Abstract: A method for controlling the rheology of aqueous systems, particularly for those intended for underground use, includes injecting an aqueous fluid containing a surfactant gelling agent into the system. The surfactant gelling agents are, for example, fatty aliphatic amidoamine oxides, salts of an alkoxylated monoamine with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, and salts of an alkyldiamine with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid. The surfactant gelling agents can be adsorbed onto particulate supports to facilitate delivery of the gelling agent. The additives may be incorporated in the viscoelastic fluid to tailor its use in hydraulic fluids, drilling muds, fracture fluids, and in applications such as permeability modification, gravel packing, cementing, and the like.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid polymer containing a carboxylic group and having at least one kind of bond selected from the group consisting of an amino bond, an ether bond, and a thioether bond in a side chain is prepared by polymerizing a monomer component containing a carboxylic acid monomer represented by General Formula (3): ##STR1## where Y.sub.4 is a hydrogen atom, an allyl group, or a --(CHR.sub.4).sub.c --W.sub.2 --(CHR.sub.5).sub.d --COOR.sub.6 group, each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6, independent of the others, is either a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of a carbon number from 1 to 6, each of W.sub.1 and W.sub.2, independent of the other, is either an --NH-- group, an --S-- group, or an --O-- group, and each of a, b, c, and d, independent of the others, is an integer from 0 to 6. The carboxylic acid polymer has a superior metal-scavenging ability (chelating ability) and can be suitably used, for example, as a chelating agent.

Abstract: A foamed gel composition useful in a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation to reduce the permeability of a treatment region therein or control the mobility of a drive fluid in the formation. The foamed gel is formed from a crosslinkable carboxylate-containing polymer, a crosslinking agent containing a reactive transition metal cation, a polyvinyl alcohol, an aqueous solvent, and an added gas.

Abstract: Methods and additive compounds for retarding the dispersion in water of bitumen-in-water emulsions, and in particular ORIMULSION, are disclosed. Methods include applied mixing at high speed and changing the pH of the emulsion. Additives include salts and flocculants.

Abstract: A solid, water-soluble complex comprising:a) a polysiloxane of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is from 2 to 6; a is from 8 to 25; and b is from 0 to 25; and the oxyalkylene groups may be random or block mixtures; y is from 0 to 5; x is from 1 to 5; and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, and a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl ester; or ##STR2## wherein A is a linear or branched alkyl having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; G is a glycol moiety of the formula --R'(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.m OR" wherein R' is a divalent alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; R" is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, and a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl ester; m is 8 to 100; y is 0 to 5; X is 0.1 to 2.5; and z is 0.1 to 5.0;b) a complex-forming agent of the formula: ##STR3## wherein X is O, S, Se, or Te, and c) a readily clathratable polyoxyethylene, e.g. a tridecyl alcohol ethoxylate having eight or more oxyethylene units.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a liquid oil without heating the liquid oil. The method utilizes a solidifying agent for liquid oil which includes a gel-in-oil forming material (I) and a temporarily protective material (II) for the gel forming material (I), the solidifying agent sealed in a heat resistive container being heated as sealed therein and then mixed with the liquid oil.