Abstract: A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications.

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: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.

Abstract: A low toxicity composition and method of reducing the swelling of clay in well comprising circulating in the well a water-based fluid comprising a functionally effective concentration of the additive formed from the following reaction of a tertiary amine of the following general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups with one to three carbon atoms or combinations thereof, and R3 is a hydroxyalkyl group with one to three carbon atoms, with an alkylating agent of the following general formula: R-A wherein R is an alkyl radical with one to three carbon atoms, and A is an organic or inorganic anion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, phosphate, carbonate, and combinations thereof.

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: The invention provides a method of forming a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, comprising: combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion (Fe2+) and an amine; and forming the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation is also disclosed and comprises: providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, by combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion and an amine, and treating the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method of creating a carbon dioxide hydrate is disclosed. The preferred steps include supplying liquid carbon dioxide and a dissociation agent to a hydrocarbon hydrate, decomposing the hydrocarbon hydrate by the dissociation agent into a hydrocarbon gas and liquid water, and forming the carbon dioxide hydrate from the liquid carbon dioxide and the liquid water. The dissociation agent preferably is at least one of an inorganic salt, a surface active agent, a hydrate inhibitor, and an absorption solution. Furthermore, a substance composition of liquid carbon dioxide and the dissociation agent is described, which is provided for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation. Furthermore, a deposition device is described, which is configured for depositing carbon dioxide hydrate in a subterranean geological formation.

Abstract: Incorporating water-based polymer breakers, such as oxidizers, enzymes and/or acids, into a mixture of an oil and oil-soluble surfactants creates an emulsion that can then perform as a dual-functional breaker for reducing the viscosity of hybrid fluids gelled with both a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and a polymer. The outer phase of the dual-functional breaker emulsion is oil, e.g. a mineral oil, containing an oil-soluble surfactant that will, over time and with heat, break the VES portion of the gel. As it does so, the polymer breaker in the internal aqueous phase will be released to then break the polymer portion of the gel. The polymer breaker will not start to break the polymer gel before the oil-soluble surfactant starts to break the VES gel. The overall breaking using the emulsion is slower as compared to introducing the polymer breaker and the oil-soluble surfactant in a non-emulsified form.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of an internal breaker composition that contains at least one mineral oil, at least one polyalphaolefin oil, at least one saturated fatty acid and/or at least one unsaturated fatty acid. The internal breaker may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the internal breaker, e.g. mineral oil, is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled. An oil-soluble surfactant is present to enhance or accelerate the reduction of viscosity of the gelled aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Improved gelled hydrocarbon fracturing fluids include a gelling agent and a crosslinking composition including a crosslinking agent and a catalytic agent. The catalytic agent is a fatty quaternized amine, which includes monoalkyl benzyl quaternized amines.

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

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent for use in oil recovery. Generally a proppant, delayed gel breaker and other modifiers are added to the gelled hydrocarbon to improve the oil recovery process. The phosphate ester used in this method and composition for oil recovery has low volatility and good stability during hydrocarbon distillation resulting in improved distillation efficiency in a refinery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of phosphate esters as surfactants in techniques for enhanced crude oil recovery from underground formations. The invention also relates to formulations that can be used in enhanced crude oil recovery methods and to be contacted with the rocks of underground formations.

Abstract: A new hydrocarbon fluid composition and methods of using the fluid are disclosed. The fluid is comprised of a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphate ester, an iron or aluminum salt crosslinker, a hydrocarbon foaming agent and a gas. The fluid can be used in many applications.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent for use in oil recovery. Generally a proppant, delayed gel breaker and other modifiers are added to the gelled hydrocarbon to improve the oil recovery process. The phosphate ester used in this method and composition for oil recovery has low volatility and good stability during hydrocarbon distillation resulting in improved distillation efficiency in a refinery.

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.

Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions and associated methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to gelled invert emulsion compositions and their associated methods of use and preparation. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a gelled invert emulsion composition that comprises an oleaginous continuous phase, a discontinuous phase, and a gelling agent; and treating a portion of the subterranean formation. The present invention also provides methods of increasing the viscosity of an invert emulsion composition, methods of making gelled invert emulsion compositions, methods of providing some degree of sand control to portions of subterranean formations, methods of fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation, and gelled invert emulsion compositions.

