Abstract: A method for detecting and analyzing olefins in petroleum by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry can include obtaining a hydrocarbon sample comprising at least about 90 wt % of saturate compounds; producing a solution comprising the hydrocarbon sample and a metal salt, the metal salt comprising a metal ion; forming olefin-metal ion complexes by electrospray ionization; and detecting the olefin-metal ion complexes using mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Polymer matrix particles useful for inhibiting scale formation in oil and gas wells are described. The insoluble, porous, crosslinked polymer matrix includes a polymer backbone and ionic functional groups covalently bonded to the backbone, the ionic functional groups being capable of selectively attracting and binding salt scale-forming ions when in contact with a liquid containing such ions.

Abstract: A composition for downhill tool, a degradable rubber member for downhole tool, a downhole tool, and a well drilling method are provided which contribute to cost reduction and process shortening and can contribute to improvement of production efficiency. The composition comprises a degradable rubber and a decomposition accelerator and comprises 0.1 to 20 parts by mass of at least one type of compound represented by the following general formula (I) per 100 parts by mass of the degradable rubber, the composition for a down hole tool includes the same, the degradable rubber member for down hole tool includes the same, and a well drilling method using the same. (In formula (I), R is an alkyl group having from 2 to 6 carbons).

Abstract: Sulfate and sulfonate derivatives of unsaturated fatty alcohols, processes for making them, and methods of using them are disclosed. In one aspect, a monounsaturated fatty alcohol composition is made by reducing a metathesis-derived monounsaturated alkyl ester. The fatty alcohol composition is then converted to a sulfate or sulfonate derivative by one or more of alkoxylation, sulfation, sulfonation, and sulfitation. Of particular interest are the sulfate and ether sulfate derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for using an anionic surfactant composition for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation or a reservoir, of formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different and may independently be alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylene, aryl, propylene oxide, ethylene oxide or hydrogen groups in a straight or branched chain with 16 or more carbon atoms, X1 and X2 are identical or different and are selected from the group consisting of phosphate, sulfate, carboxylate, sulfonate or other suitable anionic groups, S is a spacer group selected from short or long arkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylene, stilbene, polyethers, and other suitable aliphatic or aromatic groups comprising 2 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising (a) providing a composition to at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation, wherein the composition comprises a derivative selected from the group consisting of a carboxylate or a sulfate or glycerol sulfonate of an ethoxylated/propoxylated primary alcohol having a branched aliphatic group with an average carbon number from 10 to 24 and having an average number of branches per aliphatic group of from 0.7 to 2.5 and having at least 0.5 moles of propylene oxide per mole of primary alcohol and having at least 0.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of primary alcohol; and (b) allowing the composition to interact with hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising (a) providing a hydrocarbon recovery composition to at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation, wherein the hydrocarbon recovery composition comprises a propoxylated composition which comprises (1) a glycerol sulfonate of a propoxylated primary alcohol having a branched aliphatic group with an average carbon number from 10 to 24 and having an average number of branches per aliphatic group of from 0.7 to 2.5 and having at least 0.

Abstract: A gelled organic-based fluid system and method of forming and using the system. The fluid system is prepared by gelling an organic solvent, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a nitrogen compound having a free electron pair such as urea in an amount effective to both increase viscosity and increase a rate of breaking the viscosity, relative to the gelled system without the nitrogen compound. In a further aspect, the method is used to treat a well penetrating a subterranean formation, for example, in a coiled tubing cleanout, or the like.

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: A fluid may contain nanoparticles and a base fluid where the base fluid may be a non-aqueous fluid. The base fluid may be, but is not limited to a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid, and/or a stimulation fluid. The fluid may have at least one property, such as but not limited to a dielectric constant ranging from about 5 to about 10,000, an electrical conductivity ranging from about 1×10?6 S/m to about 1 S/m, and combinations thereof. The non-aqueous fluid may be a brine-in-oil emulsion, or a water-in-oil emulsion, and combinations thereof. The addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid may modify the electrical properties of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention describes the synthesis and use of cleavable di-functional anionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery applications and/or the use of sacrificial surfactants.

