Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid containing Mn3O4 has been found to be effective in providing petroleum reservoirs with the ability to flow naturally and achieve a return permeability of 90% or greater without the need for acidizing treatments.

Abstract: A process is provided to prepare solid borozirconate and solid borotitanate cross-linkers, which comprises contacting zirconium or titanium complex with alkanolamine at particular mole ratios of boron, zirconium or titanium and alkanolamine. Use of the cross-linkers in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones are also disclosed.

Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, a fluid loss control agent and a viscosity enhancer are useful as treating fluids and particularly as fracturing fluids for subterranean formations. These VES-based fluids have faster and more complete clean-up than polymer-based fracturing fluids. The use of an internal breaker permits ready removal of the unique VES micelle based pseudo-filter cake with several advantages including reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume since more VES fluid stays within the fracture, generating a more optimum fracture geometry for enhanced reservoir productivity, and treating reservoirs with permeability above the present VES limit of approximately 400 md to at least 2000 md.

Abstract: A fluid breaking composition which includes an effective amount of an alkali chlorite and/or hyperchlorite, where the composition reduces a viscosity of a polymer viscosified fluid to a desired low value at down hole conditions within a time period coincident with a formation stimulation time, generally between about 30 minutes and 195 minutes and to methods for making and using the breaking composition.

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: Treatments and compounds useful in subterranean formations are discussed, with particular attention to those utilizing ceramic coated particulates. Certain embodiments pertain to particulates and particulate packs with ceramic coatings of subatomic thickness. Of these, certain methods may utilize ceramic coatings on particulates in a subterranean formation, certain methods may utilize ceramic coatings on particulate packs in a subatomic formation, and certain compounds may provide the features of both ceramic coatings and particulates.

Abstract: A sintered rod-shaped proppant and anti-flowback agent possesses high strength and high conductivity. The sintered rods comprise between about 0.2% by weight and about 4% by weight aluminum titanate. In some embodiments, the sintered rods are made by mixing bauxitic and non-bauxitic sources of alumina that may also contain several so-called impurities (such as TiO2), extruding the mixture, and sintering it. A fracturing fluid may comprise the sintered rods alone or in combination with a proppant, preferably a proppant of a different shape.

Abstract: A sintered rod-shaped proppant and anti-flowback agent possesses high strength and high conductivity. The sintered rods comprise between about 0.2% by weight and about 4% by weight aluminum titanate. In some embodiments, the sintered rods are made by mixing bauxitic and non-bauxitic sources of alumina that may also contain several so-called impurities (such as TiO2), extruding the mixture, and sintering it. The starting material may optionally be milled to achieve better compacity and crush resistance in the final sintered rod. A fracturing fluid may comprise the sintered rods alone or in combination with a proppant, preferably a proppant of a different shape.

Abstract: A process to prepare a stable solution of a borozirconate complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting zirconium complex with a first alkanolamine, then glycerol and water, then with a solution of a boron compound and a second alkanolamine. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the subterranean formation.

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: 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: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a density segregation inhibitor composite into the wellbore, wherein the density segregation inhibitor composite comprises a high density additive and a low density additive; and wherein the high density additive comprises barium sulfate, iron oxide, manganese oxide, or combinations thereof. A method of inhibiting segregation of particles in a wellbore servicing fluid comprising preparing a composite material comprising a high density additive and a low density additive, wherein the low density additive comprises an elastomer which can increase in volume by greater than about 300% based on its original volume when contacted with a fluid.

Abstract: Piezoelectric crystal particles (which include pyroelectric crystal particles) enhance the viscosity of aqueous fluids that have increased viscosity due to the presence of viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). In one non-limiting theory, when the fluid containing the viscosity enhancers is heated and/or placed under pressure, the particles develop surface charges that associate, link, connect, or relate the VES micelles thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid. The higher fluid viscosity is beneficial to crack the formation rock during a fracturing operation, reduce fluid leakoff, and carry high loading proppants to maintain the high conductivity of fractures.

Abstract: Water flood materials may contain an effective amount of a nano-sized particulate additive to inhibit or control the movement of fines within a subterranean formation during a water flood secondary recovery operation. The particulate additive may be an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali metal hydroxide, transition metal oxide, transition metal hydroxide, post-transition metal oxide, post-transition metal hydroxide, piezoelectric crystal, and/or pyroelectric crystal. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help control and stabilize the fines, e.g. clays.

