Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080202815 | Drilling fluids - This invention relates to drilling fluids, to drilling lubricants for such drilling fluids and to methods of drilling wells, particularly oil and/or gas wells using such drilling fluids. In particular, the invention relates to the inclusion of lubricants which afford lubrication in drilling fluids in which the lubricant compatibility and/or performance may be adversely affected by other components of the drilling fluid, particularly divalent cations such as calcium, formate salts or highly alkaline components such as alkali silicate. | 08-28-2008 |
20080257605 | METHOD OF FORMING A BORE - A method of forming a supported subterranean well bore in which, in one disclosed embodiment, a first drill bit is mounted on a first string of casing tubulars via a steerable tool, and the drill bit is used to form a first bore. Upon reaching the required depth the casing string is cemented in place to support the formed bore and a second drill bit is mounted on a second casing string and is inserted into the first casing string. The second drill bit is used to drill through the wall of the first casing string and proceed to form a second, deeper bore. Once the second drill bit has reached the required depth, the second casing string is cemented in place to support the second bore. | 10-23-2008 |
20090038855 | Variable Density Fluids and Methods of Use in Subterranean Formations - Herein provided are variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a portion of elastic particles, the elastic particles having an isothermal compressibility factor in the range of from about 1.5×10 | 02-12-2009 |
20090038856 | Injection System And Method - An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation. | 02-12-2009 |
20090084604 | COMPRESSIBLE OBJECTS HAVING PARTIAL FOAM INTERIORS COMBINED WITH A DRILLING FLUID TO FORM A VARIABLE DENSITY DRILLING MUD - A compressible object is described that may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. The interior region of the shell is at least partially filled with a foam. The internal pressure of the compressible object may be greater than about 200 psi (pounds per square inch) at atmospheric pressure, greater than 500 psi at atmospheric pressure, greater than 1500 psi at atmospheric pressure or more preferably greater than 2000 psi at atmospheric pressure. | 04-02-2009 |
20090090558 | Compressible Objects Having A Predetermined Internal Pressure Combined With A Drilling Fluid To Form A Variable Density Drilling Mud - A compressible object is described that may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. Also, the compressible object has an internal pressure (i) greater than about 200 pounds per square inch at atmospheric pressure and (ii) selected for a predetermined external pressure, wherein external pressures that exceed the internal pressure reduce the volume of the compressible object and wherein the shell being designed to reduce localized strains of the compressible object during expansion and compression of the compressible object. | 04-09-2009 |
20090090559 | COMPRESSIBLE OBJECTS COMBINED WITH A DRILLING FLUID TO FORM A VARIABLE DENSITY DRILLING MUD - A compressible object is described that may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. The shell experiences less strain when the external pressure is about equal to the internal pressure than when the external pressure is above or below a predetermined compression interval of the compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. | 04-09-2009 |
20090095534 | Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Well Bore Tar - Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method comprising: contacting tar resident in a well bore with a treatment fluid comprising a styrene-acrylate polymer; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface. Another method provided herein includes a method for treating tar sand comprising: contacting the tar sand with a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and a styrene-acrylate polymer, the tar sand comprising tar and sand; and allowing the styrene-acrylate polymers to interact with the tar to at least partially separate the tar from the sand. | 04-16-2009 |
20090114450 | Controlled Variable Density Fluid for Wellbore Operations - Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids. | 05-07-2009 |
20090145664 | Methods for recovery and reuse of lost circulation material - A system for recovering lost circulation material from spent drilling fluid, the spent drilling fluid containing lost circulation material, drilling fluid, and undesirable solids, the system having alternating separation apparatuses, including sizing apparatus, density/shear separation apparatus, and sizing apparatus; and methods for using such a system. | 06-11-2009 |
20090152007 | OPTIMIZING DRILLING PERFORMANCE USING A SELECTED DRILLING FLUID - To improve drilling performance, a drilling fluid is selected based on one or more criteria and to have at least one target characteristic. Drilling equipment is used to drill a wellbore, and the selected drilling fluid is provided into the wellbore during drilling with the drilling equipment. The at least one target characteristic of the drilling fluid includes an ability of the drilling fluid to penetrate into formation cuttings during drilling to weaken the formation cuttings. | 06-18-2009 |
20090236147 | Lubricated Diamond Bearing Drill Bit - A method for lubricating a diamond bearing system of a downhole well tool involves dispensing a polyol lubricant for the reduction of friction between the two diamond surfaces. The lubricant forms a reduced friction surface film on the diamond. The polyol lubricant may be mixed with water. The polyol lubricant may contain ethylene glycol, glycerol, or a combination with water. | 09-24-2009 |
20090236148 | Flow Guide Actuation - In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole drill string assembly comprises a bore there through to receive drilling fluid. A turbine may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid. At least one flow guide may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid wherein the flow guide acts to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid across the turbine. The flow guide may be adjusted by an actuator. Adjustments to the flow guide may be controlled by a downhole telemetry system, a processing unit, a control loop, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments the turbine may comprise rotatable turbine blades. | 09-24-2009 |