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: Proppants for use in fractured or gravel packed/frac packed oil and gas wells are provided with a contaminant removal component to remove one or more of the contaminants found in subterranean water/hydrocarbon from a production well. The water/hydrocarbon cleaning proppant solids may be used as discrete particles in a proppant formulation, as a coating on proppant solids in pores of a porous proppant solid or as part of the proppant's internal structure. The contaminant removal component removes contaminants, especially dissolved contaminants, in the subterranean water or hydrocarbon before the water/hydrocarbon leaves the well. For those contaminant removal components that can be regenerated, such as ion exchange resins, a measured quantity of an acidic regeneration solution can be injected into the fractured stratum for regeneration and recovered when the well resumes production.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a composition comprising a microemulsion surfactant and a completion fluid into a wellbore, wherein the composition is substantially free of an organic solvent. A method of servicing a wellbore having a permeable zone comprising introducing a composition comprising a brine and a microemulsion surfactant to the wellbore proximate to the permeable zone wherein at least a portion of the composition enters the permeable zone and wherein the composition excludes an organic solvent. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a microemulsion surfactant and a completion fluid.

Abstract: A gas generating system for use in stimulation or in deliquification/dewatering includes a foam generating agent, a foam enhancing agent and a gas generating additive. The foam generating agent is absorbed or adsorbed on a first plurality of substrates and the foam boosting agent is absorbed or adsorbed on a second plurality of substrates. The gas generating additive preferably includes an acidic component contained within a releasing mechanism container and a carbonate or bicarbonate contained within a releasing mechanism container. The use of encapsulated substrate permits the staged and targeted delivery of treatment chemicals in fractures extending from the wellbore or in the wellbore itself.

Abstract: Methods of using relative permeability modifiers for the diversion of aqueous fluids during subterranean operations are provided. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of diverting fluids in a subterranean formation that may comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a relative permeability modifier that comprises water-soluble polymer with hydrophobic or hydrophilic modification; introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation; and at least a first portion of the treatment fluid to penetrate into a portion of the subterranean formation so as to substantially divert a second portion of the treatment fluid or another aqueous treatment fluid to another portion of the subterranean.

Abstract: A base fluid may contain graphene nanoparticles where the base fluid may include an oil-based fluid, a water-based fluid, and combinations thereof. The oil-based fluid may be a brine-in-oil emulsion, or a water-in-oil emulsion, and the water-based fluid may be an oil-in-water emulsion, or an oil-in-brine emulsion; and combinations thereof. The addition of graphene nanoparticles to the base fluid may improve one or more properties of the fluid, which may include the flow assurance properties of the fluid, the fluid loss control properties of the fluid, the rheological properties of the fluid, the stability of the fluid, the lubricity of the fluid, the electrical properties of the fluid, the viscosity of the fluid, the thermal properties of the fluid, and combinations thereof. The fluid may be a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, a production fluid, and/or a servicing fluid.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore drilled with a drilling fluid that forms a filter cake that includes emplacing a breaker fluid into the wellbore, the breaker fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a fragmentation agent; and an amphoteric chemotrope; and shutting in the well for a period of time sufficient to initiate breaking of the filter cake is disclosed.

Abstract: A detergent package for changing wettability of a hydrocarbon bearing formulation and method regarding the same, comprising, at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfate and mixtures thereof, and additional components selected from the group consisting of corrosion inhibitors, alkaline agents, oxidizers, bleaches, secondary surfactants, divalent sequestering cations, foaming agents, inert additives and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enhanced oil recovery formulation which comprises: (a) an alkylaromatic sulfonate; (b) an isomerized olefin sulfonate (c) a solvent; (d) a passivator; and (e) a polymer.

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: An acid-in-oil emulsion having a corrosion inhibitor as the external phase has been found to prevent downhole corrosion when acidizing carbonate formations to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: Of the many compositions provided herein, an embodiment includes a foamed cement composition comprising a cementitious component, an oil-swellable particle comprising at least one swellable elastomer selected from the group consisting of acrylate butadiene rubber, polyacrylate rubber, isoprene rubber, choloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, brominated butyl rubber, chlorinated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, neoprene rubber, styrene butadiene block copolymer, sulphonated polyethylene, ethylene acrylate rubber, epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide copolymer, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, fluorosilicone rubber, silicone rubber, and combinations thereof, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, gas, and water. Another embodiment includes a foamed cement composition comprising a cementitious component, an oil-swellable particle comprising a block copolymer of styrene butadiene rubber, a foaming and stabilizing surfactant, and gas.

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: 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: Many methods are provided including a method comprising: providing a surfactant gel having a first viscosity that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a surfactant; providing an ortho ester breaker; contacting the surfactant gel with the ortho ester breaker; allowing the ortho ester breaker to hydrolyze to produce an acid and an alcohol; and allowing the acid and/or the alcohol to interact with the surfactant gel so as to reduce the first viscosity of the surfactant gel to a second viscosity.

