Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlled delivery of acid to a desired location, for instance to a subterranean formation, are disclosed. A method for in situ acid stimulation of a subterranean formation that contains a hydrocarbon reservoir and a method for in situ acid treatment of a subterranean formation includes contacting the subterranean formation with (a) a sulfonate-based ammonium salt capable of being oxidized to produce acid; and (b) an oxidizing agent capable of oxidizing the sulfonate-based ammonium salt, where the ammonium salt and oxidizing agent in the aqueous fluid react to produce acid. The method for in situ acid stimulation of a subterranean formation includes stimulating the subterranean formation with the produced acid. The method for in situ acid treatment of a subterranean formation includes treating the subterranean formation with the produced acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the assisted recovery of crude oil from an underground formation, comprising: a) injecting, via at least one injection means in contact with the underground formation containing the crude oil, a liquid containing a mixture of at least: i) a salty aqueous medium, ii) a mixture of two zwitterionic viscosising surfactants or a mixture of two populations of said surfactants having a bimodal characteristic of the narrow distribution of Ri groups as defined below, in a weight content of between 1 and 0.05 wt %, preferably between 0.5 and 0.1 wt %, and more preferably between 0.4 and 0.15 wt %, such that the liquid has an oil/water interface tension of about 10 mN/m (milinewton per meter) or less as measured at room temperature (25° C.) and a viscosity of about 3 cPs or more as measured at a temperature of 80° C.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor III) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) may be formed in situ during hydrocarbon recovery operations after drilling with OBM or SBM using one or more fluid pills. The nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsions remove oil and solids from the well and wellbore surfaces. In one non-limiting embodiment, a single phase microemulsion (SPME) or other in situ-formed fluid may be created from a polar phase, a nonpolar phase, at least one viscosifier, and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an aqueous system for biocide control, by adding an acidified solution that includes monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt and alkyl isothiocyanate to an aqueous system. A biocide feed system is also provided that is configured to generate a reproducible level of alkyl isothiocyanate. The method and system provide effective levels of alkyl isothiocyanate for rapid biocidal activity, along with levels of monoalkyldithiocarbamate salt which can decompose to form additional alkyl isothiocyanate and provide longer-term biocidal activity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to stable crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers and methods for making same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles having anionic sites and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particle mixed with a fluid and a cationic crosslinker that is capable of further crosslinking the particle on degradation of the labile crosslinker and exposure of the anionic sites so as to form a gel. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into target zone and when the heat and/or suitable pH of the target zone cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and the particle expands, the cationic crosslinker crosslinks the polymer to form a gel, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: A method of treating a medium for water fracturing is disclosed, the method comprises: introducing at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor in the medium, using the medium for water fracturing. In another aspect a method of controlling the post-fracture reservoir souring by the metabolic activities of sulfate reducing bacteria of a well is described: at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor are introduced in a medium made of water, the medium is used for fracturing the well, and the medium remains in the reservoir to kill and/or inhibit growth of sulfate reducing bacteria.

Abstract: Nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor III) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) may be pre-formed and used as one or more fluid pills during hydrocarbon recovery operations after drilling with OBM or SBM. The nanoemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsions remove oil and solids from the well and wellbore surfaces. In one non-limiting embodiment, a single phase microemulsion (SPME) or other pre-formed fluid may be created from a polar phase, a nonpolar phase, an optional viscosifier, and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a method of enhancing adsorption of a salt inhibitor onto a wellbore region, wherein the method comprises preconditioning the wellbore region, emplacing the salt inhibitor into the wellbore region, and shutting in the wellbore region for a period of time to at least initiate adsorption of the salt inhibitor onto the wellbore region. The salt inhibitor comprises an at least partially water soluble compound comprising a Group 3 to Group 15 metal and/or an at least partially water soluble compound having any one of the formulae: wherein X is O or S; and R1, R2, R3, R4, and when present, R5 and/or R6 each independently comprise an organic or an inorganic functional group.

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: Fluids for use in hydrocarbon recovery operations include water and at least one organo-anionic surfactant. The fluids may be used in methods for conducting hydrocarbon recovery operations, such as drilling operations, completion operations, production operations, injection operations. The fluid may be adapted to remediate a NAF filter cake. Exemplary organo-anionic surfactants may include one or more of monoethanol ammonium alkyl aromatic sulfonic acid, monoethanol ammonium alkyl carboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of treating a hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation having non-connate water by contacting the hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation with a composition that includes a solvent and a nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant wherein the solvent at least partially displaces or solubilizes the water in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, the formation having at least one fracture, by contacting the fracture with a composition that includes a solvent and a nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant, wherein the composition interacts with at least a portion of the proppants in the fracture.

