Friction modifier for oil-based (invert) well drilling fluids and methods of using the same

Abstract

This invention relates to a composition comprising a water-in-oil emulsion formed from a brine, a liquid oil, (A) an emulsifier, (B) a friction modifier of the following formula: ##STR1## where X=1 to 4, z=1 to 6, Q=0 to 2 R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently H or an aliphatic group containing from 1 to about 16 carbon atoms, provided that the sum of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is between 0 and about 16, R' is an aliphatic group containing an average of from about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, and R" is selected from the group consisting of H, an aliphatic group containing between 1 and an average of about 18 carbons, and ##STR2## where Q, X, z, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R' and R" are defined as set forth above, and Y is 0 to 5. In a preferred embodiment, z is 1. In the most preferred embodiment, Q=0, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are both H, X, and z all equal 1, R' is n-dodecyl, and R" is H. The compositions of the present invention have beneficial lubrication properties. These compositions are useful in drilling, working and completing well bore holes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.