Abstract: Methods for providing corrosion inhibition in conduits, containers, and wellbores penetrating subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include contacting a metal surface with a fluid that includes a corrosion inhibitor additive, in certain embodiments, the corrosion inhibitor additive includes an tonic liquid.

Abstract: A method includes forming an ionic liquid-based product, the ionic liquid-based product including an ionic liquid and mixing the ionic-liquid based product with a fluid. The method also includes injecting the fluid mixed with the ionic-liquid based product into a formation as part of an Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) application.

Abstract: Methods and system for modeling wellbore treatment operations in which the flow of treatment fluids may be diverted are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: receiving, at a processing component, one or more treatment operation inputs characterizing a treatment operation for a wellbore system comprising a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation and a treatment fluid comprising a diverter, wherein at least one of the one or more treatment operation inputs comprises the inlet concentration of the diverter in the treatment fluid; and using the processing component to determine a wellbore system pressure distribution and a wellbore system flow distribution based, at least in part, on the one or more treatment operation inputs and a diversion flow model, wherein the diversion flow model captures an effect of the diverter on fluid flow in the wellbore system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of fabricating a multivalent iron bio-inhibitor from waste bauxite residue and methods of controlling reservoir souring using the multivalent iron bio-inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of removing iron-containing scale from a wellbore, pipe, or metal-containing surface involving contacting the iron-containing scale with a biodegradable descaler solution of water, hydrochloric acid, formic acid, citric acid, a corrosion inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor intensifier, and a surfactant. The method is performed at a pressure of 14 to 400 psi and a temperature of 100 to 150° C. The method removes iron-containing scale made of iron sulfide, iron carbonate, iron oxyhydroxide, and calcium carbonate. The method meets industry standard steel corrosion rates of less than 0.049 lb/ft2 per day. Also disclosed is a biodegradable descaler solution of water, hydrochloric acid, formic acid, citric acid, a corrosion inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor intensifier, and a surfactant that meets OECD 301B thresholds for ready biodegradability.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using such compositions to treat subterranean formations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods include providing a drilling fluid including an aqueous base fluid and a low molecular mass organic gelator; and using the drilling fluid to drill at least a portion of a wellbore that penetrates at least a portion of a subterranean formation. In certain embodiments, the methods include providing a drilling fluid including an aqueous base fluid and a low molecular mass organic gelator; and using the drilling fluid to drill at least a portion of a wellbore that penetrates at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating subterranean formations using solid particulates comprising compounds having an aminopolycarboxylic functional group and a phosphoric acid functional group. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of solid particulates, wherein the solid particulates comprise at least one compound having an aminocarboxylic functional group and a phosphonic functional group, and wherein the solid particulates have a diameter from about 0.1 microns to about 5 millimeters; and introducing the fluid into a wellbore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods of servicing a wellbore and/or a subterranean formation including introducing a wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore and/or the subterranean formation to degrade a degradable polymer therein by contacting the degradable polymer with a liquid neutralized degradation accelerator. The wellbore servicing fluid comprises a particulate salt degradation accelerator and a neutralizer activator. The particulate salt degradation accelerator is formed by reacting a degradation accelerator solution with an acid, the neutralizer activator is capable of dissociating the acid by neutralization from the particulate salt degradation accelerator so as to form the liquid neutralized degradation accelerator.

Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one scale control agent. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for treating aqueous compositions found in subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of calcium salts in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for use in fracturing subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surfactant formulation for use in treating and recovering fossil fluid from a subterranean formation. The surfactant formulation includes a primary surfactant, a formulation stability agent and injection water.

Abstract: A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%.

Abstract: A well servicing fluid is formulated by combining ingredients comprising: an aqueous based fluid comprising sulfate ions at a concentration greater than 50 mg/l; a chelating agent; and an acid in an amount sufficient to result in the well servicing fluid having a pH of 4.5 or less. A method of servicing a well is also disclosed.

Abstract: Biofouling may be prevented or at least mitigated by employing a cinnamaldehyde additive to augment the affect of the conventional biocide. Exemplary cinnamaldehyde additives include, but are not limited to, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamyl alcohol. A cinnamaldehyde additive by itself, in some embodiments, may also inhibit biofouling.

Abstract: A biocidal composition comprising tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride and tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate at a weight ratio of 2:1 to 1:10, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.

