Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their various uses in the hygiene and medical arts, gel electrophoresis, packaging, agriculture, the cable industry, information technology, in the food industry, papermaking, use as flocculation aids, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles having labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said microparticle mixed with a fluid and an unreacted tertiary crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the microparticle on degradation of the labile crosslinker so as to form a stable gel.

Abstract: Disclosed are treating fluid compositions for use in subterranean workover and hydrocarbon recovery operations, as well as methods of treating subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore utilizing the treating fluid. The treating fluid compositions contain a first, aqueous liquid, and a crosslinkable organic polymer that is at least partly soluble in the liquid. The treating fluid further contains a borate crosslinking agent solution containing a primary, un-refined borate and a secondary, refined borate, the borate solution being present as a crosslinking agent upon addition to the first fluid admixture so as to crosslink the organic polymer and increase the viscosity and/or accelerate the crosslink time of the treating fluid.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery formulation composition containing a sacrificial agent and a surfactant dispersed in a fluid is provided. The sacrificial agent reduces the amount of surfactant required to enhance oil recovery from a petroleum-bearing formation. The sacrificial agent is selected from the group consisting of a compound comprising a single carboxylic acid, a single carboxylic acid derivative, or a single carboxylate salt, or a compound lacking a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylate group, a sulfonic acid group, or a sulfonate group that is a pheol, a sulphonamide, or a thiol, or a compound having a molecular weight of 1000 or less that comprises one or more hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: A method begins by obtaining a slipstream of a liquid. The slipstream of liquid is then mixed upstream of an injection pump with a latex comprising a drag reducing polymer to produce a drag reducing mixture. The drag reducing mixture is then injected into a liquid hydrocarbon to produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A subterranean treatment additive comprising a viscoelastic surfactant and an amphiphilic polymer. Wherein the amphiphilic polymer comprises a hydrophobic component, and a hydrophilic component, the hydrophilic component itself comprising at least 15 monomer units. The subterranean treatment additive may be used as part of a treatment fluid with an aqueous base fluid that may be a brine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for oil recovery from a reservoir which comprises the following phases: a) injecting a volume of a micro (nano)-structured fluid with released control of barrier substances into at least a portion of an underground reservoir containing oil, said micro (nano)-structured fluid comprising an aqueous dispersion of microcapsules composed of a core comprising a modifying substance of the absolute permeability of the rock formation which houses said reservoir, a protective shell insoluble in water which coats said core; b) clogging the porous intergranular spaces of said rock formation with said modifying substance with a reduction or inhibition of the absolute permeability of said rock formation, c) recovering said oil from the remaining portion of said reservoir by the further injection of a displacing fluid, preferably water.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a treatment fluid comprising a styrene-acrylate polymer; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface. Another method provided herein includes a method for treating tar sand comprising: contacting the tar sand with a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a styrene-acrylate polymer, the tar sand comprising tar and sand; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymers to interact with the tar to at least partially separate the tar from the sand.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a degradable latex comprising a stable dispersion of macromolecules in a liquid medium, wherein the macromolecules comprise a primary moiety comprising a plurality of functional groups, and a plurality of secondary moiety each chemically bonded through a labile linkage to the functional groups of the primary moiety, wherein at least a portion of residues of the secondary moiety are dispersible in the liquid medium. Methods of making and degrading the degradable latex, treating a formation and a treatment fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful to prevent scale formation and/or diageneous reactivity on mineral surfaces residing or to be placed in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing an anionic polymer and a cationic surfactant; contacting a mineral surface with the anionic polymer and the cationic surfactant; and allowing the anionic polymer and the cationic surfactant to interact with each other, whereby a film is formed on at least a portion of the mineral surface.

Abstract: Methods of subterranean cementing involving cement compositions comprising particulate foamed elastomers and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, the cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a particulate foamed elastomer, and an aqueous fluid. In one embodiment, the particulate foamed elastomer may comprise polyurethane foam.

