Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes for forming angular ceramic particles. In at least one embodiment, a process for forming angular ceramic particles includes providing a slurry having a ceramic raw material having alumina. The process includes atomizing the slurry into droplets and coating seeds comprising alumina with the droplets to form green pellets. The process includes sintering the green pellets to form sintered pellets. The process includes breaking the sintered pellets to form the angular ceramic particles comprising a sintered ceramic material. The angular ceramic particles can have an abrasion loss that is less than that of angular ceramic particles formed by crushing the green pellets prior to sintering.

Abstract: Provided are ceramic compositions and containers, in each case comprising a ceramic (e.g., porcelain, stoneware, porcelain, or ceramic composition having properties of both) composition to which an amount of alumina has been added to provide a ceramic composition comprising 20% to 25% (wt./wt.) alumina, preferably about 22% (wt./wt.) alumina, providing a stronger material, such that wall thicknesses (e.g., of double-walled beverage containers) can be reduced or minimized to create a lighter double-walled ceramic container. The disclosed containers have a chemical and porous structure suitable for a wide array of stoneware glazes, and display water absorption rate properties comparable to stoneware. Methods of making same are provided.

Abstract: A method for forming rod-shaped particles includes reducing a length of rods derived from a slurry made up of particles and a reactant, wherein the rods are in a stabilized state in which the reactant has been at least partially reacted with a coagulant, but the rods have not been sintered, and subsequently sintering the reduced length stabilized rods. The reducing the length of the stabilized rods includes subjecting the stabilized rods to mechanical vibration applied by a device, or feeding the stabilized rods through a device having a rotating cutting mechanism.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, this disclosure describes a viscoelastic fluid for a subterranean formation comprising: viscoelastic surfactant comprising the general formula: where R1 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group of from 17 to 29 carbon atoms, R2 and R3, are each independently selected from a straight chain or branched alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R4 is selected from H, hydroxyl, alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; k is an integer of from 2-20; m is an integer of from 1-20; and n is an integer of from 0-20; brine solution; and at least one nanoparticle viscosity modifier comprising a particle size of 0.1 to 500 nanometers, or 0.1 to 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Methods and well treatment fluids for fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore are provided, the method comprising injecting a well treatment fluid into the well bore at a pressure and flow rate sufficient to fracture the subterranean formation, wherein the well treatment fluid comprises an iron-containing breaker compound. The methods can be used to reduce viscosity of well treatment fluids.

Abstract: A nano-dispersion well servicing fluid is disclosed. The well servicing fluid is formulated with components comprising: nanoparticles comprising at least one material chosen from aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxides, aluminum hydroxyoxides, zirconium oxides, zirconium hydroxides, zirconium hydroxyoxides, wherein the concentration of nanoparticles is greater than 0.5% by weight based on the total weight of the nano-dispersion well servicing fluid. The well servicing fluid also comprises an aqueous base continuous phase. Methods of employing the nano-dispersion to service a wellbore are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing metal oxide nanofibers includes a jetting unit, a mixing unit, a heating unit, and a cooling unit. The jetting unit jets particles made of a metal. The mixing unit prepares a mixture by mixing the metal particles and a gas containing an oxidizing component that includes oxygen in molecules of the component. The heating unit heats the mixture to raise the temperature of the mixture up to a temperature at which the metal evaporates. The cooling unit cools the product thus-produced in the heating unit.

Abstract: A pourable aqueous cement composition is disclosed. The cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, water and a selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof. An article, including a downhole article, and more particularly a reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article includes a hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has at least partially set into a permanent form. The article also includes a selectively removable material dispersed within the cement, the selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof, wherein the selectively removable material is configured for removal in response to a predetermined wellbore condition.

Abstract: Agents, chemicals and particles may be controllably released at remote locations, such as pre-selected or predetermined portions of subterranean formations, by binding or associating or trapping them with an association of micelles formed by a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) in an aqueous base fluid to increase the viscosity of the fluid. An internal breaker within the association of micelles disturbs the association of micelles at some later, predictable or predetermined time thereby reducing the viscosity of the aqueous viscoelastic treating fluid and releasing the agent, chemical or particle at a predetermined or selected location.