Abstract: Corrosion of metallic tubulars in an oil, gas or geothermal well may be inhibited by introducing into the well a dithiazine of the formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of a C1 to C10 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group or a C1 to C10 ?-hydroxy saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group. The dithiazine may be isolated from a whole spent fluid formed by reaction of hydrogen sulfide and a triazine. Alternately, the whole spent fluid containing the dithiazine may be introduced into the well. In addition, the dithiazine or whole spent fluid may be formulated with at least one component selected from alkyl, alkylaryl or arylamine quaternary salts; mono or polycyclic aromatic amine salts; imidazoline derivative or a quaternary salt thereof; a mono-, di- or trialkyl or alkylaryl phosphate ester; or a monomeric or oligomeric fatty acid.

Abstract: Corrosion of metallic tubulars in an oil, gas or geothermal well may be inhibited by introducing into the well a dithiazine or dithiazine of the formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of a C1 to C12 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group or a C1 to C10 ?-hydroxy saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbyl group; R1 is selected from the group consisting of a C1-C24 straight chain or branched alkyl group or a C1-C24 arylalkyl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of X-R4-X, R4 being a C1-C6 alkyl group; and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine. The dithiazine may he isolated from a whole spent fluid formed by reaction of hydrogen sulfide and a triazine. Alternately, the whole spent fluid containing the dithiazine may be introduced into the well. The dithiazines of formulae (II) and (III) are quaternized derivatives of the dithiazine of formula (I).

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: At least in aspect, the invention provides methods that include a method comprising: contacting a metal surface with an acidic fluid comprising an aqueous base-fluid, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, and a corrosion inhibitor intensifier composition comprising an intensifier compound that corresponds to the following formula: wherein R1 is a methyl or ethyl group, and R2 is H or an alkyl, aryl, alkyl aryl, alkylthio aryl, alkyloxy aryl, halogenated aryl, phenyl, alkyl phenyl, alkylthio phenyl, alkyloxyphenyl, or a halogenated phenyl group.

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: The invention relates to an enhancing oil recovery method by injecting into a subterranean oil formation an aqueous flooding fluid comprising at least one injecting galactomannan polymer substituted by at least one sulfonation agent. The invention also relates to an flooding fluid having better injectivity properties than existing flooding fluids.

Abstract: A surfactant blend for servicing wells includes a first non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 10 and about 15; a second non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 2 and about 6; and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A surfactant blend for servicing wells includes a first non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 10 and about 15; a second non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 2 and about 6; and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acidic treatment fluids that comprise an acid fluid and an ester-containing quaternary ammonium compound (“esterquat”) and methods of their use. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting metal corrosion during a subterranean treatment operation comprising using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of reducing sludge formation during a subterranean treatment operation formation comprising the step of using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting the formation of emulsions during a subterranean treatment operation comprising using an acidic treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an acidic subterranean treatment fluid comprising an acidic fluid and an esterquat.

Abstract: Friction reducing compositions for use in well treatment fluids generally include an aqueous fluid; a polymeric friction reducer; and 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione. It has been found that the combination of the polymeric friction reducer; and 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione unexpectedly and synergistically increases friction reduction and inversion behavior, where applicable. Also disclosed are methods for the fracturing of a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation to stimulate the production of the hydrocarbons by injecting the friction reducing composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method comprising introducing into a well bore a fluid comprising a zwitterionic polymer. The polymer is prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization of at least one monomer Ab comprising a betaine group and optionally one or more nonionic monomers Ba. The well bore is chosen from a natural gas well bore and an oil well bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to well bore stabilization and, more particularly, to treatment fluids that may reduce the tendency of shales to swell and associated methods. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of stabilizing a subterranean formation that comprises a shale, the method comprising contacting the subterranean formation that comprises the shale with a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, and a hydrophobically modified polymer. In other embodiments, the treatment fluids comprise a base fluid and a hydrophilically modified polymer. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides shale-inhibiting components, treatment fluids, and methods of reducing the tendency of shale to swell when exposed to a treatment fluid.

Abstract: Chemical wash compositions comprising a sulfonated lignin and a taurate are provided. In one embodiment, a chemical wash composition is provided comprising water, a sulfonated lignin, and a taurate.