Abstract: Method of diverting fluids in a subterranean formation including the steps of providing a first fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a hydrophobically modified water-soluble relative permeability modifier; introducing the first fluid into a well bore such that the first treatment fluid penetrates into a portion of the subterranean formation in a sufficient amount so as to substantially divert a second treatment fluid to another portion of the subterranean formation. Then, a second aqueous fluid is introduced into the well bore and substantially diverted from the portion of the subterranean formation penetrated with the first treatment fluid. In some cases, a well treatment operation, such as acid stimulation operation, a clay stabilization operation, or a scale inhibition operation, is performed using the second fluid.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing water-sensitive clays in subterranean formations may include introducing a drill-in treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation comprising water-sensitive minerals, where providing the drill-in treatment fluid comprises an aqueous-based fluid and a hydrophobically-modified cationic polymer; and allowing the hydrophobically-modified cationic polymer to at least partially coat the water-sensitive mineral.

Abstract: Pre-coated particulate for use in a subterranean operation comprising a particulate; and a film coated onto a surface of the particulate. The film is formed by allowing an anionic polymer and a cationic surfactant to contact the surface of the particulate, and allowing the anionic polymer and the cationic surfactant to interact with each other. In some cases, the anionic polymer is selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylamide; an alkylpolyacrylamide; a copolymer of polyacrylamide, with ethylene, propylene, and styrene; a copolymer of alkylpolyacrylamide with ethylene, propylene, and styrene; a polymaleic anhydride; and any derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing at least one encaged treatment chemical that comprises a treatment chemical and a polymer carrier; placing the encaged treatment chemical into a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment chemical to diffuse out of the encaged treatment chemical and into a portion of the subterranean formation or an area adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Well operating elements are described, one embodiment comprising a first component that is substantially non-dissolvable when exposed to a selected wellbore environment and a second component that is soluble in the selected wellbore environment and whose rate and/or location of dissolution is at least partially controlled by structure of the first component. A second embodiment includes the component that is soluble in the selected wellbore environment, and one or more exposure holes or passages in the soluble component to control its solubility. The second embodiment may or may not include a substantially non-dissolvable component. Methods of using the well operating elements in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A water swellable rubber composition comprising (a) a non-water swellable base rubber, (b) an ethylene oxide based hydrophilic elastomer having from zero up to and including 20 mole % of a crosslinkable curable functional group, and (c) a water swellable non-elastomeric material. The composition has excellent water swell characteristics under prolonged exposure to high temperature and various electrolyte solutions (strongly saline as well as acid conditions) and is particularly suitable for oil field applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of servicing a well. The method comprises providing a well servicing fluid. The well servicing fluid is formulated with the following components comprising, at least one friction reducer chosen from polychloroprenes, vinyl acetate polymers, polyalkylene oxides polyalphaolefins; and a nonaqueous carrier fluid. The well servicing fluid is introduced into the well.

Abstract: A well treatment composition is formed from a fluid mixture of a viscoelastic surfactant and a liquid carrier fluid. The fluid mixture has rheological properties wherein the mixture exhibits shear-thickening behavior when the shear rate is increased from a first shear rate to a second higher shear rate. The fluid mixture may further include a shear activation additive that interacts with the viscoelastic surfactant to facilitate the shear-thickening behavior. The method is accomplished by introducing the fluid mixture into a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation. In certain applications, the fluid mixture may be recycled by bringing the fluid mixture to the surface and reintroducing the fluid into the same or a different wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations.

Abstract: A monomer compound that contains at least one polymerizable functional group per molecule, and at least one bicycloheptyl-, bicycloheptenyl-, or branched (C5-C42)alkyl-polyether radical per molecule, wherein the bicycloheptyl- or bicycloheptenyl-polyether radical may optionally be substituted on one or more of the ring carbon atoms by one or two (C1-C6)alkyl groups per ring carbon atom is useful in making polymers, particularly pH responsive polymers.

Abstract: Clay is stabilized in methods for drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to cementing operations. Methods and compositions that include a latex strength enhancer for enhancing the compressive strength of slag compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic polymers having high molecular weights and low polydispersities and methods of synthesis. In one embodiment of the present invention, a polymer includes a polyacrylate polymer obtained from a polymerization reaction in which the polyacrylate polymer has a molecular weight of at least about 500,000 and a polydispersity index of about 1.25 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic polymers having high molecular weight and low polydispersities, and methods of synthesis thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of polymerizing that includes dissolving acrylate monomers in a fluid media having an olefin-containing polyalcohol amide surfactant; and initiating a polymerization reaction of the acrylate monomers with a polymerization initiator to produce a polymer having a molecular weight of at least about 500,000 and a polydispersity index of about 1.25 or less.

