Drilling fluids containing biodegradable organophilic clay

Details Drilling fluids containing biodegradable organophilic clay Drilling fluids containing biodegradable organophilic clay

2009-03-04

2010-06-08

Kugel, Timothy J. (Department: 1796)

Earth boring, well treating, and oil field chemistry

Earth boring

Contains organic component

C507S245000, C507S268000, C516S034000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07732380

ABSTRACT:
Drilling fluids are provided that comprise an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage. The quaternary ammonium surfactant may comprise a compound generally represented by the following formula:where M−is an anion such as a chloride, methyl sulfate, bromide, acetate, or iodide ion; R1is an alkyl group such as a saturated hydrocarbon with 10 or more carbons; R2, R3, and R4are the same or different alkyl groups such as a methyl, ethyl, or benzyl group, and x is greater than or equal to 1. The organophilic clay treated in this manner is substantially biodegradable. In embodiments, the drilling fluids comprise the foregoing organophilic clay, an oil-based fluid and a weighting agent. In still more embodiments, the drilling fluids comprise the foregoing organophilic clay, an invert emulsion, an emulsifier, and a weighting agent.

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