Abstract: A method of characterizing a subterranean formation using a plurality of seismic acquisitions includes obtaining a first seismic acquisition of the subterranean formation, wherein the first seismic acquisition is a baseline survey. Injecting a gas fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the gas fluid at least partially fills a portion of a fracture network of the subterranean formation. Obtaining a second seismic acquisition of the subterranean formation. Calculating a time-lapse difference in the plurality of seismic acquisitions.

Abstract: A method includes providing an injection well extending from a surface into a formation and alternatingly pumping a foam injectant and a gel injectant into the injection well, wherein the foam injectant includes a liquid phase with a surfactant and water and a gas phase and the gel injectant includes a water-soluble polymer and a crosslinker. The foam injectant and the gel injectant are injected at separate times and sequentially.

Abstract: A method for preparing PAM with the aluminum-based crosslinker is provided. The method includes diluting the PAM with deionized water; adding the crosslinker gradually while stirring at room temperature; sonicating in a water bath; adding HCl and KOH to adjust pH; and testing compatibility with salts.

Abstract: A non-aqueous slurry contains a non-aqueous liquid immiscible in water (such as a hydrocarbon based oil) having dispersed therein a crosslinking agent (such as a borate crosslinking agent) and an oil-wetting surface active material. The non-aqueous slurry further contains an organophilic clay. The non-aqueous slurry, when used in an aqueous fracturing fluid, provides crosslinking delay between the crosslinking agent and a hydratable polymer, such as guar or guar derivatives. The aqueous fracturing fluid provides an enhanced fracture network after being pumped into a well.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation include providing a treatment fluid including a composition of a borate salt, an amine, and an organosilane; introducing the treatment fluid into the formation; and curing the composition to at least partially consolidate unconsolidated particulates in the formation.

Abstract: Biomimetic adhesive compositions can be used in various aspects of subterranean treatment operations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing an adhesive composition that comprises a first polymer comprising a plurality of monomers that comprise a phenolic moiety, a biopolymer that is crosslinkable with the first polymer, a crosslinking agent, and an oxidizing agent; introducing the adhesive composition into a subterranean formation; and forming a coacervate-bound surface in the subterranean formation by crosslinking the first polymer.

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: Of the many embodiments presented herein, one is a subterranean treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; and a water-soluble degradable synthetic vinyl polymer having a labile link in its backbone. Also provided in one instance is a water-soluble degradable synthetic vinyl polymer with labile group in its backbone made by a redox polymerization, the redox polymerization reaction comprising these reactants: a macroinitiator that comprises a labile link, an oxidizing metal ion, and a vinyl monomer.

Abstract: Method and agent for reducing water production from oil and gas wells. The agent comprises polymer, cross-linked particles which are stable in water-free solvents. The particles are manufactured in an oil-in-oil emulsion and are cross-linked with at least one water-stable cross-linker and at least one water-labile cross-linker. The water-labile cross-linker is chosen so that when it is opened or broken in a reaction with water a hydrophilic seat is formed which increases the particle's ability to swell in water. The particles furthermore comprise a controlled amount of an immobilized chemical compound which by means of the reaction between water and reactive groups in the polymer skeleton, become able to form chemical bonds to another particle, to another reactive seat in the same particle or to another compounds thereby increasing the agent's stability in the formation.

Abstract: A particulate suspending agent may be useful for mitigating particulate settling in wellbore applications with high-temperature and/or at near-neutral and higher pH values. Methods of treating a wellbore may include providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous liquid, a plurality of particulates, and a particulate suspending agent, wherein the particulate suspending agent comprises a crosslinked polymer particulate formed by a reaction comprising a first monofunctional monomer and an orthoester crosslinker, the orthoester crosslinker comprising an orthoester linkage and at least two crosslinking moieties; and placing the treatment fluid in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a zone of a subterranean carbonate formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. The method includes the steps of: According to an embodiment, a method of treating a zone of a subterranean carbonate formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; (ii) a water-soluble polymer having at least one functional group that can be crosslinked with aluminum(III); and (iii) a water-soluble aluminum carboxylate; wherein the pH of the treatment fluid is less than 1; (b) introducing the treatment fluid through the wellbore into the zone; and (c) allowing time for the strong acid in the treatment fluid to spend in the formation such that the pH of the fluid increases sufficiently for the aluminum of the aluminum carboxylate to crosslink the polymer.

