Abstract: A composition is for making a drilling fluid a non-invasive drilling fluid. The composition has a first component comprising particles having a scratch hardness above 2 Mohs and a second component comprising particles selected from the group of fragmented seeds of Tamarindus indica, comminuted bark from Litsea glutinosa, or comminuted Ocimum tenuiflorum. Also disclosed is a non-invasive drilling fluid having the composition, and a method for drilling a wellbore.

Abstract: A well cleanup process involves removing an impermeable filter cake from a formation face with thermochemical and chelating agents to allow formation fluids to flow from a reservoir to a wellbore. The method may be used with oil and water-based drilling fluids with varied weighting agents, e.g., bentonite, calcium carbonate, or barite. Such thermochemical agents may involve two salts, e.g., NO2? and NH4+, which, when mixed together, can generate pressure and heat, in addition to hot H2O and/or N2. For example, the thermochemical agents may comprise Na+, K+, Li+, Cs+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and/or Ba2+ with NO2? and NH4+ with F?, Cl?, Br?, I?, CO32?, NO3?, ClO4?, and/or ?OH.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule, in particular for preparing a beverage from beverage powder, in particular coffee from coffee powder (1), by introducing water into the capsule, which capsule comprises a capsule body (2), which is composed of at least one polysaccharide and which is filled with a powder containing polysaccharide, wherein the capsule body (2) is encased by at least one coating layer (3), wherein the at least one coating layer (3) comprises a cross-linked polysaccharide, wherein the cross-linked polysaccharide was obtained by cross-linking a polysaccharide by means of a cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Polyelectrolyte nanoparticles are generated to stabilize foam for use in enhanced oil recovery. Stability is further enhanced by optimizing pH and a ratio of polycationic and polyanioinic materials, resulting in stronger and longer lasting foams in the presence of crude oil. Use of these nanoparticles results in negligible damage to formation permeability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic cement-based material composition comprising a bacterial biofilm, or at least one hydrophobicity-conveying component of a bacterial biofilm, an additive for a cement-based material composition comprising a bacterial biofilm or at least one hydrophobicity-conveying component of a bacterial biofilm and the use of such biofilm or component therefore for decreasing the wettability of a cement-based material.

Abstract: A method and a system for recovering oil from currently inaccessible oil containing geological units by activating the deep biosphere microbial seed bank. Nutrient and thermal enhancement of microorganisms in oil containing geological units allows for stimulation of inactive and/or dormant microorganisms such that they proliferate and produce gas. The oil viscosity that is decreased by heat, along with the gas pressure produced by activated microbes which allows previously inaccessible oil to flow toward production wells.

Abstract: A method may include circulating a breaker fluid into a wellbore having a filtercake on the walls thereon, the filter cake including copolymer formed from at least one acrylamide monomer and at least one sulfonated anionic monomer, the breaker fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a mixture of hydrolysable esters of dicarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to compositions including functionalized polysaccharide for treatment of subterranean formations and methods and systems including the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method includes placing in a subterranean formation a composition including a functionalized polysaccharide that includes a hydroxy(C1-C5)alkyl functionalization and a polyhydroxy(C2-C5)alkyl functionalization.

Abstract: Methods comprising providing a drill-in fluid including an aqueous carrier fluid, a surfactant; and a self-degradable filter cake-forming agent which includes a plurality of degradable particulates which are operable to form an acid upon degradation, and a plurality of acid-degradable particulates. Drilling a wellbore through a reservoir section of a subterranean formation with the drill-in fluid, forming a thin internal filter cake within the wellbore from the self-degradable filter cake-forming agent. Releasing an acid derivative from at least a portion of the plurality of degradable particulates, interacting the acid with the filter cake so as to at least partially degrade the acid-degradable particulates therein. Thereby at least partially removing the filter cake allowing quick lift off of the remaining particulates, and producing a hydrocarbon fluid or gas from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A methodology for reservoir understanding employs analysis of fluid property gradients to investigate and distinguish between non-compartmentalization of the reservoir, compartmentalization of the reservoir, and lack of thermodynamic equilibrium in the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods, microorganisms, and compositions are provided wherein oil reservoirs are inoculated with microorganisms belonging to Arcobacter clade 1 and medium including an electron acceptor. The Arcobacter strains grow in the oil reservoir to form plugging biofilms that reduce permeability in areas of subterranean formations thereby increasing sweep efficiency, and thereby enhancing oil recovery.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous based fluid; an amphoteric, viscoelastic surfactant; and a modified starch is disclosed. Methods of drilling subterranean wells, methods of reducing the loss of fluid out of subterranean wells, and methods of completing wellbores using aqueous-based fluids having an ampoteric, viscoelastic surfactant and a modified starch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A well clean-up fluid system than can be used to remove the filter cake in horizontal and multilateral sections of extended-reach and maximum-reservoir-contact wells for both open and cased hole completions. The fluid system contains one or more low pH chelating agents and a viscoelastic surfactant. The fluid is injected through a drill pipe and starts reacting with the filter cake after rigging down. This method of the well clean-up eliminates the use of coil tubing, enzymes and corrosion inhibitors. The efficiency of filter cake removal is enhanced because the well clean-up fluid system has the ability to divert through the highly damaged areas of well or formation in the horizontal section.