Abstract: Methods of servicing a wellbore include generating gas in a plugging composition in situ within a permeable zone in the wellbore, thereby improving the ability of the plugging composition to seal the permeable zone. The gas may be generated via a chemical reaction by, for example, introducing first and second reactants to the plugging composition that can react at ambient temperatures in the wellbore. In an embodiment, the first and second reactants are concurrently pumped into the wellbore via separate flow paths within two concentric conduits to the permeable zone where they are allowed to contact each other in the presence of the plugging composition. In another embodiment, the first reactant, the second reactant, and a retarder for slowing the reaction between the two reactants are concurrently pumped to the permeable zone. In yet another embodiment, one of the reactants is encapsulated to delay a reaction between the two reactants.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected with the lift gas into the an oil well such that the surface tension between the lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is selected to minimize corrosion. The surfactants consist essentially of sultaines, hydroxy sultaines, and their salts. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A synergistic blend for foaming concentrated brines comprises at least one foaming agent (in an amount between from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of the blend) and a compound of the formula: CnH2n+1—N—[(CH2)mCOOM]2??(I) wherein n is 4 to 11, M is an alkali metal and m is 1 to 3. Especially suitable as foaming agent are quaternary ammonium salts, alkyl betaines, alkylamidopropyl betaines, sulfabetaines, hydroxysultaines, amphoteric perfluorohydrocarbons, as well as alkylether sulfates. Such synergistic blends are especially useful in the foaming of saturated or near saturated brines.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful in acidizing a subterranean formation with an oil-in-water emulsion that includes a sulfonate ester, a fluoride salt, a proppant, and water. The reaction of the ester and fluoride salt is delayed so that hydrofluoric acid is produced in-situ.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids that include zeolite and at least one carrier fluid.

Abstract: A surfactant blend for servicing wells includes a first non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 10 and about 15; a second non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between about 2 and about 6; and an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: Oil wells are treated with latent acids containing a sulfonyl moiety, wherein the latent acid is capable of providing an active acid after injection into an oil well. The latent acids are converted to active acids, such as mineral acids or strong organic acids, in the oil well, with resultant dissolution of acid-soluble minerals that impede oil or gas flow. RYSO2X is an exemplary latent acid, where: R is C(1)-C(30) hydrocaryl alone, or appended to an oligomeric or polymeric chain, or substituted; X is halogen; and Y is O, S, Se, or NR or a direct bond. M is a Group IVA metal, a Group IVB metal, a Group IB metal, or a Group HB metal. Other exemplary latent acids include amine functionality.

Abstract: Foamed treatment fluids comprising water, a gas, and a foaming and foam stabilizing surfactant mixture comprising an alkali salt of an alkyl ether sulfate, wherein the alkali salt of the alkyl ether sulfate comprises an alkali salt of a C6-10 alkyl ether sulfate, and an alkali salt of a C4 alkyl ether sulfate, an alkyl amidopropyl amphoteric surfactant selected from the group consisting of an alkyl amidopropyl hydroxysultaine, an alkyl amidopropyl betaine, and combinations thereof, and an alkyl amidopropyl dimethylamine oxide. Methods comprising providing the foamed treatment fluid and introducing the foamed treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Of the many methods provided, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid, a first surfactant, and a surfactant-based fluid loss control agent capable of forming a viscoelastic fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A well service fluid comprising one or more anionic viscoelastic surfactants and one or more polymers is described. The fluids can contain an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid and/or a buffer for adjusting the pH of the fracturing fluid. The well service fluid can be used as a fracturing fluid in order to control water production from a well, while simultaneously increasing the oil production from the well.