20090260885 | Methods Of Preparing Hydrocarbon, Water And Organophilic Clay Emulsions And Compositions Thereof - This invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the performance of organophilic organic-clay complexes, which are dispersible in organic liquids to form a gel therein. Depending on the composition of the gel, such gels may be useful as lubricating greases, oil-based muds, oil base packer fluids, paint-varnish-lacquer removers, paints, foundry molding sand binders, adhesives and sealants, inks, polyester laminating resins, polyester gel coats, cosmetics, detergents, and the like. | 10-22-2009 |
20100018774 | EXCAVATOR APPARATUS FOR UNDERGROUND EXCAVATION - An excavator for underground excavating arranged to perform excavating work with low vibration and low noise. A rotary excavator and an underground excavating method are also provided. The excavator ( | 01-28-2010 |
20100071957 | Drill-In Fluids For Oil and Gas Reservoirs With High Carbonate Contents - Compositions Including Relatively Low Reactivity Acids, Mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as drill-in fluids to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The drill-in fluids have low viscosities in the drilling pipe. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the drill-in fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and the downhole annulus between the drilling pipe and the formation rock. The viscosified drill-in fluid will reduce fluid loss and will carry no dissolved drilling debris to the surface. After drilling through the targeted formation, the internal breakers in the viscosified drill-in fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and the well is ready to produce with very little or no near well bore damage. | 03-25-2010 |
20100089650 | DRILLING FLUID AND METHOD FOR DRILLING IN COAL-CONTAINING FORMATIONS - A drilling fluid and method for drilling in a coal containing formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 1% potassium salt; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a coal seam. | 04-15-2010 |
20100116552 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNLOAD TRANSFER OF DRILL CUTTINGS - A drilling fluid delivery system for use in drilling boreholes with a drill bit, the system comprising: a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit; a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit; and a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits which, in use, receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit, separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings, the first stream being returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream being directed to the secondary flow circuit. | 05-13-2010 |
20100116553 | Method and Apparatus For Managing Variable Density Drilling Mud - A method and system for drilling a wellbore is described. The system includes a wellbore with a variable density drilling mud, drilling pipe, a bottom hole assembly disposed in the wellbore and a drilling mud processing unit in fluid communication with the wellbore. The variable density drilling mud has compressible particles and drilling fluid. The bottom hole assembly is coupled to the drilling pipe, while the drilling mud processing unit is configured to separate the compressible particles from the variable density drilling mud. The compressible particles in this embodiment may include compressible hollow objects filled with pressurized gas and configured to maintain the mud weight between the fracture pressure gradient and the pore pressure gradient. In addition, the system and method may also manage the use of compressible particles having different characteristics, such as size, during the drilling operations. | 05-13-2010 |
20100122850 | Systems and methods for protecting drill blades in high speed turbine drills - A drilling assembly in an elongated hole including a housing defining an interior with a plurality of motor stages in the interior. Each motor stage has at least one blade with supporting platform surfaces. A casing within the interior surrounds the plurality of motor stages and defines an annular flowpath with the housing. The casing also defines at least one offtake passage adjacent each motor stage. A shielding fluid passes through the annular flowpath and, in turn, the at least one offtake of each motor stage to coat and protect the at least one blade and supporting platform surfaces. A driving fluid passes through the casing for propelling the at least one blade of each motor stage. Preferably, the shielding fluid is at a relatively higher pressure than the driving fluid with a substantially constant ratio maintained between the between the shielding fluid and the driving fluid. | 05-20-2010 |
20100170719 | REDUCED ABRASION DRILLING FLUID - A reduced abrasion drilling fluid system and method of drilling a borehole by circulating the reduced abrasion drilling fluid through the borehole is disclosed. The reduced abrasion drilling fluid comprises a drilling fluid, a first additive and a weighting agent, wherein the weighting agent has a particle size of at least 90% by volume less than 50 μm. | 07-08-2010 |
20100181114 | METHOD OF INTERCONNECTING SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES - A method is disclosed of connecting a first borehole to a second borehole, the boreholes being formed in an earth formation and extending at a mutual distance. The method comprises inserting a volume of hardenable fluidic material into a space in the earth formation extending between the first and second boreholes, and allowing the hardenable fluidic material to harden so as to form a body of hardened material between the first and second boreholes. At least one fluid channel is created in the body of hardened material, each fluid channel providing fluid communication between the first borehole and the second borehole. | 07-22-2010 |
