Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic-coated proppant, including receiving a proppant or particle and coating the proppant or particle with ceramic to give a ceramic coating on the proppant or particle. A method of hydraulic fracturing a geological formation with the ceramic-coated proppant.

Abstract: A cementitious composition is provided that includes: (a) pumice; (b) cement; and (c) substantially spherical silica particles.

Abstract: A method for making ceramic composites via sintering a mixture of alumina and oil fly ash. The alumina is in the form of nanoparticles and/or microparticles. The oil fly ash may be treated with an acid prior to the sintering. The composite may comprise graphite carbon derived from oil fly ash dispersed in an alumina matrix. The density, mechanical performance (e.g. Vickers hardness, fracture toughness), and thermal properties (e.g. thermal expansion, thermal conductivity) of the ceramic composites prepared by the method are also specified.

Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluids having a combination of fatty acids derived from waste vegetable oil (WVO) and a fatty alcohol as a rheology modifier. An invert emulsion drilling fluid may include a water in oil emulsion, an invert emulsifier, a fatty alcohol having six to thirty carbon atoms, and a fatty acid having six to eighteen carbon atoms. The fatty acid is provided by esterifying a waste vegetable oil to produce a methyl ester of the waste vegetable oil and cleaving an ester group from the methyl ester of the waste vegetable oil. The invert emulsion drilling fluid may be formulated free of organoclay. Methods of drilling a wellbore using an invert emulsion drilling fluid are also provided.

Abstract: According to an example, a green body may include from about 1 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of a metal nanoparticle binder and a build material powder, wherein the metal nanoparticle binder is selectively located within an area of the green body to impart a strength greater than about 3 MPa.

Abstract: A sag-resistant fluid, such as a drilling fluid, a completion fluid, or a spacer fluid, including a colloidal suspension that includes a continuous liquid phase and a solid phase suspended in the continuous liquid phase. The solid phase includes a plurality of particles, having an average diameter of the plurality of particles less than about 1000 nm. The sag-resistant fluid has a density of from about 7 to about 30 lbm/gal, and exhibits a density variation of less than about 0.5 lbm/gal over a time period of at least about 16 hours. A method including circulating the sag-resistant fluid through a well.

Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally benign deicing compositions comprising deicers or anti-icing agents with oxygen release compounds for the mitigation of dissolved oxygen depletion in receiving waters due to the decomposition of organic deicers. The compositions also include additives for the effective release of oxygen from metal peroxides and for pH control as needed.

Abstract: The application discloses foam compositions, methods to produce foam compositions, and methods to increase hydrocarbon production by displacing a hydrocarbon product with a foam composition. The foam composition includes an aqueous phase that typically includes an amphoteric surfactant and inorganic ions.

Abstract: A method cementing a well is provided. The method includes the use of hydraulic cement composition that includes a set time control additive. The set time control additive includes a water soluble calcium salt such as calcium nitrate, a water soluble chloride salt such as sodium chloride, and a hydroxy carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A treatment additive for hydraulic fracturing made of heated silica to create amorphous silicate with a Mohs hardness between 4.5 and 6 and a particles distribution with maximum diameter between 5 and 2600 microns that has been heated and shaped into amorphous shapes with large surface area to weight ratio and ultra-low settling velocity used to prop microfractures distal from well bore, especially in low viscosity and high temperature wells. The microparticle size and shape allow the treatment to effectively hold microfractures open, stimulate backpressure, and prevent leakoff; which has the added benefit of improving primary fracture development; refrac and frac protect productivity; and reduces the likelihood of interference between offset wells. An additional benefit is that the treatment doesn't contain crystalline silica.

Abstract: A geopolymeric ink formulation for direct 3D printing containing a geopolymeric formulation whose components are present in such proportions as to be subjected to a geopolymerization reaction and to provide, at the end of the reaction, a solid geopolymer and wherein the formulation, before and during at least a part of the geopolymerization reaction, wherein three-dimensional chemical bonds have not yet been formed, forms a reversible-gel, non-Newtonian, viscoelastic fluid. The formulation is extruded through a 3D printing tool equipped with nozzle into strands according to a geometry such as to create a three-dimensional structure on one or more layers. The extrusion preferably takes place within a hydrophobic liquid, such as oil.