Abstract: An oil recovery method by the modification of the rock wettability from hydrophilic to oleophilic using hydrophobic compounds. Specifically, the method relates to the application of oil-type emulsions in water based on hydrophobic compounds free of silicon and fluorine to increase the oil recovery in mature sandstone-type reservoirs after the injection of water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for inhibiting scaling in a subterranean oil or gas producing formation, comprising adding to the formation a composition comprising a metal chelant, a scale inhibitor and divalent metal cations, wherein the stability constant of the metal chelant—metal cation chelate at ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the stability constant of the chelate formed from the metal cations and the scale inhibitor, and wherein the solubility of the chelate formed from the metal cations and the scale inhibitor decreases with increasing temperature.

Abstract: Methods of treating flowback water from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore are provided, comprising: (a) providing remediated flowback water having a ferrous iron (Fe+2) ion concentration of less than about 100 milligrams of ferrous iron ion per liter of flowback water, a barium ion (Ba+2) concentration of less than about 500 milligrams of barium ion per liter of flowback water, and a calcium ion (Ca+) concentration of at least about 1,000 milligrams of calcium ion per liter of remediated flowback water; and (b) treating the flowback water with: (i) at least one friction reducing agent; and (ii) at least one scale formation inhibiting agent and/or at least one iron precipitation control agent to provide treated flowback water which can be reused as fracturing fluid in a well drilling operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling microbial growth and/or activity in a gas field fluid or oil field fluid are provided, comprising: a) adding a first biocide component to the gas field fluid or oil field fluid in an amount effective to control microbial growth and/or activity; and b) after a delay, adding a second biocide component to the gas field fluid or oil field fluid.

Abstract: A treatment fluid and method treating a zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The treatment fluid includes: (i) water; (ii) a strong acid; (iii) a cationic viscoelastic surfactant; (iv) an anionic organic component having at least 4 carbon atoms; and (v) a non-cationic corrosion inhibitor; wherein the pH of the treatment fluid is less than 0.5. Preferably, the viscosity of the treatment fluid is less than 5 cP at 40 sec-1. The method includes the steps of: (A) forming the treatment fluid; (B) introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the zone; and (C) allowing time for the strong acid in the treatment fluid to spend in the formation. Preferably, as the acid spends in the subterranean formation, the viscosity of the treatment fluid increases in the well to above 5 cP. Such a treatment fluid shows good rheological properties at temperatures above 93° C. (200° F.).

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of fracturing processes in oil production fields may rely on polymer coated particles carried in the fracturing fluid. The particles may include heavy substrates, such as sand, ceramic sand, or the like coated with polymers selected to absorb water, increasing the area and volume to travel more readily with the flow of fluid without settling out, or allowing the substrate to settle out. Ultimately, the substrate may become lodged in the fissures formed by the pressure or hydraulic fracturing, resulting in propping open of the fissures for improved productivity.

Abstract: A method of treating a sandstone-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid containing a hydrogen fluoride source and an amorphous silica precipitation inhibitor. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore at a pressure below the fracture pressure of the formation to facilitate dissolution of formation materials, optionally as a single stage. The amorphous silica inhibitor may be a polycarboxylate and/or polycarboxylic acid, an organosilane or a phosphonate compound. The amorphous silica inhibitor may be capable of inhibiting precipitation of amorphous silica so that the treatment fluid contains at least about 500 ppm of silicon after at least about 100 minutes subsequent to the treatment fluid being introduced into the formation.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent, a hardenable resin and a hardening agent into the wellbore wherein the coupling agent comprises a multihydroxy phenyl, a dihydroxy phenyl, a trihydroxy phenyl, ascorbic acid, a hydroxymethylnaphthol, an oxidation product thereof, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a coupling agent, a hardenable resin, a hardening agent and a proppant wherein the coupling agent comprises a multihydroxy phenyl, a dihydroxy phenyl, a trihydroxy phenyl, ascorbic acid, a hydroxymethylphenol, a hydroxymethylnaphthol, an oxidation product thereof, a derivative thereof, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of converting an inactive biocide into an active biocide comprises: contacting the inactive biocide with an activating agent, wherein the activating agent is capable of chemically reacting with the inactive biocide; and causing or allowing a chemical reaction to take place between the inactive biocide and the activating agent, wherein the chemical reaction produces the active biocide. The methods can also include deactivating the active biocide via a chemical reaction between the active biocide and a deactivating agent.

