Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing the growth of crystals in a substance which is susceptible to crystal growth in which colloidal particles having an amphiphilic structure, e.g. Janus particles, are contacted with the substance. Colloidal particles suitable for use in the invention include cross-linked, colloidal materials formed from hydrophobic monomers such as acrylates or methacrylates and hydrophilic monomers such as those derived from acrylic and/or methacrylic acid. The colloidal particles find particular use in methods of cryopreservation of biological samples (e.g. cells, tissues or organs), as a texture modifier in frozen food products, in the inhibition of gas hydrate formation, and as scale inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention concerns bifunctional compositions usable in the field of extraction of hydrocarbons, oil and/or gas, said compositions being homogeneous, clear and stable and comprising at least one anti-mineral-deposit additive, at least one corrosion inhibitor, and at least one agent for compatibilizing between the anti-mineral-deposit additive and the corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: Formulation for a natural product as a replacement for the use of traditional acidic chemical stimulation methods for the emulsification, removal and release of paraffin and asphaltenes from low producing or pumped off wells and reservoirs with the use of traditional methodologies. Also a method of use of formulation for stimulating an oil well consisting of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable, non-reactive fluid system containing a water-miscible fatty acid solvent, a solution of fatty acids, an amino alcohol, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The fluid system may be further in the form of a nanoemulsion that is formed by combining a colloidal solution with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.

Abstract: Production-treating chemicals, such as paraffin inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors are provided along with water-soluble polymers in a base oil phase to be used in a well treatment. The mixture may be provided as a separate product or mixed at a well site when performing a well treatment, such as hydraulic fracturing, acidizing or gravel packing.

Abstract: Removing an asphaltene particle from a substrate includes contacting a silicate nanoparticle with a chemical group to form a functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the chemical group includes a first portion; and a second portion comprising an aromatic moiety, the first portion being bonded to the silicate nanoparticle; contacting the asphaltene particle with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the asphaltene particle being disposed on the substrate; interposing the functionalized silicate nanoparticle between the asphaltene particle and the substrate; and separating the asphaltene particle from the substrate with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle to remove the asphaltene particle. A composition includes a functionalized silicate nanoparticle comprising a reaction product of a silicate nanoparticle and an aromatic compound; and a fluid.

Abstract: A well treatment composite comprising a well treatment agent adsorbed onto a water-insoluble adsorbent may be prepared by precipitating the well treatment agent, in the presence of a metal salt, from a liquid while the well treatment agent is being adsorbed onto the water-insoluble adsorbent. After a treatment fluid containing the composite is introduced into a well or a subterranean formation, the well treatment agent is slowly released from the composite. The composite permits a continuous supply of the well treatment agent into a targeted area and is particularly effective in high pH treatment fluids.

Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting scale in a subterranean formation comprises pretreating the subterranean formation with a polyquaternary amine that serves as a squeeze life extention (SLE) agent, and then introducing a scale inhibitor pill into the subterranean formation, wherein the scale inhibitor pill includes one or more scale inhibitor compositions. For example, the polyquaternary amine may be a polymer having up to 5 quaternary amine centers, but is preferably a nonpolymeric diquaternary amine having a molecular weight of from 250 to 500. One such example is 1,3-propandiaminium, 2-hydroxy-N,N,N,N?,N?,N?-hexamethyl-, dichloride. The SLE agent is preferably introduced into the formation in a brine solution having a concentration from 0.1 to 20 weight percent. The SLE agents may be used with a variety of known scale inhibitors and scale inhibitor chemistries.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizing polymer comprising at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a styrene polymer, an acrylate polymer, a styrene-acrylate polymer, and any combination thereof; and allowing the tar stabilizing polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of gas hydrates in an aqueous phase by adding esters of pyroglutamic acid in the quantities of from 0.01 to 2% by weight. The esters of pyroglutamic acid produced by esterifying at least one alcohols, comprising from 1 to 100 hydroxyl groups with pyroglutamic acid and/or glutamic acid, wherein the alcohol has no more than one ester group or no more than one carboxylic acid group.

Abstract: A kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor is provided as a polyester polymer with a plurality of amino or ammonium groups pendent directly from the backbone. A composition containing concentrated kinetic inhibitor is injected into gas wells, or into other systems involving transporting liquid gas mixtures through a conduit. Use of the kinetic inhibitor prevents formation of gas hydrates under conditions of temperature and pressure where they would otherwise occur.