Abstract: A treating fluid may contain an effective amount of a 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 particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help fixate the formation fines. These treating fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in hydraulic fracturing, completion fluids, gravel packing fluids and fluid loss pills. The carrier fluid used in the treating fluid may be aqueous, brine, alcoholic or hydrocarbon-based.

Abstract: A water-based drilling fluid containing Mn3O4 has been found to be effective in providing petroleum reservoirs with the ability to flow naturally and achieve a return permeability of 90% or greater without the need for acidizing treatments.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to compositions and methods for using a composite particulate comprising a cellulosic fiber and a filler as a lost-circulation material. An example of a method of controlling lost circulation in a subterranean method, comprises contacting a subterranean formation with a fluid comprising a base fluid and a lost circulation material, wherein the lost circulation material comprises a composite particulate, and wherein the composite particulate comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. An example method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the cement compositions comprises a cement, water, and a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a lost-circulation material, and wherein the lost-circulation material comprises a cellulosic fiber and a filler. Example compositions include lost-circulation materials, treatment fluids and cement compositions.

Abstract: A method and composition for protecting cement surfaces in a well bore treatment zone from the destructive effects of acid mud and other acidization processes commonly used to stimulate hydrocarbon production from the formation, includes contacting the cement with an aqueous acid mixture of HAc and HF in a mutual solvent for a sufficient period of time to form a protective deposit or precipitate layer that is resistant to the acidization composition. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous acid mixture includes corrosion inhibitors and inhibitor aids, and a preflush with an ammonium chloride solution in a mutual solvent is used to prepare the cement surfaces in the treatment zone.

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal compounds may be fluid loss control agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for well completion or stimulation in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The VES fluid may further include proppant or gravel, if it is intended for use as a fracturing fluid or a gravel packing fluid, although such uses do not require that the fluid contain proppant or gravel. The fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to, oxides and hydroxides of alkaline earth metal, and in one case magnesium oxide where the particle size of the magnesium oxide is between 1 nanometer to 0.4 millimeter. The fluid loss agent appears to associate with the VES micelles and together form a novel pseudo-filter cake crosslinked-like viscous fluid layer that limits further VES fluid flow into the porous media. The fluid loss control agent solid particles may be added along with VES fluids.

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 metal ion source and optionally at least one second source. An optional second source may be a chelating agent where at least one reducing agent source may be additionally optionally used. Another optional component with the metal ion source includes a second, different metal ion source. The breaking composition is believed to directly attack the VES itself, possibly by disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid, and/or possibly by changing the chemical structure of the VES to give two or more products.

Abstract: An angular abrasive proppant comprises angular sintered particles of a material selected from bauxite, clay-minerals, and mixtures thereof, with particle sizes varying from 30 mesh to 150 mesh. A process for the production of an angular abrasive proppant comprising sintered particles of a material selected from bauxite, clay-minerals, and mixtures thereof comprises the steps of drying, grinding, pelletizing, and sintering a bauxite starting material, grinding the sintered pellets, and sizing said particles to a particle size varying from 35 to 150 mesh. A hydraulic fracturing process uses as proppant the angular abrasive proppant as the described above.

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: A precursor composition for the production of granulated ceramic material to be used as hydraulic fracture proppant, comprises 20 to 55% pyroxene, and 15 to 50% olivine. The remaining component is quartz and/or feldspar. The precursor composition can be sintered in a broader temperature range. The resulting proppant material shows high mechanical strength and resistance to acids, and also higher stability under hydrothermal conditions than the prior art.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water and a particulate nano-silica. Embodiments also relate to use of nano-particles in drilling fluids, completion fluids, stimulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids.

Abstract: A process is provided to prepare solid borozirconate and solid borotitanate cross-linkers, which comprises contacting zirconium or titanium complex with alkanolamine at particular mole ratios of boron, zirconium or titanium and alkanolamine. Use of the cross-linkers in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alkaline earth metal compounds may be fluid loss control agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for well completion or stimulation in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The VES fluid may further include proppant or gravel, if it is intended for use as a fracturing fluid or a gravel packing fluid, although such uses do not require that the fluid contain proppant or gravel. The fluid loss control agents may include, but not be limited to, oxides and hydroxides of alkaline earth metal, and in one case magnesium oxide where the particle size of the magnesium oxide is between 1 nanometer to 0.4 millimeter. The fluid loss agent appears to associate with the VES micelles and together form a novel pseudo-filter cake crosslinked-like viscous fluid layer that limits further VES fluid flow into the porous media. The fluid loss control agent solid particles may be added along with VES fluids.