Abstract: A composition and method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The composition includes: about 0.25 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. %, based on a weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, of a mixture of phosphate esters, said esters selected from the group consisting of: monoester PO(OR1)(OH)2, PO(OR2)(OH)2; diester PO(OH)(OR1)m(OR2)2?m where m=0, 1, or 2; triester PO(OH)(OR1)n(OR2)3?n where n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and phosphoric acid H3PO4 wherein R1 and R2 each have 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, of an acidic polynuclear aluminum compound having an Al:Cl mole ratio ranging from about 1.40:1 to about 2.2:1. The composition is added to a hydrocarbon liquid to fracture the subterranean formation with this hydrocarbon liquid. The hydrocarbon liquid containing the composition exhibits a substantially constant viscosity.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using polymer viscosified fluid crosslinked with metal complexes with amino and/or phosphonic acids to provide an increased crosslinking temperature and a low pH sensitivity. The metal complexes can be used with borate crosslinkers to provide continuous viscosification as the temperature is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds comprising three hydrophobic groups as additives to a stream of crude oil containing carboxylic acids, in particular naphthenic acids, and salt water, to prevent the formation of calcium carboxylates when the fluid is exposed to shear forces. Preferably, the compounds are added to a crude oil/water stream containing organic acids Ca2+ ions at a point between the well and the pressure reduction valve in the crude oil receiving station.

Abstract: The present invention is a cryogenic subterranean fracturing fluid, comprising a liquefied industrial gas and a first additive. The liquefied industrial gas may be liquefied carbon dioxide, liquefied nitrogen, or a blend of the two. The liquefied industrial gas mixture should be substantially free of water. In this context, substantially free of water means less than 10% water by volume, or preferably less than 5% water by volume. In addition to the first additive, a proppant may be added to the fracturing fluid. In addition to the biocide and/or proppant additional additives may be added to the liquefied industrial gas as required. Non-limiting examples of such additives include ozone, a friction reducer, an acid, a gelling agent, a breaker, a scale inhibitor, a clay stabilizer, a corrosion inhibitor, an iron controller, an oxygen scavenger, a surfactant, a cross-linker, a non-emulsifier, a Ph Adjusting agent, or any combination thereof.

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: New fluids are disclosed for use in servicing subterranean formations containing oil and gas. In particular, an improved chemical gelling additive for hydrocarbon based fracturing fluids is disclosed having reduce, negligible or no volatile phosphorus at temperatures below about 250° C.

Abstract: Novel aminoacid alkylphosphonic acid compounds are disclosed. These compounds can be used in multiple applications, in particular in a scale inhibitor functionality in aqueous systems, including in marine oil recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant mixture comprising at least three ionic surfactants which differ in terms of the hydrocarbyl moiety (R1)(R2)—CH—CH2— and are of the general formula (I) where R1, R2, A0, k, X, o, Y, a, b, M are each as defined in the description and the claims. The invention further relates to the use and preparation thereof, and to aqueous surfactant formulations comprising the mixtures, and to processes for producing mineral oil by means of Winsor type Ill microemulsion flooding, in which the aqueous surfactant formulation is injected into a mineral oil deposit through injection wells and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surfactant mixture comprising at least three ionic surfactants which differ in terms of the hydrocarbyl moiety (R1)(R2)—CH—CH2— and are of the general formula (I) where R1, R2, A0, k, X, o, Y, a, b, M are each as defined in the description and the claims. The invention further relates to the use and preparation thereof, and to aqueous surfactant formulations comprising the mixtures, and to processes for producing mineral oil by means of Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which the aqueous surfactant formulation is injected into a mineral oil deposit through injection wells and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing or alleviating the problems associated with corrosion and to novel formulations for use in such a method.

Abstract: Gelled liquid hydrocarbons and methods for gelling hydrocarbons and treating subterranean wellbores employ a phosphorus compound of the formula: wherein, X is a straight chained alkyl or alkoxy group having 5 to 18 carbon atoms in combination with a polyvalent metal source.

Abstract: A well servicing fluid is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated by combining ingredients comprising: an aqueous based fluid comprising sulfate ions at a concentration greater than 50 mg/l; a chelating agent; and an acid in an amount sufficient to result in the well servicing fluid having a pH of 4.5 or less. A method of servicing a well is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for inhibiting scaling in a subterranean oil or gas producing formation, comprising adding to the formation a composition comprising a metal chelant, a scale inhibitor and divalent metal cations, wherein the stability constant of the metal chelant—metal cation chelate at ambient temperature is equal to or higher than the stability constant of the chelate formed from the metal cations and the scale inhibitor, and wherein the solubility of the chelate formed from the metal cations and the scale inhibitor decreases with increasing temperature.

