Abstract: Compositions that swell on contact with water contain a non-swellable thermoplastic or thermoset polymer and a swellable inorganic compound. In particular, the compositions are suitable for use in subterranean wells such as those used in the oil and gas industry. The polymer may be polypropylene and the inorganic compound may be magnesium oxide.

Abstract: A composite having a solid particulate and a surface modifying treatment agent on the solid particulate wherein the surface modifying treatment agent has a hydrophobic tail and an anchor for adhering the hydrophobic tail onto the solid particulate. The anchor may be metal and the hydrophobic tail may be an organo-silicon material, a fluorinated hydrocarbon or both an organo-silicon material and a fluorinated hydrocarbon. The composite may be used as a proppant in a hydraulic fracturing operation as well as a sand control particulate in a gravel packing operation. The presence of the surface modifying treatment agent on the surface of the solid particulate reduces the generation of fines and dust as well as the migration of sand during a hydraulic fracturing operation or a sand control operation. The presence of the surface modifying treatment agent on the surface of the solid particulate further enhances the crush resistance of the solid particulate.

Abstract: Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles.

Abstract: A proppant for use in fracturing a subterranean formation is characterized by specific mean particle size, particle size standard deviation, and aspect ratio. The proppant is prepared from a thermoplastic composition that includes specific amounts of a polyamide and a poly(phenylene ether). The proppant is useful for propping a fracture in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Abstract: A self-adaptive cement formulation includes cement, water and asphaltite-mineral particles. The set cement demonstrates self-healing properties when exposed to methane, and is particularly suited for well-cementing applications. After placement and curing, the self-healing properties help maintain zonal isolation should bonding be disrupted between the set cement and the formation or a casing string, should cracks or defects appear in the set-cement matrix, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fracturing fluids having temperature-sensitive viscosities. The fracturing fluids may include a mixture of a hydrophobically associative polymer (HAP) and a surfactant in an aqueous medium, wherein the surfactant imparts a critical solution temperature (CST) to the fluid. The fluid is more viscous at temperatures lower than the CST as compared to temperatures above the CST.

Abstract: A composition including a wellbore work fluid and a polymer having mechanically labile chemical bonds is injected downhole, and combines with fluid present downhole to yield a composite fluid. Mechanical energy (e.g., ultrasonic energy) is provided to the composite fluid downhole to cleave the mechanically labile chemical bonds in the polymer. The polymer may be used as a viscosifier, friction reducer, or fluid loss additive. Cleaving the mechanically labile chemical bonds with mechanical energy allows precise degradation downhole.

Abstract: A capsule for carrying a proppant for emplaced in a formation containing formation fluid by a hydraulic fracture operation using a fracturing fluid. The capsule includes a capsule body. The capsule body includes a proppant. There is a surface layer on the capsule body that is permeable to the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or is permeable to both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid. The proppant material is dry cement that interacts with the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid that migrate through the surface layer and is taken up by the dry cement causing the dry cement to harden.

Abstract: A self-adaptive cement formulation includes cement, water, block copolymer and asphaltite-mineral particles. The set cement demonstrates self-healing properties when exposed to methane, and is particularly suited for well-cementing applications. After placement and curing, the self-healing properties help maintain zonal isolation should bonding be disrupted between the set cement and the formation or a casing string, should cracks or defects appear in the set-cement matrix, or both.

Abstract: The instant application relates to nanogels or compositions that hold multivalent metal ions until some level of nanogel degradation has occurred, then slowly release the multivalent metal ions for gelation with carboxylate containing polymers. Compositions comprising such nanogels, together with polymers that can be crosslinked with multivalent metal ions, allow the deployment of such mixtures in various applications, and greatly increased gelation times.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for treating a subterranean formation including injecting into the subterranean formation a fluid composition that includes a fluid and a deformable proppant having an interpenetrating polymer network formed from a first polymer component and a second polymer component.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising a diverter material into a wellbore, allowing the diverter material to form a diverter plug at a first location in the wellbore or subterranean formation, diverting the flow of a second wellbore servicing fluid to a second location in the wellbore or subterranean formation, and contacting the diverter plug with a third wellbore servicing fluid comprising a degradation accelerator and a phase transfer catalyst under conditions sufficient to form one or more degradation products. A method comprising contacting a diverter material with a phase transfer catalyst under conditions suitable to produce a composite material placing downhole a first wellbore servicing fluid comprising the composite material, and placing downhole a second wellbore servicing fluid comprising a degradation accelerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow hydrogel capsules. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a hollow hydrogel capsule including a hydrogel shell including a hydrolyzed and crosslinked polymerized composition. The hollow hydrogel capsule also includes a hollow interior including at least one component of a downhole composition for subterranean petroleum or water well drilling, stimulation, clean-up, production, completion, abandonment, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising the hollow hydrogel capsules and methods of making the hollow hydrogel capsules.