Abstract: A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom.

Abstract: A method of preparing a drag reducing polymer wherein the drag reducing polymer is able to be injected into a pipeline, such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow through the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is injected into a pipeline of liquid hydrocarbon hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon wherein the viscosity of the treated liquid hydrocarbon is not less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer has a solubility parameter within 4 MPa1/2 of the solubility parameter of the liquid hydrocarbon. The drag reducing polymer is also added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A plurality of particles comprising an elastomer-modified crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of particles maintains at least 50 percent of its height under a pressure of 1.7×107 Pascals at a temperature of at least 150° C. is disclosed. Mixtures of the plurality of particles and other particles, fluids containing the plurality of particles, methods of making the plurality of particles, and methods of fracturing a subterranean geological formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of particles comprising a crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of proppant particles swells not more than 20 percent by volume when submerged in toluene for 24 hours at 70° C. is disclosed. A plurality of particles comprising a crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of particles maintains at least 75 percent of its height under a pressure of 1.7×107 Pascals up to at least 135° C. is also disclosed. Mixtures of the plurality of particles and other particles, fluids containing the plurality of particles, methods of making the plurality of particles, and methods of fracturing a subterranean geological formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Guard bed compositions for protecting metal surfaces in a wellbore from corrosion may comprise a variety of constituent components. Exemplary guard bed compositions may include: one or more surfactants selected from the group comprising amine surfactants; one or more co-surfactants selected from the group comprising C3 to C15 alcohols; and one or more non-surfactant amines. Other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and an overbased detergent. Still other exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid; one or more surfactants; one or more co-surfactants; and one or more non-surfactant amines. The one or more surfactants may be selected from the group comprising alkyl alkoxylated surfactants. Still further, exemplary guard bed compositions may comprise: a hydrocarbon fluid and one or more associating surface active polymers selected from the group comprising amphiphilic polymers.

Abstract: Water-soluble, hydrophobically associating copolymers which comprise new types of hydrophobically associating monomers. The monomers comprise an ethylenically unsaturated group and a polyether group with block structure comprising a hydrophilic polyalkylene oxide block which consists essentially of ethylene oxide groups, and a terminal, hydrophobic polyalkylene oxide block which consists of alkylene oxides with at least 4, preferably at least 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method of introducing a drag reducing polymer into a pipeline such that the friction loss associated with the turbulent flow though the pipeline is reduced by suppressing the growth of turbulent eddies. The drag reducing polymer is introduced into a liquid hydrocarbon having an asphaltene content of at least 3 weight percent and/or an API gravity of less than about 26° to thereby produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon. The treated liquid hydrocarbon does not have a viscosity less than the viscosity of the liquid hydrocarbon prior to treatment with the drag reducing polymer. Additionally, the drag reducing polymer is added to the liquid hydrocarbon in the range from about 0.1 to about 500 ppmw.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a gelling agent, and a multifunctional boronic crosslinker comprising two or more boronic functional groups; and introducing the viscosified fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Polyboronic compounds and methods of making them are provided. The polyboronic compounds are useful as crosslinking agents. The polyboronic compounds are produced by contacting a polymeric amine with a trialkylborate in the presence of a solvent so that the resulting molecule has more than one B—N bond.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a treatment fluid having a first viscosity comprising an aqueous base fluid; a viscoelastic surfactant; and a stimuli-responsive water-soluble polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the treatment fluid viscosity to change to a second viscosity in response to a stimulus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: Polyboronic compounds and methods of making them are provided. The polyboronic compounds are useful as crosslinking agents. The polyboronic compounds are produced by contacting a polymeric amine with a trialkylborate in the presence of a solvent so that the resulting molecule has more than one B—N bond.