Abstract: A method of secondary oil recovery is disclosed wherein from 0.1 to 100 000 ppm of a medium soluble aminoalkylene phosphonic acid amine salt are used wherein both the aminoalkylene phosphonic acid moiety and the amine moiety are selected from a specifically defined class of compounds. The substantially medium soluble aminoalkylene amine phosphonates exhibit a significantly improved compatibility with the recovery medium and thus can propagate fairly freely into the medium and consequently cover a largely extended rock surface before being subject to precipitation in the form of a medium insoluble scale inhibitor. The amine compound is represented by combinations of structurally different compounds.

Abstract: A method for preventing scale formation during an alkaline hydrocarbon recovery process is disclosed. An aqueous solution (e.g., recovered sea water, water produced from the subterranean reservoir, or a combination thereof) having a concentration of metal cations (e.g., calcium, magnesium) is provided. A stoichiometric amount of an organic complexing agent relative to the concentration of metal cations is introduced into the aqueous solution such that the organic complexing agent forms aqueous soluble cation-ligand complexes with the metal cations. At least one alkaline is introduced into the aqueous solution to form an injection fluid having a pH value of at least 10. The cation-ligand complexes remain soluble in the injection fluid such that scale formation is prevented when the injection fluid is injected into a subterranean reservoir.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean formations to reduce bacteria load are provided. Some methods include the steps of providing a treatment fluid, particulates, and tri-n-butyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride (TTPC) wherein the TTPC is in liquid form or in solution; coating the TTPC onto the particulates; combining the particulates coated with TTPC with the treatment fluid to create a suspension; and, placing the suspension into the portion of the subterranean formation. Other methods involve the use of TTPC in the form of a solid salt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using threshold scale inhibitors of the formula: wherein n is 2 or 3 and M is hydrogen or an alkali metal cation, for preventing calcium carbonate, iron carbonate, and calcium sulfate scale formation in oilwell brines containing dissolved iron.

Abstract: The productivity of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing calcareous or siliceous formations is enhanced by contacting the formation with a well treatment composition which contains a hydrofluoric acid source, a boron containing compound and a phosphonate acid, ester or salt thereof.

Abstract: Scale inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent; wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. The mixture may also contain a multivalent ion and the particulates may be coated with a coating material in an amount from about 0.1% to about 40% coating material by weight of the scale inhibiting particulate to delay the release of the scale inhibitor.

Abstract: Scale-inhibiting particulates formed from a mixture of fly ash and a phosphonic acid curing agent wherein the fly ash is cured into a solid material by the contact with the phosphonic acid curing agent. Methods of using scale-inhibiting particulates to inhibit scale formation in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for treating hydrocarbon wells contains (a) a scale inhibitor and (b) a viscoelastic surfactant, and further contains from 0 to less than 1% by weight of acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, maleic acid, hydrofluoric acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions that include a method comprising contacting a metal surface with an acidic fluid comprising a corrosion inhibitor that comprises a reaction product formed from a direct or an indirect reaction of an aldehyde with a thiol and/or an amine functionalized ring structure. A composition provided includes an acidic treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous-base fluid, and acid, and a corrosion inhibitor that comprises a reaction product formed from a direct or an indirect reaction of an aldehyde with a thiol and/or an amine functionalized ring structure.

Abstract: An acid treatment composition is provided including a corrosion inhibitor and an optional corrosion inhibitor intensifier in an acidic solution. More specifically, the composition includes an anionic surfactant. Methods for treating wells with these acid treatment compositions are also provided that help control corrosion of the steel used in the wells during the acid treatment.

Abstract: Many methods are presented herein including a method comprising: providing a metal surface; and contacting the metal surface with a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and a corrosion inhibitor intensifier composition comprising a corrosion inhibitor compound that corresponds to a formula: PR1R2R3, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are chosen from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, oxyalkyl, and aryl groups, and R1, R2, and R3 may or may not be equal. Corrosion inhibitor intensifier compositions also are provided.

Abstract: Gelled liquid hydrocarbons and methods for gelling hydrocarbons and treating subterranean wellbores employ a phosphorus compound of the formula: wherein, X is a straight chained alkyl or alkoxy group having 5 to 18 carbon atoms in combination with a polyvalent metal source.

Abstract: The use of a surfactant mixture comprising at least one surfactant having a hydrocarbon radical composed of from 12 to 30 carbon atoms and at least one cosurfactant having a branched hydrocarbon radical composed of from 6 to 11 carbon atoms for tertiary mineral oil extraction.