Stabilized colloidal and colloidal-like systems
AssigneeMasi Technologies, L.L.C.
InventorsFrederick B. Growcock, James E. Friedheim
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Abstract
The present invention generally relates to improved aerated compositions comprising stabilized colloidal or colloidal-like phases (e.g., emulsions, aphrons) and methods of using those compositions. The compositions generally comprise an oleaginous bulk phase, an aqueous minor phase, one or more surfactants, aphrons and one or more aphrons stabilizers. The compositions of the present invention are stable, having increased half-lives and are capable of being used in high pressure applications.
Claims40
A drilling or servicing fluid composition comprising:
- an oleaginous liquid as the continuous phase;
- one or more surfactants;
- aphrons;
- and
- one or more aphron stabilizers, wherein at least one of said aphron stabilizers produces an average aphron half-life of greater than or equal to about 5 hours.
The composition according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the aphron stabilizers is selected from the group consisting of emulsifiers, detergents, lime, polymers, surfactants and mixtures thereof.
The composition according to claim wherein the aphrons comprise from about 10% by volume to about 20% by volume of the composition.
A process for drilling or servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation wherein a drilling or servicing fluid is circulated in the wellbore, comprising:
- utilizing as the drilling or servicing fluid an oleaginous liquid as the continuous phase, one or more surfactants, aphrons, and one or more aphron stabilizers, wherein at least one of said aphron stabilizers produces an average aphron half-life of greater than or equal to about 5 hours.
A drilling or servicing fluid composition comprising:
- an oleaginous liquid as the continuous phase;
- one or more surfactants;
- aphrons;
- one or more aphron stabilizers
- one or more viscosifiers;
- and
- aqueous fluid in excess of an amount sufficient to hydrate said one or more viscosifiers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.