Abstract: Enhanced oil recovery method consisting in continuously dissolving, in the injection water, a stable invert emulsion of acrylamide (co)polymer containing at least one inverting agent, and a water soluble polymer, whereby: in a first step, the emulsion is prediluted in a first static mixer to a (co)polymer concentration of at least 5 g/l, the difference of pressure between the mixer outlet and inlet being at least 2 bar, in a second step, the suspension from the first mixer is diluted in a second static mixer to a concentration corresponding to the injection concentration of the water in the well of between 500 and 3000 ppm, the difference of pressure between the mixer outlet and inlet being at least 1 bar.

Abstract: A high carrying capacity temperature-stable breakable gel of selectable viscosity with exceptional lubricity and high-temperature stability for varied use as a carrier of solids and particulate matter, as well as semi-solids and liquids in water and petroleum well drilling, completion and production such as gravel pack fluid, drilling fluid, fracturing fluid, pigging fluid, sweep for coiled tubing, and other uses. A preferred formulation comprises a formulated “Base Concentrate” which is added to water or drilling fluids to be viscosified and an “Activator” which is added in amounts to develop the desired gel consistency. When breaking of the gel is desired a “Breaker” composition containing multivalent ions collapses the gel into a free-flowing liquid.

Abstract: Sealant compositions comprising an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. In one embodiment, the sealant composition can be used in a wellbore and includes an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material. The sealant composition can have a pH of from about 7 to about 14. In other embodiments, the pH increasing material includes a base-producing material. The base-producing material can include alkali and alkali earth metal carbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal bicarbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydroxides, alkali and alkali earth metal oxides, alkali and alkali earth metal phosphates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydrogen phosphates, alkali and alkaline earth metal sulphides, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of silicates, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of aluminates, water soluble or water dispersible organic amines, polymeric amine, amino alcohols, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte complex for the controlled release of an oil and gas field chemical selected from the group consisting of (a) a gel-forming or cross-linking agent, (b) a scale inhibitor, (c) a corrosion inhibitor, (d) an inhibitor of asphaltene or wax deposition, (e) a hydrogen sulfide scavenger, (f) a hydrate inhibitor, (g) a breaking agent, and a surfactant.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method of preventing emulsification of crude :oil into an aqueous-based treatment fluid, comprising: contacting, crude oil in a well bore with the aqueous-based treatment fluid comprising a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Wherein the crude oil has an API gravity of about 10 or greater; and allowing the styrene-acrylate copolymer to interact with the crude oil in the well bore.

Abstract: Methods including providing a downhole tool or a component thereof comprising a plasticized polymer composition that comprises a polymer and a water-soluble plasticizer, wherein the plasticized polymer composition has a first deflection test value; exposing the downhole tool or the component thereof to an aqueous-based medium; allowing the water-soluble plasticizer to leach out of the downhole tool or the component thereof, wherein the plasticized polymer composition has a second deflection test value after exposure to the aqueous-based medium, and wherein the second deflection test value is less than about 10% of the first deflection test value; and placing the downhole tool or the component thereof in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the amount of water produced from a subterranean formation can include the use of a gellable treatment fluid that comprises a quaternary ammonium salt as a gel-time modifier. The gellable treatment fluids can comprise an aqueous base fluid, a base polymer comprising an acrylamide monomer unit, an organic crosslinking agent, and a gel-time modifier comprising a quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: Methods are provided comprising providing a sealant composition comprising an aqueous fluid, a diutan composition, at least one gel system, and a leak off prevention material; introducing the sealant composition into a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; and allowing the sealant composition to form a seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides settable compositions and methods of using settable compositions that comprise a hydraulic cement; a partially calcined kiln feed comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; metakaolin; and water. The location to be cemented may be above ground or in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of controlling or arresting the rate of depolymerization of a polymer composition during a biocide treatment, and use of such methods in oilfield and industrial applications. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a visco-stable application fluid containing a biocide in an amount effective to reduce bacteria count, as well as additive compositions capable of reducing bacteria count in application fluids while maintaining viscosity in such fluids. Also disclosed are methods of preparing biocide-containing application fluids with improved friction reducing properties, as well as related compositions.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one example composition includes a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a tar stabilizing polymer comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene polymer, an acrylate polymer, a styrene-acrylate polymer, and any combination thereof.