Abstract: Novel hyperthermophilic Dictyoglomus beta-mannanases are provided for use in high temperature industrial applications requiring enzymatic hydrolysis of 1,4-?-D-mannosidic linkages in mannans, galactomannans, and glucomannans. Also provided are methods and compositions for fracturing a subterranean formation in which a gellable fracturing fluid is first formed by blending together a hydratable polymer and a Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase as an enzyme breaker. An optimized and stabilized recombinant Dictyoglomus beta-mannanase is provided that shows superior performance/effectiveness and properties in degrading guar and derivatized guars at pH ranges from 3.0 to 12 and temperatures ranging from 130° F. to in excess of 270° F.

Abstract: Apparatus and compositions for reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content are described. The methods may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation that includes a carbonaceous material. They may also include providing hydrogen and one or more phosphorous compounds to the microorganisms. The combination of the hydrogen and phosphorous compounds stimulates the consortium to metabolize the carbonaceous material into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. Also, methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content by providing a carboxylate compound, such as acetate, to a consortium of microorganisms is described. The carboxylate compound stimulates the consortium to metabolize carbonaceous material in the formation into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing acetoclastic methanogenesis in subterranean geologic formations. The methods may include accessing a microorganism consortium in the formation, and assessing the consortium for acetoclastic methanogenic activity. The methods may further include modifying the formation environment based on the consortium assessment to increase methane production from acetoclastic methanogenic pathways used by the consortium. The modifications to the formation environment may include introducing an amendment and/or introducing acetoclastic microorganisms to the formation environment.

Abstract: Polynucleotide sequences are provided encoding a thermostable cellulase and directing its increased expression are provided, and the use of the thermostable cellulase in hydraulic fracturing methods and the treatment of flowback fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing biosurfactants, such as surfactin, comprising culturing at least one biosurfactant-producing microbe in a liquid culture medium comprising vinasse as a carbon source. Methods of using the crude biosurfactant containing culture broth in tertiary oil recovery and as antibacterial compositions in tertiary oil recovery are also described. Methods of using the culture broth residue after isolation of the biosurfactants as fertilizer and compositions for this use are also described.

Abstract: Chemical compounds that are N-acyl amino acids or derivatives thereof having long chain N-acyl groups were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.

Abstract: Chemical compounds that are N-lauroyl amino acids containing a polyethylene oxide segment were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.

Abstract: A solid chemical delivery system for delivering chemicals to an underground formation. The solid chemical is formed by dehydrating a silicate to form anhydrous silicate. Well chemicals are then introduced to the silica and form a tablet or pelletized chemical. The pelletized solid chemical is then delivered to the underground formation through the well bore with a proppant and fracturing fluid. This allows the well treatment chemicals to be released over time.

Abstract: A process for increasing recovery of heavy oil with an API gravity equal to or greater than 10, contained in carbonate and/or sandstone porous media using extremophile (thermophilic, halotolerant and barotolerant) anaerobic indigenous microorganisms. The process involves nutrient injection to stimulate activity of extremophile anaerobic indigenous microorganisms at the well bottom, promoting the production of metabolites which improve oil mobility and increase oil recovery. Stimulation of extremophile anaerobic indigenous microorganisms and their metabolite production is conducted under anaerobic conditions at temperatures of 45 to 90° C., NaCl concentrations of 5,000 to 40,000 mg/L and pressures of 0.795 to 169 Kg/cm2 (11.3 to 2,400 psi). Heavy oils are recovered with API gravity equal to or greater than 10 degrees. The process enables up to 21% oil recovery in addition to the waterflooding process in porous media.