Abstract: An iron control agent capable of reducing ferric iron containing compounds to ferrous iron containing compounds in an acidic solution, such as one used for formation acidizing. The iron control agent comprises a combination of a sulfur dioxide, sulfurous acid, sulfite salts, bisulfite salts, or thiosulfate salts or mixtures thereof, with a source of copper ions and a source of iodine or iodine ions. The iron control agent may also include small amounts of an adjunct such as stannous chloride, 2-mercaptoethanol, and thioglycolic acid and its salts.

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: A method of making phenol and alkylphenol ethoxylates non-estrogenic by inserting 1 mole of propylene oxide onto the phenolic group before proceeding with the addition of ethylene oxide or mixtures of ethylene and propylene oxide. The final phenolic products can be further reacted to form sulfates, sulfonates, phosphate esters, condensed alkylphenol alkoxylates and other derivatives of alkylphenol or phenol. Non-estrogenic phenol and alkylphenol alkoxylates and their derivatives have been found to be excellent salt tolerant, high temperature stable surfactants for oil recovery from subterranean reservoirs. These products are also useful in forming emulsions of heavy crude for transportation through pipelines.

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: 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: Acid-soluble cupric acetate may used in conjunction with potassium iodide to generate cuprous iodide (CuI) as an acid corrosion inhibition aid. A suitable corrosion inhibitor together with the aid protects steel surfaces in an acid environment, for instance, while acid fracturing or matrix acidizing subterranean formations. Cupric acetate monohydrate may be used with an alkali metal iodide salt such as potassium iodide or sodium iodide to generate cuprous iodide in situ in aqueous acid solutions. Use of cupric acetate provides a somewhat delayed reaction rate with potassium iodide to generate the desired product, cuprous iodide, which has very low solubility in acid systems. The method includes delayed and in situ production of cuprous iodide for enhancing performance of commercially available corrosion inhibitors, commonly referred to as intensifying the effect of the corrosion inhibitor (corrosion inhibitor intensifier or simply an intensifier).

Abstract: An aqueous, foamable composition useful for formation fracturing is disclosed, which includes an ionically coupled gel system. These compositions are well suited in fracturing formation where there are insufficient or non-existent hydration units. Methods for making the compositions and methods using the foamable compositions to fracture formation with insufficient hydration units.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising providing a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor, an acid precursor, and an aqueous fluid, and contacting the composition with oil wet solids in the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based fluid into a wellbore, wherein the oil-based fluid forms oil wet solids in the wellbore, contacting the oil wet solids in the wellbore with a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor; an acid precursor and an aqueous fluid, and allowing the oil wet solids to become water wet. A method of servicing a well bore comprising contacting a composition comprising a formate ester with oil wet solids in the well bore under conditions wherein the formate ester hydrolyzes to release formic acid, wherein the formic acid catalyzes the hydrolysis of additional formate ester, and wherein all or a portion of the formate ester converts at least a portion of the oil-wet solids to water-wet solids.

Abstract: A well stimulation fluid includes water, a polymer, and a biocide consisting of 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione in an amount effective to inhibit bacterial growth.

Abstract: A well treatment microemulsion for use in a subterranean formation is disclosed, the microemulsion comprises a solvent blend comprising a solvent and a co-solvent; a surfactant blend comprising a surfactant, wherein the surfactant blend is able to give formation intermediate wettability properties; an alcohol; and a carrier fluid; wherein the alcohol, the solvent and surfactant blends are combined with the carrier fluid to produce the well treatment microemulsion. By intermediate wettability it is meant that the water has an advancing contact angle on the surface between 62 and 133 degrees. The associate method of treating a subterranean formation of a well with the microemulsion and the associate method of modifying the wettability of the formation with the microemulsion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising (a) providing a composition to at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation, wherein the composition comprises a derivative selected from the group consisting of a carboxylate or a sulfate or glycerol sulfonate of an ethoxylated/propoxylated primary alcohol having a branched aliphatic group with an average carbon number from 10 to 24 and having an average number of branches per aliphatic group of from 0.7 to 2.5 and having at least 0.5 moles of propylene oxide per mole of primary alcohol and having at least 0.5 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of primary alcohol; and (b) allowing the composition to interact with hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation.