Abstract: Methods of mapping a subterranean formation using imploding particles are described. In some cases, the particles contain a material that generated a gas which passes through a water-insoluble coating to create a void within the particle. In some aspects, the implosive particles have a coating that dissolves in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions and methods for inhibiting corrosion on a metal surface exposed to a hydrocarbon fluid are provided. The corrosion inhibition compositions can include a corrosion inhibitor, such as 3-dimethylamino benzoic acid, 4-dimethylamino benzoic acid, or 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid. The corrosion inhibitor composition can further comprise dimethyl sulfoxide, and heavy aromatic naphtha. The corrosion inhibitor composition can be phosphate-free and can inhibit naphthenic acid corrosion. In the methods, a corrosion inhibitor composition is added to the hydrocarbon fluid exposed to the metal surface to prevent or inhibit corrosion on the metal surface, including naphthenic acid corrosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to coated support means for fracking mining methods, containing an inorganic substrate material and a coating containing polymers of one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers from the group containing vinyl esters of unbranched or branched alkyl carboxylic acids with 1 to 15 C atoms, methacrylic acid esters and acrylic acid esters of alcohols with 1 to 15 C atoms, vinyl aromatics, olefins, dienes and vinyl halides, characterised in that the polymers are obtained by means of radical-initiated polymerisation in an aqueous medium, wherein 0.5 to 20 wt. % of ethylenically unsaturated and silane group-containing monomers are copolymerised, in relation to the total weight of the monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified proppants and methods of using the modified proppants that use metal ligand tracers to characterize subterranean fluid flow. The metal and ligands are best chosen to be a strongly-coordinating, chelating ligand with a functional group for the chosen flow environment.

Abstract: The application discloses foam compositions, methods to produce foam compositions, and methods to increase hydrocarbon production by displacing a hydrocarbon product with a foam composition. The foam composition includes an aqueous phase that typically includes an amphoteric surfactant and inorganic ions.

Abstract: A wellbore treatment fluid containing lost circulation materials and methods for using the treatment fluid, the fluid including a carrier fluid and nano-carbohydrate based sheets. The sheets may be folded or rolled into various cross-sectional surface area reducing configurations. The nano-carbohydrate based sheets may contain cellulose and or chitin materials. A method for utilizing the treatment fluid for creation or maintenance of a well includes forming or providing the treatment fluid and introducing the treatment fluid into a borehole.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to determine where fractures are created within a wellbore during a formation fracturing operation, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one sensor within a carrier capable of measuring and recording a pressure difference across the carrier as a function of time; releasing the sensor into fracturing fluids; injecting fracturing fluids into a wellbore during a fracturing operation; after at least one fracture has formed, permitting fluids to flow back from the fractured formation into the wellbore and to a surface facility; capturing at least one sensor from the fluids which flowed back from the fractured formation; reading recorded data from the captured sensor; and determining the relative size of at least two different fractures based on the recorded data.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising at least one covalently cross-linked siloxanyl polymer cluster which is further cross-linked by a boron compound, wherein the concentration of boron is in the range 0.005-0.160 wt. %.

Abstract: Methods include providing an aqueous slurry of ceramic forming raw materials, where at least a portion of the ceramic forming raw materials are enhanced particulates, and flowing the slurry through at least one extrusion die face to form slurry bodies while the slurry is under a hypotensive condition which is less than about 30 kPa, or otherwise pressure lower than conventional extrusion pressures using unenhanced raw materials. The slurry bodies may then be received in a collecting hopper, and thereafter sintering to form particles, such as ceramic proppant particles. Enhanced particulates may be raw material particulates that are coated, selectively shaped, of particular size(s), or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Proppant used to keep open a fissure in a reservoir created by hydraulic or other action is disclosed. The proppant demonstrates a reduced specific gravity controlled by the geometry of the structure of the proppant. Proppant must be capable of withstanding the hydrostatic environment of the hydraulic pumping system, pass through a perforation in the casing of the well, travel into the fissure, and, upon reduction of hydrostatic pressure, withstand the closure pressure of the formation. A proppant having neutral buoyancy or substantial neutral buoyancy yet capable of withstanding the hydraulic and closure pressures is described that has a tubular structure hollow in the center with a wall of material sufficiently strong to withstand the majority of closure pressures.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: Synthetic ceramic proppants are described. Proppants having a monodispersity of 3-sigma distribution or lower are also described, including methods to make these proppants and methods of using these proppants.