Abstract: Controlling microbial growth and activity during Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery processes is disclosed. Specific control of microbial growth and activity in this process results in prevention of nutrient loss in transit and allows better targeting of microbial activity to the desired subsurface location(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a subterranean formation with a composition including a compound made by a microorganism or a microorganism that can make the compound. Various embodiments provide methods of using compositions for treatment of subterranean formations including exopolysaccharides or microorganisms that can make exopolysaccharides under downhole conditions. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation, including providing at least one exopolysaccharide by subjecting an extremophilic or extremotolerant microorganism to conditions such that the microorganism forms the exopolysaccharide, or by subjecting a microorganism genetically modified using an extremophilic or extremotolerant microorganism to conditions such that the microorganism forms the exopolysaccharide. The method can also include contacting a composition including the exopolysaccharide with a subterranean material downhole.

Abstract: A method of controlling sulfides in a fluid including determining selected conditions of the fluid and selecting a nitrogen reducing bacteria (NRB) based on those conditions. The method further includes injecting an NRB into the fluid and injecting an inorganic nitrate into the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability, including thermotolerance or thermostability, at increased or decreased pHs and temperatures.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of fracturing formations are provided. The fracturing fluid includes an enzyme breaker that decreases the viscosity of the fracturing fluid over time. The enzyme breaker can be used in environments having a pH value ranging from about 7 to about 12.

Abstract: The allosteric effectors, sulfate and phosphate, can be used with mannanohydrolase enzymes to better control the break of gelled fracturing fluids in wellbore operations. The fracturing fluid contains a hydratable polymer of guar, a guar derivative, a cellulose derivative, a water soluble biopolymer or a combination thereof and a crosslinking agent. The mannanohydrolase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of ?-(1,4) mannosidic linkages to break the polymeric backbone.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; a chelating agent; and at least one enzyme, wherein the wellbore fluid has a pH of at least 6.5 is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content are described. The methods may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation that includes a carbonaceous material. They may also include providing hydrogen and one or more phosphorous compounds to the microorganisms. The combination of the hydrogen and phosphorous compounds stimulates the consortium to metabolize the carbonaceous material into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. Also, methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content by providing a carboxylate compound, such as acetate, to a consortium of microorganisms is described. The carboxylate compound stimulates the consortium to metabolize carbonaceous material in the formation into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation. The method may include providing a fluid-loss control pill that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and an internal breaker that is selected from the group consisting of inorganic delayed acids or inorganic salts. The method can include introducing the fluid-loss control pill into a subterranean formation, allowing the internal breaker to reduce the viscosity of the pill after a delay period, and allowing the fluid-loss control pill to break.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow hydrogel capsules. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a hollow hydrogel capsule including a hydrogel shell including a hydrolyzed and crosslinked polymerized composition. The hollow hydrogel capsule also includes a hollow interior including at least one component of a downhole composition for subterranean petroleum or water well drilling, stimulation, clean-up, production, completion, abandonment, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising the hollow hydrogel capsules and methods of making the hollow hydrogel capsules.

Abstract: The current application generally relates to the use of cysteine proteases in water pretreatment that reduce or eliminate premature enzymatic breakage of polysaccharide injection fluids. Plant enzymes can be used as a control method to interrupt bacterium capabilities to interact and destroy polysaccharidases and other enzymes that may prematurely break frack fluids and other biological thickening agents. Possible enzymes come from a group of proteins known as cystine endopeptidases such as bromelain, papain, calpain, and ficain, and the like.

