, breaker compositions that may be useful in treating subterranean formations wherein synthetic polymers are used, are provided. Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one composition comprises a source of hydrogen peroxide and an activator. One method comprises providing a polymer breaker composition comprising a source of hydrogen peroxide and an activator; introducing the polymer breaker composition into a well bore which penetrates a subterranean formation; allowing the activator to activate the source of hydrogen peroxide to create an oxidizing species; and allowing the oxidizing species to break synthetic polymers present in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising gelling agents and high-temperature, delayed crosslinkers, and methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid; a gelling agent comprising terpolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, acrylamide, and acrylic acid or a salt thereof; and a crosslinking agent comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of zirconyl chloride and zirconium sulfate; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous oilfield treatment fluids containing a gas component and fibers, wherein the fluids may further include a viscosifying agent and/or proppant. The fluids have good proppant suspension and transport properties as well as excellent gas phase stability. Use of fluids comprising an aqueous medium, a gas component, viscosifying agent, and fibers for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation, cleanup operations, and gravel packing a wellbore, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Particles, including proppants, comprising a fluorinated siloxane. The particles are useful as proppants in fractured a subterranean geological formation comprising hydrocarbons.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The IPN constrains the microparticle to an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile cross-links in the polymers of the IPN are subject to degradation, which results in release of the expandable microparticle so that the microparticle expands. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of acid fracturing formations are provided. The fracturing fluid includes a liquid breaker that decreases the viscosity of the fracturing fluid over time. The liquid breaker can also be produced in situ. The liquid breaker includes fluoroboric acid.

Abstract: A gel-forming composition for reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation or zone comprising a water soluble polymer (e.g., Alcoflood® 935) and a polyelectrolyte gelling agent comprising a polycation (e.g., polyalkylene imine) and a polyanion (e.g., dextran sulfate) is provided. The gel-forming composition is used to delay gelation in the subterranean formation.

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 process for forming a gel, which process comprises mixing an alkaline silicate solution with a polymer in solid form, the polymer being capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; and allowing the polymer to release sufficient acid to cause formation of a silicate gel.

Abstract: A composition for wellbore consolidation, comprising fibres having a core formed from a material that is electrically and/or magnetically susceptible, and a polymeric coating, characterised in that when the composition is placed in a wellbore in a zone to be consolidated and an electric current or magnetic field is applied, the fibres bond together by melting or setting of the polymeric coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a core which is formed from a raw material mixture comprising at least a solid powder resin and a further finely divided starting material, and which, in the thermally treated state, has a density of less than 2 g/cm3. The invention further relates to a process for producing cores, in which raw material components are mixed to give a raw material mixture and granulated to form cores, and the latter are subsequently subjected to a thermal treatment in the temperature range of 120° C. to 220° C.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method that comprises: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises water and a concentrated polymer composition comprising a complexing agent and a friction reducing polymer. Also disclosed is a method that comprises combining at least water and a concentrated polymer composition to form a treatment fluid, wherein the concentrated polymer composition comprises a complexing agent and a friction reducing polymer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Also disclosed is a concentrated polymer composition comprising: a friction reducing polymer in an amount of about 15% to about 60% by weight of the composition; and a complexing agent.

Abstract: A method of controlling the loss of a drilling fluid from a well bore into a subterranean formation in which one illustrative embodiment includes: drilling the well bore with an aqueous based drilling fluid that includes an aqueous phase and a shale hydration inhibitor that is a polyether amine compound, and circulating into the well bore a fluid pill including a dialdehyde crosslinking agent. The dialdehyde crosslinking agent reacts with the polyether amine compound and forms a polymeric material.

Abstract: A thermal insulating fluid contains microspheres of hollow spherical particulates. The presence of the hollow spherical particles improves the thermal insulating properties of the fluid by imparting to the thermal insulating fluid a low heat transfer coefficient. The hollow particulates may be inorganic or organic in nature and include hollow spheres of glass, ceramics and plastics. The thermal insulating fluid is capable of controlling the heat transfer from a production tubing or transfer pipe to one or more surrounding annuli and the environment. In addition to reducing heat transfer in the producing well, heat transfer in the fluid produced from the well is also minimized.

Abstract: A flexible cement stable at high temperatures contains an extender that is a finely ground polyetheretherketone. The cement retains its flexibility for long times at high temperatures, for example those used for steam assisted gravity drainage of heavy oil formations, for example from about 480 to about 644° F. (249 to 340° C.). Compressive strength, tensile strength, permeability and porosity are all stable and suitable for high temperature down-hole oilfield use.

