Patent · US Expired

Subterranean fluids having improved environmental characteristics and methods of using these fluids in subterranean formations

US7111684B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
40References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 14, 2004
Grant dateSep 26, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 14, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02W30/91
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Subterranean fluids are provided that have improved environmental characteristics, and more particularly, subterranean fluids are provided that include a hydraulic cement in an invert emulsion. Methods of using such fluids in subterranean operations also are provided. An example of a method is a method of using a fluid in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition is a fluid comprising a hydraulic cement and an invert emulsion of an oleaginous fluid, a nonoleaginous fluid, and an emulsifying surfactant, wherein the emulsifying surfactant: has an LC50 or EC50 that is greater than about 10 milligrams/liter with respect to Skeletonema costatum, Acartia tonsa, Scopthalmus maximus (juvenile), or Corophium volutator; and demonstrates a biodegradability of: greater than about 70% biodegradation in 28 days when tested according to method OECD 301A or 301E; or greater than about 60% biodegradation in 28 days when tested according to method OECD 301B, 301C, 301F, or 306.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.