Abstract: Advanced oxidation process namely ozonation and Fenton's (hydrogen peroxide/Fe:2+) were utilized to degrade kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI). The oxidized solution after scavenging oxygen can be successfully disposed to the injection well. This facilitates use of KHI more frequently and in higher concentrations for future projects oil & gas operations. It also offers an alternative that competes efficiently with thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor (THI) or complements THI.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of 1-alkyl-5-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylic esters, preparable by esterifying alcohols having from 1 to 100 hydroxyl groups with 1-alkyl-5-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid, in amounts of from 0.01 to 2% by weight for preventing the formation of gas hydrates in aqueous phases which are in contact with a gaseous, liquid or solid organic phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing and preventing water and condensate blocks in wells by contacting a subterranean formation with a composition comprising a low molecular weight fluorinated copolymer having perfluoro alkyl moieties which are no longer than C6. A fluorinated copolymer of low molecular weight of about 50,000 g/mol and a method of preparing the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of converting an oxy halide salt into a halide dioxide in a reaction zone under certain conditions is provided. More specifically, the method includes generating chlorine dioxide from a stable composition comprising an oxy halide salt by introducing said composition to a reducing agent and minimum temperature within the reaction zone. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition for a stable chlorine dioxide precursor comprising an oxy halide salt is provided.

Abstract: A homopolymer of a monomer selected from those having the general formula: wherein: R1 is H or CH3; R2 is H or an alkyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; A is a straight or branched chain alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and R3, R4, and R5 each are independently an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; or a copolymer of such monomers as acrylate, acrylamide or methacrylamide may be used to disperse metal sulfides prior to their forming scales during the production and transportation of crude oil. Terpolymers of dimethyldiallylammonium salt, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate; and acrylic acid may also be used for this purpose. The production fluid may also be treated with a compound that promotes the formation of dispersible sulfide scales.

Abstract: A composition comprising the following formula and optionally salts thereof is disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A water-based fluid, containing: a non-ionic surfactant, which is stable in a temperature range from 10 to 90° C. and soluble in water; and a salt, wherein the non-ionic surfactant contains an alkyl polyglucoside selected from the group consisting of a C8 alkyl polyglucoside, a C10 alkyl polyglucoside, and mixtures thereof, and the salt is present, and is present in an amount up to 60%. In addition, a process for preventing the formation of a W/O inverse emulsion or resolving a W/O inverse emulsion that has already formed in an oil well in which an oil-based mud has been employed by injecting the water-based fluid into the oil well.

Abstract: Generating heat within a combination solvent/acid system removes undesirable deposits from petroleum reservoir formations (especially the near well-bore region), oilfield equipment, and petroleum processing equipment. An exothermic reaction occurs between the solvent and the acid and the heat evolved helps remove organic solid deposits. The acids may include organic acid compounds, such as sulfonic acids, sulfuric acid and nitric acid. The solvents may include terpene- and terpene-derivative-containing solvents, including, but not necessarily limited to, limonene, pinene, dipentene, myrcene, turpentines and compounds having at least one double bond, such as methyl furan, dienes, styrene, vinyl acetate and the like. The exothermic reaction produces a great amount of heat, and together with using certain acids and solvents already known as effective to remove paraffin and asphaltene deposition, removing such deposits is improved.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in fluids including water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbons are disclosed. The compositions may include counterions, such as halides or carboxylates. The compositions may also include a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor, a kinetic hydrate inhibitor, an additional anti-agglomerant, an asphaltene inhibitor, a paraffin inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor, a scale inhibitor, an emulsifier, a water clarifier, a dispersant, an emulsion breaker, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transformation process in which the conversion of charge materials to a product takes place along a transformation interface from the crystal and/or grain and/or phase and/or pore surface into the charge material, wherein one or more chemical elements in the charge materials is released and/or incorporated and/or rearranged and wherein the conversion of the charge materials takes place along advancing transformation interfaces. The charge materials are identified on the basis of at least one optical, in particular microscopic, analysis with respect to their phases and/or phase components and/or their phase morphology, structure, texture and/or their chemical composition. On the basis of these variables, reference functions for the charge materials, which describe the conversion of the charge materials in the process, are assigned and used for establishing the process parameters of the transformation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds comprising three hydrophobic groups as additives to a stream of crude oil containing carboxylic acids, in particular naphthenic acids, and salt water, to prevent the formation of calcium carboxylates when the fluid is exposed to shear forces. Preferably, the compounds are added to a crude oil/water stream containing organic acids Ca2+ ions at a point between the well and the pressure reduction valve in the crude oil receiving station.