20100243329 | VACUUM FEED SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR DRILLING FLUID ADDITIVES - A system for forming a subterranean wellbore may include a pump and an additive supply. The pump pumps a drilling fluid into the wellbore while also generating a pressure differential that draws an additive across a supply line connected to the additive supply. The drilling fluid may be a gas or a liquid. A method for forming a wellbore may include drilling the wellbore, circulating a drilling fluid in the wellbore using a pump; and supplying an additive to the drilling fluid by flowing the additive across a supply line using a pressure differential generated by the pump. The pump may generate a vacuum pressure at a supply line outlet and/or create a pressure differential in the supply line. The flow of additive across the supply line may be regulated and/or stopped when the pump is not operating. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243330 | Impact Excavation System and Method With Injection System - A system and method according to which at least one vessel injects a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors into a formation to remove at least a portion of the formation. | 09-30-2010 |
20100294569 | METHODS FOR CUTTINGS FOR A WIRELINE DRILLING TOOL - A method of removing cuttings from a workfront of a lateral borehole hole being drilled from a main borehole by a drilling tool is provided. The drilling tool comprising a tool body including a motor, an axial drive mechanism for advancing the tool body in the well, and a drill bit powered by the motor for drilling the underground formation at the workface and producing cuttings as the tool is advanced. The drilling tool is preferably connected to the surface by means of a cable extending through the lateral borehole and main borehole. The method independently comprising transporting the drilled cuttings from the workface to the part of the lateral borehole immediately behind the drilling tool. Transporting the drilled cuttings from immediately behind the drilling tool to the junction of the lateral borehole and the main well. And transporting the cuttings from the junction to a place of disposal. | 11-25-2010 |
20100300759 | DRILLING FLUID CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBES - The present invention relates to a viscoelastic drilling fluid for drilling in underground rock formations, comprising
| 12-02-2010 |
20100307831 | WELL FLUID COMPRISING A FLUORINATED LIQUID PHASE - The present invention relates to a well drilling, completion or workover fluid wherein the continuous phase of the fluid essentially consists of a liquid fluorinated compound. In a variant, the liquid fluorinated compound is a perfluorinated compound. | 12-09-2010 |
20100326733 | Vibrating downhole tool - Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve may comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator may comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast. | 12-30-2010 |
20110024195 | Drilling with a high pressure rotating control device - A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs. Using the DTTL method a deeper wellbore can be drilled with larger resulting end tubulars, such as casings and production liners, than had been capable with conventional MPD applications. | 02-03-2011 |
20110031024 | METHODS OF USING DRILLING FLUIDS CONTAINING BIODEGRADABLE ORGANOPHILIC CLAY - Methods of treating a wellbore comprise displacing a drilling fluid comprising an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage into the wellbore. Methods of drilling a wellbore comprise: applying torque to a bit within the wellbore and concurrently applying force to urge the bit to extend through the wellbore; and circulating a drilling fluid past the bit to remove cuttings therefrom, the drilling fluid comprising an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage. Methods of preparing a drilling fluid comprise: forming an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage; and combining the organophilic clay with an oil-based fluid. | 02-10-2011 |
20110083902 | Lost Circulation Control Fluids for Naturally Fractured Carbonate Formations - Compositions including relatively low reactivity acids and having a pH of from about 2 to about 5, mixed with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) and internal breakers may serve as fluids, in a non-limiting embodiment as drill-in fluids, to open underground hydrocarbon reservoirs with carbonate contents of 10 wt % or above. The fluids initially have low viscosities. After the fluid flows out of the drill bit, the acids react with carbonates in the formation thereby increasing the pH of the fluids causing the VES to gel the fluid at the bottom of the hole and within the formation rock. Even when the subterranean formation contains naturally-occurring fractures, the viscosified fluid will reduce fluid loss into the formation. After drilling through the targeted formation, internal breakers in the viscosified fluids will break down the fluids to permit their removal, and production of the well with very little or no near well bore damage. | 04-14-2011 |
20110198129 | METHOD AND DRILLING APPARATUS FOR DOWN-THE-HOLE DRILLING - A method and drilling apparatus for drilling. The drilling is carried out by a drilling apparatus including a drilling device including a casing part and at least during drilling a drilling unit. At the drilling head of the drilling apparatus are at least first drilling elements, a second drilling element, a flushing flow arrangement and a pressure medium operated hammering device. The first drilling elements are coupled with the second drilling element power-transmittedly in order to carry out cooperation thereof at least during drilling with the second drilling elements for a rotational motion, a feeding motion and the hammering motion, and are coupled removably to enable removal thereof from the hole. For producing the hammering motion a hammering device is used that is operated essentially by a water-based pressure medium. At least a part of the water-based pressure medium operating the hammering device is used as the flushing medium. | 08-18-2011 |