Abstract: A proppant for use in fracturing geological formations is made from bauxitic ores and a calcium containing compound. The proppant has a calcium containing crystalline phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment a method of cementing in a subterranean formation is described. The method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising pumice, hydrated lime, a cement set retarder, a synthetic smectite, and water; introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for producing frac sand, in order to meet size, sphericity and roundness standards, from a feedstock such as natural sand. The feedstock is rotated as slurry in a conditioning cell, so that it self abrades to produce frac sand with the required characteristics.

Abstract: A method of reusing waste-water resulting from hydrocarbon production operations as a disinfectant. The method includes a) providing waste-water resulting from hydrocarbon production operations containing greater than 3 ppm bromide ion; b) adjusting the pH of the waste-water to a pH that renders the fracturing fluid non-scaling, while maximizing the production of hypobromous acid and c) adding a sufficient amount of an oxidizing agent to convert the bromide ion to hypobromous acid to provide a disinfectant solution.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid for a downhole environment is disclosed, comprising a water-sensitive gel; and a hydrated breaker. A fracturing fluid for a downhole environment is also disclosed, the fracturing fluid comprising a water-sensitive carrier and a breaker, the breaker comprising one or more hydrates, and wherein water of the one or more hydrates is releasable so as to act with the water-sensitive carrier to reduce the viscosity of the fluid. A method of treating a downhole environment with a fracturing fluid is also disclosed, the method comprising: providing to the downhole environment a fluid comprising a water-sensitive carrier and a breaker, the breaker comprising one or more hydrates; and allowing water from the one or more hydrates to release so as to act with the carrier to reduce the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: Proppant used to keep open a fissure in a reservoir created by hydraulic or other action is disclosed. The proppant demonstrates a reduced specific gravity controlled by the geometry of the structure of the proppant. Proppant must be capable of withstanding the hydrostatic environment of the hydraulic pumping system, pass through a perforation in the casing of the well, travel into the fissure, and, upon reduction of hydrostatic pressure, withstand the closure pressure of the formation. A proppant having neutral buoyancy or substantial neutral buoyancy yet capable of withstanding the hydraulic and closure pressures is described that has a tubular structure hollow in the center with a wall of material sufficiently strong to withstand the majority of closure pressures.

Abstract: A downhole fluid may be circulated within a wellbore where the downhole fluid may include at least a modified perlite and/or an aerogel. The amount of the modified perlite and/or aerogel within the downhole fluid may range from about 5 vol % to about 30 vol % of the downhole fluid of the total amount of the downhole fluid. The downhole fluid may be a drilling fluid, completion fluid, lost circulation pill, displacement pill, and combinations thereof. The material may help the downhole fluid maintain a relatively low density of less than about 1100 kg/m3.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore where shear recovery time of viscoelastic surfactant treatment fluids is shorten by adding an effective amount of an fiber based rheology enhancer. The rheology enhancer also increases fluid viscosity. Further, the rheology enhancer also improves proppant settling. Some examples of surfactants are betaines and quaternary amines, and an example of fiber based rheology enhancer is polylactic acid fiber. The fluids are useful in oilfield treatments, as well as methods of preparing viscoelastic surfactant based fluids.

Abstract: A well treatment composite which allows for the slow release of one or more well treatment agents into a subterranean formation and/or a wellbore penetrating the formation has a nano-sized calcined porous substrate (adsorbent) of high surface area onto which is applied the well treatment agent. The composites are suitable for use in such well treatment operations as hydraulic fracturing and sand control.

Abstract: A deformable particulate material made of cement materials such as aluminosilicate cement and having an aspect ratio of greater than 1 to about 25 may be mixed with conventional proppants to give a blend with improved flow back capacity when the blend is injected into a hydraulic fracture created in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Cements, such as alkali activated aluminosilicate, may be used as coatings on proppants, such as brown sand and white sand, to improve the strength thereof. The resulting coated proppants show increased strength as well as produced fines of lower than about 10 wt % at 10,000 psi closure stress.

Abstract: Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to cement compositions comprising sub-micron calcium carbonate and latex. An embodiment includes a cement composition comprising: cement, water, sub-micron calcium carbonate having a particle size in a range of from greater than 100 nanometers to about 1 micron, and latex.