Abstract: A method of making phenol and alkylphenol ethoxylates non-estrogenic by inserting 1 mole of propylene oxide onto the phenolic group before proceeding with the addition of ethylene oxide or mixtures of ethylene and propylene oxide. The final phenolic products can be further reacted to form sulfates, sulfonates, phosphate esters, condensed alkylphenol alkoxylates and other derivatives of alkylphenol or phenol. Non-estrogenic phenol and alkylphenol alkoxylates and their derivatives have been found to be excellent salt tolerant, high temperature stable surfactants for oil recovery from subterranean reservoirs. These products are also useful in forming emulsions of heavy crude for transportation through pipelines.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from an aqueous medium, a diutan heteropolysaccharide having a tetrasaccharide repeating unit in the polymer backbone and a peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. Breaking aids or catalysts may also be used with the treatment fluid.

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

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Acidic internal breakers such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid are used. The break may be accelerated, for example with a free radical propagating species, or retarded, for example with an oxygen scavenger.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one unsaturated fatty acid, such as a monoenoic acid and/or polyenoic acid. The unsaturated fatty acid may be contained in an oil-soluble internal phase of the fluid. The breaking composition is believed to act possibly by rearranging, disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant can have its viscosity broken with an oil such as flax (linseed) oil, soybean oil and/or fish oils containing relatively high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids are thought to auto-oxidize into products such as aldehydes, ketones and saturated fatty acids that break the VES gel.

Abstract: Multi-component additive for incorporation into a drilling fluid, and a drilling fluid system comprising said multi-component additive. The additive preferably comprises three primary components: (1) a rate of penetration enhancer, namely one of a number of synthetic (non-toxic) ester-based or olefin-based oils as a carrier for other additives, such as surfactants; (2) a lubricant, namely one or more of a number of chlorinated waxes, chlorinated olefins, and plant based fatty acids; and (3) a clay inhibitor/stabilizer, such as a polyglycol. Preferably, the three components are pre-mixed in a single container, for ease in use in adding to a drilling fluid system. The additive may be incorporated into a drilling fluid system at a shore based facility, and the “liquid mud” transported to a drilling rig; or the additive may be brought to the drilling rig and incorporated into a drilling fluid system on site.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising providing a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor, an acid precursor, and an aqueous fluid, and contacting the composition with oil wet solids in the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based fluid into a wellbore, wherein the oil-based fluid forms oil wet solids in the wellbore, contacting the oil wet solids in the wellbore with a composition comprising a mutual solvent precursor; an acid precursor and an aqueous fluid, and allowing the oil wet solids to become water wet. A method of servicing a well bore comprising contacting a composition comprising a formate ester with oil wet solids in the well bore under conditions wherein the formate ester hydrolyzes to release formic acid, wherein the formic acid catalyzes the hydrolysis of additional formate ester, and wherein all or a portion of the formate ester converts at least a portion of the oil-wet solids to water-wet solids.

Abstract: A well treatment microemulsion for use in a subterranean formation is disclosed, the microemulsion comprises a solvent blend comprising a solvent and a co-solvent; a surfactant blend comprising a surfactant, wherein the surfactant blend is able to give formation intermediate wettability properties; an alcohol; and a carrier fluid; wherein the alcohol, the solvent and surfactant blends are combined with the carrier fluid to produce the well treatment microemulsion. By intermediate wettability it is meant that the water has an advancing contact angle on the surface between 62 and 133 degrees. The associate method of treating a subterranean formation of a well with the microemulsion and the associate method of modifying the wettability of the formation with the microemulsion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is described. The method may include providing a hydrocarbon recovery composition to the hydrocarbon containing formation. Hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation may interact with the hydrocarbon recovery composition. The hydrocarbon recovery composition may include an aliphatic anionic surfactant and an aliphatic nonionic additive. In some embodiments, an aliphatic anionic surfactant may be branched. In other embodiments, an aliphatic nonionic additive may be branched.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is carried out using an aqueous wellbore fluid which is an aqueous solution of a surfactant which has the formula(R1?X)nZ, where R1 is an aliphatic group comprising a C10-C25 principal straight chain bonded at a terminal carbon atom thereof to X, and comprising at least one C1-C6 side chain. X is a charged head group, Z is a counterion, and n is an integer which ensures that the surfactant is charge neutral. The surfactant reversibly thickens the aqueous solution such that the wellbore fluid is a viscoelastic gel. The viscoelastic gel breaks and undergoes a reduction in viscosity within the reservoir and surfactant from the broken gel mixes with hydrocarbon in the reservoir.