A fiber silica composite microsphere for a shale stratum comprises a hollow silica sphere and fibers, and the fibers are partially coated on an outer surface of the hollow silica sphere and partially embedded into an interior of the hollow silica sphere. The hollow silica sphere has an outer diameter of 1-5 μm and an inner diameter of 0.8-4.7 μm; the fibers have a length of 5-10 μm and a width of 1-3 μm.

A method of recycling a direct emulsion wellbore fluid may include disrupting a direct emulsion comprising an aqueous external phase and an oleaginous internal phase, wherein the direct emulsion is stabilized by a surfactant composition; and separating the aqueous phase and the oleaginous phase.

A method of recycling a direct emulsion wellbore fluid may include disrupting a direct emulsion comprising an aqueous external phase and an oleaginous internal phase, wherein the direct emulsion is stabilized by a surfactant composition; and separating the aqueous phase and the oleaginous phase.

A drilling fluid containing a liquid phase, a weighting agent (e.g. barite, calcite, ilmenite), and perlite is described. The drilling fluid may further contain one or more additives including a defoamer, a fluid-loss control agent, a viscosifier, an antiscalant, a deflocculant, a lubricant, a clay stabilizer, a bridging agent, and a surfactant. A process of drilling a subterranean geological formation utilizing the drilling fluid is also specified. The introduction of perlite to the drilling fluid is effective in reducing the thickness and permeability of filter cakes formed during the drilling process.

Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods having application in the field of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In particular, the compounds, compositions, and methods provided can be used for the recovery of a large range of crude oil compositions from challenging reservoirs.

Provided herein are compounds, compositions, and methods having application in the field of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In particular, the compounds, compositions, and methods provided can be used for the recovery of a large range of crude oil compositions from challenging reservoirs.

A method may include: heating a drilling waste comprising water, oil, and solid particulate; vaporizing at least a portion of the water and oil from the drilling waste to form a vaporized fluid, wherein the step of vaporization is performed at a pressure less than about 101.325 kPa; and condensing the at least a portion of the water and oil to form a recovered fluid emulsion.

Emulsions, treatment fluids and methods for treating subterranean formations are provided, wherein the emulsions comprise water, a water-immiscible liquid, one or more polymers, one or more ethoxylated amine compounds and optionally, one or more organic or inorganic salts. The emulsions are particularly suitable for use in harsh brine conditions.

Emulsions, treatment fluids and methods for treating subterranean formations are provided, wherein the emulsions comprise water, a water-immiscible liquid, one or more polymers, one or more ethoxylated amine compounds and optionally, one or more organic or inorganic salts. The emulsions are particularly suitable for use in harsh brine conditions.

A method comprising drilling through a plurality of differing zones of a subterranean formation using a drilling fluid comprising a non-oleaginous continuous phase, an oleaginous discontinuous phase and at least a first salt dissolved into the non-oleaginous continuous phase. The amount of the at least first salt dissolved into the non-oleaginous continuous phase is maintained such that a density of the drilling fluid varies by no more than 10% while drilling through the plurality of zones.