Abstract: A process to prepare a stable solution of a borozirconate complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting zirconium complex with alkanolamine, then water and optionally and preferably a hydroxyalkylene diamine, then with a boron compound. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition in hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones of subterranean formations at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the formation.

Abstract: A process to prepare a stable solution of a borozirconate complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting zirconium complex with a first alkanolamine, then water and optionally hydroxyalkylene diamine, then with a solution of a boron compound and a second alkanolamine. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition in hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones of subterranean formations at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the formation.

Abstract: Piezoelectric crystal particles (which include pyroelectric crystal particles) enhance the viscosity of aqueous fluids that have increased viscosity due to the presence of viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). In one non-limiting theory, when the fluid containing the viscosity enhancers is heated and/or placed under pressure, the particles develop surface charges that associate, link, connect, or relate the VES micelles thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid. The higher fluid viscosity is beneficial to crack the formation rock during a fracturing operation, reduce fluid leakoff, and carry high loading proppants to maintain the high conductivity of fractures.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful in treating crude sources, and more specifically, to methods and compositions useful in reducing the concentration of phosphorus in crude streams and hydrocarbon flowback fluids. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods that include a method comprising: providing a crude stream or a hydrocarbon flowback fluid; optionally testing the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid for total phosphorus content; optionally testing the crude stream or hydrocarbon flowback fluid for volatile phosphorus content; adding a solution comprising a trivalent metal ion to the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid; adding a sufficient amount of a caustic solution to the crude stream or the hydrocarbon flowback fluid to raise the pH of the stream or the fluid to about 8 or more; allowing at least a plurality of precipitates to form; removing at least one precipitate; and forming a clean crude stream or a clean hydrocarbon flowback fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.

Abstract: A treatment fluid composition for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from an aqueous fluid, a hydratable polymer and a water-soluble, non-symmetrical, inorganic peroxide breaking agent, which is capable of undergoing heterolytical cleavage. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may also be performed by forming a treatment fluid from an aqueous hydrated polymer solution. This is combined with a water-soluble, non-symmetrical, heterolytically cleavable inorganic peroxide breaking agent. The treating fluid is introduced into the formation. An optional crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the polymer may also be included.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a drilling fluid composition that comprises a surfactant-free emulsion comprising an oleaginous fluid, a fluid that is at least partially immiscible with the oleaginous fluid, and emulsion facilitating particles. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises a surfactant-free emulsion, the surfactant-free emulsion comprising an oleaginous fluid, a fluid that is at least partially immiscible with the oleaginous fluid, and emulsion facilitating particles; and treating the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved spherical ceramic proppants for fracturing oil and/or gas wells, said proppants exhibiting spherical cavities on their surfaces. The novel proppants of the invention cause an increase in the turbulence of the oil and/or gas flow that passes through the facture where they are applied, with the consequent increase in the extraction productivity of oil or gas from these wells. The invention further relates to a process for forming cavities on the surface of spherical proppants.

Abstract: Three methods for improving the blocking ability of gels by improving the performance of gels in fractured reservoirs are provided. First method utilizes overload of a crosslinker, the second method utilizes a combination of crosslinker overload and aged crosslinker, and the third method utilizes a step of crosslinker pre-flush. These methods may be combined to further improve the performance of gels in fractured reservoirs. All methods utilized Chromium (III) acetate as a crosslinker. These methods outperformed the base formula of Chromium/polymer typically used in the field.

Abstract: The invention discloses treatment and reuse of oilfield produced water. A method of inhibiting enzymes/bacteria in an aqueous medium for viscosification comprises contacting the aqueous medium with a denaturant and/or a bactericide and thereafter mixing a gelling agent in the aqueous medium. The viscosified fluid can be used as a well treating fluid for fracturing and other applications. A well treatment fluid comprises a metal denaturant and/or a bactericide and a gelling agent in an amount effective to viscosify the fluid. Also disclosed is oilfield produced water denatured with from 1 to 2000 ppm by weight of a zirconium compound.

