abstract |
An oil-soluble, water-insoluble low fluid loss additive composition comprising a particulated, homogeneous solid solution of (1) wax; (2) an oil-soluble polyhydroxy higher fatty acid partial ester surface active agent; and (3) a water-dispersible surface active agent such as a polyoxyethylene alkyl phenol, a polyethylene glycol higher fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene polyhydroxy higher fatty acid ester, a polyoxyethylene tertiary fatty amine, or a polyoxyethylene fatty amide condensate. The composition can optionally include small amounts of a polymeric material and/or a higher fatty alcohol. The low fluid loss additive composition can be employed in well drilling, completion and workover operations, and in hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, and other well treating applications. |