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. Bromate oxidizing agents are used along with selected breaking activators for the bromate breaking compounds. Useful bromate breaking activators include acid-generating breaking activators, oxidizing sulfur containing breaking activators, and reducing agent breaking activators.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for introduction of fluids comprising kiln dust into a wellbore through a bottom hole assembly. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation using a bottom hole assembly; and pumping a treatment fluid into the wellbore through the bottom hole assembly, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a kiln dust and water.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a well comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a blended cementitious component, wherein the blended cementitious component comprises kiln dust from two or more different sources; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore.

Abstract: Methods of drilling wellbores, placing proppant packs in subterranean formations, and placing gravel packs in wellbores may involve fluids, optionally foamed fluids, comprising nanoparticle suspension aids. Methods may be advantageously employed in deviated wellbores. Some methods may involve introducing a treatment fluid into an injection wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, a foaming agent, a gas, and a nanoparticle suspension aid; and producing hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation via a production wellbore proximal to the injection wellbore.

Abstract: Compositions that swell on contact with water contain a non-swellable thermoplastic or thermoset polymer and a swellable inorganic compound. In particular, the compositions are suitable for use in subterranean wells such as those used in the oil and gas industry. The polymer may be polypropylene and the inorganic compound may be magnesium oxide.

Abstract: Propping compositions comprising: a hardenable, liquid external phase comprising an element selected from the group consisting of: a cement, a cement foam, a polymer, a resin, an aluminum, a flowable carrier fluid, and any combination thereof; and an internal phase that is either gas or liquid and that is immiscible with the external phase; wherein the internal phase exits the propping composition as the hardenable external phase hardens, leaving behind an hardened, interconnected porous network. Some propping compositions may require contact with a treatment for removal from the hardenable external phase and the treatment for removal may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of: an acid, a base, a chelant, an oxidizer, a solvent, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A silicate gel composition that is useful for sealing the face of a fracture of a formation. A method of sealing a face of a fracture of a formation with the silicate gel composition and diverting an acid treatment fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the safe and efficient generation of chlorine dioxide while achieving a variable chlorine dioxide mass flow rate, with a turn-down to turn-up ratio of at least 1 to 200. The process allows for a single chlorine dioxide generating system to safely provide variable mass flow rate of chlorine dioxide to applications that have wide ranging chlorine dioxide demand, like those experienced in oil and gas applications.

Abstract: A treatment fluid comprises: a metal oxide, wherein the metal oxide is capable of forming a chelate complex or coordination complex with a ligand, wherein the chelate complex or coordination complex has a setting time of less than 90 minutes at a temperature of 71° F. and a pressure of 1 atmosphere. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; allowing or causing a chelate complex or coordination complex to form between the metal oxide and a ligand; and allowing or causing the chelate complex or coordination complex to set.

Abstract: A relatively low density, high strength round proppant material having (i) a round core made of a sintered mixture of fly ash and clay or, in some instances, fly ash, clay, and bauxite; and (ii) an outer shell made of sintered bauxite, and a method of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oil well drilling comprising a weighting agent consisting of microfine, particulate ilmenite having a FeTiO3 content of at least 85% by weight, a specific surface area (BET) between 1 and 5 m2/g, where 90% by volume of the particles have a size of less than 12.5 ?m and a D50 between 3 ?m and 6 ?m by volume measured by laser diffraction using Malvern laser diffraction particle size analyzer, where the particles have an average circularity of at least 0.85 determined by image analysis. The invention further relates to high density oil well cement slurry comprising water, Portland cement, a to weighting material and optionally silica flour, microsilica, fiber, rubbery particles a fluid loss addition and a retarder, where the weighting material is particulate microfine ilmenite having a FeTiO3 content of at least 85% by weight, a specific surface area (BET) between 1 and 5 m2/g, and where 90% by volume of the particles have a size of less than 12.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a composition which may be useful for enhancing oil recovery. The composition typically comprises the reaction mixture of at least (a) two or more compounds capable of generating at least about 20 kcal to about 150 kcal per mole when contacted; (b) one or more suitable surfactants or one or more suitable polymers or a mixture thereof; and (c) oil. The invention also pertains to a method for enhancing oil recovery wherein a suitable system is injected through a wellbore into a reservoir to enhance mobility of oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acid-soluble cement compositions that comprise cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and associated methods of use. An embodiment provides a method of cementing comprising: providing an acid-soluble cement composition comprising a kiln dust and water; allowing the acid-soluble cement composition to set to form an acid-soluble hardened mass; and contacting the acid-soluble hardened mass with an acid.