Abstract: Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions including a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a relative permeability modifier, and a chelating agent; introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation; and allowing at least a first portion of the treatment fluid to penetrate into a portion of the subterranean formation so as to substantially divert a second portion of the treatment fluid to another portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant (16) and proppant-spacing filler material called a channelant (18) through a wellbore (10) into the fracture (20), heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands (22) spaced apart by the channelant (24), and removing the channelant filler material (24) to form open channels (26) around the pillars (28) for fluid flow from the formation (14) through the fracture (20) toward the wellbore (10). The proppant and channelant can be segregated within the well treatment fluid, or segregated during placement in the fracture. The channelant can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a filler material during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave the flow channels between the proppant pillars.

Abstract: A well treatment microemulsion for use in a subterranean formation is disclosed, the microemulsion comprises a solvent blend comprising a solvent and a co-solvent; a surfactant blend comprising a surfactant, wherein the surfactant blend is able to give formation intermediate wettability properties; an alcohol; and a carrier fluid; wherein the alcohol, the solvent and surfactant blends are combined with the carrier fluid to produce the well treatment microemulsion. By intermediate wettability it is meant that the water has an advancing contact angle on the surface between 62 and 133 degrees. The associate method of treating a subterranean formation of a well with the microemulsion and the associate method of modifying the wettability of the formation with the microemulsion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method including a) injecting into the formation an aqueous solution containing a polymer and a surfactant to create a organic phase and a aqueous phase, the surfactant being capable of reducing the interfacial tension between the phases to less than 1 dyne/cm; b) recovering a portion of the organic and aqueous phases containing at least a portion of the polymer and surfactant components and a portion of native petroleum surfactants generated in the porous formation; c) adjusting the conditions of the recovered portions to force a portion of the polymer and surfactant from one phase into the other phase by use of chemical, physical, electrical or gravitational means or a combination of said means; d) separating the polymer- and surfactant-containing phase; e) concentrating the polymer and surfactant components in the separated phase; and f) re-injecting at least a portion of the concentrated polymer and surfactant components into the formation.

Abstract: Method and agent for reducing water production from oil and gas wells. The agent comprises polymer, cross-linked particles which are stable in water-free solvents. The particles are manufactured in an oil-in-oil emulsion and are cross-linked with at least one water-stable cross-liner and at least one water-labile cross-linker. The water-labile cross-linker is chosen so that when it is opened or broken in a reaction with water a hydrophilic seat is formed which increases the particle's ability to swell in water. The particles furthermore comprise a controlled amount of an immobilized chemical compound which by means of said reaction between water and reactive groups in the polymer skeleton, become able to form chemical bonds to another particle, to another reactive seat in the same particle or to another compounds thereby increasing the agent's stability in the formation.

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: Sealant compositions comprising a colloidally stabilized latex and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. The sealant compositions may include: an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer; an additional monomer comprising a non-aromatic unsaturated mono- or di-carboxylic ester monomer, an aromatic unsaturated monomer, a nitrogen-containing monomer, or combinations thereof; and a protective colloid. The foregoing sealant composition may be displaced into the wellbore to isolate the subterranean formation from a portion of the wellbore, to support a conduit in the wellbore, to plug a void or crack in the conduit, to plug a void or crack in a cement sheath disposed in an annulus of the wellbore, to plug an opening between the cement sheath and the conduit, or combinations thereof. The colloidally stabilized latex remains substantially stable when exposed to salt, which may be present in the wellbore and/or in the sealant composition itself.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising hydrophobic polymers having a backbone with labile pendant groups, the microparticles having an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile pendant groups on the backbone are subject to hydrolysis under a change in environmental conditions that results in expansion of the microparticle. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising encapsulated expandable polymeric microparticles including expandable base microparticles encapsulated in a shell of at least one layer of a labile or degradable encapsulation material. The encapsulated microparticles have an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods for enhanced oil recovery, for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and for increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations. The compositions may include, for example, expandable cross-linked polymeric microparticles having unexpanded volume average particle size diameters of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns and cross linking agent contents of from about 100 to about 200,000 ppm of labile cross linkers and from 0 to about 300 ppm of non-labile cross linkers that may be used in combination with other components such as, for example, a second and different polymeric microparticle, a viscosified aqueous solution, a subterranean reservoir treatment, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydrolytically and hydrothermally stable consolidated proppants is described, in which (A) a consolidating agent comprising (A1) a hydrolysate or precondensate of at least one functionalized organosilane, a further hydrolyzable silane and at least one metal compound, the molar ratio of silicon compounds used to metal compounds used being in the range of 10 000:1 to 10:1, and (A2) an organic crosslinking agent are mixed with a proppant and (B) the consolidating agent is cured at elevated pressure and elevated temperature. The consolidated proppants obtained have high mechanical strength.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising crosslinked expandable polymeric microparticles comprising structured polymers having labile crosslinks or having a labile core and non-labile crosslinks. The starting configuration of the structured polymers constrains the microparticle to an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile crosslinks or the labile core of the structured polymers are subject to degradation which results expansion of the microparticle. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.