20110266061 | DRILLING FLUID - This invention is based upon the finding that certain chlorosulfonated α-olefin copolymers can be beneficially utilized in drilling fluids that are utilized in drilling subterreanean wells. For instance, it has been unexpectedly found that certain chlorosulfonated α-olefin copolymers can be beneficially used as total or partial replacements for organoclays in oil based drilling fluids. The subject invention more specifically reveals a process for drilling a well into a subterranean formation which comprises boring a hole into the earth by rotary drilling, wherein a drilling fluid is circulated down a drilling pipe and returned to the surface of the earth through a pipe hole annulus, wherein the oil-based drilling fluid is comprised of (a) an organic liquid; (b) water; (c) an emulsifier; (d) a weighing material; (e) a fluid loss reducing agent; and (f) a chlorosulfonated α-olefin copolymer which is comprised of repeat units that are derived from ethylene and an α-olefin that contains from 4 to about 20 carbon atoms. | 11-03-2011 |
20120018226 | Method and biodegradable water based thinner composition for drilling subterranean boreholes with aqueous based drilling fluid - An inhibitive water-based polymer mud system and method for using the system in drilling and in stabilizing wellbores is disclosed for use in water sensitive formations as an alternative to oil-based muds. The system comprises a fresh water or salt water base thinned or dispersed with a water soluble, biodegradable polyamide-based copolymer having at least one grafted side chain formed from ethylenic unsaturated compounds. This system is effective and has stable rheology over a broad pH range, even at a near neutral pH of 8.0. The drilling fluids do not contain heavy metals and are rheologically tolerant to contaminants such as cement, anhydrite and sodium and temperatures as high as about 400° F. | 01-26-2012 |
20120118644 | Method And Device For Drilling Shafts In Ground Layers Consisting Of Rock, Clay And/Or Related Materials - The invention relates to a method for drilling shafts ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120118645 | METHODS USING WELL DRILLING FLUIDS HAVING CLAY CONTROL PROPERTIES - Clay is stabilized in methods for drilling of wells and other formation treatment for hydrocarbon production by the addition to the drilling or other fluid including a choline compound together with an formation control additive. | 05-17-2012 |
20120241220 | Dendritic Surfactants and Extended Surfactants for Drilling Fluid Formulations - Modified surfactants may be added to an oil-based drilling fluid where the modified surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an extended surfactant, a dendritic surfactant, a dendritic extended surfactant, and combinations thereof. These oil-based drilling fluids may be used for drilling a well through a subterranean reservoir, while circulating the oil-based drilling fluid through the wellbore. The oil-based drilling fluid may include at least modified surfactant, at least one non-polar continuous phase, and at least one polar non-continuous phase. The modified surfactant may have propoxylated/ethoxylated spacer arms extensions. The modified surfactant may have intramolecular mixtures containing hydrophilic and lipophilic portions. They attain high solubilization in the oil-based drilling fluid and may be, in some instances, insensitive to temperature making them useful for a wide variety of oil types. | 09-27-2012 |
20120285745 | DRILLING FLUIDS - An additive for a water-based mud drilling fluid or for drill-in fluids comprises a 0.5 wt % solution of 87-89 mole % hydrolysed polyvinylalcohol, having a weight average molecular weight of about 20,000. Use of the additive may reduce susceptibility of a wellbore to blockages, reduce accumulation of accretions between a drill string and wellbore casing, reduce bit-balling and facilitate separation of undesirable insoluble solids from a drilling fluid returned to the surface. | 11-15-2012 |
20130032409 | Methods of Preventing Emulsification of Crude Oil in Well Bore Treatment Fluids - Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes a method of preventing emulsification of crude :oil into an aqueous-based treatment fluid, comprising: contacting, crude oil in a well bore with the aqueous-based treatment fluid comprising a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Wherein the crude oil has an API gravity of about 10 or greater; and allowing the styrene-acrylate copolymer to interact with the crude oil in the well bore. | 02-07-2013 |
20130087389 | Fluid Partition Unit - The present invention regards a method to be used when performing drilling in a well bore, comprising: positioning a dual bore drill pipe with a tool at on one end into a well bore, thereby forming an outer annulus between the well bore wall and the pipe and two inner bores within the pipe, dividing the outer annulus into two different sections along the longitudinal axis of the drill pipe, at least at one location close to the tool, providing a first fluid in the outer annuls and providing a second fluid within the drill pipe and around the tool, and a device. | 04-11-2013 |
20130126242 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DRILLING WELLS - A well fluid additive having a heavier first bead and a lighter second bead, with the first bead having a specific gravity that exceeds the specific gravity of the second bead by at least 1 percent. | 05-23-2013 |
20130126243 | DRILLING FLUID AND METHOD FOR DRILLING A WELLBORE - A method for drilling a wellbore into a formation. The method includes: providing a mixed metal-viscosified drilling fluid including at least 1% potassium salt and/or at least 0.05% calcium sulfate; circulating the drilling fluid through the well; and drilling into a formation. An anionic thinner may be added if the clay concentration of the drilling fluid reaches a problematic level to adversely affect pumpability of the fluid. | 05-23-2013 |
20130153301 | LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR A DRILLING APPARATUS - The present invention provides a lubrication system for a drilling apparatus. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string and a drill bit, and it is driven by a working fluid circulated through a working fluid circuit. The lubrication system uses a reservoir of a lubricating fluid for supply to a drilling apparatus during a drilling operation; and a pump for supplying lubricating fluid from said reservoir to the drilling apparatus during the drilling operation. The pump is controlled to supply lubricating fluid from the reservoir at a determined rate to a lubrication circuit formed by the working fluid circuit of the drilling apparatus. | 06-20-2013 |
