University of Texas System

Cabot Specialty Fluids, Inc.

John David Downs

Eric Van Oort

Siv K Howard

Friction reducers for hydraulic fracturing fluids, hydraulic fracturing fluids containing the friction reducers, and methods of making and using same are disclosed. The friction reducers comprise ethylene oxide polymers, propylene oxide polymers, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide co-polymers, and combinations thereof, and can further comprise a dispersant, such as polypropylene glycol. The friction reducer formulations can be active across a wide range of brine salinities, and tolerant of high levels of divalent cations in solution. The friction reducers can have a cloud point temperature, above which temperature they can precipitate out of solution and deposit on a surface of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation to inhibit hydration of the shale formations lining the fractures.

Fracturing fluid for prevention of shale fracture hydration during well stimulation by hydraulic fracturing

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.

Growing community of inventors

Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

John David Downs