Abstract: Treatment of a subterranean formation can be conducted with viscosified treatment fluids that comprise a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, and a multifunctional boronic acid crosslinking agent that comprises a copolymer comprising at least one boronic acid monomer unit and at least one water-soluble monomer unit; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method and composition for crosslinking a polymer based fluid includes providing a dry blend of crosslinker and delay agent. The crosslinker and delay agent are mixed and granulated in a dry form prior to addition to the polymer fluid.

Abstract: A solid zirconium cross-linking agent and use in a cross-linking composition in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared by a process comprising contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and water at particular mole ratios of alkanolamine and water to zirconium.

Abstract: A system for curing lost circulation is made of fibers and a material able to stick fibers in a network when activated. Such activation can be temperature or pH change or both. The fibers can be metallic amorphous fibers, metallic non-amorphous fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, polymeric fibers and combinations thereof. The material can be a fiber coating or an additional material, for example polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane and heat activated epoxy resin.

Abstract: A method for controlling driving fluid breakthrough caused by zones of pressure communication, i.e., a matrix bypass event (“MBE”) or a wormhole, having a void space and possibly areas of enhanced permeability (a halo region) associated with the void space, within a subterranean formation arising from use of a driving fluid in reservoirs where heavy/viscous oil is being produced. In embodiments, the method includes injection of a slurry of a cementitious material into the zone, which upon setting, provides a cement plug in the void space that reduces the pressure communication and flow of driving fluid within the zone. Another step injects a gel precursor within the zone, which upon setting, produces a gel plug that also reduces pressure communication and driving fluid flow through the halo region of the zone.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprises providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous fluid; a gelling agent, and a multifunctional boronic crosslinker comprising two or more boronic functional groups; and introducing the viscosified fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to crosslinked water-soluble swellable polymers, methods for making same and their various uses. More particularly, the invention relates to a composition comprising expandable polymeric particles being made with 0.1-5% hydrophobic monomers and labile crosslinkers and stable crosslinkers, said particles mixed with a fluid. A particularly important use is as an injection fluid in petroleum production, where the expandable polymeric particles are injected into a well and when the heat and/or pH of the target zones in the formation cause degradation of the labile crosslinker and when the particle expands, the hydrophobic groups associate to form a hydrophobically associative polymer, thus diverting water to lower permeability regions and improving oil recovery.

Abstract: Subterranean formations, such as tight gas formations, may be subjected to hydraulic fracturing by introducing into the formation a fracturing fluid of an aqueous fluid, a hydratable polymer, a crosslinking agent and proppant. The fracturing fluid is prepared in a blender and then pumped from the blender into the wellbore which penetrates the formation. The fluid enters the reservoir through an entrance site.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that mitigate pressure buildup in the annular space between two tubular bodies in subterranean wells. The composition of the invention comprises an aqueous solution of crosslinkable acrylamide-base polymer, a crosslinker and a gas. Once foamed and placed in the annular space, the composition provides a resilient, flexible, compressible and durable body that is able to compensate for pressure increases in the annular space, thereby protecting the integrity of the tubular bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating porous and permeable underground formations or cavities of reservoir rock or sand foundation type. The method consists in injecting a liquid composition comprising microgels into the formations in order to reduce the production of water, gas or sands, and/or for zone abandonment.

Abstract: A solid zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared comprising zirconium and hydroxyalkylated ethylene diamine ligand. Use of the cross-linking agent in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation is made of steps of providing a composition comprising a carrier fluid, a polymer viscosifying agent, carbon dioxide and a formate salt or formic acid; injecting into a wellbore, the composition; contacting the composition with the subterranean formation, wherein the temperature is above 100 degrees Celsius at this contact; and allowing the composition to treat the subterranean formation.

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: A solid zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared comprising zirconium and hydroxyalkylated ethylene diamine ligand. Use of the cross-linking agent in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid zirconium cross-linking agent and use in a cross-linking composition in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The zirconium cross-linking agent is prepared by a process comprising contacting a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine and water at particular mole ratios of alkanolamine and water to zirconium.

Abstract: A cross-linking system for hydratable polymers for using is formation fracturing applications is disclosed along with methods for using same, where the cross-linking system includes a reaction product of a transition metal alkoxide or alkanolate and a borate or borate generating reagent.