20130233623 | CONSOLIDATION - A method of strengthening subterranean formation by drilling and completing a wellbore penetrating at least one unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation, the method comprising: (a) drilling at least one interval of the wellbore that penetrates the unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation using a drilling mud comprising a base fluid comprising an aqueous phase containing up to 25% weight by volume (% w/v) of a water soluble silicate, wherein the drilling mud has an acid-soluble particulate bridging solid suspended therein that is formed from a salt of a multivalent cation, wherein the salt of the multivalent cation is capable of providing dissolved multivalent cations when in the presence of an acid; (b) subsequently introducing a breaker fluid containing an acid and/or an acid precursor into the wellbore; (c) allowing the breaker fluid to soak in the interval that penetrates the unconsolidated or weakly consolidated formation for a predetermined period and strengthening formation by reacting with silicate now present in formation; and (d) removing the breaker fluid. | 09-12-2013 |
20130264121 | GRAPHENE-BASED MATERIAL FOR SHALE STABILIZATION AND METHOD OF USE - Methods and compositions for use in drilling a wellbore into an earthen formation that includes the use of a graphene-based material, where the graphene-based material may be at least one of graphene, graphene oxide, chemically converted graphene, and derivatized graphite oxide are shown and described. In certain examples, the methods and compositions reduce permeability damage and/or stabilize shales. | 10-10-2013 |
20130270012 | AGGREGATING COMPOSITIONS, MODIFIED PARTICULATE METAL-OXIDES, MODIFIED FORMATION SURFACES, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treating composition and treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications. | 10-17-2013 |
20130284518 | METHOD OF USING MULTI-COMPONENT FIBERS AS LOST-CIRCULATION MATERIAL - A method of forming a subterranean well and a method of reducing lost circulation in a subterranean well while drilling the subterranean well are disclosed. The methods include using multi-component fibers as lost-circulation materials. The multi-component fibers having external surfaces and include at least a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. At least a portion of the external surfaces of the multi-component fibers includes the first polymeric composition, which at least partially adhesively bonds the mud cake formed during the method. | 10-31-2013 |
20130306377 | METHODS OF DRILLING A SUBTERRANEAN BORE HOLE - Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods are described herein. In some embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may include a superabrasive table having a recessed surface in a cutting face thereof and a shaped feature in a substrate at the interface between the superabrasive table and the substrate, the shaped feature corresponding to the recessed surface in the cutting face of the superabrasive table. In further embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one substantially planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. In yet additional embodiments, a cutting element for an earth-boring tool may comprise a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one non-planar recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table. | 11-21-2013 |
20140041944 | WATER-BASED POLYMER DRILLING FLUID AND METHOD OF USE - A water-based drilling fluid comprises a polymer which is a non-ionic polymer or an anionic polymer. The polymer can be a polyacrylamide. The fluid is used for drilling subterranean formations containing heavy crude oil and bitumen-rich oil sands, and may comprise additional fluid components. | 02-13-2014 |
20140090896 | Method for Improving High Temperature Rheology in Drilling Fluids - A method for enhancing the rheology of drilling fluids that is effective for any mud weight “clay-free” invert emulsion drilling fluid, even when drilling at high temperatures. The improved rheology is effected with addition of a silicon oil to the drilling fluid. A nonlimiting example of such a rheology additive comprises polydimethylsiloxane. | 04-03-2014 |
20140090897 | INVERT WELLBORE FLUID - There is described an invert emulsion wellbore fluid that includes: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase; an emulsifier; and a rheological additive comprising a sulphonated polymer formed from 100 to 10,000 monomers. There is also described a method of drilling a subterranean hole using the invert emulsion drilling fluid. | 04-03-2014 |
20140110177 | GREEN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING FLUID COMPOSITION - A drilling fluid composition for horizontal directional drilling is a flowable aqueous slurry of biodegradable, non-toxic, preferably edible plant particles. The particle size of the plant-derived particles depends on the drill bit used. The particles should be small enough not to clog the fluid jet orifices in normal use. The slurry is pumped through to the drill bit in a warm or preferably hot state, e.g. 80-100° C. After ejection, the slurry cools rapidly, causing solidification and creating a lining on the tunnel wall. | 04-24-2014 |
20140138159 | METHOD OF USING BIOLOGICALLY-DERIVED MONOESTERS AS DRILLING FLUIDS - The present invention is directed to the method drilling a borehole with monoester-based drilling fluid compositions. In some embodiments, the methods for making such monoester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols so as to produce high value monoester-based drilling fluids. In some embodiments, such monoester-based drilling fluids are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation. | 05-22-2014 |
