Patent ID: 7435706
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: C09K

Abstract:
1. A method of influencing the rheology of a drilling fluid or well service fluid comprising an invert emulsion, said method comprising adding to said drilling fluid or well service fluid a compound having the formula: where R is a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched alkyl radical having about 8 to about 24 carbon atoms, n is a number ranging from about 1 to about 10, m is a number ranging from about 1 to about 10, and k is a number ranging from about 0 about 10, such that the ratio of n to m ranges from about 1:1 to about 2:1, and wherein said compound reduces the viscosity and/or lowers the yield point of the drilling fluid or well service fluid at temperatures at or below about 50° F., and wherein the compound is added i) during drilling or ii) when the drilling fluid or well service fluid is circulating in a subterranean formation.