Abstract: A method for delivering a scale treatment agent to a hydrocarbon producing system. The method includes the steps of contacting the system with a foam comprising the scale treatment agent, and shutting the scale treatment agent in the system for at least 0.5 hour.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a composition and method of inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid comprising water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbon comprising adding to the fluid an effective anti-agglomerant amount of the following formula and optionally salts thereof: wherein each R1 is independently absent, C1-C10 alkyl, benzyl, or H; wherein R2 is C1-C10 alkyl; wherein R3 C1-C10 alkyl; and wherein R4 is C4-C22 alkyl or alkenyl.

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

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of converting an oxy halide salt into a halide dioxide in a reaction zone under certain conditions is provided. More specifically, the method includes generating chlorine dioxide from a stable composition comprising an oxy halide salt by introducing said composition to a reducing agent and minimum temperature within the reaction zone. According to another aspect of the invention, a composition for a stable chlorine dioxide precursor comprising an oxy halide salt is provided.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a treatment fluid comprising a styrene-acrylate polymer; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface. Another method provided herein includes a method for treating tar sand comprising: contacting the tar sand with a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a styrene-acrylate polymer, the tar sand comprising tar and sand; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymers to interact with the tar to at least partially separate the tar from the sand.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake is disclosed. The method may include circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes a non-oleaginous internal phase and an oleaginous external phase, where the non-oleaginous phase includes a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting agent, and the oleaginous external phase includes an oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for inhibiting scale formation within a hydrocarbon producing system, said method comprising contacting said system with a copolymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt and at least one other monomer.

Abstract: This invention refers to the manufacture and use of a petroleum asphaltene handler additive compound, which when applied in heavy oil, it makes asphaltenes to remain in suspension or dissolve, producing a viscosity reduction effect, this way avoiding formation of asphaltenic conglomerates precipitation in oil wells, storage tanks, as well as keeping pipelines from being obstructed. The components of this new additive compound achieve such a molecular coupling that the final liquid may be miscible in all types of oil. There are currently solubility models with the use of different methods for handling asphaltenes; some of them use solvents which generate other problems to the oil's physical and chemical stability, and in other cases, for example, the use of steam or heat, it becomes a temporary solution because the oil returns to the initial conditions at the end because reversible processes are utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to prevent the proliferation of undesired life forms in a subterranean formation, comprising forming a fluid comprising an inhibitor; and introducing the inhibitor to a surface in the formation. Apparatus and methods to prevent the proliferation of undesired life forms along a surface of tubular or equipment for use in the oil field services industry, comprising forming a coating comprising an inhibitor; and introducing the coating to a surface of the tubular or equipment. Apparatus and methods to prevent the proliferation of undesired life forms along a surface of tubular or equipment for use in the oil field services industry, comprising forming a material comprising an inhibitor; and embedding the material into a surface of the tubular or equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coated particle containing a particle and a coating, wherein the particle contains glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a partial salt thereof of the formula HnYm-GLDA, wherein Y is a cation, selected from the group of sodium, potassium and mixtures thereof, n+m=4, and wherein the coating contains at least one salt that contains as a cation at least one of sodium, potassium or lithium and as anion at least one of silicate sulfate, carbonate, chloride, nitrate, percarbonate, glycolate, oxalate, citrate, stearate, lactate, succinate, malonate, maleate, diglycolate, and fumarate, to a process to prepare such a particle, and, to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a flow additive useful to improve the extraction and displacement of light or heavy crude oils, which comprises an aqueous emulsion containing hollow or solid synthetic microspheres, a component able to alter the superficial tension, high molecular weight polyelectrolytes, a glycol-type antifreeze and fluidity improvement agent and a thickening agent. The additive according to the present invention improves the flow of crude oil pumped from the wells to storage tanks and also cleans and prevents against incrustations of paraffin and heavy hydrocarbons derived from the perforation of the petroleum wells drilling, even though in low temperatures (below of 0 Celsius degrees).

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling and/or removing deposits in oil and/or gas handling equipment, and more specifically relates to controlling and/or removing deposits from the walls of oil and/or gas pipelines.