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 comprising at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one antistatic agent to control build up of static charge. The second fluid 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: Compositions and methods are described for inhibiting corrosion of corrodible metals present in contact with water in cooling water and other water storage systems. The compositions include concentrated stannous salts and agents to solubilize such salts.

Abstract: Methods of controlling particulate migration in a portion of a subterranean formation comprising placing a pre-flush fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation; and then, placing a low-viscosity adhesive substance diluted with an aqueous dissolvable solvent into the portion of the subterranean formation; wherein the portion of a subterranean formation being treated has a regain permeability of at least about 70%. Methods of creating a stabilized region around a portion of a subterranean formation around a well bore having a screen or liner in place in that portion of the subterranean formation comprising placing a pre-flush fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation; and then, placing a low-viscosity adhesive substance diluted with an aqueous dissolvable solvent into that portion of the subterranean formation; wherein the portion of a subterranean formation being treated has regain permeability of at least about 70%.

Abstract: A method of delivering chemicals such as scale inhibitor into a wellbore producing fluids includes providing the chemicals, in a slow-release form, in a container located in the path of the production fluids so that the production fluids pass through the container. Preferably, the container is suspended in the production tubing and periodically retrieved from the well to be refilled.

Abstract: A well treating composition containing a polysaccharide-based water-superabsorbent material has particularly applicability as a thermal insulating, fracturing or acid stimulation fluid. The water-superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing, at a minimum, its own weight. Particularly effective are biodegradable materials containing guar gum and carrageenan. The composition may further contain a crosslinking agent, brine and/or a viscosifying polymer or a gelling agent. As an oil-based fluid, the crosslinking agent is absorbed onto the water-superabsorbent material and serves to effectively delay crosslinking.

Abstract: Among other things, methods of treating a subterranean formation with gelled hydrocarbon fluids are provided. In certain embodiments, these methods comprise the steps of providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and a gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphonic acid ester or a polyvalent metal salt of an organophosphinic acid, and treating the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. The gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluids of the present invention are suitable for use in subterranean treatment operations, such as subterranean stimulation and sand control treatments like fracturing and gravel packing, that may be carried out in subterranean formations for the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations penetrated by well bores are provided. A method for breaking a gelled hydrocarbon fluid comprised of a hydrocarbon liquid, a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester or dialkylphosphinic acid is provided.

Abstract: Methods for controlling particulate segregation comprising providing a mixture of an aqueous tackifying composition with a treatment fluid; slurrying the mixture with a first type of solid particulates and a second type of solid particulates and wherein the first type of solid particulates have a tendency to segregate from the second type of solid particulates when slurried into a liquid; and, placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation. Methods for controlling particulate segregation comprising providing a treatment fluid; at least partially coating with an aqueous tackifying composition: a first type of solid particulates and a second type of solid particulates and wherein the first type of solid particulates have a tendency to segregate from the second type of solid particulates when slurried into a liquid; slurrying the two types of particulates into the treatment fluid; and, placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation.