Abstract: A drilling fluid, spacer fluid and cementing compositions for use in subterranean wells are disclosed along with methods for making using same, where the compositions include a particulate weighted elastomeric composition system including at least one higher density weighting agent and at least one elastomer, where the higher density weighting agents have a density of at least 5.0 g/cm3 and conventional weighting agents, to produce compositions having a desired high density, while retaining other fluid properties such as pumpability, gas tight sealing, low tendency to segregate, and reduced high temperature cement strength retrogression.

Abstract: The invention is directed to long lasting crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same, and their uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having cationic sites as well as labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle 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 target zones in the reservoirs and when the heat and/or a suitable pH in the reservoir cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the cationic sites in the polymer adsorb to negative sites of the rock in the formation, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery. However, many other uses are possible.

Abstract: Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method includes a method comprising introducing a sealant composition into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein the sealant composition comprises a base fluid, a binder material, and a filler material; and allowing the sealant composition to form a cohesive sealant. One composition provided herein includes a sealant composition comprising a base fluid, a binder material, and a filler material, wherein the sealant composition will form a cohesive sealant.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing composition comprising a base fluid, the base fluid comprising a substantially aqueous fluid, a brine, an emulsion, an invert emulsion, an oleaginous fluid, or combinations thereof, a quantity of template assisted crystallization beads, and a wellbore servicing fluid component, the wellbore servicing fluid component comprising a quantity of proppant, a quantity of gravel, or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing system comprising a flowpath, the flowpath comprising at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment, and a conduit extending from the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment to a wellbore, and a wellbore servicing fluid disposed within the flowpath, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid comprises a plurality of template assisted crystallization beads.

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 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: 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: Consolidation fluids comprising: an aqueous base fluid comprising a hardening agent; an emulsified resin having an aqueous external phase and an organic internal phase; a silane coupling agent; and a surfactant. The consolidation fluid itself may be emulsified and further comprise an emulsifying agent. The consolidation fluid may also be foamed in some cases.

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: 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: Additives and treatment fluids with improved shale inhibition, and associated methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. The additives and treatment fluids used generally comprise a shale-inhibiting component and one or more silicates.

Abstract: A pressurized polymer bead such as may be useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing is described, including a shell that is substantially impermeable, wherein the shell includes a polyimide polymer. The pressurized polymer bead includes a core region that is at a pressure that is greater than 5 MPa.

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 method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.

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: In one aspect, this invention provides a method for the in-situ production of natural gas, light crude oil, or sequences or mixtures thereof, comprising the steps of: (a) suspending a catalytic polymer bead in a fracturing medium, wherein said catalytic polymer bead is nearly neutrally buoyant in said fracturing medium; (b) introducing said suspension into a formation at sufficiently high rates and pressures that the formation fails and fractures to accept said suspension; and (c) collecting the natural gas, light crude oil, or sequences or mixtures thereof, generated by the subterranean formation. In another aspect, this invention provides compositions of matter for said catalytic polymer beads. In yet another aspect, this invention provides processing methods for producing said catalytic polymer beads.

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.

Abstract: An encapsulated composition for polymerization includes an initiator composition for initiating a polymerization reaction, and a capsule prepared from an elemental metal or fusible alloy having a melting temperature from about 20° C. to about 200° C. A fluid for polymerization includes the encapsulated composition and a monomer. When the capsule melts or breaks open, the initiator is released.