Abstract: An oil recovery method employing amphoteric surfactants with the steps of: a) Injecting into one or more injection wells an aqueous solution containing a mixture of amphoteric surfactants containing mixture of amphoteric surfactants having a hydrocarbyl chain length between 8 and 26 and certain degree of unsaturation, and b) recovering the oil from one or more producing wells. The aqueous injection fluid may also contain one or more of the following: a thickening agent, an alkali, a co-solvent.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures are provided. In certain embodiments, the hardenable resin compositions may be especially suited for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures having temperatures above about 200° F. Improved methods include providing proppant particles coated with a hardenable resin composition mixed with a gelled liquid fracturing fluid, and introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean zone. The fracturing fluid may form one or more fractures in the subterranean zone and deposit the proppant particles coated with the resin composition therein. Thereafter, the hardenable resin composition on the proppant particles is allowed to harden by heat and to consolidate the proppant particles into degradation resistant permeable packs. The hardenable resin composition may include a liquid bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin, a 4,4?-diaminodiphenyl sulfone hardening agent, a solvent, a silane coupling agent, and a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating gas in and forming cement compositions that may be introduced into a subterranean zone. A method of the present invention provides a method of generating gas in a cement composition that comprises providing the cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement and water; providing an oxidizing agent; providing at least one gas generating chemical; and contacting the cement composition with the oxidizing agent and/or the gas generating chemical downstream of at least one cement pump so that a gas is generated in the cement composition downstream of at least one cement pump. Methods of foaming cement compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for removing a water-based drilling fluid from surfaces in a well bore and leaving the surfaces water-wet. A method of the invention basically comprises the following steps. A water-based drilling fluid removal solution comprised of water and a mixture of a sulfonated kraft lignin salt and an N-methyl-N-oleyltaurine salt dissolved therein is provided. The drilling fluid is displaced from the well bore and the well bore surfaces are contacted with the removal solution to thereby remove the drilling fluid from the surfaces and make the surfaces water-wet.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for removing a water-based drilling fluid from surfaces in a well bore and leaving the surfaces water-wet. A method of the invention basically comprises the following steps. A water-based drilling fluid removal solution comprised of water and a mixture of a sulfonated kraft lignin salt and an N-methyl-N-oleyltaurine salt dissolved therein is provided. The drilling fluid is displaced from the well bore and the well bore surfaces are contacted with the removal solution to thereby remove the drilling fluid from the surfaces and make the surfaces water-wet.

Abstract: A well fracturing fluid comprising one or more anionic viscoelastic surfactants and one or more polymers is described. The fluids can contain an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid and/or a buffer for adjusting the pH of the fracturing fluid. The well service fluid can be used as a fracturing fluid in order to control water production from a well, while simultaneously increasing the oil production from the well.

Abstract: A method of recovering or increasing the recovery of oil and/or gas from an underground formation involving injecting into the formation, preferably in the form of an aqueous solution, at least one mono alkyl ether of polyethylene glycol in which the alkyl group has 3-5 carbons and the polyethylene glycol contains 3-6 ethylene oxy units e.g. butyl ether of triethylene glycol. Especially preferred are mixtures comprising that and at least one mono alkyl ether of mono or di ethylene glycol e.g. a mixture of butyl triglycol ether, butyl tetraglycol ether, butyl pentaglycol ether and butyl diglycol ether. The method of the invention may be applied to well stimulation treatments such as water blocking, sand consolidation, sandstone acidizing and methods of increasing the recovery of oil such as tertiary oil recovery.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion composition is disclosed which comprises a mixture of brine and;(A) at least one natural oil or synthetic triglyceride of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently saturated or unsaturated aliphatic groups that contain from about 7 to about 23 carbon atoms;(B) at least one alcohol, R.sup.4 OH wherein R.sup.4 is an aliphatic group containing from 1 up to about 18 carbon atoms;(C) at least one emulsifier; and(D) at least one sulfurized composition wherein (B), (C) and (D) are soluble and reside within (A).

Abstract: In the removal of particulates from a wellbore, such as in air drilling for hydrocarbon recovery, a mixture of an amphoteric foaming agent and, typically, an anionic surfactant is employed. An aqueous solution thereof having a pH of at least 9.5 is used to generate a foam for removing the particulates; then the foam is collapsed by the introduction of acid to reduce the pH below about 4, the particles are removed mechanically, the pH is restored to greater than 9.5, and the foaming solution is returned to the wellbore. The solution may be used several times; partial losses of foaming agent in the process may be easily replenished with each cycle. Cationic surfactants may be used instead of anionic, with foaming and foam collapse being controlled at opposite pH's. Savings are realized in water, drilling chemicals, and settling pits and the like for removing particulates from the foam.

Abstract: An aqueous gellable composition capable of producing gels resistant to syneresis in the presence of divalent ions, contains:a water-soluble acrylamide polymer or copolymer,a crosslinking agent formed by a water-soluble aldehyde, or a water-soluble aldehyde and a water-soluble phenol,a water-soluble anti-syneresis agent selected from: organic carboxy acids, organic hydroxy acids and aminoacids, or among aminophosphonic acids and their alkali-metal or ammonium salts.When malonic acid is used, a delay in aqueous composition gelation is additionally obtained.