Abstract:
Disclosed are drilling fluids suitable for use in connection with oil well drilling. The drilling fluids of the invention include in one embodiment a liquid base, an alkyl glucoside, such as methyl glucoside, and a borehole stability promoter that includes a maltodextrin, a carboxyalkyl starch, a hemicellulose-containing material, or a mixture of the foregoing. In another embodiment, the drilling fluid includes a liquid base and molasses solids, preferably in combination with an alkyl glucoside and more preferably in further combination with one of the aforementioned borehole stability promoters. In another embodiment, the drilling fluid includes sorbitol, preferably in conjunction with a borehole stability promoter. The drilling fluids of the invention surprisingly have a reduced tendency to swell shale as compared with known drilling fluids. Also disclosed are a drilling apparatus and process. The drilling apparatus includes a drill string, which may be conventional, that is fluidically coupled to a source of drilling fluid, the source of drilling fluid including the drilling fluid of the invention. The process of the invention includes the step of circulating the drilling fluid of the invention through a drill string during borehole drilling.
Abstract:
Disclosed are animal litters, processes for preparing animal litters, and methods for removal of animal waste. The disclosed litters are made from ingredients including plant meal, grain germ, citrus residue, and grain bran, usually in combination with a cohesiveness agent and a microbial inhibitor. The litters are provided in the form of discrete plural articles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.