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

Abstract: A method for using an invert emulsion fluid in a well bore, comprising placing an invert emulsion fluid in a well bore, wherein the invert emulsion fluid comprises an oleaginous fluid, a non-oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier comprising one or more amines generally represented by the formula: wherein R is a radical selected from the group consisting of abietyl, hydroabietyl, dihydroabietyl, tetrahydroabietyl, and dehydroabietyl, each R? may be the same or different and is an alkyl having from about 1 to about 3 carbons, each A may be the same or different and is NH or O, and the sum of x and y ranges from about 1 to about 20, and contacting the invert emulsion fluid with an acid solution to reversibly convert the invert emulsion to an oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: Fluid producing wells may be treated with a water-in-oil emulsion for the removal or inhibition of unwanted solid particulates, including pipe dope, asphaltenes and paraffins. Such emulsions are of particular applicability in the displacement of oil base drilling muds and/or residues from such muds from producing wells. The water-in-oil emulsions may optionally contain a dispersing agent as well as a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to servicing fluids for use in subterranean operations. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved servicing fluids comprising optimized hydrocarbon blends and methods of using such servicing fluids in subterranean formations. One embodiment of the preset invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising the steps of providing a servicing fluid comprising a hydrocarbon blend wherein the hydrocarbon blend comprises at least about 65% hydrocarbons having from 6 carbons (C6) to eleven carbons (C11); and placing the servicing fluid into the subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a subterranean servicing fluid comprising a hydrocarbon blend wherein the hydrocarbon blend comprises at least about 65% hydrocarbons having from 6 carbons (C6) to eleven carbons (C11).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, one of which includes: providing a gelled nonaqueous treatment fluid that comprises a nonaqueous base fluid and a difunctional gelling agent that comprises a polyvalent metal salt of a bisorganophosphinic acid, a polyvalent metal salt of a bisorthophosphoric acid diester, and/or a polyvalent metal salt of a bisorganophosphonic acid monoester; and treating the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of fracturing, providing some degree of sand control, cleaning a portion of a pipeline, treatment fluid compositions, and difunctional gelling agent compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A process for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation having at least one hydrocarbon bearing zone and at least one water bearing zone wherein the ratio of the permeability of the hydrocarbon bearing zone(s) to the permeability of the water bearing zone(s) is in the range of from 1:20 to 3:1 comprising: a) sequentially injecting into the formation: (i) an aqueous polymer solution comprising 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of a water-soluble polymer having from 0.01 to 7.5 mole % of crosslinkable carboxylate and/or phosphonate groups and a molecular weight in the range of 250,000 to 12,000,000; and (ii) an aqueous solution of a crosslinking agent; and b) back-producing the aqueous polymer solution over the crosslinking agent so that the polymer crosslinks within the formation to form a gel which is collapsible to allow hydrocarbon flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for completing well bores along producing zones and, more particularly, to methods for strengthening near well bore subterranean formations. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of strengthening the near well bore region of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of isolating a zone of interest along a well bore; either hydrajetting a slot in the zone of interest or acidizing the zone of interest to create wormholes; filling the slot or wormholes with a consolidation material wherein the viscosity of the consolidation material is sufficient to enable the consolidation material to penetrate a distance into the formation; and, allowing the consolidation material to substantially cure.

Abstract: Barium sulfate and/or calcium carbonate scale inhibitor composition composed of a water-soluble polymer having incorporated phosphate functionality, the polymer being formed from at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, at least one ethylenically unsaturated vinyl sulfonate monomer, or a mixture thereof. The scale inhibitor composition can be used as a means of detecting inhibitor composition in downhole and topside oilfield treatments by means that are faster and more accurate than turbidometric measurement.

Abstract: An invert emulsion fluid, method for making same, and method for using same as a servicing fluid in a well bore. The invert emulsion fluid contains an oleaginous fluid, a non-oleaginous fluid, and an emulsifier comprising one or more amines generally represented by the formula: wherein R is a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon, each R? may be the same or different and is H or an alkyl having from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms, each A may be the same or different and is NH or O, and the sum of x and y ranges from about 1 to about 20. In a preferred embodiment, R is a radical selected from the group consisting of abietyl, dihydroabietyl, tetrahydroabietyl, and dehydroabietyl, R? is H, and A is O.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon-containing formation is disclosed. The method includes injecting a well treating fluid into a well, wherein the well treating fluid includes a self-diverting acid that includes about 1% to 30% by weight of at least one 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; and about 1% to 20% by volume of at least one viscoelastic surfactant selected from a family of compounds described by where R3 contains at least 10 carbon atoms, p=1-6, R2 contains 1-6 carbon atoms and R1 contains 1-6 carbon atoms; and about 0.7% to 20% by weight scale inhibitor.