Abstract: Saturated and unsaturated carboxylic fatty acids and alkylamine salts, alkyl esters and alkyl amide derivatives of these fatty acids are effective in improving the lubricity of hydrate inhibitor formulations, thereby effectively reducing the level of wear on moving parts of a pump under a load during pumping of the hydrate inhibitor formulation, for instance into an umbilical for a subsea hydrocarbon production operation.

Abstract: Polymers are described that are polymerized from at least one reactive vinyl monomer having acid functionality or a salt thereof, and at least one reactive vinyl monomer having amide functionality. These polymers have a molecular weight from about 500 Da to about 15,000 Da; and may additionally comprise one or more solvent adducts. These polymers may be included in compositions that find use in oilfield applications, such as for inhibition and/or prevention of gas hydrates and/or corrosion.

Abstract: Process for the removal of deposits from an oil or gas well, and/or from surface structures, and/or from the equipment connected therewith, and/or from hydrocarbon-bearing formations, comprising: —injecting at least one oil-in-water nanoemulsion into said oil or gas well, and/or surface structures, and/or equipment connected therewith, and/or hydrocarbon bearing formations; leaving said nanoemulsion in said oil or gas well, and/or surface structures, and/or equipment connected therewith, and/or hydrocarbon bearing formations, for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing or alleviating the problems associated with corrosion and to novel formulations for use in such a method.

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 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: Provided is a method for inhibiting scale formation within a hydrocarbon producing system, said method comprising contacting said system with a polymer formed from a diallyl ammonium salt, a monomer comprising one carboxylate group and a monomer comprising at least two carboxylate groups or an anhydride group. Also provided are hydrocarbon well treatment compositions and polymers for use in connection with the provided methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing hydrocarbons from production fluids that have water as an external phase. An exemplary embodiment provides a method that comprises producing a production fluid having water as the external phase and injecting an amount of a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor into the production fluid, wherein the amount is adjusted to allow hydrate formation to occur while retaining liquid water as the external phase. The water and thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor may be separated from the production fluid and a purified hydrocarbon stream may be produced.

Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid that contain a specified generic formula are disclosed. The fluid can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for inhibiting hydrate formation blockage in a flow line used to transport hydrocarbon containing fluids. Water is added to a hydrocarbon containing fluid to produce a water cut enhanced hydrocarbon containing fluid. Salt may be added to the hydrocarbon containing fluids as well. Hydrate formation blockage is inhibited from forming within the flow line by the addition of the water and/or the salt. Sufficient water may be added such that the hydrocarbon containing fluid is converted from a water in oil emulsion to a water continuous emulsion. A system for preventing the formation of hydrate blockage in conduits is also provided. The system includes a flow line for transporting a hydrocarbon containing fluid and a water injection conduit fluidly connected to the flow line to add water to the flow line to increase the water cut of a hydrocarbon containing fluid flowing through the flow line.

Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in an aqueous medium that contain a specified generic formula are disclosed. The aqueous medium can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the corrosion of a metal surface contacted by an aqueous acid solution. The methods combine a corrosion inhibiting composition with the aqueous acid solution, wherein the corrosion inhibiting composition comprises a reaction product of an alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone with a primary or secondary amine. The metal surface is then contacted with the aqueous acid solution comprising the corrosion inhibiting composition, thereby inhibiting corrosion thereon.

Abstract: Polymeric naphthenate inhibitors are delivered into production fluids to contact mixtures of oil and water, such as in a hydrocarbon producing formation, production equipment, or processing systems. These polymeric naphthenate inhibitors exhibit surface-active properties causing the inhibitors to self-associate at oil-water interfaces and inhibit interactions between organic acids in the oil and cations or cation complexes in water. The large surface area makes these polymers persistent and effective at low concentrations. These compounds also inhibit aggregation of organic acid carboxylate salts that form when pH and pressure conditions are amenable to organic acid ionization. Preferred inhibitors do not form emulsions due to the formation of unstable mixed interface structures that result in coalescence of dispersed droplets.

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

Abstract: One or more compositions and methods for inhibiting the formation of hydrate agglomerates in a fluid comprising water, gas, and optionally liquid hydrocarbon are disclosed. The fluid can be contained in an oil or gas pipeline or refinery.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the present invention is multifunctional corrosion inhibitors for protecting from top of line corrosion and bottom line corrosion for pipes used in particular in the petroleum industry. The corrosion-inhibiting compositions comprise, as inhibitors, at least one amine with a boiling point of between 105 and 130° C.