20140138160 | Hydrocarbon-Based Drilling Fluids Containing Cesium Phosphate - A hydrocarbon-based or ester-based drilling fluid or mud is described wherein the drilling fluid contains cesium phosphate. The hydrocarbon-based or ester-based drilling fluid or mud can have, for example, an external phase that contains hydrocarbon fluid and an internal phase that contains cesium phosphate. The hydrocarbon-based drilling fluid or mud can further contain at least one emulsifier or surfactant, and optionally other ingredients. The present invention can permit hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids to be essentially solids-free and may be used without corrosion and/or formation damage problems, for example, due to the use of the cesium phosphate in an internal phase of the hydrocarbon-based or ester-based drilling fluid. The present invention also relates to hydrocarbon-based or ester-based fluids for completion, workover, suspension and packer operations which contain cesium phosphate. | 05-22-2014 |
20140151128 | LOW CONDUCTIVITY WATER BASED WELLBORE FLUID - A low electrical conductivity water-based wellbore fluid for use in drilling wells through a formation containing a clay which swells in the presence of water, said wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid; and a polymeric non-ionic tertiary amine is disclosed. Methods of using such fluids are also disclosed. | 06-05-2014 |
20140174829 | DEVICE FOR A TOP DRIVE DRILLING MACHINE FOR CONTINUOUS CIRCULATION OF DRILLING MUD - A device for a top drive drilling machine, in which a drive shaft, which is arranged for releasable connection to a drive and to a first end portion of a drill pipe, is provided with a centre bore extending therethrough and arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant and a fluid bore in the drill pipe. First and second releasable, drive-shaft-surrounding, respectively drill-string-surrounding, pressure seals and a valve which is arranged to provide, in an open position, a passage for the drill pipe or drive shaft, form a first and a second chamber. A drilling mud inlet is arranged for the second chamber and is arranged for fluid communication between the drilling mud plant and connection housing. A method for the continuous supply of drilling mud to a drill string by the use of the drilling machine. | 06-26-2014 |
20140182942 | INVERT DRILLING FLUIDS - There is described an invert emulsion wellbore fluid that includes: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 by volume; an emulsifier; and a rheological additive comprising a sulphonated polymer formed from 100 to 10,000 monomers. There is also described a method of drilling a subterranean hole using the invert emulsion drilling fluid. | 07-03-2014 |
20140182943 | CONTINUOUS FLOW DRILLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s). | 07-03-2014 |
20140190751 | Method and System for Drilling with Reduced Surface Pressure - A drilling method includes arranging a dual drill string ( | 07-10-2014 |
20140202772 | DRILLING A WELL WITH PREDICTING SAGGED FLUID COMPOSITION AND MUD WEIGHT - Methods of drilling or treating a well including the steps of: designing a fluid with high-gravity solids (e.g., barite); calculating the sagged fluid mud weight after allowing for sag according to formulas; forming a fluid according to the sagged fluid mud weight; and introducing the fluid into the well. The methods can be used to help control the well or to avoid excessive drilling torque or pressure, kick, or lost circulation due to sag of high-gravity solids such as barite. | 07-24-2014 |
20140209386 | Precipitated Particles and Wellbore Fluids and Methods Relating Thereto - A method of using precipitated particles in a wellbore may comprise circulating a wellbore fluid in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid having a density of about 7 ppg to about 50 ppg and comprising a base fluid and a plurality of precipitated particles having a shape selected from the group consisting of ovular, substantially ovular, discus, platelet, flake, toroidal, dendritic, acicular, spiked with a substantially spherical or ovular shape, spiked with a discus or platelet shape, rod-like, fibrous, polygonal, faceted, star shaped, and any hybrid thereof. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209387 | Wellbore Fluids Comprising Mineral Particles and Methods Relating Thereto - Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities, and methods relating thereto. Mineral particles may be utilized in a method that comprises introducing a wellbore fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a plurality of mineral particles that comprise at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese carbonate, NixFe (x=2-3), copper oxide, and any combination thereof, the mineral particles having a median diameter between about 5 nm and about 5000 microns. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209388 | Wellbore Fluids Comprising Mineral Particles and Methods Relating Thereto - Mineral particles may provide for wellbore fluids with tailorable properties and capabilities. Methods of using mineral particles may include circulating a wellbore fluid with a first density of about 7 ppg to about 50 ppg in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid, a plurality of first mineral particles, and a plurality of second mineral particles such that the first mineral particles and the second mineral particles are present in a first relative ratio, and the first mineral particles and the second mineral particles having a multiparticle specific gravity of about 3 to about 20; and changing the first relative ratio to a second relative ratio on-the-fly so as to yield the wellbore fluid with a second density. | 07-31-2014 |
20140231145 | INORGANIC FULLERENE-LIKE PARTICLES AND INORGANIC TUBULAR-LIKE PARTICLES IN FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS AND APPLICATIONS TO SUBTERRANEAN DRILLING - A drilling fluid including a drilling fluid medium selected from the group consisting of water, air and water, air and foaming agent, a water based mud, an oil based mud, a synthetic based fluid, and a composition thereof. The drilling fluid also includes at least one intercalation compound of a metal chalcogenide having molecular formula MX | 08-21-2014 |
20140246243 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE REGULATION OF A WELL - A device for the pressure regulation of a well is provided with a return pump for drilling fluid. The operating level of drilling fluid in an annulus which is fanned between an outer pipe and an inner pipe is at a height level between the upper portion of the outer pipe and the bottom portion of the well. The return pump is in the annulus. | 09-04-2014 |