Abstract: Cements, such as alkali activated aluminosilicate, may be used as coatings on proppants, such as brown sand and white sand, to improve the strength thereof. The resulting coated proppants show increased strength as well as produced fines of lower than about 10 wt % at 10,000 psi closure stress.

Abstract: A Blowout Preventer comprising a housing, one or more magnets and a magnetic fluid is described. More particularly, a Magnetorheological Blowout Preventer with a Magnetorheological Ram Head that conforms to virtually any cross sectional shape is described with ultra-reliable termination of natural gas and/or oil effluent flow resulting.

Abstract: A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a water soluble polymer or a VES is disclosed. The method includes providing an aqueous fluid. The method also includes adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order: a water soluble polymer in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid having a viscosity, a water soluble oxidizing agent configured to generate free radicals and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles dispersed within the gelled aqueous fluid, the metallic particles configured to dissolve in the gelled aqueous fluid and provide a reducing agent to accelerate the generation of free radicals. The method further includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of at least one transition metal ion in an amount effective accelerate the generation of free radicals and reduce the viscosity.

Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 55 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 38 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.61 to about 2.65, and a bulk density of about 1.45 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oil well drilling comprising a weighting agent consisting of microfine, particulate ilmenite having a FeTiO3 content of at least 85% by weight, a specific surface area (BET) between 1 and 5 m2/g, where 90% by volume of the particles have a size of less than 12.5 ?m and a D50 between 3 ?m and 6 ?m by volume measured by laser diffraction using Malvern laser diffraction particle size analyzer, where the particles have an average circularity of at least 0.85 determined by image analysis. The invention further relates to high density oil well cement slurry comprising water, Portland cement, a to weighting material and optionally silica flour, microsilica, fiber, rubbery particles a fluid loss addition and a retarder, where the weighting material is particulate microfine ilmenite having a FeTiO3 content of at least 85% by weight, a specific surface area (BET) between 1 and 5 m2/g, and where 90% by volume of the particles have a size of less than 12.

Abstract: Ferrous Nanoparticle Oil Extraction is the process of introducing ferrous nanoparticles coated in an oleophilic surfactant into oil reservoirs and implementing a magnetic force within the oil to supplement the traditional suctioning forces to extract oil. The nanoparticles, once in the oil, are allowed to disperse by Brownian motion and bind to the oil particles. The oil-nanoparticle solution is then magnetized and drawn out of the well. The magnetic force, originating at the mouth of the extraction pipe, supplements the traditional suctioning forces. Once collected, the oil-nanoparticle solution is passed through a high gradient magnetic separator, separating the oil from the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are ready for reuse in the process of ferrous nanoparticle oil extraction.

Abstract: A composition useful for crosslinking phosphate esters in hydrocarbon gels used in formation fracturing performs especially well in cold temperatures, such as temperatures lower than (?)20° C. Methods of making the crosslinking composition and the gel are described; also methods of fracturing subterranean formations. Specific forms of ferric sulfate and ferric ammonium citrate are useful as ingredients of the crosslinking composition.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for improved sand control, fines control, load recovery and well productivity, where the compositions comprise reaction products of an amine and a phosphate-containing compound.

Abstract: A well treatment fluid comprising a Pickering particle emulsion comprising particles of a first liquid phase dispersed in a continuous second liquid phase, and comprising a plurality of colloidal particles adsorbed to a liquid-liquid interface between the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase. Methods, equipment and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation utilizing such treatment fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a well and pipeline treating fluid is provided. The method comprises combining a cross-linkable gelling polymer, a scavenging compound capable of reducing a concentration of divalent and polyvalent metal ions and salts thereof available for reaction, a hydration solvent and optionally an acid. The resulting mixture has a pH ranging from about 3 to about 7 and a first viscosity. The mixture is maintained at conditions suitable for hydration of the cross-linkable gelling polymer until the mixture has a second viscosity that is greater than the first viscosity. The mixture is combined with an aqueous based fluid and at least one cross-linking agent. The pH of the mixture is raised to a sufficient level to allow a desired degree of cross-linking to occur. Other methods, a well and pipeline treating gel and a well and pipeline treating fluid are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations.

