A process for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir comprising: contacting the reservoir with at least one plant derived aromatic containing component having ortho-quinone functionality in an amount effective to promote the chemical modification of at least one component of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir and optimally at least one additional oxidant in an amount effective to do at least one of the following: maintain at least partially the promoting activit...

This invention relates to a process for increasing the effectiveness of production chemicals by reducing the number of squeezing and shut-in operations needed to increase the production rate from an oil well. The process includes injecting into an oil-bearing rock formation a water-miscible formulation including as components: (a) a water-miscible surfactant which is an alkyltriglycol ether and (b) at least one water-miscible oil field or gas field production chemical, said components of the for...

A method for delivering encapsulated materials to a subsurface environment, for the treatment of the subsurface environment, has the steps of: (a) loading the lumen of hollow microtubules with an active agent selected for treating the subsurface environment, where the hollow microtubules are compatible with the subsurface environment; and (b) administering the hollow microtubules to the subsurface environment, permitting the controlled release of the active agent into the subsurface environment....

A method of increasing the amount of hydrocarbons that are recoverable from an underground reservoir into which an oil well has been drilled. The method includes first pumping a quantity of negatively charged water down the oil well and into the underground reservoir. Then a quantity of particles of a copper-nickel-zinc alloy are pumped down the oil well and into the underground oil reservoir. Optionally the alloy is followed by a quantity of frac sand pumped down the well and into the reservoir...

Subterranean treatment operations, and more particularly, methods of treating subterranean formations using treatment fluid compositions including chlorinated carbohydrates, are provided. An example of a method is a method of treating a subterranean formation, including: providing a treatment fluid including water, a hydraulic cement, and a chlorinated carbohydrate; placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation; and permitting the treatment fluid to treat the formation. An example of a...

The gas flow in water-containing natural gas wells and natural gas storage wells is improved if a homogeneous phase comprising a water-repellent, solvolysis-resistant active compound is injected into the water-bearing rock.

A method and well tool for using a low-viscosity slurry to gravel pack a completion interval. The well tool is comprised of a screen and at least one alternate flowpath which is initially closed to flow by a valve means. Once a sand bridge is formed in the completion interval, the pressure of the pumped slurry increases which, in turn, opens the valve means to allow flow through the alternate flowpath. Preferably, a plurality of flowpaths of different lengths are provided, all of which include v...

Methods of uniformly introducing aqueous treating fluids into subterranean producing zones are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of packing perforation tunnels in the producing zone with a particulate solid anhydrous borate material which degrades and dissolves in water over time. A treating fluid is then introduced into the subterranean zone by way of the packed perforation tunnels whereby the treating fluid uniformly flows into the producing zone. The particulate solid...

The present invention relates to methods useful during sand control operations and, more particularly, to using water-soluble relative permeability modifiers that are useful for controlling fluid loss during sand control operations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of providing fluid loss control during sand control operations comprising introducing a fluid that comprises a water-soluble relative permeability modifier into a well bore; and stabilizing unconsolidated for...

Methods for preparing slurries that include depolymerized polysacoharides and depolymerized and derivatized polysaccharides that may be useful in subterranean well operations including fracturing, gravel packing, and frac-packing, are provided. One embodiment provides a method for making a slurry, comprising combining a polysaccharide with an organic solvent to form a slurry; and, depolymerizing the polysaccharide in the slurry. Another embodiment provides a method of treating subterranean forma...