20140246244 | Enhanced 1-D Method for Prediction of Mud Weight Window for Subsalt Well Section - System and method for predicting the mud weight window in formations, particularly those formations having geologic structures such as salt domes. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method of modeling a formation in 3-D and determining a plurality of effective stress ratios for the modeled 3-D formation using finite element analysis. Thereafter, the trajectory of a proposed wellbore through the 3-D modeled formation is plotted and the specific effective stress ratios along the wellbore are selected to form a data set. The 3-D data set of effective stress ratios is then imported into 1-D modeling software and combined with 1-D data. The combined data is thereafter utilized to estimate the mud weigh window for the formation around the wellbore. | 09-04-2014 |
20140291028 | Methods of Beneficiating Drilling Fluids Comprising Low- and High-Quality Clays - Beneficiating drilling fluids that comprise low-quality clay and high-quality clay may be performed by adding a polymer and a high-quality clay to a fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a low-quality clay, so as to yield a drilling fluid, wherein the ratio of the low-quality clay to the high-quality clay is about 90:10 to about 80:20. | 10-02-2014 |
20140291029 | Beneficiated Clay Viscosifying Additives - Beneficiated clay viscosifying additives may include a low-quality clay and a polymer coated high-quality clay that comprises a high-quality clay at least partially coated with a polymer, wherein the ratio of low-quality clay to high-quality clay is about 90:10 to about 80:20 by weight. Such beneficiated clay viscosifying additives may be used in drilling fluids. | 10-02-2014 |
20140360786 | Lubricants for Oil-Based and Water-Based Fluids for Use in Subterranean Formation Operations - Methods of treatment subterranean formations including providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a lubricating agent, wherein the lubricating agent is selected from the group consisting of bismuth dialkyl dithiophosphate; tungsten disulfide; a mixture of micronized graphite and micronized metal disulfide; and any combination thereof; and introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore in the subterranean formation. | 12-11-2014 |
20150027782 | MUD HYDRAULIC TOP DRIVE - A top drive includes a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with first inlet for a supply of pressurized drilling fluid. A drill string adapter is mechanically coupled to the hydraulic motor and is in fluid communication with the first inlet. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027783 | NANOPARTICLE KINETIC GAS HYDRATE INHIBITORS - Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). | 01-29-2015 |
20150034389 | WATER-BASED DRILLING FLUID WITH TANNIN ADDITIVE FROM C. CORIARIA - A conditioned, water-based drilling fluid including water-based drilling fluid; and unmodified vegetable tannin comprising hydrolysable tannin. | 02-05-2015 |
20150060145 | Drilling Fluid That Fracks While Drilling And Can Be Used In Well Completion - A method of fracturing a subterranean formation while drilling, applying a new combination of completion techniques. When combined to work simultaneously together, these techniques have synergistic amplified benefits, dynamically opening fissures deep into the production zone. The saturated saltwater phase of the drilling fluid dehydrates all the clays and shale that are drilled through, by osmosis-opening up or enlarging production channels or paths while the relaxed filtrate penetrates further into the wall of the well bore through the naturally occurring fissures or channels in the formation. The saturated salt water fluid with a relaxed filtrate combines with a (0.5-5% by volume) variety of acids (encapsulated by natural oils or polymers) to acid etch or scour the clay or shale walls leaving an acid etch matrix of channeling for later hydrocarbon production. | 03-05-2015 |
20150075869 | CONTINUOUS GRAVITY FEED SYSTEM FOR FEEDING ADDITIVES TO A DRILLING MUD SYSTEM - An apparatus and a method is provided for feeding drilling fluid additives into drilling mud. The apparatus may have an additive containment device with a top and a bottom. The bottom of the additive containment device may be connected to an outlet. The other end of the outlet may be connected to a valve. A flow nozzle may be connected to the valve so that the flow rate of the additive from the flow nozzle into the drilling mud is substantially constant. | 03-19-2015 |
20150090500 | DRILLING COMPOSITION, PROCESS FOR ITS PREPARATION, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; Ill) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %. | 04-02-2015 |
20150096808 | REUSABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE WATER BASED - Compositions emulate oil based fluids include an aqueous phase and an organic internal phase, which creates an osmotic membrane within the aqueous continuous phase. The osmotic membrane allows hydration-dehydration mechanisms to be in place and control interactions between formation and fluid, where the non-aqueous phase is composed of glycerols, polyglycerols, poly hydroxyl alcohols, monosaccharide derivatives, polysaccharide derivatives, or mixtures and combinations thereof, while the aqueous phase contains additives that impart different inhibiting mechanisms to the overall composition, where the additives include, without limitation, amphoteric polymers, potassium and/or sodium salts up to saturation and/or acrylamides. | 04-09-2015 |
20150144403 | DRILLING AND FRACTURING FLUIDS COMPRISING ESTOLIDE COMPOUNDS - Drilling fluid and fracturing fluid compositions comprising estolide base oils. Exemplary drilling and fracturing fluid comprise an estolide base oil and at least one additive. | 05-28-2015 |
20150322325 | Ecofriendly Lubricating Additives for Water-Based Wellbore Drilling Fluids - Some examples of producing water-based drilling fluids including ecofriendly lubricating additives are described. A raw material oil including fatty acids with a short chain alcohol is esterified in the presence of a catalyst to produce alkyl ester products and triglycerides. The alkyl ester products are washed and heated to remove any residual water or the short chain alcohol. A first quantity of the alkyl ester products is mixed with a second quantity of a water-based wellbore drilling fluid. | 11-12-2015 |