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: Methods and compositions including a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a solid particle comprising a crosslinked aliphatic polyester; and placing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A process for a consolidation which is hydrolytically stable under hydrothermal conditions and/or for changing the wetting behavior of a porous and/or particulate geological formation. The process comprises introducing into the geological formation a consolidant and curing the introduced consolidant under elevated pressure and elevated temperature. The consolidant comprises a hydrolyzate and/or a precondensate based on silanes and metal compounds.

Abstract: Novel uses of reactive surfactants in treating subterranean formations and/or proppant particulates are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a surfactant-treated proppant particulate comprising a proppant particulate that comprises at least one surface that has been allowed to interact with a reactive surfactant.

Abstract: A treatment fluid composition for treating a subterranean formation is formed from an aqueous fluid, a hydratable polymer and a polymer breaking system. The polymer breaking system includes an oxidizing breaking agent and an activator capable of providing a bisulfite ion source. A method of treating a subterranean formation may also be performed by forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous hydrated polymer solution and a polymer breaking system. The polymer breaking system includes a breaking agent of an oxidizer and an activator capable of providing a bisulfite ion source. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in a packer element for a wellbore includes: a hydrocarbon-swellable polymer, the hydrocarbon-swellable polymer present in the composition in an amount between about 10 and 30 percent by weight; an oil-resistant polymer, the oil-resistant polymer present in the composition in an amount between about 10 and 30 percent by weight; and a hydrocarbon swelling agent, the hydrocarbon swelling agent present in the composition in an amount between about 15 and 60 percent by weight. A composition as described may have a good balance of the swelling properties of the hydrocarbon-swellable polymer and the mechanical properties of the oil-resistant polymer. These properties may be useful in a packer element for a wellbore.

Abstract: A fluid system for hydraulic fracturing operations which comprises a low residue fluid that facilitates the clean up of the wellbore following the treatment is disclosed. The system includes a surfactant compound that forms micelles above a critical concentration. Under certain conditions the addition of an associative thickener compound yields a network based on hydrophobic interactions. The resulting viscous fluid can transport proppants, be applied neat or as a foamed or energized system, or used in an acidizing treatment. The fluid system may further include a breaker additive.

Abstract: Compositions and methods pertaining to the ultrafine grinding of soft materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises the step of mixing a soft material with an additive to form a mixture. The method further comprises raising the temperature of the mixture to at least the glass transition temperature of the soft material. The method further comprises cooling the temperature of the mixture. The method further comprises grinding the mixture to form ultrafine particles that comprise at least a portion of the soft material.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of wells by injecting a degradable polymer phase as a fracturing fluid is provided. Composition and degree of polymerization of the degradable polymer and the selection of additives may be varied to adjust the viscosity, degradation time and other properties of the fracturing fluid. Viscous degradable fluid or pellets of degradable polymer may be placed in a wellbore as an internal phase in a low viscosity carrier fluid. A polymer-continuous liquid phase may be formed at a selected location in the wellbore, usually near perforations, before the polymer phase is pressured into a formation to form a hydraulic fracture.

Abstract: The aqueous polymer composition comprises a water soluble polymer having a molar weight of at least 104 Daltons and comprising functional groups which may form complexes with metal ions. The aqueous polymer compositions of this invention are stabilized against thermal or other degradation processes by addition of a phenothiazine compound to allow their use even under harsh conditions.