Abstract: Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) based fluid systems for zone isolation and flow control are effective in water and/or gas shutoff applications. The fluid systems may include brine, a viscosity enhancer, as well as the VES, and optionally a stabilizer for high temperature applications. The stabilizer may be an alkali earth metal oxide, alkali earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxide, alkali metal hydroxide, Al2O3, and mixtures thereof. The viscosity enhancer may include pyroelectric particles, piezoelectric particles, and mixtures thereof. The fluid system is easy to pump into the formation, and after pumping, the fluid system will generate very high viscosities to prevent the VES fluid from flowing back to stop undesirable water and/or gas production.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to spherical ceramic elements, such as proppants, for maintaining permeability in subterranean formations to facilitate extraction of oil and gas therefrom. The strength of the ceramic element may be enhanced by combining materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. Methods of making the ceramic elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sintered, spherical composite pellets or particles comprising alumina fines, at least one of clay and bauxite and optionally a sintering aid, are described, along with a process for their manufacture. The use of such pellets in hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations and in grinding is also described.

Abstract: Many methods are provided herein including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: providing a fluid that comprises an acid, crosslinked oxidized xanthan, and optionally, a base fluid; placing the fluid in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the fluid to acidize at least a portion of the formation or damage contained therein. In another embodiment, herein provided is a fluid for subterranean uses comprising an acid and crosslinked, oxidized xanthan.

Abstract: An additive that increases the density of fluids used in a wellbore during the construction or repair of oil, gas, injection, water, or geothermal wells comprises In one illustrative embodiment the additive comprises a weighting agent, and more preferably an ultra-fine weighting agent. Another embodiment includes a wellbore fluid containing an ultra-fine weighting agent that has an increased density with improved suspension stability without a significant viscosity increase. The wellbore fluid as described herein has rheological properties comparable to a conventional wellbore fluid. An illustrative embodiment of the claimed subject matter is further directed to a method for making the ultra-fine weighting agent and a method for using such ultra-fine weighting agent in a wellbore fluid. In one preferred embodiment the additive has a particle diameter between 4 ?m to 15 ?m. In another preferred embodiment, the additive has a D50 of approximately 3 ?m (1 ?m to 6 ?m).

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas production industry and can be used for preventing fracture closing during fracturing of producing oil layers. Proppant comprising baked feedstock grains, with the difference that a burden material comprising silicon oxide and aluminum oxide at the aluminum oxide content of not less than 60% (by weight) is used as the feedstock; the apparent density of the proppant varies from 1.7 to 2.

Abstract: A clear, stable, salt-free solution of a 1:1 molar complex of zirconium and N,N,N?,N?-tetrakis-(2-hydroxypropyl)ethylene diamine. The solution can be used in a cross-linking composition comprising a cross-linkable organic polymer for oil field applications such as fluid fracturing and plugging permeable zones in subterranean formations.

Abstract: An aqueous, viscoelastic fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) may suspend solids such as proppants, gravel, drilling debris, waste solids and the like with an effective amount of a nano-sized additive including, but not necessarily limited to alkali earth metal oxides, alkali earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, and post-transition metal hydroxides. The additives may also reduce the amount of VES required to maintain a given viscosity. These viscoelastic surfactant gelled aqueous fluids may be used as treatment fluids for subterranean hydrocarbon formations, such as in hydraulic fracturing, gravel packing and the like. The magnesium oxide, zinc oxide or other nanometer scale-sized additives are at a scale that may provide unique particle charges that use chemisorption, crosslinking and/or other chemistries to associate the micelles and suspend the solids.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: A composition useful for making gelled fluids by crosslinking hydratable polymers is an aqueous solution of zirconium complexed with carbonate and bicarbonate as the only multidentate ligands complexed with zirconium. The composition also provides pH modifying capability and the crosslinking is delayed, so that the single composition replaces several liquid additives previously necessary for generation of fluids used, for example, in hydraulic fracturing.

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: 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: Alkaline earth metal compounds may be fluid loss control (FLC) agents for viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids used for fluid loss control pills, lost circulation material pills and kill pills in hydrocarbon recovery operations. The FLC agents may include, but not be limited to oxides and hydroxides of alkaline earth metal, and in one case magnesium oxide where the particle size of the magnesium oxide is between 1 nanometer to 0.4 millimeter. The FLC agent may alternatively be transition metal oxides and/or transition metal hydroxides. The FLC agent appears to associate with the VES micelles and together form a novel pseudo-filter cake quasi-crosslinked viscous fluid layer that limits further VES fluid flow into the porous media. The FLC agent solid particles may be added along with VES fluids. The pills may also contain internal breakers to reduce the viscosity thereof so that the components of the pill may be recovered.