20150336030 | PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING DRILLING FLUID - A process for treating drilling fluids which are used during the process of drilling for fossil fuels includes providing a drilling fluid having a continuous hydrocarbon phase, a discontinuous aqueous phase, and a discontinuous solid phase, a polymer solution, at least one coagulant, water, and oil, the oil and water being provided in a volume ratio being from 0.7 to 1.3 times the oil-to-water volume ratio of the drilling fluid. The drilling fluid is mixed with the coagulant, the polymer solution, the oil, and the water in any order to provide an input fluid. The mixture is centrifuged to separate solid materials from the input fluid to provide a treated drilling fluid. | 11-26-2015 |
20150344765 | CLAY-SWELLING INHIBITOR, COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING SAID INHIBITOR AND PROCESSES USING SAID INHIBITOR - The use of an additive as a clay-swelling inhibitor, especially in the field of drilling is described. More specifically, the use of 2-methylpentane-1,5-diamine or an organic or inorganic salt of 2-methylpentane-1,5-diamine as an inhibitor of the swelling of clays in an aqueous medium is described. Also described is a drilling fluid composition or hydraulic fracturing fluid composition including 2-methylpentane-1,5-diamine or an organic or inorganic salt thereof and drilling or hydraulic fracturing processes using the compositions. | 12-03-2015 |
20150368538 | A NOVEL HIGH PRESSURE HIGH TEMPERATURE (HPHT) AQUEOUS DRILLING MUD COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE SAME - What is described herein is an aqueous high-temperature high-pressure (HTHP) stable drilling mud composition comprising (i) about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of 0-60% w/w brine solution; (ii) about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. % of butylated reaction product of p-cresol and dicyclopentadiene, a polymeric hindered phenol based antioxidant; (iii) about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % of triethanol amine, a chelating agent; (iv) (a) about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of rheology modifier (RM); and/or (b) about 0.5 wt. % to about 30 wt. % of fluid loss additive (FLA); (v) about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of weighting agent; (vi) about 0 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of drilling solid; and (vii) about 0 wt. % to about 50 wt % of water. | 12-24-2015 |
20160122612 | Non-Toxic, Inexpensive, Low Viscosity Mineral Oil Based Drilling Fluid - The disclosure relates to drilling fluid compositions, and their method of use, comprising a non-toxic and low cost-to-produce mineral base oil comprising 90 to 100% branched and cyclic-paraffins and virtually aromatic free. The disclosed base oils are suitable to replace diesel oil and distillates in any drilling operation and offers a reduced environmental impact and improved health and safety of employees. | 05-05-2016 |
20160122613 | DRILLING FLUID COMPOSITION INCLUDING VISCOSIFIER AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to drilling fluid compositions and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation including obtaining or providing a drilling fluid composition including a viscosifier including at least one of a poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer, a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol), and a crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer. The method also includes placing the composition in a subterranean formation. | 05-05-2016 |
20160160113 | DRILL-IN FLUIDS COMPRISING NANOPARTICULATES FOR CONSOLIDATING SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS WHILE DRILLING - Embodiments herein include methods comprising providing a drill-in fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and nanoparticulates; providing a drilling apparatus comprising a drill string and a drill bit; circulating the drill-in fluid while drilling a reservoir interval in a subterranean formation with the drilling apparatus such that the nanoparticles penetrate into the subterranean formation; and consolidating unconsolidated particles within the subterranean formation with the nanoparticles. | 06-09-2016 |
20160194915 | Mud Motor Bearing Assembly and Method | 07-07-2016 |
20160376488 | DRILLING FLUIDS WITH CROSSLINKED SULFONATE-CONTAINING POLYMERS DISPERSED IN HIGH DENSITY BRINES - Crosslinked sulfonate-containing polymers may be stable in high density, monovalent brines, which may render such polymers particularly useful in drilling fluids in general and, especially, in the subclass of drilling fluids known as drill-in fluids. For example, a drilling fluid may include a crosslinked sulfonate-containing polymer dispersed in a monovalent brine having a density of about 8 lb/gal to about 20 lb/gal, wherein the crosslinked sulfonate-containing polymer comprises: reactants of a first repeating unit and a crosslinker that react to form the crosslinked sulfonate-containing polymer, wherein the first repeating unit is a sulfonic acid-containing monomer present from 50% to 99.99% by weight of the reactants, and wherein the crosslinker comprises at least two olefinic bonds. | 12-29-2016 |
20160376489 | LUBRICANT FOR HIGH pH WATER BASED MUD SYSTEM - A method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation employing a high pH aqueous mud or drilling fluid with a high pH lubricant. In one embodiment, the lubricant, which significantly improves the lubricity of the fluid in a high pH environment, comprises about 80 volume percent 2-octyldodecanol and about 20 volume percent alkylglucoside. In one embodiment, the alkylglucoside is comprised of 2-ethylhexylglucoside or a mixture of alkylglucosides having more than about 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The lubricant is effective at pH ranges from 7 to 14, preventing the lubricity of the aqueous drilling fluid from declining in relation to increasing pH. | 12-29-2016 |