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: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, and detergent. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltene and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.

Abstract: Fluid producing wells may be treated with a water-in-oil emulsion for the removal or inhibition of unwanted solid particulates, including pipe dope, asphaltenes and paraffins. Such emulsions are of particular applicability in the displacement of oil base drilling muds and/or residues from such muds from producing wells. The water-in-oil emulsions may optionally contain a dispersing agent as well as a surfactant.

Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, detergent and mineral acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltine and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.

Abstract: A composition is provided for delivering an organic solvent to a downhole portion of a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon or to a portion of a pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbon. The composition comprises: (A) water; (B) a weighting agent; (C) an organic solvent that is immiscible with water; and (D) a surfactant adapted for forming an oil-external emulsion of the organic solvent and the water, wherein the surfactant is unstable to hydrolysis. The composition is formed to be an oil-external emulsion. The density of the composition is formulated to be greater than that of pure water at standard temperature and pressure. A method is provided for delivering an organic solvent to a downhole portion of a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon or to a portion of a pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbon. The method comprises the steps of: (A) forming a composition according to the invention; and (B) introducing the composition into the wellbore or into the pipeline.

Abstract: Acid based micro-emulsions are disclosed comprising water, an acid blend, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a co-solvent, a solvent and an oxidizer. The micro-emulsions have particular utility in cleaning oil sludges and drilling mud residues from well cuttings, well formations and down hole and surface oil well drilling and production equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable chemical compositions wherein core substrates, particularly oil well chemicals, are adsorbed onto particulate starch, particularly granular starch, providing a stable, controlled release formulation suitable for use in oil field applications. The invention further relates to the process of preparing obtaining these compositions.

Abstract: An oil well capsule to reduce the paraffin and asphaltene which accumulate on the walls of the pipes which are used to bring the oil up from underground deposits, and a method of using the oil well capsule. An oil well capsule having a shell encapsulating a chemically active mass wherein the chemically active mass consists essentially of alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: The use of high flash point, low vapor pressure compositions for injection into, and coating of, gas and oil wells and surrounding underground hydrocarbon bearing formations and processing equipment for the purpose of removing scale, paraffins, tars, and other viscous constituents. Treatment results in increased flow of gas and/or oil and decreased adhesion of soil and scale in all aspects of oil and gas recovery, including hydrocarbon bearing formations, casings, lines and pumping equipment. The composition contains about 40 to 99 wt. % of a fatty acid alkyl ester blend and about 1 to 25 wt. % of at least one lower alkyl glycol ether.

Abstract: Acid based micro-emulsions are disclosed comprising water, an acid blend, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a co-solvent, a solvent and an oxidizer. The micro-emulsions have particular utility in cleaning oil sludges and drilling mud residues from well cuttings, well formations and down hole and surface oil well drilling and production equipment.

Abstract: A method of preventing corrosion in pipelines comprising draining pipeline of all residual compounds, blowing through with nitrogen and rinsing with a corrosion inhibiting rinsing agent.

Abstract: The invention involves the demulsification and liquefaction of hydrocarbon based sludges. A demulsifier and a liquefaction agent and methods of using the same are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the demulsifier contains a salt of DDBSA, polypropylene glycol, and citrene. In a preferred embodiment, the liquefaction agent contains a glycol ether and sodium silicate. In another preferred embodiment, the liquefaction agent contains a glycol ether and citrene. In preferred practice, the sludge is treated with the liquefaction agent, circulated, treated with the demulsifier, and circulated further. An object of the invention is to provide a hydrocarbon based sludge that is sufficiently liquefied to be pumped and which is sufficiently demulsified to allow the waters, oils, and solids in the sludge to separate.

Abstract: A non-hazardous, non-flammable, biodegradable composition for use in removal of paraffin accumulations in oilfield equipment may contain limonene, a glycol ether an ethoxylate(alcohol surfactant, an aliphatic alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, a non-hazardous and biodegradable organic acid, and, sufficient water as a carrier and comprising such a major weight component of the composition as to virtually eliminate a measurable flashpoint therefor. Preferably the aliphatic alcohol is one or methanol, ethanol, or admixtures thereof. Preferably the organic acid is one of acetic acid, citric acid, or formic acid. The glycol either is preferably ethylene glycol monopropyl ether.

Abstract: An aqueous external dispersion comprising a wax dispersant and an organic crystal modifier composition dispersed through a continuous water phase is useful as a crystal modifier for petroleum or a petroleum-derived liquid. The dispersant comprises a non-ionic surfactant and is present in the dispersion in an amount sufficient to impart at least meta-stability to the dispersion. The dispersion has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of less than about 50,000 centipoise.

Abstract: An aqueous external dispersion comprising a wax dispersant and an organic crystal modifier composition dispersed through a continuous water phase is useful as a crystal modifier for petroleum or a petroleum-derived liquid. The dispersant comprises a non-ionic surfactant and is present in the dispersion in an amount sufficient to impart at least meta-stability to the dispersion. The dispersion has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of less than about 50,000 centipoise.

Abstract: A chemical additive for cleaning a well drilling system and equipment includes an alcohol, preferably a terpene, and either an ether amine or a base fluid or combination of the two. The additive can be mixed with an aqueous solution that may be a water, salt or brine solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for in-situ decontamination of earth formations comprising:(a) from about 1,000 to about 25,000 parts by weight of a hydrophobically associating polymer per million parts by weight of water;(b) from about 25 to about 7,500 parts by weight per million parts by weight of water of one or more anionic or non-ionic surfactants; and,(c) from about 0.5 wt % to about 4 wt %, based on the weight of water, of salts selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal halides and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a well system and equipment has been developed using a chemical additive that includes an alkene alcohol, preferably a terpene, and either an ether amine or base fluid or combination of the two. The additive can be used in an aqueous or salt solution. The process includes circulating the chemical additive in the well system with spacer fluids.

Abstract: A concentrate for use with an oil or water carrier for injection into a well to enhance production and a method of well treatment are disclosed. The five part concentrate contains xylene, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent such as kerosene, a non-ionic emulsifier, a non-ionic surfactant and an amphoteric detergent. The xylene and kerosene create a solvent hole in the materials restricting flow. The surfactant expands the holes while the detergent and emulsifier assist in dispersing the removed material to thereby stimulate production from the well. The injection of the concentrate and carrier mixture can take place during shut-in of the well or during continued production.

Abstract: A solids-free, essentially all-oil wellbore fluid comprises (a) an organic fluid having (i) a melting point less than about 20.degree. C. (about 68.degree. F.), (ii) a flash point greater than about 54.4.degree. C. (about 130.degree. F.), and (iii) a dipole moment greater than 0 debye (D), and (b) a salt dissolved in the organic fluid. The wellbore fluid is employed in well drilling, completion, and work-over operations.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the deposition or precipitation of wax in a hydrocarbon fluid such as, for example, a crude oil, and for operating a pipeline is disclosed. The process comprises combining an effective amount of a polymer with the hydrocarbon fluid wherein the polymer comprises random repeat unit of butadiene. Also provided is a composition which comprises a hydrocarbon fluid and a random copolymer which comprises repeat units of styrene and butadiene.