Abstract: Additives that may be useful in preventing fluid loss in certain subterranean formations and associated methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise: providing a low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and a crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer; and introducing the low molecular weight crosslinkable polymer and the crosslinking agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation is formed from an aqueous solution of a polysaccharide, a polyacrylamide, a crosslinking agent, which may be a Group 4 transition metal crosslinking agent, and less than 0.1% by weight of any clay component. In certain embodiments, the polyacrylamide may have an average molecular weight of from greater than 0.5 million to about 20 million and may be present in the fluid in an amount of from about 0.01% to 1% by weight of the fluid. 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. In certain embodiments, the treatment fluid may be introduced into a portion of the formation having a temperature of 120° C. or higher.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous phase; and a modified polyesteramide surfactant; methods of formulating such wellbore fluid; and methods of drilling a subterranean formation with such wellbore fluid are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chalcogen heterocyclic electron donating compounds as thermal decomposition reduction additives for gels used in well treatment fluids such as drilling fluids, fracturing fluids, and well completion and workover fluids.

Abstract: Presented herein are improved bridging agents comprising a degradable material, improved subterranean treatment fluids comprising such improved bridging agents, and methods of using such improved subterranean treatment fluids in subterranean formations. An example of a method presented is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of forming a self-degrading filter cake in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method presented is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a treatment fluid including a viscosifier, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material. Another example of a composition presented is a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of chalcogen heterocyclic electron donating compounds as thermal decomposition reduction additives for gels used in well treatment fluids such as drilling fluids, fracturing fluids, and well completion and workover fluids.

Abstract: An improved composition and method is provided for preventing or alleviating lost circulation during the drilling of wellbores in subterranean formations, and particularly during the drilling of oil and gas wells. The method is suited for horizontal and directional wells as well as more vertical wells. The composition of the invention comprises a synergistic blend of resilient, angular, carbon-based material and a water-swellable, crystalline synthetic polymer. The method employs the composition of the invention in preventing lost circulation.

Abstract: Three methods for improving the blocking ability of gels by improving the performance of gels in fractured reservoirs are provided. First method utilizes overload of a crosslinker, the second method utilizes a combination of crosslinker overload and aged crosslinker, and the third method utilizes a step of crosslinker pre-flush. These methods may be combined to further improve the performance of gels in fractured reservoirs. All methods utilized Chromium (III) acetate as a crosslinker. These methods outperformed the base formula of Chromium/polymer typically used in the field.

Abstract: A well treating composition containing a polysaccharide-based water-superabsorbent material has particularly applicability as a thermal insulating, fracturing or acid stimulation fluid. The water-superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing, at a minimum, its own weight. Particularly effective are biodegradable materials containing guar gum and carrageenan. The composition may further contain a crosslinking agent, brine and/or a viscosifying polymer or a gelling agent. As an oil-based fluid, the crosslinking agent is absorbed onto the water-superabsorbent material and serves to effectively delay crosslinking.

Abstract: A monovalent cation containing well fluid composed of an aqueous brine containing at least 0.6 equivalents per liter of a water soluble monovalent cation salt, is substantially free of divalent cations, and an amount of a starch derivative selected such that the well fluid has the following characteristics: (a) a low shear rate viscosity greater than about 5,000 centipoise; (b) a high shear rate viscosity at 511 sec?1 in the range from about 15 to about 70 centipoise measured at 120° F. is described. The fluid may be formulated to be substantially free of xanthan gums and preferably has less than 0.25 lb/bbl of xanthan gum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosified treatment fluids used in well completion and stimulation operations for oil and gas production, and more particularly, to viscosified treatment fluids comprising xanthan gelling agents. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a viscosified treatment fluid that comprises water and a gelling agent that comprises a modified xanthan; and treating the portion of the subterranean formation. The present invention also provides methods of fracturing, gravel packing, acidizing with the viscosified treatments fluids. Also provided are viscosified treatment fluid compositions and gelling agent compositions.