Abstract: Fluids comprising elongated nanoparticles and methods of using the fluids in treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are disclosed.

Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid is formed from an aqueous medium, a gas component, a viscosifying agent, and a surfactant. The surfactant is represented by the chemical formula: [R—(OCH2CH2)m—Oq—YOn]pX wherein R is a linear alkyl, branched alkyl, alkyl cycloaliphatic, or alkyl aryl group; O is an oxygen atom; Y is either a sulfur or phosphorus atom; m is 1 or more; n is a integer ranging from 1 to 3; p is a integer ranging from 1 to 4; q is a integer ranging from 0 to 1; and X is a cation. The fluid may be used in treating a subterranean formation penetrating by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the wellbore. The fluid may be used in fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore by introducing the fluid into the formation at a pressure equal to or greater than the fracture initiation pressure.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to methods of detecting a contamination of an environment by a fracture fluid that comprises magnetic particles. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) collecting a sample from the environment; and (2) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the sample in order to detect the presence or absence of the magnetic particles. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of tracing fracture fluids in a mineral formation. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) associating the fracture fluids with magnetic particles; (2) introducing the fracture fluids into the mineral formation; and (3) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the fracture fluids. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to fracture fluids containing the aforementioned magnetic particles, the actual magnetic particles, and methods of making said magnetic particles.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a wellbore by providing an aqueous mixture of a hydrated polysaccharide with a salt; adding to the mixture a cross-linking agent for cross-linking the hydrated polysaccharide, wherein the cross-linking agent comprises a zirconium compound, glutamic acid, and a polyol; pumping the aqueous mixture of the hydrated polysaccharide and the cross-linking agent into the wellbore; and cross-linking the hydrated polysaccharide.

Abstract: Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. In some instances, a dry wellbore additive may comprise a plurality of first mineral particles having a specific gravity of about 2.6 to about 20; a plurality of second mineral particles having a specific gravity of about 5.5 to about 20; a plurality of lubricant particles having a specific gravity of about 2.6 to about 20; wherein the first mineral particles, the second mineral particles, and the lubricant particles are different; and wherein the first mineral particles, the second mineral particles, and the lubricant particles have a multiparticle specific gravity of about 3 to about 20.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method of servicing a well bore. The method may comprise introducing a lost circulation composition into a lost circulation zone, the lost circulation composition comprising hydraulic cement, nano-particles, amorphous silica, clay, and water. The method further may comprise allowing the lost circulation composition to set in the lost circulation zone. Another embodiment includes a lost circulation composition. The lost circulation may comprise hydraulic cement, nano-particles, amorphous silica, clay, and water.

Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.

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 present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation, comprising placing into a wellbore a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement and a polyvalent cation-containing compound, and allowing the composition to set. A method of increasing the thickening time of a calcium aluminate cement comprising contacting the calcium aluminate cement with a polyvalent cation-containing compound. A method of adjusting the thickening time of a calcium aluminate cement comprising contacting the calcium aluminate cement with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and at least one other set modifier.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method of servicing a well bore. The method may comprise introducing a lost circulation composition into a lost circulation zone, the lost circulation composition comprising hydraulic cement, nano-particles, amorphous silica, clay, and water. The method further may comprise allowing the lost circulation composition to set in the lost circulation zone. Another embodiment includes a lost circulation composition. The lost circulation may comprise hydraulic cement, nano-particles, amorphous silica, clay, and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of oil and gas production (especially, to the production in which the propping technique is used for the stimulation of a well) and can be used in the development of a composition and a method of production of propping agents (proppant), as well as a method of application of these propping agents. A new type of proppant, proppant production method and use of the proppant are based on allowing the production of proppant having an apparent density of 2.5 to 4.0 g/cm3, as well as a high mechanical strength and a high chemical durability. A proppant contains granules made of the sintered feedstock, wherein the charge mixture containing at least one of the following materials—silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, silicon nitride, titanium nitride, boron nitride, silicon oxynitrides, SIALON-type compounds, was used as the feedstock.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The invention discloses method of treatment and reuse of oilfield produced water. The method comprises: providing an aqueous medium comprised at least in part of oilfield produced water; contacting the aqueous medium with a zirconium compound; whereby the fluid viscosity and/or fluid drag reduction ability of the combination of the aqueous medium and zirconium compound is improved compared to the aqueous medium alone; introducing the combination in to the well; and allowing the combination to contact the formation. In another embodiment, the aqueous medium is further contacted by a friction-reduction additive. Still in another embodiment, the aqueous medium is further contacted by a gelling additive. Still in another embodiment, the fluid is energized with a gas.