Abstract: A breaker fluid may include a base fluid; and an inactive chelating agent. A process may include pumping a first wellbore fluid comprising an inactive chelating agent into a wellbore through a subterranean formation; and activating the inactive chelating agent to release an active chelating agent into the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is introduction of different nutrient solution formulations to a subterranean target site to prevent biofilm formation and biomass aggregation at the sand face of an injection well bore during MEOR or bioremediation processes. A first nutrient solution formulation supports growth of introduced microorganisms and a second nutrient solution formulation is used to promote biofilm formation to allow plugging of pores and channels in the subterranean target site, for MEOR or bioremediation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or pipeline maintenance.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation, the method including placing a well treatment fluid comprised of at least an enzyme and a breaker additive in the subterranean formation. Initially, the pH of the well treatment fluid is about 11.5. The breaker additive reduces the pH of the well treatment fluid by at least 1.5 to increase the activity of enzyme and accelerate hydrolysis of a crosslinkable component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-stage filter cake removal composition, and method of use thereof, for use in a wellbore for controlled removal of a filter cake present in a target production zone. The two-stage filter cake removal composition may include an enzyme present in an amount of between about 1% and 10%, and a glycolic acid in amounts of between about 1% and 10% by weight. Optionally, hydrochloric acid may be added to the glycolic acid, in an amount of about 1 and 5% by weight. The two-stage filter cake removal composition, when the enzyme is applied to the filter cake in the target production zone in a first stage and the glycolic acid is applied to the filter cake in the target production zone in a second stage, is operable to remove the filter cake in the target production zone over a predetermined extended reaction time.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: Viscosifying polymers are effectively degraded during a well treatment operation with an ylide breaker or a vitamin B cofactor. The vitamin B cofactor is an ylide, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9 or vitamin B12 or mixtures thereof. Such breakers are effective at room and elevated temperatures and high pH environments.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: A method for the encapsulation and triggered-release of water-soluble or water-dispersible materials. The method comprises a) providing an amount of electrolyte having a charge, b) providing an amount of counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolyte and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form aggregates, d) adding a compound to be encapsulated, and e) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the aggregates. Release of the encapsulated species is triggered by disassembly or deformation of the microcapsules though disruption of the charge interactions. This method is specifically useful for the controlled viscosity reduction of the fracturing fluids commonly utilized in the oil field.

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: The present invention relates to a chelating agent precursor that contains glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid (GLDA) and/or methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid (MGDA) wherein at least one of the carboxylic acid groups is present as a carboxylic acid derivative selected from the group of amides, anhydrides, and esters, combinations thereof, and salts thereof, provided that it is not the triethyl ester of GLDA, the triethyl mono-t-butyl ester of GLDA, the tri-t-butyl ester of GLDA, the monobenzyl tri-t-butyl ester of GLDA, any ester or amide that contains azacycloalkane groups, any amide that contains biotin groups, any amide that contains minoethylcarbamoyl based amide groups, (S)-diethyl 2,2?-(1-benzyloxy)-1,5-dioxo-5-(prop-2-ynylamino)pentan-2-ylazanediyl-diacetate, diethyl 2,2?-(5-(3-azidopropylamino)-1-(benzyloxy)-1,5-dioxo-pentan-2-ylazanediyl-diacetate, the trimethyl ester of MGDA, the monomethyl ester dimethylamide of MGDA, the dibenzyl ester of MGDA, the dibenzyl mono t-butyl ester of MGDA, the di t-butyl est

Abstract: This invention relates to slurry compositions and their use in oil field applications. In particular, this invention is directed to slurry compositions comprising non-saccharide polymers (for use as thickeners and/or friction reducers) and enzymatic breakers, as well as methods of using such slurry compositions as fracturing fluids in slickwater fracturing operations in low permeable rock formations.

Abstract: Consolidation fluids comprising: an aqueous base fluid comprising a hardening agent; an emulsified resin having an aqueous external phase and an organic internal phase; a silane coupling agent; and a surfactant. The consolidation fluid itself may be emulsified and further comprise an emulsifying agent. The consolidation fluid may also be foamed in some cases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions containing enzymes, particularly acting at the interface between two immiscible phases where the rate of enzymatic activity is increased by addition of a blend of surfactant(s) and a mixture derived from yeast fermentation, that contain non-enzymatic exo-proteins released by yeast in response to a non-lethal stress. The enzymes include those that work at the interface between an aqueous solution and a water immiscible phase, liquid or solid, such as oil, fat, cellulose, lignin, etc. including, but not limited to the following or combinations thereof: lipases, polysaccharase, lignase, cellulase and the like, in which the substrate of an enzymatic reaction forms a phase, segregated from the aqueous solution in which the enzymes are typically operating.

Abstract: Enzyme formulations should stay active and devoid of all possible inactivation processes during transport and long-term storage. The stabilization of enzymatic activity, especially in presence of critical functional components for specialized application, has been a long-standing obstacle when stored over an extended period of time. One such obstacle is the stability of enzyme in presence of weak acids in formulation, which is often desired to efficiently break down biopolymer filtercake embedded in a carbonate matrix, in the open-hole section of a horizontal well, for hydrocarbon production. The invention comprises methods and compositions to enhance the long-term storage stability of an enzyme formulation consisting of an in-situ acid precursor system, where in-situ generated precursors are mainly ester compounds that dissociate by slow hydrolysis to generate organic acid, shifting the pH of the formulation outside the pKa of the enzyme protein.