Abstract: A composition includes water having a salinity of at least 1 ppt, at least one hydrophilic polymer containing primary (—NH2) and/or secondary (—NHR) amine groups and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A method of changing the permeability of a subterranean formation includes the step of injecting into a subterranean formation a composition comprising water, at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides methods of treating a subterranean formation with a viscosified treatment fluid comprising combining water, a carbonyl-containing first compound, and an amine-containing second compound; wherein the carbonyl-containing first compound comprises at least one carbonyl moiety and is either a gelling agent or a derivatizing agent, and wherein the amine-containing second compound comprises at least one amine moiety and is a gelling agent when the carbonyl-containing first compound is a derivatizing agent and is a derivatizing agent when the carbonyl-containing first compound is a gelling agent; allowing at least one carbonyl moiety from the first compound and at least one amine moiety from the second compound to form a derivatizing linkage and create a derivatized gelling agent; and, placing the viscosified treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A delayed gelling system useful in conformance control in the production of petroleum from subterranean formations is disclosed. The gelling system comprises an acidic aqueous solution of acid-soluble or cationic polyacrylamide, an at least partially neutralized acid aluminum salt, an activator comprising a hydroxyl donor, and an optional gel modifier. The gelling system may be pumped into formations with excessive water production and thermally activated in the formation at downhole conditions to form a co-gel of polyacrylamide interspersed in an inorganic gel network to reduce water production.

Abstract: A thermal insulating packer fluid contains water and/or brine, a crosslinkable viscosifying polymer, a crosslinking agent and an optional set retarder. The composition is capable of inhibiting unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli. The viscosity of the composition is such as to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus.

Abstract: The invention provides for a composition for treating a subterranean formation, the composition comprising a water-swellable agent and a sealing agent. Preferably, the water-swellable agent: i) absorbs greater than 100 weight % of water; and ii) swells to greater than 100 weight % as it absorbs water. Preferably the sealing agent: i) is greater than 0.01 weight % soluble in water; and ii) forms a three dimensional gel structure in water. The invention also provides for a method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing a sealing agent into the subterranean formation; and b) introducing a water-swellable agent into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Expandable and hydrophilic polymeric particles may be made in a non-emulsion system, and with controllable hardness and delay in their time to swell in a fresh or salt water environment. These particles are prepared from combining monomers, controlled monomers, stable cross-linkers, initiators, and other agents, in aqueous solution. The controlled monomers induce kinetically controllable decomposition, degrading over time, thus inducing a desired time delay in particle swelling. The delay and degree of the swelling of the particles is controlled by selection of controlled monomer, stable cross-linking agents, monomers, and process conditions. These preformed particle gels are made to an initial particle size of 0.1 micron in diameter or larger via different grinding techniques. This composition is used for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and thereby increasing the recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation is provided, the method may comprise providing a fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, a gelling agent, and a zirconium triisopropylamine crosslinking agent; and introducing the fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation. Also provided are methods of fracturing a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Subterranean formation treatment methods incorporating a rheology model which enables prediction of fluid rheology properties during a treatment operation, where the foundation of the model is a description of the reaction chemistry which describes how the number of crosslinks and broken polymer linkages develops in time under the influence of crosslinkers, breakers, and/or thermally induced effects and pressure effects. In one aspect, when used as a tool for simulating the fluid viscosity, the model can help optimizing the fluid design and optional breaker schedule for a hydraulic fracturing treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and treatment fluid for blocking the permeability of an elevated-temperature zone in a reservoir of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting the zone to be treated, wherein the upper limit of the temperature range of the zone is equal to or greater than 190° F. (88° C.); b) forming a well treatment fluid comprising: water; a water-soluble polymer comprising polymerized vinyl amine units; and an organic compound capable of crosslinking with the vinyl amine units of the water-soluble polymer; c) selecting the water-soluble polymer and the organic compound of the well treatment fluid such that the gel time of the well treatment fluid is at least 2 hours when measured at the upper limit of the temperature range of the zone; and d) injecting the well treatment fluid through the wellbore and into the zone.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing the permeabilities of subterranean formations or zones are provided. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of introducing an aqueous composition into the formation or zone comprised of water, a water soluble organic polymer, an organic gelling agent for cross-linking the organic polymer and a gel retarder comprised of a chemical compound that hydrolyzes or thermolyzes to produce one or more acids in the composition and then allowing the aqueous composition to form a cross-linked gel in the formation or zone.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean zones and viscous aqueous fluids containing xanthan biopolymer gelling agent and a combination crosslinker and delayed breaker are provided. A viscous cross-linked aqueous treating fluid of the invention comprises water, a xanthan polymer gelling agent, and a combination cross-linker and delayed breaker for said xanthan biopolymer gelling agent.