Abstract: Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants.

Abstract: An encapsulated reactant(s) having at least one encapsulant and at least one reactant. An outermost encapsulant is substantially nonreacting, impermeable and nondissolving with water. The reactant(s) contribute to at least one reaction with contaminants in environmental media rendering the environmental media less harmful. Processes for using the encapsulated reactant in environmental media is also hereby claimed.

Abstract: The present invention includes well treatment fluids and methods utilizing nano-particles. An embodiment of a method of the present invention may comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising nano-clay into a subterranean formation. The treatment fluid may be selected from the group consisting of a cement composition, a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, and a lost circulation control composition. Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method of cementing. The method of cementing may comprise introducing a cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, nano-clay, and water into a subterranean formation. The method further may comprise allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Yet another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid comprising nano-clay. The treatment fluid may be selected from the group consisting of a cement composition, a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, and a lost circulation control composition.

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: The present invention includes well treatment fluids and methods utilizing nano-particles. An embodiment of a method of the present invention may comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising nano-clay into a subterranean formation. The treatment fluid may be selected from the group consisting of a cement composition, a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, and a lost circulation control composition. Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method of cementing. The method of cementing may comprise introducing a cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, nano-clay, and water into a subterranean formation. The method further may comprise allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Yet another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a treatment fluid, the treatment fluid comprising nano-clay. The treatment fluid may be selected from the group consisting of a cement composition, a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, and a lost circulation control composition.

Abstract: A composition and method are disclosed. The composition includes a carrier fluid and a solids mixture combined to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, and wherein the solids mixture comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid. The method includes circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a pack in a fracture and/or a screen-wellbore annulus; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; and producing a reservoir fluid through the permeable pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fused ceramic particle having the following chemical composition, as weight percentages based on the oxides, and for a total of 100%: ZrO2+HfO2: balance to 100%; 5.0%<SiO2<32.0%; 2.0%<La2O3<15.0%; 2.5%<Y2O3<11.0%; 0.5%<Al2O3<8.0%; and less than 1.0% of other oxides. Use in particular as a grinding agent, an agent for dispersion in a wet medium, a supporting agent, a heat-exchange agent, or for the treatment of surfaces.

Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.

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: A solid zirconium cross-linking agent and use in a cross-linking composition in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared by a process comprising contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and water at particular mole ratios of alkanolamine and water to zirconium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particles that are useful for enhancing hindered settling in suspensions. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a subterranean treatment fluid including a base fluid and a weighting agent having a first average settling velocity; and a neutral-density particle; and mixing the subterranean treatment fluid with the neutral-density particle thereby reducing the weighting agent to a second average settling velocity.

Abstract: A composition useful for crosslinking phosphate esters in hydrocarbon gels used in formation fracturing performs especially well in cold temperatures, such as temperatures lower than (?)20° C. Methods of making the crosslinking composition and the gel are described; also methods of fracturing subterranean formations. Specific forms of ferric sulfate and ferric ammonium citrate are useful as ingredients of the crosslinking composition.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid, gravel pack fluid and/or frac pack fluid containing particles such as proppants, gravel and/.or sand, may contain an effective amount of a nano-sized particulate additive to fixate or reduce fines migration, where the particulate additive is an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides piezoelectric crystals and pyroelectric crystals. The nano-sized particulate additive is optionally bound to the particles with a coating agent such as an oil, alcohol, glycol, glycol ethers, ketones, terpenes, etc. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale but may be a larger scale than nanometer but still relatively small, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help fixate the formation fines.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a kiln dust, biowaste ash, and water; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method comprising: providing a spacer fluid comprising biowaste ash and water; introducing the spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid from the well bore; and introducing a cement composition into the well bore, wherein the spacer fluid separates the cement composition and the first fluid.