Abstract: A cement slurry composition comprises a plugging agent with a glass-transition temperature lower than about 150° C. The plugging agent is preferably an including polyethlene wax, polypropylene wax, carnauba wax or scale wax. After the cement slurry sets, it may be heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the wax. The molten wax may then flow into pores in the set cement. Upon cooling, the wax solidifies. As a result, the porosity and permeability of the set cement are reduced.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to weighted elastomers. The weighted elastomers may comprise an elastomer and a weighting agent attached to an outer surface of the elastomer. An embodiment includes a method of cementing that comprises providing a cement composition containing cement, water, and a weighted elastomer. In addition, the cement composition may be introduced into a subterranean formation and allowed to set therein.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for transporting fracture fluid additives underground to oil and gas wells by attaching a fracture fluid additive to an ion exchange resin and flowing the ion exchange resin underground and thereafter releasing the frac fluid additives from the ion exchange resins and also there is provided the use of an ion exchange resin as a proppant and a frac fluid lubricant.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with 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; and allowing the tar stabilizing polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.

Abstract: Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase.

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: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to cement compositions and methods comprising sub-micron calcium carbonate and latex. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. The method may comprise introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water, sub-micron calcium carbonate, and latex. The method further may comprise allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a cement composition that may comprise cement, water, a sub-micron calcium carbonate, and latex.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The currently preferred embodiments use substantially spherical thermoset nanocomposite particles where the matrix comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior is incorporated to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.

Abstract: A substance and method for treating a subterranean formation using hydraulic fracturing. A non-metallic, substantially deformable, proppant particle is “elastically flexible” or “plastically compressible” and adapted for use at concentrations which will substantially create a partial monolayer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to well bore treatments that comprise swellable particles. An embodiment includes a method that comprises introducing a fluid comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a method of cementing that comprises: introducing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a space between a pipe string and a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the space. Another embodiment includes a well treatment composition comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle.

Abstract: Wellbore fluid having a continuous aqueous phase, and containing at least one polymer which (a) has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 10,000 to less than 100,000; (b) contains hydrophilic units such that the polymer is at least 2% soluble in water at a temperature of 20° C. wherein none of said hydrophilic units comprise —CH2.CH2.O— units; and (c) contains pendant alkyl groups having at least 10 carbon atoms. The combined molecular weight of the pendant alkyl groups is in the range of from 15 to 70% by weight based on the weight of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions which swell on contact with water. In particular, the invention is suitable for use in subterranean wells such as those used in the oil and gas industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for reducing the viscosity of hydrocarbon liquids encountered in petroleum operations. The method includes forming a low viscosity emulsion by contacting hydrocarbon liquids with an effective amount of a water-soluble polymer having pendant methyl ether groups.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to aqueous based wellbore fluids for preventing wellbore fluid loss downhole containing at least one copolymer formed from at least one natural polymer monomer and at least one latex monomer, and an aqueous base fluid.

Abstract: An all-oil reversible gelling system includes a polymer, a crosslinker, a gel accelerator, and an oxidant, wherein temperature activates the crosslinker so as to cause the system to form a gel, and the oxidant subsequently decomposes the gel. This gel is designed to seal temporarily portions of oil-producing or water or gas injecting subterranean formations.

Abstract: A substance and method for treating a subterranean formation using hydraulic fracturing. A non-metallic, substantially deformable, proppant particle is “elastically flexible” or “plastically compressible” and adapted for use at concentrations which will substantially create a partial monolayer.

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible polymer, particles made from same, and a process for preparing the particles. This flexible polymer is obtained from copolymerizing monomer (A) and monomer (B), wherein monomer (A) is one or more water-insoluble unsaturated diene monomers; monomer (B) is at least one compound with the general formula of wherein R is C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12 alkyl aryl, C1-C12 alkyl ether or C1-C12alkyl ester. Monomer (A) is in an amount of 60-90% by weight of the total combined weight of monomer (A) and monomer (B). Monomer (B) is in an amount of 10-40% by weight of the total combined weight of monomer (A) and monomer (B). The flexible polymer particles show excellent flexibility, deformability, elasticity as well as stability. They can be used in oilfields in nearby wellbore profile control and in-depth profile control or as in-depth flooding fluid diverting agents.