Abstract: A high temperature well treatment fluid comprising an electron donating compound comprising phenothiazine as thermal decomposition reduction additives for gels used in well treatment fluids is provided. The electron donating compound comprising phenothiazine performs as a stabilizer in well treatment fluids at temperatures of up to about 500° F. (260° C.). Methods of treating wells having subterranean formation temperatures of up to about 500° F. (260 ° C.) using such high temperature well treatment fluids are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions used in treating subterranean formations, which include a hydrated polymer, and a dry blended multi-functional component. The hydrated polymer and dry blended multi-functional component are mixed at the ground surface of a wellsite, and subsequently injected into the formation providing controlled delay in crosslinking to achieve targeted fluid viscosity properties. The hydrated polymer may be a guar, hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, synthetic polymers, and guar-containing compounds. The dry blended multi-functional component may include a crosslinker and a chelating agent, and the well treatment fluid may further include an activator mixed with the hydratable polymer. The chelating agent may be a polyols, gluconate, sorbitol, mannitol, carbonate, or any mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid, and a portion of variable pressure weighting material particles.

Abstract: A composition for treatment of a subterranean formation, which may be used for water control, is comprised of at least one of 1) a premix of an oleochemical polyol, at least one of polyisocyanate, polycyanate and polyisothiocyanate, and a blocking agent to temporarily block all or a portion of free reactive groups of said at least one of polyisocyanate, polycyanate and polyisothiocyanate. Alternatively, or in addition, the composition may be comprised of a solvent and 2) a polyurethane prepolymer formed by reacting an oleochemical polyol and at least one of polyisocyanate, polycyanate and polyisothiocyanate. A blocking agent may also be used with the polyurethane prepolymer. The composition may be used in a method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by introducing the composition into the formation through the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making proppants on-the-fly during subterranean treatment operations. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of preparing proppant on-the-fly comprising providing discrete amounts of a resin mixture that comprises a resinous material and a filler material; placing the discrete amounts of resin mixture into a well bore comprising a treatment fluid; and, allowing the discrete amounts of the resin mixture to substantially cure and form proppant particles while inside the treatment fluid. Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods of fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation using proppant prepared on-the-fly.

Abstract: An oilfield treatment fluid in the form of an emulsion wherein the emulsion contains at least one treatment agent sequestered within a phase of the emulsion, wherein the emulsion is stable when the pH is maintained within a predetermined range, and breaks to release the at least one treatment agent when the pH is changed to a release pH value outside the predetermined stable pH range.

Abstract: A solid zirconium cross-linking agent and use in a cross-linking composition in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared by a process comprising contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and water at particular mole ratios of alkanolamine and water to zirconium.

Abstract: A method of treating a wellbore that includes circulating a wellbore fluid in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises an oleaginous base fluid and a wellbore additive colloidal solid material, and wherein the wellbore additive colloidal solid material is formed by grinding a solid particulate material and a polymeric dispersing agent for a sufficient time so that the polymeric dispersing agent is absorbed to the surface of the resulting colloidal solid particles and less than 10% of the resulting colloidal solid particles have a diameter greater than 10 microns, but not more than five percent of the particles are less than 0.2 micron in diameter, wherein the grinding is carried out in the presence of an oleaginous base fluid and wherein the grinding is carried out so that the wellbore additive colloidal solid material has a weight average particle diameter d50 less than 2.0 microns.

Abstract: Improved multi-component compositions are provided for treating metallic surfaces subjected to contact with hydrocarbons, such as producing well casings and downhole equipment, and transmission lines. The compositions include an epoxy, a cross-linking or curing agent for the epoxy (e.g., ethoxylated tallow amine), and a scale inhibitor including phosphonic acid or phosphonate moieties (e.g., an organic phosphonate such as DETA phosphonate). The compositions may be added to a well or transmission line as a unitary, three-component mixture, or the epoxy may be initially added, followed by the cross-linking or curing agent, and the scale inhibitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and material for forming a fluid barrier in the material surrounding a wellbore. The method involves temporarily opening a fracture extending from the wellbore and then depositing particulates in the fracture which will swell when exposed to the fluid. The particles are deposited in the fracture without causing appreciable swelling thereof and then, after the fracture closes, the particles are allowed to swell when contacted with the fluid to form a fluid barrier.

Abstract: A method is given for reducing fluid loss in downhole operations such as drilling and completion. A composition containing a fusing solid is injected into the fluid loss flow path; the fusing solid fuses at formation temperature when the injection pressure is released and the formation matrix surfaces forming the flow path close on the composition. The fusing solid is gilsonite, or a similar material, or resin coated particles. The composition may optionally contain one or more of fibers, flakes, an activator, and a dispersant.