Abstract: A class of quaternary ammonium compounds are found to be effective as corrosion inhibitors. These quaternary ammonium compounds may be used alone or in combination with additional components. For example, phosphate esters can be used with the quaternary ammonium compounds. Moreover, thiocarbonyl compounds can also be added to the corrosion inhibitor compositions. These corrosion inhibitors are effective against ferrous metal corrosion, especially under downhole conditions.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid having a non-aqueous continuous liquid phase that exhibits an electrical conductivity increased by a factor in order of 104 to 107 compared to conventional invert emulsion comprises from about 0.2% to about 10% by volume of carbon black particles and one or more emulsifying surfactant(s) selected from the class including nonionic emulsifiers of Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) less than about 12, and anionic surfactants wherein the counter-ion (cation) is any of alkali metal, ammonium, or hydrogen ions. This wellbore fluid can be used for drilling or completing a well and can be used for providing enhanced information from electrical logging tools, measurement while drilling, logging while drilling, geosteering and the like.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations penetrated by well bores are provided. A method for breaking a gelled hydrocarbon fluid comprised of a hydrocarbon liquid, a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic acid ester or dialkylphosphinic acid is provided.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid is provided for use in fracturing subterranean formations. It comprises a hydrocarbon base. In the base, acidified alkyl phosphate esters are complexed with metallic cations, to form a gel.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations penetrated by well bores are provided. A method for breaking a gelled hydrocarbon fluid comprised of a hydrocarbon liquid, a ferric iron or aluminum polyvalent metal salt of a phosphonic or phosphoric acid ester is provided.

Abstract: Photocatalyst compositions may include a photocatalyst layer formed or disposed on the surface of a porous substrate. A metal may be disposed on the photocatalyst layer. If the metal is present predominantly at the surface of the photocatalyst layer, the metal can be utilized efficiently for photocatalytic reactions. The photocatalyst composition may be preferably formed by disposing the photocatalyst layer on the surface of the porous substrate and depositing the metal predominantly on the surface of the photocatalyst layer. Photocatalytic filter devices may include these photocatalyst compositions.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbons are gelled by the introduction of a phosphate ester and a crosslinking agent. Gelling times and viscosities are improved through the use of an enhancer which is, preferably, an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Preferred phosphate esters are ether phosphate esters.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for gelling liquid hydrocarbons by the introduction of certain phosphate esters, a crosslinking agent, and an enhancer. The enhancer of the present invention is preferably an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Mixed phosphate esters containing an oxyalkylene group are useful in the practice of the invention. Gel-forming compositions for addition to liquid hydrocarbons, as well as methods for forming fracturing fluids, are encompassed. The present compositions and methods are an improvement in the field of hydrocarbon gelling, e.g., in fracturing formations, by providing more rapid gellation and greater viscosities.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid is provided for use in fracturing subterranean formations. It comprises a hydrocarbon base. In the base, acidified alkyl phosphate esters are complexed with metallic cations, to form a gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for gelling liquid hydrocarbons by the introduction of certain phosphate esters, a crosslinking agent, and an enhancer. The enhancer of the present invention is preferably an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Mixed phosphate esters containing an oxyalkylene group are useful in the practice of the invention. Gel-forming compositions for addition to liquid hydrocarbons, as well as methods for forming fracturing fluids, are encompassed. The present compositions and methods are an improvement in the field of hydrocarbon gelling, e.g., in fracturing formations, by providing more rapid gellation and greater viscosities.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for gelling liquid hydrocarbons by the introduction of certain phosphate esters, a crosslinking agent, and an enhancer. The enhancer of the present invention is preferably an oxyalkylated amine or a blend of an oxyalkylated amine with another amine or a non-nitrogen-containing component. Mixed phosphate esters containing an oxyalkylene group are useful in the practice of the invention. Gel-forming compositions for addition to liquid hydrocarbons, as well as methods for forming fracturing fluids, are encompassed. The present compositions and methods are an improvement in the field of hydrocarbon gelling, e.g., in fracturing formations, by providing more rapid gellation and greater viscosities.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid is provided for use in fracturing subterranean formations. It comprises a hydrocarbon base. In the base, acidified alkyl phosphate esters are complexed with metallic cations, to form a gel.

Abstract: Granules composed of a particulate breaker chemical dispersed in a wax matrix are used in fracturing operations to break hydrocarbon liquids gelled with salts of alkyl phosphate esters. The wax granules are solid at surface temperature and melt or disperse in the hydrocarbon liquid at formation temperature releasing the breaker chemical to react with gelling agent.

Abstract: An encapsulated breaker for a fracturing fluid for use in fracturing subterranean formations comprising: a hydrocarbon base; neutralized alkyl phosphate esters completed with metallic cations, to form a gel, in said hydrocarbon base.