Drilling fluid additive and method for inhibiting hydration
US5424284A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/24
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention relates to drilling fluid additives that suppress clay swelling within a subterranean well and to methods for controlling clay swelling during the drilling of a subterranean well. In one embodiment trihydroxy alkyl amine is reacted with an alkyl halide or a water soluble quaternary amine to form a quaternized trihydroxy alkyl amine. The reaction products can also include condensed reaction products of quaternized trihydroxy alkyl amines. In another embodiment a choline derivative is used. The quaternized reaction products and choline derivatives are characterized by low toxicity and compatibility with anionic drilling fluid components. The products are added to water base drilling fluids which are circulated throughout a well. The drilling fluid additives and the method of controlling clay swelling provide for improved control of the rheological properties of drilling fluids along with increased environmental and drilling fluid compatibility.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.